Vilanova de la Sal combines a history of salt production with medieval features and specific cycling and hiking options. The Salí de Privà, a surviving entrance gate and the Sotinyes provide the historical focus; Bosc de Privà and “Entre Castells i llegendes” offer a perspective on the routes. This gives you a clear question to consider when planning your trip: would you like to focus on local history or follow a named route on foot or by mountain bike?

Salt history and the medieval village setting

The Salí de Privà was a saltworks supplied by a saltwater spring. For travellers interested in cultural and economic history, the connection between spring water and salt production is the key point: the site’s historical function is clearly defined. It is a distinct focus alongside the village’s medieval features and gives the visit a clear thematic direction.

Vilanova de la Sal preserves one of its medieval entrance gates. The Sotinyes are also among the surviving features characteristic of the village’s medieval appearance. Together, the entrance gate and the Sotinyes offer a second perspective on the village: rather than the use of a natural resource, the focus here is on its inherited architecture. Those interested in local history can see these as two distinct themes of a stay.

By mountain bike: Bosc de Privà

Bosc de Privà is a mountain-bike circuit that begins and ends at the reception point of the Monastery of Les Avellanes. Optional variations lead to Montalegre and the Camarasa Reservoir. The basic choice is therefore whether to ride the circuit or include one of the two variations. Which one is right for you depends on your preferred route destination.

The variation to the Camarasa Reservoir passes through the saltworks of Vilanova de la Sal and a small wooded area. For travellers looking for a route description that combines cultural and natural features, this connection is easy to picture: the route passes by the historic saltworks and through a small patch of woodland. Route conditions may change; check the trail conditions before setting out.

On foot to Vilanova de la Sal

If you prefer to travel on foot, you can include the “Entre Castells i llegendes” hiking route in your plans. It leads from the Monastery of Les Avellanes via the Camí de Vilanova and the cemetery path to Vilanova de la Sal. This clearly distinguishes it from the mountain-bike circuit: as described, the hiking route connects the monastery and the village, while Bosc de Privà is a circuit that begins and ends at the monastery. Mode of travel and route are concrete points of comparison when choosing between the two. Signposting and trail conditions may change; check both before your hike.

The Aplec del Sant Cap

A local custom also offers a distinctive cultural point of reference. In 2012 and 2014, the Aplec del Sant Cap was described as a tradition observed by residents every year on 3 February. It includes the ascent to the hermitage of Sant Cap, a Mass, the singing of the Goig for the saint, and a shared snack. The sequence makes the character of the celebration clear: the ascent, religious observance and shared meal go together. If you would like to plan your trip around the Aplec, check the date of the celebration in advance.

For the broader travel overview: Les Avellanes i Santa Linya.