Attractions and Places To See around Valles Oriental - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Valles Oriental include a diverse range of natural parks, historic towns, and cultural sites. This region in Catalonia features expansive natural beauty, from the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Montseny Natural Park to the unique Sant Miquel del Fai. Visitors can explore Romanesque architecture, modernist heritage, and ancient thermal baths. The area offers a variety of experiences for those interested in history, nature, and outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Valles Oriental
- The most popular attractions is Matagalls (1697 m), a summit that is an iconic hiking mountain in Catalonia. Its summit offers extensive views and can be reached by several routes.
- Another must-see spot is Santa Maria de Gallecs Church, a religious building. This 12th-century Romanesque temple preserves pre-Romanesque vestiges and is located in a natural area.
- Visitors also love Parpers Pass, a mountain pass. It offers views of the entire Vallès region and serves as a crossing point for mountain bikers, gravel cyclists, and road cyclists.
- Valles Oriental is known for its natural parks, historical sites, and modernist architecture. The region provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient Roman baths to significant 19th-century buildings.
- The attractions around Valles Oriental are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and over 160 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Matagalls (1697 m)
Highlight • Summit
Its summit can be reached by several routes, all with their own charm. The easy access of del Coll Formic means that there is currently a considerable flood of visitors of all kinds who degrade the environment in a worrying way.
It was the starting point of the legendary resistance march "Matagalls - Montserrat" created in 1972 by the Gràcia Hiking Center but, due to the environmental impact around this peak, since 1998 the start has been made at Coll Formic to move from Brull to 2015.
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Parpers Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
It is a gentle port on both sides but it is interesting because it connects with many ports of the coastal mountain range.
The ascent by the Roca del Vallés has 5.3 kms. with a very moderate mean of 3.2%. The port goes from East to West along the C-1415c.
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La Coscollada Observation Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
At the top there is a forest watchtower, and from the very foot of this tower you can see the Pyrenees, Montseny, the coastal and pre-coastal mountains (with Montserrat), the sea, the plain of Barcelona, and some days until everything can be seen on the island of Mallorca.
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Sant Bartomeu de Cabanyes Hermitage
Highlight • Religious Site
It is a simple 11th-12th century Romanesque construction, consisting of a nave covered with a barrel vault and a semicircular apse with a small central window. It has a single-hollow belfry bell tower. During the Spanish civil war all his images were burned.
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Puiggraciós Optical Telegraph Tower
Highlight • Monument
It is worth visiting this place, both hiking and mountain biking MTB, for the enormous satisfaction that comes from reaching this high point and being able to contemplate the exquisite panoramic views of the region.
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Santa Maria de Gallecs Church
Highlight • Religious Site
During the restoration works, Paleo-Christian remains from the 5th or 6th century were found. Located in a suggestive natural area, in its surroundings you can find some farmhouses of architectural interest.
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Torre Marimon
Highlight • Historical Site
The farm is currently owned by the Barcelona Provincial Council, it has an area of 115 ha, of which 60 are forest, 50 are crops and the rest are occupied by buildings and roads. It is located in the municipality of Caldes de Montbui and is intended for the practices of Higher Studies in Agriculture, being managed by the IRTA (Institute for Agrifood Research and Technology)
Torre Marimón's reference in agricultural research continues in force in the Valleys regions, its immediate objective being to promote these activities, compatible with the public use of the farm as a place of enjoyment and meeting of visitors from neighboring municipalities.
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Vallforners Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
It is located in the Montseny massif, between the Ombradors and Palestrins mountains. Downstream is the town of Cánoves. Upstream, the La Calma plain, in the Montseny natural park. The culminating point of the valley is the Puig de Sui, with 1322 m of altitude.
The reservoir belongs to the municipality of Cánoves, in the Vallés Oriental region. It was built between 1985 and 1989 and its special feature is the fact that it was the first reservoir in Catalonia with a stone dam and compacted earth. It has a width of 10 m at the crest, with an impermeable clay core. The dam has been used to raise a small hill on which trees have been planted.
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La Torrassa del Moro
Highlight • Monument
Open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays throughout Catalonia, bar service and sandwiches and barbecue from 9 am to 1 pm.
Telephone 600 761 233.
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Orrius Pass - Sant Bartomeu Pass
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
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Tips from the Community
Built during the Napoleonic era, this tower was part of the optical telegraph network that connected Barcelona with Vic using light signals and mirrors. Interestingly, according to local chroniclers, it never fully functioned: the wind and fog from Puiggraciós made it impossible to see the next station. Even so, it remains a symbol of a time when messages traveled at the speed of the sun, long before the telephone and fiber optic cable.
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About 300 meters before reaching the hermitage along the track from Òrrius, on the left, dry stone walls are preserved, the remains of a shelter used by Republican militiamen during the Civil War. It's not signposted, but it's visible if you get off your bike and explore a bit. The surroundings are very peaceful and steeped in history: the hermitage was also used as a temporary shelter.
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The uphill stretch from Roca del Valles isn't difficult and is a lovely greenery. The descent to the Orrius junction is similar.
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A place with excellent views of the entire southern part of Barcelona, including the Tibidabo antenna and the Ciudad Meridiana and Torre Baró neighborhoods.
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lonely road with lots of vegetation, very pretty
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Coll de Orrius is also known as Coll de Sant Bertomeu.
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It is one of the many climbs that cross the coastal mountain range of the province of Barcelona, connecting in this case the towns of Argentona with Roca del Vallés. It is a port parallel to Coll de Papers, although this is much harder. The Argentona side is longer and with less slope than the Roca del Vallés. The Argentona side is 6.5 km with an average gradient of 4.5%. There is a rest with a descent in the middle area of the port, the second section being harder than the first. The Roca del Vallés side is barely 4 km with a very constant average gradient of 7%. The views of the valleys, the coast and Montseny from the top of the port are very cool and well worth it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural parks can I explore in Valles Oriental?
Valles Oriental is home to several significant natural parks. You can visit Montseny Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its diverse forests and peaks like Matagalls. Another unique site is Sant Miquel del Fai, which combines natural wonders like waterfalls and caves with medieval heritage. Additionally, explore Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park, featuring unique landscapes and a Romanesque monastery at La Mola, or Montnegre i el Corredor Park, offering numerous routes and pathways.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints in Valles Oriental?
For panoramic views, consider visiting the Puiggraciós Optical Telegraph Tower in Figaró-Montmany, a cultural asset of national interest. The La Coscollada Observation Tower also offers great views. Additionally, the Parpers Pass provides views of the entire Vallès region, popular with cyclists.
What historical sites are there to visit in Valles Oriental?
The region boasts a rich history. In Caldes de Montbui, you can explore the ancient Roman Baths and the Font del Lleó (Lion's Fountain), a monumental hot spring. The Santa Maria de Gallecs Church, a 12th-century Romanesque temple with pre-Romanesque vestiges, is another significant historical site. You can also find historical elements at Sant Bartomeu de Cabanyes Hermitage and La Torrassa del Moro.
Can I see examples of Modernist architecture in the region?
Yes, several towns in Valles Oriental showcase significant Modernist heritage. La Garriga and Cardedeu are excellent examples, featuring splendid towers and mansions built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable examples include Casa Barbey and the magnificent Manzana Raspall in La Garriga, and L'Alqueria Cloelia and Casa Rovellat in Cardedeu.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Valles Oriental?
Many natural areas and historical sites are suitable for families. The Santa Maria de Gallecs Church is located in a natural area with farmhouses of architectural interest, making it a pleasant spot for a family outing. The Vallforners Reservoir (Vallforners Reservoir) is also noted as family-friendly, offering a beautiful setting for walks.
What outdoor activities are available in Valles Oriental?
Valles Oriental offers over 1,000 kilometers of signposted routes for walking or cycling. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. The region is crossed by four major long-distance trails (GR-2, GR-5, GR-92, and GR-97). For specific hiking ideas, check out the Hiking around Valles Oriental guide, which includes routes like the 'Castanyer Gros de Can Cuch and Vallforners Reservoir Circular'.
Where can I go cycling or mountain biking in Valles Oriental?
The region is very popular for cycling. The Òrrius Pass is a well-known spot for mountain biking, gravel cycling, and road cycling, offering views of the entire Vallès region. The Parpers Pass is another crossing point for various types of cyclists. You can find more cycling routes in the area.
Are there specific hiking routes recommended in the region?
Yes, there are many hiking opportunities. The Matagalls (1697 m) summit is an iconic hiking mountain in Catalonia, reachable by several routes. For routes near water, consider the Waterfall hikes around Valles Oriental guide, which features trails like the 'Riera de Vallforners Trail'. For mountain hikes, the Mountain Hikes around Valles Oriental guide offers challenging options like the 'Mountaineering loop from Sant Llorenç del Munt'.
Which towns are known for their cultural heritage in Valles Oriental?
Caldes de Montbui is renowned as a historic thermal town since Roman times, featuring public baths and the Thermalia Museum. Granollers, the capital of Valles Oriental, boasts the emblematic 16th-century building La Porxada and the Museu de Granollers. As mentioned, La Garriga and Cardedeu are notable for their Modernist architecture.
What is the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya?
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a major venue located just 30 kilometers from Barcelona. It hosts significant automotive and motorcycle Grand Prix events, making it a point of interest for motorsports enthusiasts.
What is La Roca Village?
La Roca Village is an outdoor shopping destination situated about 40 minutes from Barcelona. It offers discounts on various fashion and lifestyle brands, providing a different kind of attraction for visitors interested in shopping.
What do visitors enjoy most about Valles Oriental?
Visitors appreciate the region's diverse offerings, from the extensive views and iconic hiking opportunities at Matagalls to the historical significance of sites like the Santa Maria de Gallecs Church. The scenic beauty of mountain passes like Parpers Pass and the cultural richness of towns with Modernist architecture are also highly valued.
Most popular routes around Valles Oriental
Most popular attractions around Valles Oriental
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