Santuari de Cabrera hike: cliff views, chapel & mountain hostel

Santuari de Cabrera Hiking Route: Collsacabra Trail & Mirador Highlights

From Can Puntí, follow the trail beside the road for 3500 metres. As it rejoins the road near Rotllada Bridge, turn right onto a rural gravel track—this is the historic Camí ral de Vic a Olot, part of the Camino de Santiago route connecting Vic to Olot.

Continue past the Ca la Rotllada apartments, then pass La Cabreta and Mas la Creu farmhouses. The road curves left past the Granja de Caselles farm. At the crossroads, turn right onto another gravel path.

Follow this path for 650 metres as it bends right. Soon you'll reach the traditional Catalan farmhouse Masia Aiats. The trail veers left behind the farmhouse and enters a forested ascent.

This section climbs through gullies lined with boxwood and mixed deciduous trees. After around 500 metres, you’ll reach Grau de l’Escaleta, a steep rocky ascent with occasional handholds and cables to assist hikers. The climb transitions onto a narrow rock shelf with breathtaking views over the valley below.

After the shelf, the trail dips back into the forest for a final 300-metre push to the ruins of Les Cabanyes de Pla d’Aiats. Just beyond the ruins, a fern-covered plain opens up. Take the well-trodden path to the right, which leads to a headland viewpoint at the edge of the Collsacabra cliffs.

Here you'll find a flagpole and a plaque featuring a poem by Miquel Martí i Pol at the Mirador Cingles de Aiats. On clear days, you can see as far as Montserrat and Girona. Continue along the cliff path for another 200 metres to enjoy more panoramic views.

Retrace your steps toward Les Cabanyes de Pla d’Aiats, but instead of descending, continue straight across the fern-covered Pla d’Aiats plateau. The trail enters a beech and oak forest and winds around the mountain for 1200 metres.

The path emerges at Coll de Bram, a small parking area. In front of you are the stone stairs known as Les Escales de Cabrera, which lead to the final summit plateau.

At the top, a grassy plain and well-marked path guide you to the Santuari de Cabrera. This is a perfect spot to rest, enjoy a picnic, or dine at the weekend-only sanctuary restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find a cross marker, a geodesic point, and the foundations of the medieval castle destroyed in the 1428 earthquake.

Note the modern zip-line winch near the cross—used to hoist supplies to the sanctuary. This electric system replaces an older hand-cranked version and is typical of remote Catalan mountain sanctuaries.

Inside the sanctuary are public toilets. When ready to descend, look toward the tree line near the bell tower and take the narrow path down—this is the old rock-paved monks’ trail, once used by donkey carts. It leads back into the forest and down to Coll de Bram.

From here, take the descending trail to the right into the forest, passing Puig dels Llops and Coma d’Aiats. The path follows the Riera de Aiats mountain stream for about 2km before reconnecting with the ascent trail near Masia Aiats.

Hiking to Santuari de Cabrera with a Dog

The lower slopes of the Collsacabra mountains are covered with mixed forests of oak, beech, and pine. In spring and early summer, be aware of the risk posed by Pine Processionary Caterpillars, which can be toxic to dogs if touched or ingested.

This 12km circular hiking route is generally suitable for dogs, with no technical sections that would pose difficulty for your furry companion. The trail begins and ends in farmland, where you may encounter free-roaming cattle and goats, so keep your dog under control and be mindful of livestock.

Take extra care near the Mirador Cingles de Aiats and other cliff-edge viewpoints—these areas offer stunning views but also pose a risk of falls. Dogs should be kept on a lead near exposed sections.

What to take for Santuari de Cabrera Hiking

This is a medium-difficulty hiking route in the Collsacabra mountains, suitable for experienced hikers with basic gear. I always hike it with a small rucksack containing essentials and a first aid kit.

Pack an emergency waterproof and windproof jacket, especially in autumn and winter when weather conditions can change quickly. The trail includes exposed cliff sections and shaded forest paths, so layers are important.

Bring 2 to 3 litres of water—there are no fountains or refill points along the route but additional water can be purchased at the sanctuary.

If hiking in autumn, carry a head torch as the trail may finish near sunset, especially if you stop for photos or a meal at the Santuari de Cabrera.

Getting to Santuari de Cabrera Trailhead

Address: Santuari de Cabrera, L'Esquirol, 08569

From Barcelona, leave the city via the C17 dual carriageway heading towards Vic. Stay on the C17 as it transitions into the C25. Take exit 183 from the C25 and join the C153 towards Roda de Ter.

Continue on the C153 for approximately 17km, passing through the town of L'Esquirol. Just before reaching Cantonigròs, you’ll see a roadside restaurant called Can Puntí.

If you plan to have an evening meal at Can Puntí, it’s worth calling ahead to ask if you can park there in the morning while you hike. Otherwise, continue 250 metres further and park in the village of Cantonigròs, where there is more public parking available.

Wikiloc Trail for Santuari de Cabrera Hiking

a221 - Santuari de Cabrera viewpoint, chapel and rural Restaurant Hostel

12km circular Autumn & winter medium hiking route in Collsacabra mountains to a hill top sanctuary via cliff top paths & forested trails with great viewpoints

Transport: Car Fare: €25.00 Distance: 12.19 Difficulty: Moderate

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