NEW ROUTE! Catalonia: The Southern Hills Back to News

Discover quiet Catalonia with our newest walking route

We invite you to leave behind the sun-swept beaches and tourist throngs of Barcelona, and instead turn your face to The Southern Hills, to the meadering riverside paths and dramatic mountain ridges. This is quiet Catalonia, where each day’s walk brings an ever higher view point over the stunning scenery.

On Foot Holidays’ newest self-guided walking holiday begins in the wine town of Falset, among the vineyards and the melodic hum of Catalan, a language deeply woven into the region’s identity. As quiet paths lead to Guiamets and medieval Tivissa, broad views of the plains give way to mountain vistas. Up and over the ridges you’ll encounter the Ebro river for the first time, crossing on a traditional ferry boat to enchanting Miravet with its Templar castle, Arabic architecture and plenteous bird life.

Ahead beckon the silhouettes of the Els Ports mountains, whose wild valleys and rippling ridges you’ll discover on the final two walking days. Along the way you’ll stay at a wonderfully isolated off-grid B&B, dip your tired feet into the healing thermal springs at Fontcalda sanctuary, and explore the narrow streets of hilltop Horta de Sant Joan. If you’re lucky you may spot ibex picking their way along the hillsides.

Finally, return to the Ebro river at Xerta, where a welcoming boutique hotel and a well-earned dinner await. Raise a glass to an extraordinary adventure – one that reveals the beating heart of Catalonia, far beyond the familiar.

The Essentials – Catalonia: The Southern Hills
9 nights / 8 walking days (8, 7 and 6 night versions also available)
Graded Medium, with 10-19 km / 4-6½ hrs walking per day
Book now to walk from mid-September 2026 onwards
Price: from £1410 per person for 9 nights, based on two sharing

Take a closer look here

Eagle-eyed walkers will have spotted that this new route begins at Falset, which is also the final destination of our holiday to the north – Catalonia: El Priorat. This makes it very easy to combine the two routes, for a really deep dive into the beautiful and varied landscapes of rural Catalonia.

Looking for more walking holidays in Spain?