The Girona Pyrenees and Central Catalonia have several natural parks with paths and routes to discover. What is better, then, than good weather to practice hiking in environments of great scenic beauty? Go accompanied by family, partner or friends: you will always find a perfect option for you!
At Blau Verd Hotels we propose two mountain routes of different difficulties that will allow you to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Catalan territory.
Caminos del Obispo and Abad Oliba, 7th stage through the Guilleries Massif
This first option is for the most daring: a one-way route, almost 23 km long and with a positive level of 916 meters, which crosses the Guilleries Massif to Cantonigròs. This walk is part of the so-called Caminos el Obispo and Abad Oliba, a route of Romanesque art that links the regions of Bages, Osona and Ripollès. This area is a reliable testimony of the architectural and artistic trend so characteristic of Catalonia. It will take you through the most emblematic places in the territory.
The 7th stage is the part that we recommend, and it lasts approximately six and a half hours. The departure is from Vilanova de Sau, and passes near Romanesque buildings such as Mas Francesc or the town of Sant Romà de Sau. Halfway there, the route crosses the Sau reservoir where, if the weather is good, you can soak your feet and gain strength to continue. Afterwards, the route continues through the Singles de Tavertet and the Coll de Malla, and passes through Rajols until reaching the final point, Cantonigròs.
If you want to live the experience of crossing the Guilleries, at Blau Verd Hotels we recommend staying in one of our three hotels that are close to the hiking route. Hostal Estrella, in Rupit, is an old inn with more than seventy years of hotel tradition. Relax before and after the walk in an accommodation in the middle of a natural environment with large cliffs. The town, one of the most visited jewels of inland Catalonia, is also a great example of Romanesque art in our country.
In Sant Julià de Vilatorta you will find the Hotel Mas Albereda, an old farmhouse that was already documented in 1337. Converted into a small hotel, this accommodation is located between the Pyrenees and Montseny, in the heart of Vic, and combines professional treatment with a rural and familiar environment that will allow you to feel connected to inland Catalonia. Finally, and although it is a little further away, we also suggest the Hotel La Garriga, in Castelladral. This small hotel is also located in the middle of nature, one hour from Barcelona. At the end of the 19th century, the farmhouse was dedicated to the exploitation of wine and oil, elements present in the decoration. If you feel like reading and spending some time disconnecting before or after the hiking route, don't miss this option.
Garrotxa and Fageda d'en Jordà volcanic route
The second proposal is part of the Garrotxa volcanic routes. More suitable for families with children, this walk links some of the most characteristic volcanoes in the area with the Fageda d'en Jordà. The natural park is the best example of volcanic landscape on the Iberian Peninsula, and has about forty volcanic cones and ten craters. It is a lunar landscape of black, brown, red, green and purple colors. The geographical location is very attractive due to its proximity to the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees.
The route begins in the Fageda d'en Jordà, following itinerary number one. This circular route of just over 10 km lasts about four hours without a break. Tour the Croscat volcano, which has the largest cone on the peninsula, and continue to the Santa Margarida volcano, from where you can pause for lunch in the crater of the rock formation. From there, you can go down to the famous beech forest, exceptional to look at.
Along this route we propose three more hotels that will allow you to live the ideal stay. The Hotel La Perla is located in the center of Olot, thanks to its privileged location it is ideal for starting the proposed hiking routes. It is a family hotel that has a restaurant, cafeteria, terrace, garden and games room for the little ones.
If you want to take advantage of the getaway to discover Girona, we suggest two more hotels: The Hotel Carlemany and the Peninsular. The first, located in the center, is one of the best-known accommodations in the city. The rooms, spacious and decorated in a modern style, are perfect for families. Furthermore, if you like good cuisine, the El Pati Verd restaurant is known for its excellence. The Peninsular Hotel, in the historic center and with an elegant and cozy atmosphere, has a buffet breakfast and market cuisine, where you can gain all the necessary strength to explore La Garrotxa.
Have you already decided which of the two routes convinces you more? Visit this area of Catalonia and be surprised by its beauty. Blau Verd Hotels only offers you the best accommodations!
