Montseny: A nature escape near Barcelona

*While we’re out and about in Micronesia and Riviera Maya respectively, our editorial assistant Erin Ridley is here to share her stories from a recent trip to Montseny in Spain.

Several months ago, I packed up my bags and set off for a trip to Spain’s Montseny Natural Park. “What’s that?” you say. And you wouldn’t be the only one. Even my Spanish husband curiously raised an eyebrow, uncertain what I was referring to. Indeed, Spain may be known for Madrid, Barcelona and loads of visit-worthy pueblos in between, but some secret spots — like Montseny — remain out of sight to tourists, and even to natives.

Photo credit: Erin Ridley

Located in the northeastern region of Catalonia, about a 30-minute drive from both Barcelona and Girona, the Montseny Natural Park serves as a secret sanctuary for many locals. Covering over 31,000 hectares of land, the park is abundant with wildflower-filled meadows, soaring mountain sides, and enough gushing creeks and rivers to supply water for a small country…..seriously, the place provides Spain with 50 percent of its bottled H2O.

Photo credit: Erin Ridley

The UNESCO biosphere reserve is designated as a natural park (as opposed to the more commonly known national park), which means that the government works to protect the land while simultaneously maintaining and nurturing the role humans have played there for centuries. Farms, orchards and livestock blend seamlessly with public trails and park areas, and, thankfully, it should be this way for a long time to come.

Photo credit: Erin Ridley

It’s also home to countless pueblos offering rural accommodations and local cuisine (think mushrooms, mushrooms and more mushrooms), which means travelers don’t have to give up getting their cultural and culinary fix. And, thankfully, burning off lunch is as easy as taking an adventure into the mountains, exploring long-hike and medium-hike trails, and also less-demanding local paths.

Photo credit: Erin Ridley

The most coveted camino? The trail that heads up 1,707 meters in altitude to the Turó de l’Home — the highest point in the park. From there, on clear days, you can see all the way out the Mediterranean, relishing in the proximity to all of Catalonia’s other treasures, but also in the luxury of discovering a natural wonderland minus all the fanfare.

Photo credit: Erin Ridley

Stay & Eat

I had the opportunity to see and experience a slew of accommodations and restaurants while visiting Montseny. I liked some, loved a few, and positively adored the ones listed below.

Can Vila
If the mountains are calling your name, but you still seek something a touch less rustic, this equestrian ranch will fit the bill. The main stony building has been entirely restored and renovated, and feels like a luxury farmhouse.

Photo credit: Erin Ridley

L’om
If you’re into eco and you like a good spa, this is the place for you. It’s a proper, extra-cushy, cabin-style apartment in the middle of a pueblo (a surprisingly inventive concept given the remote location). Masterminded by Finnish designers, the building is constructed in natural wood and is maintained using renewable energy.

Photo credit: Erin Ridley

Can Marc
Family owned, this restaurant is not only run by one of the family’s sons, but he’s one of the chefs too, along with his gorgeous wife who waits tables and serves. While the stone-wall setting recalls traditional fare, the cuisine swings extra modern and will blow both your mind and taste buds.

Photo credit: Erin Ridley

La Vall del Montseny
Like my other recommendations above, this restaurant is situated in the pueblo of Sant Esteve de Palautordera. For what it lacks in ambiance, it makes up for in exceptional, imaginative cuisine — from a fresh pea salad to shrimp perfectly grilled with garlic, and one of the most amazing risotto dishes I’ve ever had.

Photo credit: Erin Ridley