Camprodon Valley Spain Things To Do
By Jackie De Burca – Follow Jackie on Twitter
Discover the delightful towns and the breathtaking beauty of the Camprodon Valley, where you can take part in all types of mountain activities, even skiing during the winter season. This place is one big photo opportunity, where you can capture spectacular natural settings, along with ancient churches, a 12th-century bridge and little historical town centres.
Camprodon Valley things to do
Stroll along the Capsacosta Roman road, drink in the medieval atmosphere and let yourself fall in love when you reach Molló, at the French border. Set high in the mountains, Molló has a charming quintessential Pyrenean feel and appearance. The town’s name is thought to originate from the Latin word for milestone, and is believed to refer to the abundance of pyramidal shaped stones.
The towns of the Camprodon Valley have many charms to explore, but there are so many wonderful walking and hiking routes also. From the town of Camprodon, you can choose to go on guided hikes and walks, with organisations such as Guies de Muntany Roc Blanc (White Rock Mountain Guides), or you could enjoy the local nature on horseback, with Trac Terpies i Rutes Amb Cavalls (Therapy and Routes with Horses).
Camprodon Valley: An Almost Infinite Choice Of Routes
The truth is that there’s an almost infinite choice of routes in the Camprodon Valley. You can follow the Route of the Saints, the Architectural Route, or the Route of the Fountains.
Ascension to Bastiments, the Path of the Coma de l’Orri and so many more. The routes vary in both length of time and difficulty level, so there’s something there for everyone. One that is of medium level difficulty, and takes 2 hours and 50 minutes, is the wonderful Route of Tregura’s Channel and the Catllar Valley. This can be done throughout the year, and is a circular itinerary that affords some panoramic views of certain parts of the valley. Tregura is where you start and finish, and at a height of 1425 metres, it’s the highest village of the valley.
In addition to these routes to do on foot or on horse, the Camprodon Valley is famous for its Romanesque Route, which is one that needs to be done by car. More about a bit further down.
To see a far more detailed breakdown of these routes, please go to the official Camprodon Valley website by clicking on Camprodon Valley Routes.
Camprodon Valley Festivals and Fun
But the Camprodon Valley is not only about active tourism and appreciation of nature, this Catalan gem has a generous share of festivities; some of these festivals are gastronomic, others for children, some relate to art and history, and so much more. Like the rest of Catalonia the celebration of carnival is a big thing, so that’s something to bear in mind, if it suits you to travel before Lent begins.
Stay Surrounded by Stunning Scenery
You’ll also find some fine hotels, cheaper hotels and holiday cottages and apartments, set amidst stunning scenery in the Camprodon Valley. The choice of accommodation is quite decent, and one that has captured my imagination is the Casa Etxalde, predominantly for its gorgeous grounds, although its interior is very nice also. I will later include more information about other hotels, B & Bs and so on, but just check out the photo to the right of one aspect of the grounds of Casa Etxalde.
As they say: location, location, location…and this is true of so many experiences that you’ll have while in the Camprodon Valley. The same applies to some of your foodie occasions as well.
Camprodon Valley Things To Do
Roman Routes
Camprodon Valley Romanesque Route
The Camprodon Valley is visited by many who wish to discover its Romanesque Route. This is a route that you can do by car, and it takes in a number of the valley’s villages that boast some of Catalonia’s and Spain’s most important Romanesque monuments. The route starts in the town of Camprodon, where there’s the ancient Sant Pere Romanesque monastery, then you’ll see the old bridge that goes across the River Ter, which is called the Pont Nou (New Bridge). Pont Nou dates back to the late 12th century. Then it’s off towards Setcases to go to Llanars, where you can visit the famous church of Sant Esteve (Saint Stephen).
Then the route continues up the road to Vilallonga de Ter, where there’s a Catallar castle of great interest. By 1362 this castle was already in ruins, so La Sala, a fortified house was built to replace it. Afterwards the route continues on the same road en route to Setcases, where you can visit the church of Sant Miquel.
Really after this part of the route, you should ideally be in a 4×4, as you head up to Espinavell and then to Molló, where there’s the church of Saint Cecilia. From here it’s down towards Camprodon, heading for Beget, which is the end of your itinerary – in Beget you’ll see the church of Sant Cristófor (Saint Christopher). In Beget, if you check our restaurant section, you’ll find the recommended Can Jeroni.
Where to Eat
Restaurants
The region of Girona stands out for a long list of reasons, one of which is the gastronomic offerings. You can find wonderful local produce used both traditionally and creatively. The cuisine of the Camprodon Valley is also of a high standard, with some fine restaurants to choose from, with one special favourite being Can Jeroni. Off the beaten track, in a location that should remove you from the stresses of the 21st century, this restaurant produces dishes that combine local produce with creative, but careful treatment of these fine ingredients.
(This photo of Can Jeroni is courtesy of TripAdvisor )
Just in the town of Camprodon only, there are more than 25 restaurants, most of which are of a good standard. In my experience so far, I often find that the culinary standard can be particularly good in these areas of outstanding natural beauty. Of course there is an abundance of fresh local produce, but I believe that the heritage of many of these places is to take a lot of pride in their culinary creations. It’s just a little theory I have!!
Camprodon Valley Hotels
Hotel Grevol: information coming soon
