The Via Verda in Bot follows a former railway line that has been converted into a nature trail for hiking, cycling or horse riding. The Antiga EstaciĂł de Bot is located beside the town and provides an easily accessible starting point for the Via Verda. The walks around Bot also vary considerably in length and difficulty, from easy routes to moderate hikes.
Hiking trails by length and difficulty
The easy, 4 km route Bot–Ermita de Sant Josep–Forat de la Donzella passes through farmland and pine forest before returning to Bot. It is a short option that makes it particularly easy to compare the scenery along the route with the destination at the Ermita.
The 6 km Bot–Cova de la Gà bia–Molandins route is also considered easy. It reaches the Cova de la Gà bia, which is a notable waterfall when there is sufficient water flow. Water levels are an important factor here: the waterfall cannot be expected regardless of conditions.
Two further routes offer more distance and are rated moderate. The 12 km Bot–Mudèfers–Camà de la Serra–Via Verda route runs along tracks and forest paths and offers views of Bot’s agricultural and forest landscape. The 13 km circular Bot–Prat de Comte–La Fontcalda hike is also rated moderate and begins and ends in Bot. It leads to the open-air thermal baths at La Fontcalda in the Riu Canaletes valley. Their length and destination clearly distinguish these two hikes from the shorter, easy routes.
A separate option is the route to the summit of Migdia: it is recommended exclusively for experienced mountain hikers, as the final section includes a technically challenging rock face. This recommendation and the technical difficulty are key considerations when choosing a hike.
Via Verda and trails by the water
The Via Verda section between Bot and Horta de Sant Joan passes vineyards, olive groves and mountain scenery, as well as tunnels and viaducts. The structures mentioned include a viaduct over the Riu Canaletes. Here, the former railway line can be appreciated not only as a route for different activities, but also for its infrastructure and changing scenery.
Near Bot, an easy cycling route on a paved path also follows the Riu Canaletes valley to Les Olles. There, natural rock pools formed by erosion are suitable for swimming. The delicate ecosystem should be respected. For choosing between the routes, there is a clear comparison: the Via Verda links vineyards, olive groves and mountain scenery with tunnels and viaducts; the cycling route to Les Olles leads to natural pools in the valley.
Festivals, wine and olive oil
Local festivals also give visits different seasonal highlights. The Festa Major de Sant Blai takes place in early February in honour of the town’s patron saint. In mid-March, a pilgrimage and communal meal are held at the Ermita de Sant Josep for the feast of Saint Joseph on 19 March. The Subhasta de Sant Antoni is one of the local events that has been held for a hundred years.
At Celler Menescal, the “Via Verda i visita celler” activity includes a guided winery visit, a small museum with old equipment and a guided tasting of four wines. The winery also offers a guided 10 km e-bike tour through the landscapes and vineyards of Bot. It ends with a guided tasting of four wines and the winery’s balsamic vinegar. These experiences pair wine in different ways with either a visit or a bike tour. Check the relevant booking and reservation terms in advance; they may change.
The local produce also includes extra virgin olive oil with the Terra Alta Protected Designation of Origin, produced in Bot mainly from Empeltre olives. Hiking and cycling routes, festivals and specific wine experiences thus offer different reasons to consider Bot for a trip. When looking for a hotel in Bot, you can start by deciding which of these aspects of the town matters most for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Xerta, La Senia, La Canonja, Vila-Seca De Solcina, Bonastre, Prat De Comte, Miami Platja, L'Hospitalet de l'Infant.
See the broader travel overview: Tarragona.
