Sant Privat d'en Bas combines village history with hiking trails leading to viewpoints and water. When planning your trip, you face a specific choice: would you like to spend time exploring the church complex, or should a particular route be the focus? The circular hike, descent route and pilgrimage trail differ in their course and character; there are also swimming spots on the Gurn, where conditions may vary by season.
Church, Square and Ball de Sant Isidre
The first documented mention of the church of Sant Privat dates back to 1017. The complex comprises the church and a small group of houses enclosing a secluded square. You enter through a vaulted passage beneath one of the houses. This is a specific detail that reveals how the village is laid out.
The Ball de Sant Isidre also reflects the agricultural history of the area: it originated in ancient agrarian rites dedicated to the protection and fertility of the harvests. The performance is associated with the Festa Major of Sant Privat in the second half of August. The village’s cultural heritage thus centres on both architectural traces and a festive tradition.
Trails to Salt de Sallent
The upper part of Salt de Sallent can be reached from Can TurĂł park in Sant Privat via two trails: the camĂ dels Matxos and the camĂ de les Escales. From the upper viewpoint, you can see across the plain of la Vall d'en Bas and much of the Garrotxa. In the landscape around Sant Privat, water from forests and rocky cliffs gathers to form the Salt del Sallent waterfall.
A 6.5-kilometre circular hike starts at the Pla d'en Xurri picnic area. It follows the camĂ dels Matxos to the waterfall and returns via les Escales, along the Riera de Sallent, to Pla d'en Xurri. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they can change. The hike passes through a shady, dense beech forest to a viewpoint where the Riera de Sallent plunges over a cliff more than 80 metres high.
Another option is the Salt de Sallent o de Gurn descent route. Reaching the route takes one hour, and the descent takes one hour and thirty minutes. These times refer to the approach and the descent, whereas the circular hike is described by its distance and its route along two named trails.
Pilgrimage Trail and Swimming Spots on the Gurn
The path to the les Olletes sanctuary starts in Sant Privat d'en Bas and climbs along cool, shady trails. For centuries, residents of la Vall d'en Bas have made pilgrimages to the cave of the Mare de DĂ©u de les Olletes. The route thus links a specific trail starting in Sant Privat with a tradition rooted throughout the valley, not just in the village.
Below Sant Privat d'en Bas, the Gurn forms natural pools suitable for swimming. The Gorgues des Gurn at the dels Pins picnic area are also suitable for swimming. Access and swimming conditions may vary by season; check both before your visit. This lets you plan swimming as a separate option from the hiking trails, while keeping seasonal conditions in mind.
Getting There, Walking and Dining
From Les Preses, the municipal road route leads to the de la Serra roundabout; take the second exit towards el Mallol and Sant Privat d'en Bas. For the stretch of road known as parcel·là ria between Hostalets and Sant Privat, the municipal route information describes walking or cycling as possible without much effort. So, for this stretch, in addition to the road route, there is also an option described for travelling on foot or by bike.
For a meal, consider Ca la Carmelita in Sant Privat d'en Bas: the restaurant serves traditional cuisine and market cuisine featuring local produce. Check current opening hours before visiting, as the restaurant’s operating hours may change. When planning your stay, you can therefore consider the village complex, hiking trails, seasonal swimming and dining as distinct options.
For the broader travel overview: La Vall D'en Bas.
