With its wide range of protected natural areas, Catalonia has a great potential for ecotourism. But, what is ecotourism, actually? For Naturexperience, ecotourism is a responsible tourism that uses nature as a source of knowledge and experimentation. Apart from being a scene of leisure, like nature tourism, it also implies the idea of going to nature in order to watch it and discover it, and of contributing to the economic development of local population without altering the natural environment.
Natural parks are some of the most common areas for ecotourism. Here are some ecotourist activities you can do in three natural parks of Catalonia: Cadí Moixeró Natural Park, Aigüestortes i l’Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, and Alt Pirineu Natural Park. Check our website for more information about all the activities we suggest you in this post.
Ecotourism in Cadí Moixeró Natural Park
Located astride the regions of Berguedà, Alt Urgell and Cerdanya, Cadí Moixeró Natural Park hosts a large biodiversity and a wide range of beautiful landscapes.
First, we advise you to discover the villages that are located at the foot of the walls of Cadí mountain range: Cava, Ansovell, Querforadat and Arsèguel, four small villages that are very attractive in terms of landscapes and culture. Famous for their photos with the Cadí mountains in the background, they are surrounded by endless paths and forests of black pines, Scots pines, juniper trees, maple trees and poplars. The most representative animals that live in those woods you may see are the following: roe deer, chamois, marten, wood grouse, black woodpecker, European green lizard, green whip snake and Pyrenean newt.
Another ecotourist site you must not miss is The red lands of Cadí mountain range, in the most western part of the Park. Enjoy that privileged area through the itineraries and paths of the GR 150 that surrounds the whole natural park as well as the themed routes such as The Last Cathar, which will take you to Coll de Creus (1,437 m), that links to the Mule track down to La Seu d’Urgell. This route can be done by MTB. The crossing will allow you to discover the village of Adraén (1,434 m), one of the highest in the Park.
The last ecotourist hike in the area of Cadí Moixeró Natural Park is the discovery of the source of the river Llobregat, one of the most important in Catalonia. The headwaters of the river Llobregat are located in Castellar de n’Hug, a village traditionally based on sheep farming in which you can visit the Shepherd Museum.
If you love nature, we advise you to stop at La Creueta Pass and at Anyella Plains. Other interesting activities consist of taking the Cement Train that crosses all the valley and Artigues Gardens until the Cement Museum, or visiting Riutort Oil Mine, between Guardiola de Berguedà and La Pobla de Lillet.
Click here for more things to do in the area of Cadí Moixeró Natural Park.
Ecotourism in Aigüestortes i l’Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
Aigüestortes i l'Estany de Sant Maurici is the only national park in Catalonia. It hosts a huge Protected Natural Area as well as a vast number of lakes and paths that will allow you to discover the local high mountain landscapes.
The first thing we recommend is the mirador of Sant Maurici and Amitges lakes. This classical hike will allow you to discover two of the great natural elements of the Pyrenean landscapes: Sant Maurici Lake and Encantats peaks. An ideal trail that will give you a general view of the high basin of the river and the opportunity to enjoy some wonderful landscapes. The hike will also take you to Ratera waterfall, Ratera lake, and the mirador of the Sant Maurici and Amitges lakes.
Secondly, the route through Bonaigua and Son Valleys is perfect to discover lush forests, waterfalls, lakes and miradors with excellent views of the Park. Don’t miss Gerber waterfall –near the chapel of Mare de Déu de les Ares–, Mataró bivouac hut –starting point of great ascents and crossings– and Mata de València pine forest.
Finally, go for the Otter route, which will take you deep inside the Park through Ribagorça access and will allow you to discover the water habitat of this protected animal. Lakes, waterfalls, wetlands, conifer woods, Alpine meadows and sharp crests are some of the main elements you will find on the way.
Click here for more things to do in the area of Aigüestortes i l’Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.
Ecotourism in Alt Pirineu Natural Park
Alt Pirineu is the most extensive natural park in Catalonia. It represents 55% of the total territory of Pallars Sobirà and hosts a wide range of protected species. Would you like to discover them? Just go on reading!
The first ecotourist outing we suggest you is Virós forest, a vast forest area that has many different uses. This wood is a very good example of forest planning in which the exploitation of wood coexist with farming, tourism, mushroom picking and wood grouse protection. A walk through its paths will allow you to discover its long history, from Roman to modern times, which is closely linked to the exploitation of iron and vegetable charcoal.
The headwaters of Ferrera Valley are another must if you want to know about the essence of the Park. The hike will take you to Pla de Boet plains, with its unique landscape of pasturelands and waterfalls surrounded by high mountains; to Pica d’Estats, the most emblematic and symbolic element of Alt Pirineu Natural Park; and to other 3,000-metre peaks such as Sotllo, Pic Verdaguer, Punta Gabarró and Rodó de Canalbona.
The last ecotourist activity to do in Alt Pirineu Natural Park is the visit of Tavascan Valley, which hosts all the elements of the high mountain landscapes. From Tavascan, you will have the opportunity to reach a large number of lakes: Port de Tavascan, Mascarida, Mariola, Flamisella and La Gallina. If you prefer family routes or longer hikes, Les Bordes de Graus (Graus Barns) and Pleta del Prat Hut are very good starting points.
Click here for more things to do in the area of Alt Pirineu Natural Park.
These were some of our recommendations of ecotourist activities in Catalonia. Click here for more and more detailed ones.
