Best mountain peaks around les Gavarres, located in Catalonia, Spain, offer diverse natural experiences within an Area of Natural Interest. This low mountain range is characterized by cork oak and maritime pine forests. The region provides a variety of outdoor activities and features rich historical and cultural heritage.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more peaks around les Gavarres.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
History of Sant Miquel Castle Currently, Sant Miquel Castle belongs to the municipality of Girona, but until 1974 it belonged to the municipality of Celrà. The architectural complex is located on the top of Puig del Castellar, at 394 meters above sea level. From its strategic location you can see the Valley of Sant Daniel, the town of Celrà, the plain of Empordà and the city of Girona. The complex, made up of a section of wall, a watchtower and a hermitage, dates back to medieval times.
0
1
A wonderful place with a 360° view of the sea and the hills
0
0
It is possibly the best known and practiced route in Girona. I recommend it to everyone. Doing this route at night is also spectacular.
2
2
Ascent with steep gradients, especially when passing the Girona variant until connecting with the path that goes up to Sant Miquel through the Vall de Sant Daniel.
3
0
Montigalar (467m) or Montigalar Gros (to differentiate it from Montigalar Petit (377m) which is 720m to the SW) is a mountain in the Gavarres that is included in the list of 100 peaks of the F.E.E.C. https://www.feec.cat/activitats/100-cims/cim/montigalar/ At its rocky summit we find a geodesic vertex and some andromines that certain hikers like to decorate the mountain tops. If the day is clear we will be able to enjoy some magnificent panoramas, so towards the NE we could distinguish Sant Salvador Saverdera, El Perní, the Bay of Roses, El Puig Rodó, Montplà (Montgrí), among others...
0
0
The architectural complex is made up of the old hermitage dedicated to Santa Maria and Sant Miquel, built on top of the previous medieval fortification, from which the bases of a circular tower through the apse are used. It seems that the hermitage was occupied by hermits between the s. XVI and XVIII, although the documentation records the start of construction in the s. XV The location took on military importance during the French war (1808-1814), especially due to the sieges of Girona (1808-1809), where the domain of the castle alternated several times between the Napoleonic army and the Miquelets. After the war, the hermitage was already demolished. The other architectural element is the telegraph tower, erected during the second Carline war (1846-1849) to house the civil optical telegraph line, while the military line was located in the hermitage tower.
2
1
Architectural complex formed by a hermitage practically in ruins and an optical telegraphy tower. It is located at the top of Mount Sant Miquel at the foot of the municipalities of Girona and Celrà (the Gironès). Its 395 meters above sea level allows control over large areas of the territory.
1
1
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting Puig d'Arques, which provides 360-degree vistas of the entire massif, the Costa Brava, Gironès, and l'Empordà. Another excellent choice is Montigalar Summit, known for its stunning sea views from a rock outcropping. Puig Alt (Els Àngels) also offers privileged views of both the sea and the Pyrenees.
Les Gavarres is rich in history. You can visit Sant Miquel Castle, a prominent viewpoint that includes a hermitage and an optical telegraphy tower, offering insights into the region's past. Additionally, Puig Alt (Els Àngels) is home to the Sanctuary of Els Àngels, a significant religious site with a chapel and restaurant.
While specific 'family_friendly' categories aren't listed for individual peaks, the region's diverse trails cater to various skill levels. Many paths wind through cork oak and pine forests, offering a pleasant environment for families. Peaks like Puig Alt (Els Àngels), with its facilities like a restaurant and café, can be a good destination for families looking for a less strenuous outing with amenities.
The Les Gavarres massif is ideal for various outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous trails for hiking and cycling. For specific routes, explore the guides for Cycling around les Gavarres, MTB Trails around les Gavarres, and Waterfall hikes around les Gavarres, which offer routes of varying difficulties.
Les Gavarres is an Area of Natural Interest, characterized by its dense cork oak and maritime pine forests. This biodiversity provides a habitat for various flora and fauna, including diverse bird species, wild boars, and badgers. The natural monuments and viewpoints on peaks like Puig d'Arques and Montigalar Summit highlight the region's natural beauty.
Yes, Les Gavarres offers trails that can be challenging. For example, the ascent to Sant Miquel Castle can involve steep gradients. Similarly, reaching Montigalar Summit might require walking your bike for the last few hundred meters due to the terrain, indicating a more demanding effort for hikers as well. The region's varied topography ensures options for more experienced adventurers.
The highest points in Les Gavarres are often cited as Puig d'Arques and Puig Gavarra, both reaching around 532 meters. These peaks offer commanding views over the surrounding landscape and are significant landmarks within the massif.
Yes, Puig Alt (Els Àngels) is a notable peak that hosts a restaurant/café, making it a convenient spot for a break and refreshments. Additionally, Sant Miquel Castle features a leisure area with benches and tables, perfect for a picnic or rest.
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from summits like Puig d'Arques, which offers 360-degree vistas. The blend of natural beauty, rich history, and diverse outdoor activities, from hiking through cork oak forests to exploring ancient sites, makes the region highly appealing. The tranquility and green escape are also highly valued.
Yes, the region is popular with cyclists. Puig Alt (Els Àngels) is a well-known cycling destination, famous for its challenging climb and as the site for podium celebrations of an annual hill climb time trial. You can find various cycling routes, including difficult ones like the 'View of Santuario dels Àngels – Viewpoint of Els Àngels loop from Quart', in the Cycling around les Gavarres guide.
Les Gavarres offers a pleasant experience throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn are particularly ideal, with milder temperatures perfect for hiking and cycling through the forests. Even winter can be suitable for hiking, offering a quiet and serene experience, though checking local weather conditions is always advisable.
Beyond the panoramic viewpoints, Les Gavarres is home to ancient caves and menhirs (megalithic monuments) dating back thousands of years, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times. The cork oak and maritime pine forests themselves are significant natural features, providing a unique ecosystem to explore.


See even more amazing summits around les Gavarres with these guides: