Do you fancy a change from the usual holiday of sitting by the pool or beach, reading and relaxing? Perhaps something with a little more cultural tickles your fancy? Brush the cobwebs off your hiking boots, as this long hike through Catalonia, Spain will lift your spirits and rekindle your love for walking. Take the scenic journey from Barcelona to the volcanoes in Catalonia. Travel by foot or car and take in the stunning cliffs, fields and old railway villages over the 40 kilometre route.
It is highly advised that you put aside plenty of time for this trip, as the hike is by no means short. You will want time to explore each village along the way, talk with locals about how the villages used to thrive off the railway industry, and find a bite to eat in one of many local eateries built just for hikers and bikers.
The trail has been named Carrilet by the Spanish government and the first stop is Girona. Girona is relatively large village and your tired feet may appreciate a good night’s sleep at one of the luxury hotels - in other villages along the way the choice becomes more sparse. Girona is home to the Onyar River which splits right through the city, creating a beautiful reflective image of the rows of brightly coloured houses. You may wish to swim and rent bikes to make the most of your time.
Olot is another village along the way with a slightly smaller population of 33,000 people. You will find some pleasant hostels and remnants of old medieval architecture mixed with newer industrialism. The volcanic nature reserve covers thousands of acres and is particularly beautiful in autumn.
End the route in the Parque Natural de la Zona Volcánica or Natural Volcano Zone Park where there are over 40 volcanos. But don’t worry, they are all extinct.