Rural getaways in Catalonia: explore the main mountain areas

To start to explore this unusual mountain you can take the Montserrat rack railway in Monistrol. It’ll take you right up to the top, to the main site. From here, you have several options: you could take the Sant Joan funicular to the chapel of Sant Joan and the viewing point, or stay in the area around the Monastery and the Montserrat Museum. You can get up close and personal with La Moreneta, the iconic sculpture the whole sanctuary was built around. The place is fascinating for its history and immediate surroundings, but best of all it allows you to explore the natural world. Lots of hiking excursions leave from the same point, and you can walk some wonderful trails. 

This iconic mountain is located between the municipalities of Gósol and Saldes (Berguedà, Barcelona). It forms part of the Cadí mountain range, in Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. Its odd shape makes it one of the most easily recognised mountains in the whole of Catalonia.  It's a perfect place for hiking. There are different routes, all clearly marked. Some of them run around the foot of the mountain, giving you the chance to discover some of the villages in the area. If you're a climbing fan, you can choose between different ascents on the north and south faces, the latter being the most popular. Near Pedraforca you can go to the source of the river Llobregat, and then visit Castellar de n’Hug - where the views will take your breath away - or discover the remnants of the powerful influence of the textile industry in Catalonia by visiting the Colonia Vidal.