Catalonia: The Southern Hills

Catalonia: The Southern Hills Overview

A self-guided walking holiday in the quiet southern hills of Catalonia, from Falset to the Ebro river at Miravet, then exploring the Els Ports mountains and back to the Ebro at Xerta.

Mountain pathways of forgotten Catalonia

We invite you to leave behind the sun-swept beaches of the Costa Brava and tourist throngs of Barcelona and instead turn your face to the south, to a journey along meandering riverside paths and the ever-higher mountain ridges of serene and timeless Catalonia.

As you leave the pretty town of Falset, the vibrant din of Spanish chatter fades to the quieter undertones of melodic Catalan, a language as authentic and enduring as its people. You’re unlikely to encounter other walkers as you climb through quiet Guiamets to medieval Tivissa, offering views of wide-open plains bordered by jagged green hills. Climb up and over the next mountain ridge and find the boatman to ferry you across the Ebro river for your night in riverside Miravet with its Templar castle and Arabic architecture. Set your gaze gradually higher as the looming purple silhouettes in the distance draw ever closer – you are nearing the Els Ports mountains. You discover them in earnest on the final two days of walking when you triumphantly summit the peaks to be rewarded with astonishing views over wild valleys and rippling mountains as far as the horizon. Descend to back to the Ebro at Xerta for your much deserved boutique hotel and well-earned dinner.

Eight, seven and six night versions of this holiday are also available. See the On Foot Holidays website for details of prices and dates.