Hiking and trekking are deeply ingrained activities in Catalonia, a land blessed with a variety of terrains and diverse landscapes. No matter which corner of the territory you choose, you'll find an interesting array of routes and itineraries to discover on foot. There are options ranging from extensive traverses through the Pyrenees to leisurely walks suitable for families, from paths steeped in cultural and historical significance to those offering a substantial sporting challenge and technical difficulty. In any case, there will always be options to suit your physical and technical level. Below, we present a small sample of some of the best hiking routes in Catalonia. Routes through Lleida Discovering Lleida by hiking is a unique experience that offers spectacular landscapes and direct contact with nature. Get ready to explore trails that wind through natural parks, biosphere reserves, and protected natural areas, where fauna and flora are displayed in all their splendor. Mont-rebei Gorge The Mont-rebei Gorge is a narrow pass between two towering cliffs about 500 meters high, carved by the Noguera Ribagorçana river as it passes through the Montsec range. It is located on the border between Aragon and Catalonia and is part of the Mont-rebei Partial Natural Reserve. The reserve has a comprehensive network of perfectly signposted routes, among which stands out the path that follows an ancient trail carved into the rock at mid-height on the cliff. It is easy to follow, requires no technical skill, and offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, although it is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo, as there are no handrails. Aigüestortes and Lake Sant Maurici National Park The most protected natural area in Catalonia is located in the Pyrenees, straddling the regions of Alta Ribagorça, Pallars Sobirà, and Val d'Aran. Within the Aigüestortes and Lake Sant Maurici National Park territory, there are numerous hiking routes that allow you to discover its most fascinating nooks and wildest landscapes. If you access the park through the Vall de Boí, the Planell d'Aigüestortes and Estany Llong route is recommended, where you'll discover a wonderful mountain landscape. From the entrance to the park through Espot, it's worth taking the circular route of Lake Sant Maurici, transporting you to a purely alpine environment. Routes through Girona Girona, with its diversified and colorful landscapes, is a true paradise for hiking lovers. From the rugged and wild Costa Brava to the gentle reliefs of the inland, the routes through Girona are a mosaic of sensations and discoveries. The region offers you the opportunity for total immersion in nature that surprises at every turn, revealing everything from volcanic landscapes to medieval villages that retain their historic charm. Garrotxa Volcanoes The best way to explore the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is by following one of its hiking trails. For example, the route that links the Fageda d'en Jordà, the Santa Margarida volcano, and the Croscat volcano. A journey that takes you through a forest that seems straight out of a fairy tale and leads you inside a large volcanic crater, where you'll find a surprising hermitage. Vall de Núria This secluded valley in Ripollès is one of the most emblematic places in the eastern Pyrenees. It is located within the Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser Natural Park, surrounded by peaks nearly 3,000 meters high. Besides being a premier natural space, it is also a reference point for Catalan culture and hiking, as well as mountain sports, both in summer and winter. Around it, there are numerous routes and itineraries. One of the most characteristic is the one that follows the Old Road from Queralbs to Núria, which was used for centuries by pilgrims going to the sanctuary before the current rack railway was built, which is the only transport that takes you there today. Costa Brava Coastal Path The Costa Brava can be experienced in many ways, but walking along its rugged coastline by the water will seem like an unparalleled experience. Along the coast, there are many sections of the coastal path, which historically were used for surveillance against smuggling by customs officers and the Civil Guard. Many of these segments coincide with the GR 92, the Mediterranean Trail. The stretch between s'Agaró and Tamariu, passing through towns like Platja d'Aro, Sant Antoni de Calonge, or Palamós, and through authentic villages like Calella de Palafrugell or Llafranc, is one of the most frequented. There are also many other recommendable sections, like the one linking Cadaqués with Portlligat, extending to the Cap de Creus, or the one from Port de la Selva to Llançà. None of them will leave you indifferent. Routes through the Province of Barcelona Beyond the vibrancy of the city, the province of Barcelona hides natural treasures waiting to be explored by enthusiastic hikers. Legendary mountains, hidden valleys, and landscapes that seem pulled from a fairy tale unfold along the routes that traverse this diverse region. Every step is a discovery, from tranquil paths that skirt rivers and reservoirs to more challenging trails that ascend to high peaks. Montserrat If Catalonia had a hiking capital, it would be the mountain of Montserrat. Beyond the religious and cultural significance of the Montserrat Monastery, the rounded shapes of its characteristic rock hide numerous paths connecting its most emblematic corners. The catalog of hiking routes is extensive, including ascents like the peak of Sant Jeroni or routes with a more cultural tone like the hermitage trail. All offer great panoramas of the surroundings from the magic mountain. Montseny Massif Another mountain of high ecological and also sentimental value for Catalans is the Montseny massif Montseny. It is a unique ecosystem, offering some of the most spectacular forests in this central area of Catalonia. Among the routes and itineraries that cross it, it is worth discovering its highest points, such as the itinerary that links the peaks of Turó de l'Home and Les Agudes, or climbing to the summit of Matagalls. Picasso's Path from Guardiola de Berguedà to Gósol This itinerary merges nature and culture through the painter Pablo Picasso, who in 1906 traveled to the then isolated village of Gósol and spent a few months painting an important part of his early work. The journey starts at the sanctuary of Sant Llorenç near Bagà, in Guardiola de Berguedà, and heads west. It passes through Maçaners, Saldes, and circles the impressive figure of Pedraforca, one of the most photographed mountains in Catalonia. If you prefer, you can shorten the journey by starting the walk from Saldes. After passing through Feners and Sorribes, the route arrives at the Main Square of Gósol, the itinerary's end point. Routes through Tarragona The diversity of the Tarragona landscape is manifested in each route: from coastal paths with views of the Mediterranean to mountain trails that delve into dense forests of pines and holm oaks. Exploring the hiking routes of Tarragona also means tasting its rich gastronomy, influenced by both land and sea, and getting to know local traditions that have endured over the centuries. Every path is a story, every landscape a living postcard, waiting to be discovered by those who seek adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Prades Mountains The Prades Mountains rise between the Camp de Tarragona and the Conca de Barberà, offering a mountainous and wooded landscape that contrasts with the agricultural and flat surroundings. The so-called red village of Prades is its center and also the starting point for the most prominent hiking routes, such as the one that allows you to visit the Roca Foradada and the Abellera Hermitage, or even climb to the peak of la Baltasana and enjoy privileged views. Estrets d'Arnes The Els Ports Natural Park is the last great mountain massif in the south of Catalonia, right on the border with Aragon and the Valencian Community. The highest point, Mont Caro, rises to 1,441 meters, serving as a privileged viewpoint. Within the limits of the natural space, you'll find many routes and itineraries that will surprise you. One of them is the Estrets d'Arnes, where you'll delve into a landscape of cliffs, waterfalls, and pools, and even have the chance to dive into the natural pool of Toll Blau.