Located in the northeast of Spain, Catalonia offers breathtaking landscapes coupled with a multitude of activities, perfect for enjoying active tourism in the best possible way. For thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, Catalonia is a top choice destination where each day can become an adventure. In this article, we will present activities to enjoy either alone or with family, ensuring you have the best active tourism experience in the Catalan region. From the challenging trails of the Mont-Rebei Gorges to the picturesque Catalan villages and Costa Brava coves, join us on this adventure where active tourism truly comes alive.
Hiking in Catalonia: Discover wonderful landscapes on foot
With nearly 9,000 km of hiking trails, Catalonia is a paradise for walking enthusiasts. These trails wind through breathtaking landscapes accessible to everyone, ensuring enjoyment for both children and adults! Here are our favourite hikes for active tourism holidays.
The Camí de Ronda
Running along the Costa Brava, the "Camí de Ronda," or "Costa Brava Coastal Path" in English, originates from the routes used by guards to protect the coastline from smugglers in the late 19th century.
The 43 km linear route can be completed in 2 days, linking the towns of Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Begur. This coastal path passes through the towns of Playa de Aro, Sant Antoni de Calonge, Palamós, and Palafrugell. With a total ascent of 1,226 metres, this itinerary allows you to explore the beauty of landscapes featuring pine forests, cliffs, and hidden coves.
It's also possible to complete the circular route starting from Girona. Covering 140 kilometres with a total ascent of 3,877 metres, this route can be completed in 8 days. In addition to the coastal section, you'll pass through the Gavarres mountain range on your way back to Girona. This variation offers the opportunity to explore both mountainous and coastal landscapes.
Mont-Rebei Gorges: GR1
Carved by the Noguera Ribagorzana River over millennia, the Mont-Rebei Gorges near Lleida form a natural border with Aragon. With cliffs towering over 500 metres high in places, hiking in the Congost de Mont-Rebei is part of the long-distance walking trail 1 (GR 1), which spans across Spain from east to west. Various routes are available here as well.
The most classic route takes approximately 4 hours (2 hours each way). It covers a 4 km trail that is accessible to everyone with little difficulty (except for vertigo!). The Aragonese side is equipped with wooden walkways along the cliff face. On the Catalan side, however, there are no walkways but a handrail to guide you throughout the hike.
The Camí Oliba: GR151
The Oliba trail (or "Camí del Bisbe i abat Oliva" in Catalan) corresponds to the GR 151 trail and traces the footsteps of Oliba of Besalú, the bishop of Vic around the year 1000. The hike begins at the foot of the Montserrat Monastery, founded by Oliba in 1025, where you can find the Moreneta, the Black Madonna, patroness of Catalonia. The path finishes on the other side of the French border, at Les Basses de Puig Sec, covering a total distance of 241.55 km that can be completed in about ten days. This path is more suitable for athletes and long-distance hiking enthusiasts, but it is also possible to complete just a portion of its 18 sections.
Additionally, an alternative to this journey is possible. Upon your arrival in Tavertet, you will have a choice to follow the main route, or head towards Rupit i Pruit to reach Sant Joan de les Abadesses via this secondary but also quicker route (54.40 km compared to 116 km). To enhance your experience, take a break at the Rupit campsite, a peaceful haven ideal for resting and preparing for the next stage of your adventure.
The Mediterranean Trail: GR92
583 km, 31 sections, 30 days: this is what awaits you on the GR92 trail, also known as the Mediterranean Trail. It links Portbou (on the French border) with Ulldecona (in the Ebre Lands), following the Catalan coast from north to south. This coastal route will take you through marvellous landscapes with its coves, caves, and cliffs. The Camí de Ronda, which we mentioned earlier, is also part of this network. Throughout this journey, you will discover extraordinary sites such as the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park, the ruins of Empúries, the Roman Tarragona (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the botanical gardens of Cap Roig and Pinya de Rosa in Blanes, the Bay of Alfacs (one of the largest natural harbours in Europe), and the castles of Montgrí and Begur.
Bicycle touring: Another way to explore Catalonia
For those who prefer discovering places by bike, bicycle touring is highly recommended during your active tourism holidays in Catalonia. The region boasts nearly 6,000 km of bike-friendly roads and trails suitable for all levels. Here, we explain the different ways to make the most of your cycling trip.
Greenways
Greenways, or "vías verdes," are former railway lines converted into routes reserved for non-motorised means of transport. There are 20 of them spread across the Catalan landscape, providing safe paths for travellers to get a close-up tour of Catalonia's heritage.
For example, on the Costa Brava, you can explore the Iron and Coal (“Ferro I Carbó”) Route with its 12 km of paths, or the Little Train (“Trenet”) Route from Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, which extends over 39.7 km. To learn more about these routes, we invite you to read our dedicated article on the greenways of the Catalan coast.
Road cycling
Idyllic landscapes, pleasant temperatures, and our family pedalling alongside us. Could we ask for more? This is what Catalonia has to offer to cyclists looking to explore its roads. Whether near the Pyrenees, along the Costa Brava, Costa Daurada, or even in Barcelona, you'll always find groups of cyclists ready to tackle the kilometres and elevation gains. For more experienced cyclists, we recommend trying the ascent of Els Àngels i Rocacorba or the climb to Lloret de Mar Castle, both popular spots among professional cyclists in their training programs.
Mountain biking
If you're more into mountain biking, Catalonia has plenty to offer too. Whether you prefer mountains, plains, or the coastline, with its 18 MTB centres scattered throughout the region, you'll always find a trail that suits you. Indeed, these centres provide cyclists with self-service information such as detailed maps of various trails and repair workshops in case of need. We recommend heading towards the Val d’Aran where you will find trails for all levels as well as viewpoints of the Pyrenees.
If you're motivated and looking to tackle more ambitious challenges, we invite you to take on the Pirinexus, a loop of nearly 350 km that covers parts of the province of Girona and the Pyrénées-Orientales department in France.
Finally, if you're planning a longer journey, you can also embark on the TransCatalunya, a loop of 1,200 km that connects the 18 MTB centres across the Catalan region.
Water sports: Experience active tourism by the Mediterranean Sea
When enjoying active tourism in a coastal region, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the activities offered by its kilometres of coastline. Whether in a kayak, standing on a paddleboard, or underwater, Catalonia will entertain you and make you break a sweat.
Board sports and kayaking (kayak, paddle, surf)
With its coves, cliffs, and rocks, why not observe Catalonia from the sea by renting a kayak, paddleboard, or surfboard?
The Noguera Pallaresa
How about descending one of the best white-water kayaking spots in Europe? The Noguera Pallaresa is the place to be for thrill-seekers. Stretching 154 km, you can kayak or raft down it and enjoy the landscapes offered by the Spanish Pyrenees.
The Costa Brava
In addition to enjoying its shores walking along the Camí de Ronda, you can also experience it from the sea. You can kayak or paddle along the Costa Brava and enjoy its clear waters, as well as explore its coves and caves that are only accessible from the sea.
In the heart of the Costa Brava, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, for example, is a renowned spot for surfing on the Mediterranean. Sheltered from the wind by its bay, Sant Pol beach is suitable for surfers of all levels due to its consistent waves.
Looking for a place to relax after all these adventures on the Mediterranean coast? Sènia Group’s campsites will warmly welcome you for the duration of your active stay.
The Olympic Park of Barcelona
Are you an athlete by nature? Then why not try kayaking in the Olympic Park of Barcelona? Originally built for the events of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the Olympic Park has become a must-see for kayaking enthusiasts. With its 1,250 m artificial canal, professionals and sports clubs come throughout the year to train on its waters.
Sailing sports (dinghy sailing, windsurf, kitesurf)
If you're a keen sailor, you can also go sailing, kitesurfing or windsurfing in Catalonia. Discover our favourite spots here.
L’Estartit
The beach of L’Estartit, on the Costa Brava, is the perfect spot for beginners in windsurfing. Its moderate waves make it ideal for novice practice without significant challenges. It's also a great location overall for windsurfing due to the balance between waves and wind, offering excellent conditions alongside stunning landscapes.
Playa de Aro
The Nautical Club of Playa de Aro offers water activities for all ages. Through its school, Set Sail Costa, you can take sailing lessons and enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, or paddle boarding trips. Led by experts, these classes for beginners and experienced sailors can be taken alone or in a group.
Sant Pere Pescador
Sant Pere Pescador is a destination not to be missed for windsurfing or kitesurfing enthusiasts in Catalonia. Its pristine coastline offers ideal conditions for these activities with a strong emphasis on safety. Blessed with various Mediterranean winds, Sant Pere Pescador stands out as one of the top spots for both kitesurfing and windsurfing. In fact, it will host the 2024 Windsurfing World Championships in September.
Arenys de Mar
Near Pineda de Mar, you can find the town of Arenys de Mar. From its port, you can reach the Arenys de Mar Nautical Club (CNAM). This club offers various sailing courses that will immerse you in the world of sailing. Designed for children aged 4 to 18 and led by professionals, these courses allow them to explore nautical activities while having fun.
Underwater sports (scuba diving and snorkelling)With its kilometers of coastline, Catalonia and specifically the Costa Brava are ideal destinations for enthusiasts of scuba diving and snorkelling. Its shipwrecks, natural reserves, and reefs will leave you in awe.
Formigues IslandsFamous for various shipwrecks, the Formigues Islands are a group of small limestone islets located between Palamós and Palafrugell. Their clear waters allow you to dive up to 45 metres deep to discover a wide range of marine species. If you're a fan of underwater photography, the play of light created by the reliefs, makes beautiful photo opportunities.
Medes IslandsOne of the most important marine reserves in the Occidental Mediterranean, the Medes Islands, once a pirate hideout, is now a protected area and a small paradise for various aquatic species. Venturing there, you can discover the statue of a dolphin in the famous
Cova del Dofí, a highly visited spot by divers. Note that since the area is protected, a diving permit must be obtained before diving there.
PalamósLooking to visit an underwater shipwreck? Head to Palamós! This port town is home to one of the most visited wrecks on the Costa Brava: the "Boreas", an old World War II boat sunk by the Spanish customs in the 1980s. Moreover, Palamós Bay is considered one of the best diving and snorkelling destinations in Spain due to its wide variety of marine species.
Roques Planes BeachThe
Cala de les Roques Planes is a cove located in Calonge, between Cala Gogo and Torre Valentina beaches. With its crystalline waters and rocks of surprising shapes and colours for the region, the cove provides a perfect environment for snorkelling.
For scuba diving, regardless of the location, we always recommend approaching a diving club, whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver.
As you have seen throughout this article, Catalonia is a prime destination for enjoying active tourism. Whether through its hiking trails, cycling routes, or water activities, Catalonia's diversity makes it the ideal destination for unforgettable active holidays.
In addition to active tourism, it is also possible to engage in passive tourism to ensure the best possible sports holidays. Feel free to read
our guide for sports enthusiasts where you can discover a variety of exciting and entertaining activities that you are sure to love.
