Catalonia is a destination known to many tourists around the world. You've probably heard of it for the beauty of its coastline, its seaside resorts and its bustling Barcelona! But the region is also home to superb mountainous areas. The peaks of the Pyrenees rub shoulders with forests, lakes, cultivated fields, rivers and a very rich heritage, with a special nod to Romanesque art. Catalonia invites all those who wish to reconnect with nature. To observe the fauna, the flora and to practice numerous outdoor activities. Experiences of rural tourism that are good for you and allow you to refocus on the essential. What to make the happiness of travelers who like to live in the open air! Here are 10 experiences to live in the nature in Catalonia.
1- Hiking in the National Park of Aigüestortes and Lake Saint-Maurice
This vast natural area located in the Pyrenees offers visitors a magnificent spectacle. It has peaks that exceed 3,000 meters in altitude, almost 300 mountain lakes of various shapes and colors, the most famous being the Lake of Saint-Maurice. Not to mention the rivers, ravines, waterfalls and swamps that make us feel like we are in the land of water. There are several routes that allow you to cross theonly national park in Catalonia. This is not only an opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking mountain scenery, but also to cross paths with a wide variety of animal and plant species that struggle to survive in a harsh environment. The National Park of Aigüestortes and Lake Saint-Maurice is a unique protected natural area in southern Europe.
2- Discover Romanesque art in Vall de Boí, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
TheRomanesque art of the Vall de Boí is quite simply exceptional! It's here that you'll discover the concentration in a small space of several churches of homogeneous architectural style. These architectural treasures have survived 8 or 9 centuries of history to reach us in a remarkable state of preservation. These include Sant Climent and Santa Maria de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulàlia d'Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu de Barruera and La Nativitat de Durro, all surrounded by incredible natural beauty. The mural paintings in these churches are unique, reflecting the organization of medieval society around the ecclesiastical and seigniorial hierarchies.
3- Stroll through the Montserrat massif
The Montserrat massif is unique in the world, a natural space where erosion has created spectacular landscapes. Sometimes it looks like a mountain cut with a saw, sometimes like giant fingers. Others recognize human or animal forms. A natural environment of great aesthetic value, a delight for hikers and rock-climbers alike. It's also a place steeped in spirituality, since it's here that the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia, is said to have appeared in a cave. One of the highlights of a walk in the Montserrat mountains is a visit to the Benedictine monastery. The abbey, with its incredible mountain-top location, attracts Catholic pilgrims and other curious visitors in droves.
4- Practice astrotourism at the Montsec Astronomical Park
In the Noguera region, at the gateway to the Pyrenees, the Montsec mountain range has such clear skies that it offers ideal conditions for observing the stars. Simply one of the best skies in the world! The Montsec has been recognized and certified as a tourist destination and Starlight Reserve by the Unesco M&B program. The Montsec Astronomical Park, which is part of the municipality of Àger, allows scientists and the general public to admire the celestial vault in all its details. At the Observation Center of the Universe, the planetarium welcomes adults and children to take part in 3D projections. The dome and the platform are available to observe the sky directly, with the presence of many telescopes.
5- Stroll in the Lord Valley
The Lord Valley is a region with beautiful pre-Pyrenean views. A hilly territory where it is good to practice cycling to admire the landscapes while exercising. In the Solsonès, after admiring the magnificent heritage of the town of Solsona, you can go into the forests to look for mushrooms in the fall. If you are looking for something else to do in the area: Sant Llorenç de Morunys has preserved all its Romanesque beauty, the basin of La Llosa del Cavall and its turquoise waters blend perfectly with the surrounding steep territory; from the vast forests of pine and oak to the fertile farmland, the contrasts in the territory are always resounding.
6- Visit Cardona Salt Mountain
In Cardona, in central Catalonia, Salt Mountain offers a unique and fascinating journey to the center of the earth. For an hour, visitors are taken down to a depth of 86 m to observe one of the world's largest potassium salt mines and enjoy the spectacle of its shapes and textures. If you're passing through the area, you can take the opportunity to visit Cardona Castle, as well as stroll through a region rich in forests and mountains. An area where you can commune with a powerful natural environment, and discover the local cultural and gastronomic traditions.
7- Visit the castle of Boixadors
This spectacular castle has its origins in the 10th century. It was originally a watchtower, which over time grew into a powerful medieval fortress. Also not to be missed is the beautiful chapel of Sant Pere. Located in the municipality of Sant Pere Sallavinera in the region of Anoia, a visit to the castle of Boixadors is an opportunity to learn many anecdotes about its history and that of the families that have ruled there. But also to take the time toobserve the beautiful surrounding countryside, hilly and green as desired, between forests and cultivated fields.
8- Discover Penedès wines and cava
The Penedès region, just a stone's throw from the Mediterranean coast, boasts a privileged natural environment with mountains, forests and vineyards. The region offers epicureans a wide variety of wine tourism experiences, from visits to wineries to stays in old Catalan farmhouses. Its personality revolves around the culture of wine and cava, which can be discovered, for example, by following the Penedès Wine Route. It's also a land of remarkable gastronomy, with a host of festivals and traditions associated with the local wine culture.
9- Visit the old monastery of Sant Miquel del Fai
Sant Miquel del Fai is a natural area that perfectly combines nature and heritage. It is here that the courses of the rivers Rossinyol and Tenes combined with the action of the climate have shaped limestone formations creating a unique landscape adorned with grandiose rock formations, caves with fascinating stalagmites and stalactites, as well as water holes and waterfalls. Founded in the 10th century, the monastery of Sant Miquel del Fai is the other attraction of the site, which is suspended between the rocks and offers a breathtaking landscape.
10- Strolling through Urgell
Urgell is a kind of Catalan Tuscany. It is a rural territory where you can ride along the banks of the Sió and Ondara rivers, where you can enjoy cycling through the territory and end up sleeping in villages that are true havens of peace. The contrast between the plains and the mountains is interesting. Vineyards, almond fields, olive groves, the land is suitable for many crops. The wines and olive oils are famous. Mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding, all means are good to enjoy this sun-drenched territory, rich in a beautiful nature and a notable heritage, Catalonia obliges.
