The Vall d'Arbúcies lies in the heart of the Montseny Natural Park. Arbúcies offers a variety of experiences: hiking trails to a waterfall or castle, a mountain biking loop and cultural discoveries ranging from local festivals to industrial history. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing these options by activity and route rather than treating them as a single excursion.
Hiking and cycling routes
The PR-C 201 route runs from Arbúcies to Castell de Montsoriu and is 8.4 kilometres long. It is suited to hikers who want to make a castle their destination. Another option is the circular route to Salt de la Dona d'Aigua: it starts at the Can Pons sports centre, passes through lush, damp woodland and reaches the waterfall. The trail is considered easy and suitable for the whole family; however, the approach to the waterfall includes a section described as moderately difficult. Take this into account when planning, and check current trail conditions before setting out.
There is also a clearly defined mountain biking route: the 16.7-kilometre Arbúcies–Sant Pere Desplà loop starts and ends at the Can Pons sports pavilion. It therefore differs from the hiking route to Castell de Montsoriu both in mode of transport and in route format. The stated distances describe the length of each route; they are not walking or cycling times.
The Tourdera section from Arbúcies to Sant Marçal is also known as Camí Marçaler or the local SL-C84 trail. It starts at Plaça de la Vila d'Arbúcies and heads southwest along an unpaved track and steep paths. The route is marked with the SL-C84's white-and-green signs and joins the GR-5.2 markings at the end. As details of the signage may need checking, it is advisable to review the route and trail markers before setting out.
Festivals, crafts and history
In 1999, the Festa de les Enramades was recognised by the Generalitat de Catalunya as a festival of national interest. It is characterised by flower carpets made from petals, designed in advance by the organisers of each street. The Festa Major d'Arbúcies features a wide range of cultural, sporting and community activities, including open-air concerts, choir gatherings, theatre performances, children's entertainment and sports tournaments. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the event dates before making arrangements.
The permanent exhibitions at the Museu Etnològic del Montseny, La Gabella, display material evidence of the communities that have inhabited Montseny throughout its history. La Farga del Roquer, the Riera d'Arbúcies interpretation centre, offers another perspective on local history. It was built as a copper forge between 1846 and 1848. A turbine dating from 1934 is still in operation: water from the reservoir powers the old transmission system. Check the turbine's operating status before visiting.
At Castell de Montsoriu, visitors can explore the rooms in the castle's three walled enclosures. The Capella de la Mare de Déu de la Pietat adds another perspective on the building's history: it was built in 1717 and extended in 1785. Both sites offer tangible points of interest for a cultural and historical visit, while the trails around Arbúcies cater to different kinds of activities.
An urban walk also takes in traces of the past: it passes over Pont Vermell and along Carrer del Sorrall to the Font de bomba del Bon Humor. This pump is one of the town's six historic pumps. The walk thus offers a different focus from the routes into the surrounding countryside, highlighting streets and a single feature of the town's heritage.
Discover more destinations: Molló, Vilajuiga, Fontcoberta, Urús, Tossa De Mar, Llagostera, Vilobí D'onyar, Tortellá.
For the broader travel overview: Girona.
