Welcome to Sant Llorenç de La Muga, a village where pine, oak and holm oak forests are the protagonists. Located in the region of Alt Empordà, known for having the largest number of natural environments and the most incredible landscapes to see in Girona. In this Willy’s plan we will make a route from Monestir Sant Llorenç to Puig del Far, where you will discover the most beautiful of this area of Catalonia.
This time we want to show you one of the places little exploited by tourism in Catalonia, so most of this tour you will discover the best kept secrets of the area and enjoy a route free of crowds.
This route is very close to Figueres, about 15 kms approximately. If you feel up to it, you can visit some of the villages along the way. These are very nice and well preserved, so it is worth giving them a try.
Our first stop is in Sant Llorenç de la Muga. A small village of barely 250 inhabitants, crossed by the river “Muga”. Here you must visit its historic center, which is characterized by being surrounded by an ancient wall, formed by 4 towers and 3 gates.
Secondly we will go to the Castell de Mont-Roig . Here we can leave the car a few meters from the forest track (in the town of Darnius). Then we will follow the path that leads us on foot to the castle. This small fortification, now in ruins, allows us to enjoy incredible views of the mountains and the Pantà de Boadella.
After about 12 minutes by car, we arrive at the Pantà de Boadella, our last place on the route. Here we will enjoy a delicious picnic or if you prefer you can eat at the bar-restaurant that is delicious, while enjoying a unique landscape in the light of sunset.
Sant Llorenç de La Muga
Sant Llorenç de La Muga is one of the towns in Catalonia with the largest number of architectural treasures and the most dazzling natural surroundings you can imagine. Although it is in the shadow of other villages in the area, we dare say that the medieval area of Sant Llorenç de La Muga is one of the most beautiful we have known. This town looks like something out of a fairy tale.
In this visit to our first place on our route we recommend a walk through the old town, a visit to the Carles Camps Square, go up to the tower located next to the the parish church of Sant Llorenç, take a walk along the walls, go to the The ferris wheel of Sant Llorenç, crossing the famous old bridge and do not forget the Ermita de Sant Antoni. All important places for the culture and architecture of this municipality.
Mont-Roig Castle
The Castell de Mont-Roig or also known as Mas Puig tower. It is a border castle that connects Darnius with Biure and is currently in ruins. This construction is built at an altitude of 276 meters, in the municipality of Darnius. This castle has many legends, but the main one tells of a pair of lovers who were killed in a fit of jealousy and as a result the blood of the beloved rests in this place. And as historical remains, it speaks of the importance it had as a border for both municipalities.
One of the reasons why it is worth climbing the Castell de Mont-Roig, are the beautiful views that gives us towards the mountains and the Pantà de Boadella. In addition, from here you can see a large part of the town and the surrounding buildings.
Boadella Swamp
Last but not least we will finish our route at the Pantà de Boadella . This reservoir is known for its beautiful waters and the charming environment that surrounds it and is one of the most beautiful water reservoirs in Catalonia.
The construction was initially carried out to control possible flooding of the Muga River and to guarantee the water supply of the surrounding populations. However, over time it has become one of the main tourist attractions in the area.
The Pantàno is protected for its landscapes and water resources, so it is a constantly monitored area. If you dare to spend more time in this place we recommend staying in the camping area, it is amazing. Otherwise a barbecue would be great to end the day of our route.
