Attractions and places to see around Pontils, a village in Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain, offer a blend of historical, cultural, and natural sites. The municipality is characterized by its rugged landscape, traversed by the Gaià River, and surrounded by forests. Visitors can explore ancient landmarks, significant cultural sites, and natural features like the highest peak, Sant Miquel de Montclar. This area provides opportunities to experience rural Catalonia through its diverse points of interest.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Highlight • Religious Site
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Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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It's worth it, it's a Cistercian monastery
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On clear days, spectacular views of the Penedès.
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The Monastery of Santa María de Santes Creus is a Cistercian abbey built in the 12th century. The grandeur of the monastery is due to the donations received from the nobility who wanted to be buried here.
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Entertaining route that runs parallel to the river Gaià. The path is easy to do and has practically no complications, perhaps there will only be a couple of steps that can be a bit difficult and can be passed without problems, which would be the first walkway (where I go down the planks of about 50cm wide and supported on some "nails" sunk into the wall) with a rope to help us cross this first short section of footbridges and the first bridge with a length of about 15m (also with a width of about 50cm) that crosses the river Gaià, at about 2/3m above the river (which does not have any type of handrail, cable or rope to help cross it). From this point, continue very well until the fork to the right and to the left of the path (the route has been changed, and now to the left you reach the end of the path) and until you reach the fork, there are a couple of more sections of walkways but easy to pass where aided by the ropes will not pose any problem.
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On the banks of the river Gaià we find the monastery of Santes Creus, one of the main jewels of Catalan medieval art. This majestic temple is part of the Cistercian Route that includes the three existing Cistercian monasteries in Catalonia.
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Dry stone architecture is a construction technique that does not use any type of mortar to fix the stones or bricks that are used. In this area we can see numerous examples, from the very walls that separate the fields, to vineyard huts, vaulted huts, ovens or ice wells. It is a beautiful testimony of a past life, halfway between subsistence and taking advantage of all the resources that the earth offers. In fact, the farmers responsible for these constructions obtained the stones from cleaning the fields themselves.
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An impressive architectural ensemble that is among the largest monasteries in Europe. Declared World Heritage by UNESCO, it houses an important monastic community that keeps alive the spirituality of the place
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Pontils is rich in history. You can explore the monumental area of Santa Perpètua de Gaià, featuring an iconic castle tower. The village of Vallespinosa boasts a castle complex and a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Don't miss the Royal Monastery of Santes Creus, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey and a jewel of Catalan medieval art. The Santuario de Sant Magí de Brufaganya is also a significant cultural site known for local traditions.
The municipality is shaped by the Gaià River, offering opportunities to explore its natural environment amidst forests. For breathtaking panoramic views, ascend to the peak of Sant Miquel de Montclar, the highest point in the municipality, which also features a hermitage. Mountain passes like Collet de la Serra and Coll de Coloma Pass also offer spectacular vistas, especially of the Penedès region and the Miramar mountain range.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Royal Monastery of Santes Creus is listed as family-friendly, offering an educational and impressive architectural experience. Additionally, the Walkways and Bridges of the Gaià River provide an entertaining and relatively easy route along the river, perfect for a family outing in nature.
Pontils offers a variety of hiking trails. You can find moderate routes like the one to Selmella Castle and Saburella Castle from Vallespinosa, or the Sant Miquel de Montclar loop from les Piles. For an easier option, consider the Gorg Negre loop from Querol. More challenging routes, such as the Roc del Cogulló Viewpoint to Sant Miquel de Montclar, are also available. You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Pontils guide.
Absolutely. The region around Pontils is popular for cycling, with routes catering to both touring and road cyclists. You can find challenging road cycling routes like the Collet de la Serra loop from la Llacuna, or touring routes such as the circular route through Santa Coloma de Queralt and Santa Perpétua de Gaiá. Explore more options on the Cycling around Pontils guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Pontils guide.
The Dry Stone Route showcases a traditional construction technique that uses no mortar. In this area, you can see numerous examples, from field walls to vineyard huts, vaulted huts, ovens, and ice wells. It's a beautiful testament to a past way of life, highlighting how farmers utilized natural resources.
The Gaià River is a central natural feature of Pontils. Its upper course flows through forests, providing a scenic backdrop for excursions. The Walkways and Bridges of the Gaià River offer an engaging route that runs parallel to the river, allowing visitors to experience its natural beauty up close.
Vallespinosa is known as a 'stepped village' ('pueblo escalonado') and features a notable castle complex along with a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It offers a glimpse into the region's historical architecture and rural charm.
Yes, Viladeperdius is an abandoned or deserted village within the municipality of Pontils. It offers a unique opportunity to witness a glimpse into the region's past and how communities once thrived in this area.
Visitors particularly appreciate the spectacular views from mountain passes like Collet de la Serra and Coll de Coloma Pass. The grandeur and historical significance of sites like the Royal Monastery of Santes Creus are also highly valued. The engaging routes along the Walkways and Bridges of the Gaià River are also a favorite for their natural beauty and accessibility.
The Royal Monastery of Santes Creus is a key part of the Cistercian Route, which includes three Cistercian monasteries in Catalonia. Visiting Santes Creus will give you a direct experience of this significant historical and religious trail.


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