Sant Martí Vell lies on the northern edge of the Gavarres massif, in a predominantly mountainous area of pine and holm oak forests. Several signposted hiking trails reveal the cultural and natural diversity of the municipality. Its architectural history also offers clear points of interest: the Església de Sant Martí Vell is documented as early as 1035, while the present-day building dates from the 16th century. The Santuari de la Mare de Déu dels Àngels was completed around 1420. The landscape, hiking and church history thus offer distinct highlights for a stay.
Hiking trails: a local route and a long-distance trail
For a specific hike, the route from Sant Martí Vell to Vilosa follows a clear sequence: it passes through the hamlet of Puig and continues to the Font de Vilosa spring. The hamlet is therefore a named stop along the way, while the spring is the endpoint given in the description. This sets the route apart from the general selection of several signposted trails: here, the focus is on a clearly named destination and a specifically described route. If you prefer to plan your hike around a destination, Vilosa is a useful reference point for this route.
The PR-C 195 long-distance trail offers a different scale. It runs along the northern side of the Gavarres from Girona to Sant Martí Vell, also passing through Celrà and Juià. Unlike the route to Vilosa, it is not about a single destination, but about the course of a long-distance trail through several named places. The two descriptions help with different questions: the route to Vilosa gives you a destination for planning a local hike; the PR-C 195 shows how Sant Martí Vell fits into a long-distance trail.
Churches and historical dates
Two dates are associated with the Església de Sant Martí Vell: it is documented as early as 1035, while the present-day building dates from the 16th century. These dates refer to different things—the church’s earliest recorded mention and the dating of the present-day building. The exterior of the Església also features numerous gargoyles. This pairs its historical context with a specific architectural feature that draws attention to its design.
The Santuari de la Mare de Déu dels Àngels has a different origin story. In 1409, the parish priest of Sant Martí Vell granted permission; the Santuari was completed around 1420. These dates mark two stages—permission and approximate completion—rather than a single construction year. Unlike the Església, whose early documentary record and present-day building are separated in time, the Santuari’s history can be understood through these two steps.
Connections and finding accommodation
Two main roads connect Sant Martí Vell with Girona, Madremanya and La Bisbal. Girona also features on the PR-C 195 route: the long-distance trail runs from there to Sant Martí Vell, while the roads connect the municipality with the three named places. These offer different reference points for travel planning: the PR-C 195 describes a long-distance trail, while the main roads connect Sant Martí Vell with several named places.
When choosing accommodation, it helps to first consider what you want from your trip: will hiking, the historic churches, or both be the deciding factor? The routes offer different scales, while the churches provide their own perspective through their historical dates and architectural details.
Discover more destinations: Palau Saverdera, Borrassà, Sant Jaume De Llierca, Palol d'Onyar, Bordils, Marzà, Foixà, Sils
For the broader travel overview: Girona.
