About Catalonia

Our walking holidays in Catalonia are based in the stunning Sant Llorenç National Park, just a 50 minute drive from the jewel in the crown and capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. The area is also the focal point for the 2012 Oscar nominated Spanish civil war film 'Pa Negre'.



The 14,000 hectare park itself is found in the pre-coastal mountain range that runs through central Catalonia. The walks themselves take place in and around this area, where the landscape is beautifully rugged and offers varied, interesting and spectacular views in all directions. None of the climbs here are particularly difficult to accomplish and are achievable to most level of walker. Having said that, it doesn't seem to take long before it seems like you are looking down on the whole world. At certain points, it is possible to view the world famous Montserrat (where we walk one day) on one side and the fabulous snow capped Pyrenees on the other. This part of the world retains an unspoilt charm and, in spite of its close proximity to major airports, has stayed vaguely untouched by mainstream tourism. Our co-guide here, Jordi, often describes the area as a beautiful black whole in the walking universe.



The typical vegetation of the National Park is holm oak, which is accompanied at higher altitudes by white beam, box and oak. At lower altitudes there is a mixture of pines and Mediterranean shrubs, such as heather and strawberry tree. In the shadiest narrow valleys, there are stoney areas populated by hazelnut trees and other Central European plant species that require shelter.



The great diversity of the egological environment means that many animal species from both the Mediterranean and Central European regions live in the park. It is possible to count more than 200 species of vertibrates here. Reptiles include the colourful salamander lizard and montpelier snake, whilst wild boars still roam the land here. The skies are ruled by eagles, kites and buzzards, who have an endless supply of food in the lush vegetation below.



Human settlement in the Sant Llorenç National Park is known to have existed from prehistoric times. Remains are everywhere that bear witness to the occupations of different historical periods. The era that has left the deepest impression is the early middle ages, the period in which the majority of the inhabited centres that make up today's villages began to take shape. Possibly the most outstanding aspect of this period is the presence of Roman churches and, in particular, the Monastery of Sant Llorenç del Munt, built on the peak of the area's highest point, La Mola.