Gallery: Hiking Catalonia
The editors of BACKPACKER spent a week trekking from refuge to refuge in the mountains of Catalonia. It wasn't just a trip down the trail: It was a trip into ancient history.
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Catalonian trails pass through rural villages and farmland.
At Solduga and Espluga, living quarters, livestock pens, and churches were built directly into the cliffs.
Overlooking the canyon country below medieval cave dwellings at Solduga.
Backcountry camping is not allowed in Spain, so hikers stay in huts. At full-service huts like the Refugi de Cuberes, the country-gourmet food is hot, plentiful, and delicious.
The season’s first dusting of snow at Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, the only national park in Catalonia.
The two towers of the Encantats rise above Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.
When hiking through the foothills of Catalonia, you’ll pass through centuries-old villages like this one, called Espot.
Hikers pass the church in Espot, on the east side Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.
An abandoned farmhouse on the trail to Llagunes.
The village of Llagunes is getting new life as a hub for hikers in the Siarb Valley.
Horses make the most of the season’s last grass before moving to lower elevations.
Photos by Louisa Albanese