Medieval villages of the Empordà II: hiking from Monells to Cruïlles and La Bisbal

• Past Excursions

DATE: May 23rd at 8.30h

A nice and easy excursion to discover the interior of Baix Empordà, Josep Pla’s homeland and one of the most beautiful areas of Catalonia. This time we will visit and walk from Monells to La Bisbal (capital of the region) through Cruïlles. Beautiful medieval villages, little known and located in an area of great scenic beauty.

It is a nice walk that allows us to go from the plain to the first buttresses of the Gavarres massif, through a wonderful shady valley. In addition, this itinerary combines heritage and cultural elements of the first order: the old towns of Monells, Cruïlles and La Bisbal, the Romanesque church of Sant Joan de Salellas, the hydraulic complex of Molí d’en Frigola…

– MONELLS

Monells is a small medieval village, with a lot of charm and a beautiful arcaded central square. The village is built around its ancient castle (although only the walls remain). Its identity is so “authentic” that the producers of “Ocho apellidos catalanes” decided to shoot some scenes here.

– CRUÏLLES

Located to the left of the Daró river, it was the origin of the Cruilles lineage and barony. It is a beautiful small medieval village that still preserves the keep of the old castle in the center of the square and the church of Santa Eulalia, with Romanesque paintings, a Gothic altarpiece and belonged to the nearby monastery of Sant Miquel de Cruïlles.

LA BISBAL DE L’EMPORDÀ, CATALAN CAPITAL OF CERAMICS

La Bisbal de l’Empordà is the capital of the region. The city preserves a very beautiful medieval nucleus in which the Jewish quarter stands out, with its zigzag streets; the castle-palace, an extraordinary example of the Catalan civil Romanesque; the baroque church of Santa Maria; beautiful modernist buildings, etc.

But La Bisbal is also well known above all for its ceramic products. The very high quality of its red clay and the skill of the local potters have turned La Bisbal into the Catalan capital of ceramics. On both sides of the Carrer de l’Aigüeta, which runs through the town, there is a large number of stores, showrooms and handmade pottery workshops where you can buy any type of product made of clay.

THE PLAN

– 8.30h: We meet at Plaza Catalunya (in front of the Hard Rock Café) to catch our private bus (50% occupancy).

– 10.30h: Arrival in Monells, brief breakfast and free visit to the town

– 11h-11.30h: Guided tour of Peretallada

– 11.30-15h: Excursion on foot through flat and easy paths to Sant Sadurní de l’Heura, Sant Joan de Salellas, Cruïlles and La Bisbal.

– 15-17.30h: Arrival in La Bisbal and free time to eat and visit the town

– 17.30h: Return bus, arriving in Barcelona around 7:30 p.m.

Languages: Spanish, Catalan and English

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE HIKE:

– Level: easy (but a minimum of physical condition is required).
– Total distance: 12 km approx.
– Accumulated difference in altitude: negligible
– Duration: 3-4 hours approx.

SECURITY MEASURES COVID19:

✔︎ It is mandatory to wear an approved mask on the bus, during the visits and during the hike.

✔︎ Small groups (maximum 30 people)

✔︎ Transport by bus with 50 or 60 seats for a maximum of 25 or 30 people.

✔︎ For walking we will be divided into groups of 6 people.

✔︎ Lunch will be on your own (you can bring a sandwich or eat in La Bisbal)

✔︎ Outdoor activities and on your own

✔︎ Disinfectant gel at your disposal.

✔︎ If you feel sick or have been in contact with someone affected, stay at home.

IMPORTANT: Don’t forget to bring good walking shoes, sunglasses, a good jacket and a raincoat just in case. . If the weather forecast is bad or the situation generated by the Covid19 prevents us, the excursion will be postponed.

DATES: May 23, 2021

ACCOMPANYING GUIDE: TONI BELLIDO

MINIMUM GROUP 20 PEOPLE AND MAXIMUM 30