Holiday Overview:
Why choose a Catalan High Pyrenees Self Guided Walking Holiday?
The Catalan Pyrenees are dramatic and unspoiled, dotted with stone villages clustered around Romanesque churches. This is magnificent walking country, enjoying the warmest climate of all the Pyrenean range, and our route continues to delight walkers with its combination of superb walking through unspoiled mountains and welcoming accommodations. Watch short-toed and booted eagles soar above as you walk along ancient paths, and look out too for griffon vultures, choughs, wild boar, chamois and fire salamanders.
Our route takes you into one of the loveliest regions of the Spanish Catalan Pyrenees, an area largely unknown to outsiders that nevertheless boasts great scenic beauty, handsome villages and age-old traditions. This is the heart of Catalonia, where the red and yellow Catalan flag flies proudly. As you walk from village to village, you discover two distinct landscapes – the final mighty peaks of the Pyrenees, with spectacular views of the range from Puigmal to Mount Canigou, and the warm, wooded hills of the Garrotxa towards the Mediterranean. Discover, too, Catalan food and wine, with delicious sausages and cured meats, trout from the rivers, and robust wines from the coastal plains.
This walking route is well defined and easy to follow with our walking notes, we believe this is one of the best areas in the Pyrenees to walk and we’re sure with the spectacular mountain scenery, great mountain walks, fantastic accommodation and delicious Catalan cuisine, you will have a fantastic mountain adventure!
Itinerary:
Catalan High Pyrenees Walking Holiday (7 Nights)
“A beautiful self-guided walking holiday through stunning valleys in the Catalan Pyrenees”
Nights: 7
Grade: Moderate/Strenuous (Grade 2 & 3) (click here to see our walking grades)
Terrain: farm tracks and mountain trails
Day 1 (Arrival)
Arrive at Ripoll by train from Barcelona or by bus from Girona, you will then be transferred by one of our guides to the charming mountain village of Camprodon which lies at the confluence of the rivers Ter and Ritort, Camprodon has a lovely centre with a beautiful 12th century footbridge. Once there you will have a welcome meeting. Take your time exploring the alleys and squares and enjoying the local produce such as delicious sausages and cured cheese from the local shops.
Day 2
Start your trip with a fairly easy but great walk into the high Garrotxa, initially taking you up through lush pastureland. You will then make a descent through woodland and valleys passing abandoned and sometimes renovated farmhouses and finally arriving at the village of Molló with a beautiful Romanesque church from the XII century. There is also a wild park you can visit in the afternoon. 8.7 km (5.5 miles), 3 hrs walking time (grade 1/2)
Day 3
Today you have a spectacular walk over two mountain passes with impressive panoramic views: to the West, the dramatic Pyrenean peaks, and to the East, the warm, wooded hills of the Garrotxa. You start with a long, moderate climb up the Fembra Morte Pass (1.728m), you will remain high up as you continue to the Lliens pass (1.864m) (a good picnic spot). You will continue across the northern flank of the Puig de les Agudes before descending through some beautiful scenery to the village of Setcases. 12.9 km (8 miles) 4 hrs 30 mins walking time (grade 2)
Day 4
Free day, today you can spend some time in the village and the surrounding area or explore the area in more depth on a longer hike up to Bona Casa. You’d head up through lush forests of fir and beech trees with mountain streams before the landscape transforms into rugged alpine terrain, with granite peaks piercing the sky. The panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks are awe-inspiring, offering glimpses of the natural beauty of this region. The challenging but rewarding hike culminates at the summit of Costabona, standing at a height of 2,465 meters (8087ft), where you are rewarded with sweeping vistas of the high Pyrenees before you make your descent back down to Setcases. 17.9 km (11 miles) 6 hrs walking time (grade 3)
Day 5
A thoroughly enjoyable route leads high above the valley, with sweeping panoramic views in clear weather. You will pass the astonishing village of La Roca, which seemingly clings to the rock on which it is built, then onward to Camprodon. 13.6 km (8.5 miles) 4 hrs 30 mins walking time (grade 2)
Day 6
Today you will have a short transfer (20 minutes) , you will then have a spectacular gradual ascent through a wild valley up the Collada Verda Pass (1.606m) from where you descend along undulating paths and tracks to Ribes de Freser. 16.8 km (10.4 miles), 6 hrs 30 mins walking time, of course if you prefer not walk that day you can travel with the luggage) (grade 3)
Day 7
Free day to enjoy this lovely village or to take the rack and rail train up to Núria (1000m ascent on the train to 2000m). There is time to climb above the monastery to admire the breathtaking views surrounded by 3000m peaks, and to do some circular routes which are marked. There is an optional walk down through the valley (route notes provided) to Queralbs. (8.3 km (5.2 miles) 3 hrs 30 mins walking time) (grade 2)
Day 8 (Departure)
You can either take a train from Ribes de Freser to Barcelona or if you are travelling to Girona you can take the bus from Ripoll.
Prices 2025
| Dates | Price per person (2 people sharing a twin/double room) | Solo traveller supplement | Single room supplement (2 + people) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Apr to 28 Jun | €1004 | N/A | €342 |
| 29 Jun to 29 Aug | €1055 | N/A | €358 |
| 30 Aug to 15 Oct | €1004 | N/A | €342 |
Prices 2026
| Dates | Price per person (2 people sharing a twin/double room) | Solo traveller supplement | Single room supplement (2 + people) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Apr to 21 May | €1030 | N/A | €350 |
| 22 May to 30 June | €1085 | N/A | €360 |
| 1 July to 28 Aug | €1130 | N/A | €385 |
| 29 Aug to 2 Oct | €1085 | N/A | €360 |
| 3 Oct to 14 Oct | €1030 | N/A | €350 |
Optional Extras
- Half Board, nights 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7 only: €168 per person
Optional Transfers
Arrival transfer from Barcelona Centre/Airport to Camprodon
€270 (up to 6 people)
Arrival transfer from Girona Centre, Airport or Train Station to Camprodon
€186 (up to 6 people)
Departure transfer from Ribes de Freser to Barcelona Centre/Airport
€324 (up to 6 people)
Departure transfer from Ribes de Freser to Girona
€252 (up to 6 people)
Departure transfer from Ribes de Freser to Ripoll Bus Station for a bus to Girona
€84 (up to 6 people)
What your holiday includes
- Arrival transfer from Ripoll to Camprodon
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Welcome meeting with a local English speaking guide
- Transfer to Sant Marti de Surroca “day 6” and the start of "walk 4"
- 24/7 support
- Moving of luggage between accommodations
- Detailed route notes and route maps
- GPX files (if you would like to navigate the routes using your phone)
- Personal information pack
NIGHT 1+5
Hotel Cims de Camprodon
Camprodon
With its central location just a few meters from the shop’s alleyway and attractions, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring the village. The rooms are tastefully designed and furnished, blending rustic style with industrial accents to give it an inviting atmosphere. –
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NIGHT 2
Hotel Calitxó
Molló
This is a beautifully charming mountain hotel with great views over the Pyrenees landscape. In addition to the spacious and comfortable rooms, you can also enjoy a romantic garden and swimming pool, as well as a cozy chillout area on cooler days. –
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NIGHT 3-4
Hotel Coma
Setcases
Situated at an altitude of 1.279 metres, this country hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay year-round. In the summer, you can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and large garden. For cooler spring and autumn days, there is an indoor water area and a cozy living room with a fireplace. –
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NIGHTS 6-7
Hotel Els Caçadors
Ribes de Freser
Family-run since 1920, this trusted hotel is located in the heart of the village, right across from the rack railway station that takes you up to the Vall de Núria. The rooftop terrace features a heated Jacuzzi from which you can enjoy fantastic views over the Catalan Pyrenees. –
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Arrival
From Barcelona
- Barcelona Airport: There is a wide choice of airlines flying into Barcelona see here. You would take the airport train to Barcelona-Sants (Estació Sants) from the airport (Terminal 2); they leave every 30 mins and take approx. 20 minutes, see info here. If you arrive at Terminal 1, you can take one of the free shuttle buses to Terminal 2 and catch the airport train to Barcelona-Sants from there. Tickets can be purchased locally at the train station.
(continue with the description from City Centre) - City Centre: From the station Barcelona-Sants you take the local train to Ripoll (line R3), tickets for these trains can only be purchased locally in Barcelona-Sants station. You can find the timetable here, please note that the schedule is only published one month in advance.
From Ripoll train station we provide the arrival transfer to your first accommodation which takes approx. 30 minutes.
You also have the choice to book the optional private transfer from Barcelona Airport / Centre directly to your first accommodation, you can find it here.
From Girona
- Train / Bus station: You can take a bus from Girona to Ripoll, you can access the bus times here.
The transfer from Ripoll to your first accommodation takes approx. 30 minutes.
You also have the choice to book the optional private transfer from Girona Airport / Centre directly to your first accommodation, you can find it here.
Departure
To Barcelona
From Ribes de Freser you can take the local train back to Barcelona (line R3), tickets for these trains can only be purchased locally at the station. You can find the timetable here, please note that the schedule is only published one month in advance.
If train times are not appropriate, you can also book the optional private transfer directly back to Barcelona Centre / Airport, you can find it here.
To Girona
If travelling to Girona, you can book the optional private transfer to Ripoll and take the bus from there to Girona. You can access the bus times here.
As another option you can also book the optional private transfer directly to Girona Centre / Airport, you can find it here.
Why choose Catalan Adventures?
At Catalan Adventures, our experienced, locally based team is dedicated to offering you a truly authentic Catalan experience. Every holiday/tour includes a personal welcome meeting and round-the-clock support throughout your trip. Our mission is to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
What is a self-guided holiday?
A “self-guided holiday” gives you the freedom to start your holiday any day you want and travel along a trail at you own speed with all the tools and information you need to make it a great adventure. All your needs are taken care of, so all you have to do is focus on enjoying every moment, taking in the rich culture, history and spectacular scenery this region of Spain has to offer.
What is included in this tour?
- Private transfer from Ripoll to Camprodon
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Welcome meeting with a local English speaking guide
- Transfer to Sant Marti de Surroca “day 6” and the start of “walk 4”
- 24/7 support
- Moving of luggage between accommodations
- Detailed route notes and route maps
- GPX files (if you would like to navigate the routes using your phone)
- Personal information pack
How does the luggage transport service work?
We think that travelling light is key to ensuring a really enjoyable and relaxing time. So put your camera, binoculars and bits and pieces in a day rucksack and leave all the heavy stuff to us.
Every morning we’ll pick up your bags containing anything you don’t need for your day. By late afternoon, we’ll have them waiting for you at your next evening’s accommodation.
When and where can I start this tour?
You can find our availability here. Within these dates you can start your tour at any day you want (subject to accommodation availability).
We provide the arrival transfer from Ripoll train station. If coming from Barcelona, you can take the local train from Barcelona-Sants to Ripoll. Train times are published via this link: https://rodalies.gencat.cat/en/horaris/.
Besides this option, we also provide an optional private arrival transfer from Barcelona (Center or Airport) and Girona (Center or Airport) to your first accommodation in Camprodon.
Where do I stay?
Accommodations throughout are individual local hotels, many family-run, that offer all the usual 3-star hotel amenities. For more detailed information, please click here.
What are the grades of the walks?
What happens if I don't want to walk one day?
If you don’t want to walk one day, you can check with us if you can travel with the luggage. If the luggage vehicle is already full, you can arrange a taxi at the accommodation to take you to the next town (pay locally).
Can I adjust the itinerary to my travel needs?
Yes, we would be happy to tailor this tour to your needs, be it to add or remove nights or change accommodations upon your request. Please contact us and let us know the changes you’d like to make.
How do I depart?
This tour does not include a departure transfer.
From your last accommodation you can take the local train from Ribes de Freser back to Barcelona-Sants. Train times are published via this link: https://rodalies.gencat.cat/en/horaris/.
Besides this option, we also offer private departure transfers to Barcelona, Girona and Ripoll Bus Station for a bus to Girona. You can find more information here.
Couldn’t find what you’re looking for, then have a look at our general FAQs or Contact Us.
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