The Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees are regions rich in nature and landscapes due to the preservation of their natural environments and their biodiversity. Thanks to the eight natural parks you can visit in the counties of Girona, you’ll have the chance to enjoy nature and settings that are unique in the world.
You’ll find the Girona campsites near or within the eight natural parks, making them an ideal option for discovering them. Going camping is therefore the best way of enjoying and finding out more about nature and the outdoors.
Càmpings de Girona will reveal all to you! We’ll outline the general features of each of Girona’s natural parks, so that, if you want to visit them, you can learn more about the types of activities you can do there and the landscapes that you’ll see.
Would you like to know all about Girona’s natural parks? Keep reading to find out more!
The Empordà Natural Park Wetlands stretches over an area covering almost 5,000 hectares between the Alt and Baix Empordà. It’s a nature reserve with more than 300 species of animals and plants that co-exist in a habitat characterised by its humidity, freshwater ponds and dunes.
Inside the park there are various routes enabling you to find your way to the most interesting parts. Some of the best-known activities in the area are the sighting of the flamingos and other birds, admiring the majestic wild horses and enjoying the sunsets.
To make your visit easier, we list some of the activities you can do below:
+ Excursion on foot or by bike through the Empordà Natural Park Wetlands
Excursions on foot or by bike are among the best options for visiting this large natural park. Càmpings de Girona suggests you cover the cycle route proposed by the park, consisting of about 40 fairly flat kilometres.
This is a route suitable for families and along the way you’ll be able to stop and observe the wide variety of birds that live in the ponds. Whether you decide to do a section on foot or the whole root by bike, don’t forget your binoculars. You’ll love observing the life of the birds and the animals in the area!
+ Kayak route through the Empordà Natural Park Wetlands
Another interesting way of discovering the Empordà Natural Park Wetlands is to complete the kayak itinerary suggested by ecoturisme-emporda.cat. The excursion begins in Sant Pere Pescador and follows the course of the river Fluvià, enabling you to observe the fauna and flora in the area from the water. Finally, you’ll reach the mouth of the river and return to the starting point to end the route.
This activity is really exciting and great fun for the younger and older members of the family. And you can combine sport and the discovery of nature in a single activity.
+ The migration of the birds
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for observing the migrations of the birds. All over the park there are various huts where you can watch the birds with binoculars without interrupting their lives and see how they prepare to leave or stay for a season in this wonderful place.
The Montseny Massif Natural Park is one of the most popular natural parks in Catalonia and, not surprisingly, it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1987. A natural park rich in landscapes and biodiversity and a wild environment where great peaks, valleys and biodiversity of great interest predominate.
The wealth of this natural park is largely due to the confluence of the rivers (the Congost, the Tordera and the Riera Major) which irrigate the land and provide glimpses of the species of animals and plants.
The landscapes of the Montseny Natural Park have always aroused the interest of walkers, thereby helping to create numerous routes to enable them to enjoy the place more easily. Many visitors are encouraged to climb up outstanding peaks, such as those of the Turó de l’Home, Les Agudes, Matagall and Mont Drau, although if you decide to do so, you should be used to long and demanding excursions.
Here are some of the most important activities you can do in the Montseny Massif Natural Park:
+ Have fun at an adventure park
Would you like to combine adrenaline and nature? In the Montseny Massif Natural Park you’ll find adventure parks such as “La Selva de l’Aventura”, a park with zip lines and thousands of attractions enabling you to climb trees and feel like a monkey.
Do you like the idea? So don’t miss out on the chance to visit the adventure parks you’ll see here and have a great time hanging from the trees and going down the zip lines at full speed.
+ Heritage visits
The Montseny Massif is a natural park that offers many heritage sites. Some of the places you shouldn’t miss are the Santa Magdalena Church, the Sant Salvador de Breda Monastery, the Sant Martí de Montseny Hermitage and the Montsorniu Castle.
Some of these sites offer guided tours that reveal all the secrets that are hidden in this area of forests that’s full of fantasy and steeped in history.
+ Do the Via Ferrata
For the more daring among you we propose the Can Puig de Furiós Via Ferrata. It’s a 1.5-kilometre route suitable for all levels that will take you up to the highest points of Montseny.
If you aren’t an expert, we recommend doing this activity with guides and hired equipment, as you need to be careful and follow all the safety precautions to avoid getting hurt.
We return to the Baix Empordà to tell you about the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park, a nature reserve that encompasses the entire territory from the Medes Islands to Montgrí. This is one of the natural parks with the most varied environment, a meeting point for sea and mountain landscapes.
Here you’ll find it the Medes Islands, which boast an underwater paradise for diving fans and a true spectacle for all those who love the sea. In this setting, regarded as the only marine reserve in the country, you can see coral, large posidonia meadows and numerous species of fish and other aquatic animals.
Let’s get out of the water to tell you about another place in the Montgrí Natural Park. The Montgrí Massif is the mountainous area that can be seen from anywhere in the Baix Empordà. At the top of the massif stands Montgrí Castle, a fortification dating back to the 13th century that was never finished. You can now reach it via signposted routes and, at the summit, enjoy incredible views of the Medes Islands and the sunrises and sunsets.
+ A kayak excursion to the Medes Islands
If you want to do some sport and feel like a real pirate, we recommend hiring a kayak and a guide in L’Estartit. From there you’ll row for about two kilometres towards the Medes Islands, where you’ll be amazed by the islets that rise imposingly from the sea.
Here you can admire the seascape and, in fine weather, go snorkelling to observe the species that co-exist in this spectacular reserve.
+ Diving around the Medes Islands
Divers from all around the world travel to the Medes Islands to explore its waters. As the divers say, “the Medes Islands are an underwater paradise”, a unique place in the world due to their excellent preservation.
In L’Estartit you’ll find various diving centres where you can arrange this activity.
+ Sailing on the Nautilus
For those looking for a quieter activity suitable for all the family members, the Nautilus is one of the best options. It’s a boat with a lower floor with glass windows that enable you to observe the species that inhabit the seabed in the area in great comfort.
Are you interested? You’ll find all the information on the Nautilus website.
+ Excursion to Montgrí Castle
The last activity we propose in the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park is an excursion to the top of the Montgrí. Here you’ll come to an imposing castle with spectacular views of the Empordà.
The Cap de Creus Natural Park is renowned for its characteristic landscape and the land and marine biodiversity that can be observed. Its landscapes, carved out by the northerly wind, have brought artists from all over the world to admire this work of art of nature.
In Cap de Creus you’ll find coves with crystal clear water, steep cliffs and mountainous areas offering spectacular views out to sea. Cap de Creus Lighthouse, Tudela and the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery are just some of the wonders you can see here.
If you’ve never been here before, we encourage you to check it out! We list some of the activities you can do here.
+ Hiking along the coastal path
Discover Cap de Creus along the coastal paths, a great way of immersing yourself in the spectacular scenery in the area. We recommend bringing walking shoes, a swimsuit, a tube and goggles in case you want to take a dip into the coves that you’ll come across on the way.
Some of the highlights you’ll come to along the path are: Cap de Creus Lighthouse and the Paratge de Tudela, two places where you can stop and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
+ Snorkelling in the coves of Cap de Creus
The Cap de Creus Natural Park is characterised by its coves with transparent and turquoise water. It’s therefore the ideal place for snorkelling and observe all the species of algae and fish that inhabit the area.
+ Visit to the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery
If you feel like going on a more cultural visit, we recommend going to the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. This is a fantastic place to enjoy the panoramic view of Cap de Creus and learn more about part of the history of this region.
The Monastery offers guided tours that must be booked prior to your visit and, if you feel like it, you can stay for lunch at the Monastery’s restaurant.
The beauty of the Pyrenees is infinite, and the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park is an example of the spectacular landscapes of the Pyrenees, with forests, valleys and mountains that make it the perfect location to enjoy nature.
The Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park is the geographical link between the Pre-Pyrenees and the Pyrenees, forming one of the areas with the greatest natural wealth in Catalonia and containing more than 1,400 animal and plant species. It also has outstanding peaks such as Pedraforca, Tosa and Puigllançada.
This is an ideal place to enjoy nature in, with thousands of outdoor activities; we list them all below!
+ Mountain bike and hiking trails
This area has many signposted routes for walking and cycling. You’ll find one for every level.
+ A visit to the villages
You can also visit the charming villages including Bagà, Bellver de Cerdanya, Castellà de n’Hug and many others that you’ll fall in love with.
+ Climb Pedraforca
The Pedraforca peak (2,506 metres), one of the most important in Catalonia, is located in the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park.
The climb to the top is only suitable for experienced hikers who have the necessary equipment to go up safely. It’s a difficult peak, so if you’ve never tried one of these characteristics, it’s advisable to take a guide to minimise any unnecessary dangers.
In the heart of Ripollès lies the Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser Natural Park, a nature reserve of great interest for those who love outdoor activities, getting their adrenaline running and adventure sports. The outstanding peaks such as Puigmal, Bastiments and Costabona and sites such as the Núria Sanctuary and the ski resort make this a perfect natural enclave.
The valleys with green meadows, the high peaks and the glaciers provide the sources of the rivers Ter and Freser, offering hikers spectacular landscapes and magnificent routes such as the climb up Puigmal and the excursion to the Ulldeter refuge.
The most popular excursions here are the climb up Puigmal and the excursion to the Ulldeter refuge, the source of the river Ter.
+ Visit to the Núria Sanctuary
The Núria Sanctuary is a stop along the pilgrimage and the starting point for numerous excursions. The beauty of the surrounding area is spectacular and it’s ideal if you want to enjoy a day switching off and relaxing in nature.
+ Skiing in the Vall de Núria
In this area you can also ski on the slopes of the Vall de Núria, which provide skiers with almost eight skiable kilometres with slopes suitable for all levels.
If you enjoy adventure sports, this is the activity for you!Si us agraden els esports d’aventura, aquesta és la vostra activitat!
We continue with the most important volcanic park in the Iberian Peninsula, the Garrotxa Natural Park Volcanic Zone. If you decide to visit this natural park in Catalonia, you’ll be able to see the 40 volcanic cones and over 20 lava flows spread around the Garrotxa. Inside the park you’ll also come to the Fageda d’en Jordà, a spectacular forest with beech, oak and holm oak trees.
The highlights of this natural park which aren’t to be missed include: the Santa Margarida volcano with a hermitage in the middle, Montsacopa and Croscat. Besides, in autumn an excursion through the Fageda d’en Jordà forest is a must, as the colours are spectacular with the arrival of the cold weather.
If you want to visit the Garrotxa Natural Park, here are a few ideas so you can discover it however you like best.
+ Gauge Railway
This is a great family activity involving a visit to the volcanoes of the Garrotxa. You can travel through the most impressive volcanoes in the Natural Park, including the Croscat, Torn, Pomareda and Martinyà in a restored and motorised train.
The activity can include a carriage ride, a train ride and lunch.
+ Visit to the Volcano Museum
Another recreational and educational option is a trip to the Volcano Museum, where young and old alike are told of the importance of volcanoes in the formation of the region and volcanic phenomena.
+ Excursion through the Fageda d’en Jordà forest
To end your visit to the Garrotxa Natural Park Volcanic Zone we suggest going to the Fageda d’en Jordà, a forest of oaks, holm oaks and beech trees that seems to be taken out of a fairy tale. If you go there in autumn, the colours of the forest begin to change and the trees lose their leaves, providing visitors with a spectacle of great natural beauty.
The Albera Natural Park of National Interest is located in northern Catalonia and is a protected natural area that conceals a wide array of landscapes, far-reaching vegetation and buildings with ancient remains.
This natural park, lying between the Rosselló and Empordà valleys, is surrounded by the peaks of Món Neulós, Món dels Pastors, Món dels Quatre Termes and the Pic del Sallafort. It’s an exceptional area for hikers and mountain enthusiasts. You can also admire the vastness of the nearby sea, thanks to its proximity from one of the peaks.
Moreover, on the outskirts of this Girona natural park we should highlight the Benedictine monastery of Sant Quirze de Colera, a jewel of the Catalan Romanesque period, and Requesens Castle, dating back to the 19th century.
To help you to discover the setting for the Albera Natural Park of National Interest we list the most important activities that you can do here.
+ Hiking
This is a great starting point for excursions on foot and to learn more about the special landscape. You’ll be able to walk along high stretches with incredible views out to sea, constituting a unique landscape in the region.
You’ll find signposted trails for all levels, but it’s better if you’re prepared with the material required for comfortable walking.
+ Historical heritage
In this natural park you can also visit one of the major concentrations of megalithic monuments in Catalonia, with 110 dolmens, 19 menhirs, 7 cists and a Neolithic settlement, proving the existence of ancient civilisations in the area.
A visit to this site is very enriching!
The large number of natural parks in Girona means that many campsites are located very close to or even inside one of the parks.
Therefore, if you want to visit one of Girona’s Natural Parks, staying at a campsite can be one of the best options for enjoying the nature, relaxing and making your stay fun-packed while remaining in contact with nature.
Would you like to stay at a campsite? We list them all at the bottom of the page.
Now that you know all about Girona’s natural parks, all you have to do is decide which one you would like to explore and prepare the route with some of the activities that we’ve proposed.
Remember that it’s really important to follow the signs and respect the environment, without leaving any rubbish in the natural locations that you visit.
We hope that this guide to Girona’s Natural Parks will help you!
