Campins can be explored through its distinctive landscape and cultural features: the Riera runs alongside the town centre, the Camà antic de Santa Fe starts there, and Sant Joan de Campins preserves remains of a Romanesque church. This offers different options for planning your trip, whether you’re interested in the landscape, hiking or the town’s history.
Riera, riverbanks and nature
The Riera de Campins crosses the municipal area from north to south and runs alongside the town centre. Its banks retain characteristic vegetation, including alders, willows, poplars, black poplars, ash trees and elder trees. The stream and its variety of trees and shrubs give this part of Campins its natural character.
Parc Natural del Montseny lies in the northern part of the municipal area. The PEIN and Natura 2000 site of MassĂs del Montseny covers 34 percent of the municipality. Another natural feature is Fonts Vives, a spring at Sot del Purgatori with no associated structures. It is most visible in summer, and access is difficult. If you plan to visit the spring, bear this access condition in mind.
Hiking trails with different routes
The CamĂ antic de Santa Fe starts in the town centre, runs parallel to the Riera de Campins and then continues into the municipal area of Gualba. Its first section shares its route with the GR-5. The starting point, riverside route and continuation to Gualba give this historic trail a clear direction.
The Campins–Sant Cristòfol hike is also part of the GR-5. It is 9.8 kilometres long and passes through Parc Natural del Montseny. On the hike, you can experience an oak-cork forest and hear the sound of the water at Sot del Purgatori. Signposting and trail conditions may change; check local conditions before setting out.
Another option is a signposted circular hike to Campins that passes the cement kilns. Its route differs from the CamĂ antic de Santa Fe, which continues from the town centre into the municipal area of Gualba. This gives you a choice of trails with different described features, without combining them into a single route.
Church and architectural traces
Sant Joan de Campins was already the parish church of the town in 1231. The building, which dates back to the Middle Ages, preserves remains of a Romanesque church; it was extended and remodelled between the 16th and 19th centuries. The Romanesque baptismal font was designed for immersion baptism and is located in the church’s front courtyard.
The Forn de Can Garrell reveals another aspect of the town’s history. The circular lime kiln is dug into the natural ground. Its firing chamber is about 3 metres wide and 2.5 metres deep, and is partly covered with sediment. The kiln is in ruins and no longer used. Together, the church and lime kiln represent different historical traces: religious architecture and lime production.
Festivals throughout the year
The Festa Major de Campins takes place every year on the last weekend of August. The Aplec de Sant Guillem is held annually on the second Sunday in May. The Aplec includes Sardana dancing; when setting off, participants are offered or given coca, sweet wine and honey. These recurring dates provide an initial guide for planning your trip. Check the specific festival dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Barcelona, Viladecans, ArtĂ©s, RubĂ, Balsareny, Veciana, Castellfollit De RiubregĂłs, Garraf.
Go to the main travel overview: Barcelona.
