If you do not yet know the Catalan Pyrenees, we suggest a 3-day itinerary in the Ripollès region so that you can get an idea of ​​what this mountain chain can offer you.

The Catalan Pyrenees is one of the most popular destinations for nature, mountain, hiking and culture lovers in Spain. Although many visit the best-known areas, such as the Vall de Núria or the Cerdanya region, there are other less traveled and authentic areas that offer an unforgettable and truly authentic experience.

One of these corners is Ripollès, a mountainous region full of history that is in the middle of the Catalan Pyrenees. If you have 3 days to explore this area, we propose an itinerary that will take you to discover the best of its landscapes, architecture and traditions. Get ready for a unique experience!

Day 1: Slow tourism through Ripoll and Sant Joan de les Abadesses

The first day of this break in the Catalan Pyrenees begins in Ripoll, the capital of Ripollès. This historic town is known as the cradle of medieval Catalonia due to the fundamental role it played in the consolidation of the territory during the Middle Ages and is the perfect starting point for exploring the region.

Morning: Visit to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll is one of the most emblematic monuments of the region and a must-see. Founded in the 9th century, this monastery is a benchmark of Catalan Romanesque art. If you visit the monastery you cannot fail to see the following elements:

• Its impressive portal, considered one of the most outstanding works of European Romanesque.
• The cloister is one of the most emblematic parts. Although it has undergone modifications over the centuries, it retains many original elements, such as the Romanesque columns and capitals carved with religious images and scenes of everyday life at the time. The cloister is a place of peace and reflection, where you can appreciate the simplicity and beauty of monastic architecture.
• The crypt of the monastery is a place of particular importance since it was built to house the remains of Guifré el Pelós, founding count of the Barcelona dynasty and one of the most important figures in medieval Catalan history.
• Although the monastery is mostly known for its interior parts, the exterior is also charming. The bell tower, one of the tallest and most visible structures, offers a great perspective of Ripoll’s architecture and natural surroundings.

After this visit, cross the square of the monastery itself and visit the Ethnographic Museum of Ripoll, where you will discover more about the history of this fascinating place. Although if you do not have enough time to visit the museum, you can always take a virtual tour of the Ethnographic Museum in 3D.

For more information on what to do and see in Ripoll, download this informative brochure about Ripoll. Consult other virtual tours available at Ripollès Turisme.

Afternoon: Hiking around Sant Joan de les Abadesses

Then pack a nice picnic and head to Sant Joan de les Abadesses just 15 minutes from Ripoll by car.
We will discover this municipality by doing the “Water Walk”, a circular hiking route where the common thread is the water, so present in this special place. The walk, of low difficulty, is ideal for doing it quietly with the family and will allow you to enjoy the local fauna.

Take advantage and live the wellness experience organized by Vorater in this municipality where it connects with the River Ter while practicing observation in this calm space.

Don’t miss the local monastery and its small flour mill; the cobbled streets of Vila Vella, as well as the Pont Vell, a reconstruction of the medieval bridge that was dynamited during the Spanish Civil War.

You will find all the tourist information you need in this Sant Joan de les Abadesses brochure that Ripollès Turisme has prepared for you.

In this area of ​​Ripollès you have two greenways (the “Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó” and the “Camí Ramader de Campdevànol”), routes that follow old railway tracks that have been adapted to travel by bike or on foot. Since they are itineraries of low difficulty, they are easily accessible and safe; in addition, their flat terrain makes them very pleasant for families with children. Get your bikes ready!

Day 2: Camprodon Valley and Rocabruna

We have reserved the second day to discover the Vall de Camprodon, one of the most famous and picturesque valleys in the Catalan Pyrenees.

Morning: Adventure in the Camprodon Valley

In the morning we will explore the Vall de Camprodon which is a much more open and bright mountain valley. From it we will have spectacular views of a wide variety of landscapes: from fields of pasture and cultivation, so essential to the area, such as riverside meadows, grasslands, pine forests and mountains.

In this area you can practice hiking, crossings and climbing the peaks of more than 2 thousand meters such as the Bastiments, the Gra de Fajol or the Pic de la Dona, the Roca Colom and the Costabona. Put on your boots and choose one of the hiking trails available!

Due to its landscape, situation and orography, the Vall de Camprodon is one of the traditional mountain tourism destinations of the Pyrenees. As it is a very popular and traditional family destination, you will find a wide variety of accommodation types.

Afternoon: Between Alta Garrotxa and Ripollès: views from Rocabruna

In the afternoon, we suggest you discover Rocabruna, a small and picturesque village in the Vall de Camprodon at 972 meters high surrounded by nature and offering impressive panoramic views towards the Ares, Pregon and Malrem passes and the Beget area, with a contrasting landscape between Ripollès and Alta Garrotxa.

With a small population and a unique natural environment, Rocabruna has managed to preserve its rural identity and its charm, while offering an authentic experience close to Pyrenean life.

Rocabruna’s castle and church stand out. The castle of Rocabruna dates from the 11th century and the church of Sant Feliu from a century later.

Day 3: Adventure in the Vall de Ribes and Assossec in Toses

The last day of our 3-day itinerary in the Catalan Pyrenees is dedicated to outdoor activities with more adrenaline.

Morning: Mountain biking in the Vall de Ribes

Start the last day discovering and immersing yourself in the Vall de Ribes. This mountain valley, deep and marked by the great Puigmal peak, also attracts sportsmen and adventurers.

This valley is ideal for winter sports, but once the ski season is over, the valley offers other mountain sports you shouldn’t miss, such as hiking, cross-country skiing, abseiling and mountain biking. Take your mountain bike and choose one of the mountain bike routes suggested by Ripollès Turisme to discover secluded places that are rarely visited and almost untouched. Immerse yourself in a unique experience of tranquility and beauty in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees.

Afternoon: Breathe in the serenity of Toses

Next, we will head to Toses, a small municipality in the Vall de Ribes stepped on the mountainside and which offers unique Pyrenean landscapes.

Visit the small towns that belong to Toses (Nevà, Dòrria and Fornells) which retain their traditional charm and an architecture that reflects the history of the region.

Conclusion

If you have 3 days to get to know the Catalan Pyrenees, don’t miss Ripollès, an authentic region located in the heart of the Pyrenees.

From its rich historical and cultural heritage to its natural landscapes, this region is the ideal place for those seeking a balance between adventure, culture and disconnection from nature. Come and discover its secrets in a relaxed atmosphere and let yourself get lost in its landscapes.

In Ripollès, travelers can enjoy the local warmth and hospitality, savor the authentic and traditional mountain cuisine and its high-quality local product.

The Pyrenees offers many hiking routes. Consult the itineraries found in the Ripollès region in the list of Ripollès Turisme routes classified by zone, level of difficulty, distance, difference in level and duration.

Encourage yourself to discover such a beautiful corner of Girona’s Catalan Pyrenees with your family or friends, by cycling or walking along one of the many routes offered by the valley. Plan your visit through Ripollès Turisme.

Ripollès Turisme also provides you with this geolocated map so you can plan your 3-day getaway in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees in Girona. You will find hotels and other types of accommodation, restaurants, where the cultural and natural heritage is located, and what kind of activities you can do. Don’t miss it! El Ripollès awaits you. Live your story in the Pyrenees.