In Vilallonga de Ter, hiking trails pass rivers and shepherds’ huts, wind through shady forests and lead to places with a distinctive architectural history. The routes differ not only in length: some have a clearly defined time frame, while others focus on the landscape and cultural traces. This makes it possible to plan a stay around your own interests—whether walking time, views or particular historic sites are the deciding factor.

Choose hiking trails by distance and character

The Ruta de les Fonts i del Pintor Joan Ponç runs from Vilallonga de Ter to La Roca along the riu Ter. The stated walking time for its 9.40 kilometres is 2 hours and 10 minutes. Along the way, the focus is on nature, architecture and culture. The Ruta del Canal de Tregurà i la Vall del Catllar offers a comparison with a different route: this 10.80-kilometre circular trail starts and ends in Tregurà, with a stated duration of 2 hours and 50 minutes. The difference between the two stated walking times is 40 minutes. Municipal route information may be updated; check the stated distance and duration before your hike.

If you are interested in views and traditional building methods, the Ruta de les Cabanyes de Pastor brings these together: the trail offers views of Vilallonga de Ter, the Vall de Camprodon and the Serra Cavallera, and passes stone shepherds’ huts built using dry-stone techniques. The Ruta del Bac de Vilallonga takes its character from the route’s former purpose: it follows a drovers’ road once used for livestock and offers views across the Pyrenees and the Alta Garrotxa.

The Ruta de la molsa offers a different focus. It starts at the church of Sant Martí de Vilallonga de Ter, passes through old agricultural terraces and shady forest, and visits Abella and La Roca de Pelancà. As a broader guide, the marked and documented “Rutes de Vilallonga: paisatges i cultura” connect nature with the municipality’s cultural areas. The route descriptions thus offer different ways to choose: walking time and circular route, views, forest or cultural landscape.

Cultural traces and architectural history

Individual trails also tell their own stories. The Camí de les Roquetes climbs uphill to the Drac; metal statues along the trail are part of a legend that can be followed there. When choosing a route, you can therefore consider not only its length, but also whether you are looking for one with a cultural narrative.

The church of Sant Martí de Vilallonga de Ter is dedicated to Saint Martí and was first mentioned in 1183. Its three-nave basilica structure is considered unusual among buildings of the time in the Ripollès. The Ruta de la molsa also starts there. Santa Llúcia d’Abella has different architectural features: the building has a single-nave layout with a pointed barrel vault. The Església de la Pietat de la Roca was the chapel of La Roca Castle and was probably built in the mid-12th century.

The Central de Vilallonga also contains notable evidence of industrial history: inside are a historic telephone made by L. M. Ericsson & Cia. Stockholm, a repair workshop with preserved switchgear, and a modernist turbine control panel made of marble and wood. The Central is at the edge of Vilallonga de Ter, on the right-hand side of the road towards Setcases.

Plan for the market and horse-riding options

The Mercat de la Trumfa is a well-established traditional market that promotes the locally grown and versatile “trumfa.” Its programme includes a craft market, demonstrations of various crafts and participatory activities. As the programme items take place on specific event dates, check the market dates if you would like to include a visit in your trip.

Another option beyond hiking is Hípica Mas Batlló in Abella (Vilallonga de Ter). It offers lessons and training in various equestrian disciplines. The listed rides range from one or two hours to a half or full day, as well as multi-day tours, so you can choose different durations. No previous riding experience is needed for short or introductory riding activities. Dates and participation requirements may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before making plans.

If you are looking for hotels in Vilallonga de Ter, the walking times and the different focuses of the trails can help you plan your stay. They show whether you would prefer a designated circular route, viewpoints, historic buildings or a combination of these themes—without requiring every route to fit the same day’s itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Cantallops, Sant Pere Pescador, Banyoles, L'armentera, La Pinya, Sales De Llierca, Vilaür, Maçanet De La Selva

For the wider travel overview: Girona.