Themed routes
High mountain lakes, deep gorges, beech woods growing on lava and Alpine glaciers: these motorhome routes are for people who travel for the landscape. Here is what you can see on each one, when it looks its best and how to visit protected areas without leaving a trace.
A motorhome suits nature trips perfectly: you sleep close to the trailhead, set off early without hotel breakfast times, and carry your kitchen, shower and outdoor kit with you. From our base next to Granollers, the Montseny is about 40 minutes away and the Pyrenees an hour and a half, so the first proper scenery comes quickly even though pick-ups are in the afternoon.
The best season in the high mountains runs from May to October, while in autumn the beech woods of the Garrotxa and the Montseny turn copper and gold. Bear in mind that wild camping is generally not allowed in Catalonia and that natural and national parks have their own rules: stay on campsites or authorised aires, keep the awning and chairs inside them, and always take your rubbish away. The Segimon Rental Sunlight V66 has Truma heating for chilly mountain nights.
Catalonia's only national park holds more than 200 lakes, meadows and mountain pine forests. Private vehicles cannot drive in: park in Boí or Espot and go up by 4x4 taxi or on foot. June to October is the best time to visit.
See route: Pyrenees
The Noguera Ribagorçana river has cut a sheer-sided gorge through the Montsec range, with a path carved into the rock face and suspended walkways. The classic walk takes a few hours; avoid the height of summer because of the heat, and carry plenty of water.
See route: Pallars and Montsec
A beech wood growing on the lava flow of the Croscat volcano, with flat paths suitable for all ages. Nearby, the crater of Santa Margarida hides a Romanesque chapel inside it. From late October into November, the autumn colour is spectacular.
See route: Garrotxa volcanoes
In the Collsacabra, the village of Tavertet sits on the edge of rock cliffs dropping towards the Sau reservoir. The viewpoints along the escarpment give one of the widest views in central Catalonia. Best in spring and autumn, in the late afternoon light.
See route: Montseny and Osona
High in the Val d'Aran, next to Baqueira, the Pla de Beret plateau is the watershed where the Garonne and the Noguera Pallaresa rise. A track runs down the valley to the Montgarri sanctuary, built of stone and slate beside the river. In summer vehicle access may be regulated: check before you go and, if you can, walk or cycle in.
See route: Val d'Aran
From Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi cable car climbs into permanent snow facing the highest summit in Western Europe, at over 4,800 metres. The Montenvers train runs to the Mer de Glace glacier. Best from June to September.
See route: Alps
For high mountains, the Lleida Pyrenees, with Aigüestortes, the Pallars and the Val d'Aran. For a short, family-friendly trip, the Garrotxa and the Montseny, both less than an hour and a half from Granollers. With more time, our Alps route.
You may park wherever any vehicle may park, as long as you are not camping. Wild camping is generally not allowed in Catalonia and parks add their own restrictions, so the easiest option is a campsite or an authorised motorhome area nearby.
From June to September the passes are open and the trails are free of snow; September and October bring fewer people and autumn colours. Winter trips are possible in a cold-ready motorhome, but carry snow chains and check road conditions.
No-obligation enquiry
Tell us your dates and travel plans and we will reply personally as soon as possible. Nothing to pay.
