La Vajol offers two very different ways to experience the town: memorial sites tell the story of exile, while trails in the Les Salines massif invite visitors to hike and mountain bike. There is also the Mirador de l’Empordà, whose views on a clear day reach as far as Cap de Creus, across the Empordà plain, and to Montgrí and Baix Empordà. For planning, it is worth treating these experiences as separate highlights: historical sites in the town, a viewpoint on the road to Maçanet de Cabrenys, and routes with different itineraries.

Exile history and memorial sites

The Monument to Exile is a bronze sculpture commemorating the exiles. It depicts a man and his six-year-old daughter. The girl lost a leg during the bombing by Francoist troops in Monzón in November 1937. The sculpture stands at the entrance to La Vajol, 100 metres to the left. Its depiction gives the remembrance a human face; here, visitors encounter the history of exile not just as a general topic.

Other places in La Vajol are also connected with the period of the Spanish Civil War. In February 1939, Can Barris was where Manuel Azaña, President of the Spanish Republic, carried out his last official act before going into exile. For a few days, La Vajol was the joint seat of the Presidency of the Republic and the Presidency of the Government. At Font de l’Amor, there are memorials and plaques commemorating exile, Nazi extermination camps and the Spanish Civil War.

Mina Canta is a former talc mine. During the Spanish Civil War, paintings from the Prado Museum and a treasure worth five hundred million US dollars were stored there. The Church of Sant Martí de La Vajol offers a different historical perspective: it was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. Together, these places invite visitors to consider the village’s history across several periods, rather than limiting their visit to a single memorial site.

Views and trails in Les Salines

The Mirador de l’Empordà is on the road to Maçanet de Cabrenys. On a clear day, the view reaches as far as the tip of Cap de Creus; it also takes in the Empordà plain, Montgrí and Baix Empordà. The weather conditions are part of the experience: this is a place to take in the wide-ranging landscape, particularly when the weather allows for good visibility.

La Vajol is located in the Les Salines massif, which is suitable for hiking and mountain biking. Forest tracks and paths lead from La Vajol towards France and are ideal for walks and hikes. For mountain bikers, the La Vajol–Les Salines route of the Salines Bassegoda MTB Centre starts and ends in the village; it passes through forests and over the massif’s mountain passes. This route is therefore a circular loop that starts and finishes in La Vajol. The Exile Route follows a different direction: it also starts in La Vajol, passes through Les Salines, crosses the border and reaches the French village of Les Illes. The signposting for this cross-border route dedicated to democratic remembrance was inaugurated. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Getting there and local events

When planning your journey, note that La Vajol has no regular public transport; travelling by car is considered the best option. Cars can be left in the car park at the entrance to the village for the official Exile Route. Those who include the route in their plans can first get their bearings at the entrance to the village and then choose a historical or scenic focus.

Local festivals also add to the picture of the town. The Festa Major de Sant Martí includes a dinner with Sant Martí soup, followed by music on Saturday evening. Sunday morning features a solemn mass, an aperitif and sardanas; the exact programme may vary. The Fira mercat Avajonera has been held in August since 1993 and offers natural and craft products. EscAPPe Rural La Vajol also offers an escape-room game about the town’s history and heritage. These activities offer different experiences, from a shared festival programme to a playful introduction to local history.

Discover more destinations: Urús, Llampaies, Vilamacolum, Can Jordi, Sant Feliu de Buixalleu, Llívia, Torrent, Porqueres.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.