TOURISM

Some 14 km from Oliana is Coll de Nargó, a municipality made up of 5 villages, offering us interesting some interesting landmarks, the first being the the caves of Ormini. Located between Sierra de Sant Joan and Finestres, the caves are open for visits and feature large galleries of very curiously shaped stalagmites and stalactites.

between the Fenollet country house and Montanissell there are also various dolmens, such as Roget. Or the remains of an even remoter past, that of the dinosaurs. The 

Dinosfera de Coll de Nargó museum of dinosaurs features an exhibition that, through audiovisuals, games, actual fossils, replicas and reconstructions, reveals and showcases these animals that lived in the Pyrenees more than 66 million years ago. This particular area is considered to be one of the most important dinosaur nesting areas in the world.

Also of interest is the route that connects Coll de Nargó with Gavarra, which can be travelled on foot or by bicycle through spectacular scenery and leading to the stone houses of Gavarra on the last stretch. Climbers also have a point of reference, the Giants of Coll Piquer and those who enjoy mountains do not want to miss out on the route that goes from Coll de Nargó to Roc Roi.

There are two major events held annually: In August, the descent of the timber rafters between the poplars of Fígols and the Espia bridge. A long-standing occupation that has an interesting museum dedicated to it. Then, on 12th October, there is the Rovelló Fair, where visitors can discover all type of craft products, in addition to mushrooms.

Halfway between Seu d’Urgell and Ponts lies Organyà, recognised on a historical and literary level for being the municipality where one of the oldest known texts written in Catalan was found: The Homilies d’Organyà. Right among the papers in the rectory of Santa Maria d’Organyà, a Romanesque church dating back to the 10th century. Some of the most outstanding features are the main façade with an archivolted portal, the oeil-de-boeuf window, the upper arcade gallery and the rectangular bell tower. A small exhibition explains the importance of the document.

Other notable points are the ‘Les Homilies de Organyà’ monument, the old town, the medieval bridges called Pontarrons and the Bordonera fountain. Also worthy of mention are the wide variety of tourist services that provide different excursions, activities and adventure sports.

Nearby is the Tres Ponts gorge, for lovers of climbing and hiking. In addition to all this, there is the rock of Santa Fe and its eponymous hermitage, which forms part of the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia. Those keen on paragliding will find the Cogulló mountain to be the ideal spot. And fans of Prehistory can follow the through through the Cabó valley, the most interesting being the Colomera, Pedracabana and Oliva dolmens.

Discover more about all these places here.

The small municipality of Peramola is located in the wide Segre valley, in the foothills of the Pre-Pyrenees (Sierra de Sant Honorat and Sierra de Aubenç). It still retains traces of its medieval past, such as the wall, the Romanesque church of Sant Miquel, the arches on the narrow houses, stone windows and the structure that defines many of the homes.

Very close to this municipality is what remains of the old tower of ‘Los Moros’ (possibly a subsidiary construction of the town’s castle), as well as the ruins of the Sant Honorat hermitage, which preserves the portal with a voussoir arch, bearing the date 1729. A walk along the ‘Camí de les Fonts’ is another of the municipality’s attractions, with a visit to the ‘Clot de la Font Viva’ waterfall being an must.

And of course there is also the ‘Roca dels Moros’, featuring an interesting set of cave paintings, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Discover more of Peramola’s cultural and historical offerings here.

Located in the northeast of the Noguera region, the Barony of Rialb is a large municipality structured around the river Rialb. The barony is currently formed by eleven communities spread throughout the valley: Gualter, la Sierra, la Torre, Politg, Pallerols, Vilaplana, Bellfort, Palau, el Puig, Sant Cristóbal de la Donzell and Sant Martí. Fortifications, farmhouses, churches, chapels… All bear witness to the importance of the barony throughout history.

Between the Rialb tower and Politg is the Area of the Dolmen, made up of the Sòls de Riu dolmen, the church of Santa Eulalia de Pomanyons and the water cisterns of the old Pomanyons defence tower. There is also the ‘Tres Pilars’ dolmen, some prehistoric materials of which are kept in the Diocesan and Regional Museum of Solsona.

The monastery of Santa Maria of Gualter is also a place well worth visiting. The original church was built in the 12th century. This architectural complex consists of a monastic church with a basilica floor plan and cloistered enclosure, where you can appreciate the grandeur and beauty of the Romanesque structure. Today, only the south gallery of the original Romanesque cloister remains, with a wooden roof and rounded arches, supported by short columns crowned with capitals bearing plant motifs.

Another important testimony to the municipality’s rich heritage is the parish church of Sant Esteve. Although the building’s current appearance corresponds to the restyling work carried out in 1793, it still retains elements of the old Romanesque church.

Visit the Barony of Rialb website to be amazed by the rich heritage and the secrets that this municipality conceals.

Alt Urgell has more than a hundred Romanesque monuments including churches, castles and bridges, most of which constitute the so-called Romanesque Route. This road connects Perpignan with Bassella, passing through Conflent and Cerdanya. As it passes through Alt Urgell, it is divided into eight walks, featuring iconic examples of Catalan Romanesque buildings, such as Santa Maria de Organyà, the cloister of Santa María de la Seu d’Urgell or Sant Martí de Bescaran.

Near to Oliana, Peramola and Bassella, the southern area of ​​Alt Urgell offers us Sant Miquel de Peramola, Santa Maria de Castell-Llebre, Santa Llúcia de Tragó, Sant Andreu de Castell and Sant Serni de la Sala. Also quite close in the Coll de Nargó area, we can find Sant Climent de Coll de Nargó, Sant Miquel de les Masies, Sant Martí de la Plana, Sant Maximí de Sallent, Sant Serni de Gavarra and Sant Romà de Valldarques.

Click here to the view the wealth of Romanesque heritage that you can find in Alt Urgell

The Alt Urgell and Cerdanya regions are known for their dairy industry, offering a significant variety of outstanding artisanal products. The most notable of which being the Alt Urgell and Cerdanya PDO cheeses. A cured, full-fat pressed cheese made with pasteurised whole milk from Friesian cows. Covered by a washed, light brown natural rind, the cheese itself is cream or ivory in colour, with abundant small irregular eyes, soft texture and mild flavour.

Urgelia cheese, Casa de la Penella – Peramola, cottage cheese from Castell-Llebre, Serrat Gros from Cal Codina, Pebrat or Tupí d’Ossera, cured goat cheese from Mas d’Eroles, Serrat sheep cheese at the Molino de Pons de Prullans or Lo Coscollet and Brossat from the Formatgeria L’Oliva, Oliana… are just some of the cheeses that you can taste in the region. If you like cheese, definitely come and discover the wide variety of products on offer.

A 32 km walk starting off from Organyà that combines art, culture and nature, with a total of 8 dolmens to discover on foot or by bike. The first can be found just 2.8 km away, namely the Serrat de les Cobertrades dolmen, at a spot offering fantastic views of Organyà. Next, continuing along the track to the 3.7km mark, passing two paths on the right, you reach the Colomera dolmen.

The route continues along the track to reveal the Serrat de Malpàs dolmen, at the 4.2km mark. After this, at 4.7 km, climb the l’Oliva rise to reach Pomajor hill and then continue along the same track, passing through the Boixadera gully and the Maçanes until you almost reach Cabó. When you reach Cal Simon, at 8.8 km, you have to turn right and take the track coming from Senyús, go through El Bullic, past the new church to reach the southern crossroads for the town of Cabó, at km 9.3 we find another dolmen.

Continuing along the path that turns to the left, the track leads you to the Romanesque hermitage of Sant Serni. Now you have to go down the same track to the road, turn left and cross the bridge over the Cabó river. Follow the forest track that leads to Cap de la Vall, passing by Can Pui and leaving the Carrabina mill behind you. 30m beyond this crossroad is the top stone of another dolmen that was dismantled.

A little further on, at 14.3 km, is the Molí de Favà dolmen. And after a brief stop, the route continues towards the Caixa fountain, strictly speaking the source of the Cabó river.

At this point, the path ends, so go down towards Favà, looking for the Organyà road. At about 21.8 km stands the Can Boixadera dolmen and a little further on the Clot de les Canyes dolmen. At the 24.2 km mark, the Pedracabana dolmen and the Oliva dolmen appear. The route ends the tour in Organyà. Find out more details here.

Between Solsonès and Alt Urgell is the Ribera Salada, a river course of great interest, given that it conserves valuable ecosystems with a significant representation of riverside woods. A fact that merits it the category of Protected Natural Area (Natura 2000 network: Special Areas of Conservation). There are many interesting places along its course, such as the Clop bridge, a section of the river that, due to the quality of the water and the shallowness, is an ideal bathing spot. Just upstream of this is the serpent channel, a stretch where the water flow has fashioned very curious shapes into the river passage. 

The Serra Seca viewpoint, near Cambrils, can be reached via the LV-4011 road. This viewpoint provides an exceptional view of the Ribera Salada, along with the Port del Comte massif and Serra dels Obacs. Also heading towards Cambrils, is the municipality of Odèn, known for its salterns, which bear witness to an important mountain-based commercial activity with a very long history. The municipality also features the ruins of its old castle and the church of Santa Cecília.

Other notable sights along the Ribera Salada are the Cal Sala Fountain located in the centre of Racó, the Cal Sala waterfall, the hermitage of San Quintín and the Codro del Elefante. Not to mention a very important spot, that of Aigüesjuntes, where the river Fred and the Canalda stream come together to form the Ribera Salada.

Located in Bassella, on the road between Ponts and Oliana, the Motorcycle Museum is recognized as one of the best in Europe and has become a benchmark, as well as an obligatory stop on the way to Andorra. The exhibition provides an interesting historical journey from the most rudimentary models to those of today, through a selection of the main national and international brands. The museum also houses the original workshop where Mario Soler rebuilt most of the motorcycles that go to form the current collection. It was actually in another location but it was moved piece by piece without overlooking anything.

It opened in 2002, becoming the first museum in all of Catalonia and Spain dedicated entirely to the history and culture of the motorcycle. Today it houses more than 190 motorcycles of both national and international brands, with prototypes and unique pieces. And all in over 1000m² of exhibition space, divided into two open-plan halls. Throughout the year the museum organises various activities, including guided tours for both the general public as well as schools.

Visit their website, you’ll love it! Click here.

The Oliana and Rialb Reservoirs have become two landmarks within the territory. Not only because of the waters that they hold, but also because of the wide variety of activities that they offer. Among the most popular activities are the kayaking trips, allowing you to discover spaces and valleys that the construction of the reservoir left isolated. For example, the Oliana reservoir is the perfect vantage point to admire the Turp, Anoves and Valldans mountains, especially impressive when approaching the walls of Turb and Auvenç and visiting the Esplovins Gorge.

Other activities that can be done on these calm waters include canoeing, ski-bob, windsurfing and paddle surfing. And the surroundings are ideal for adventure sports. The most popular activities are canyoning on the Rialb river, beginner’s courses in climbing, Nordic walking, ATB, enduro and motocross. The area is also a choice spot for fishing, and apart from the Rialb and Oliana reservoirs, the Ponts and Oliana fishing grounds on the Segre River and the Rialb River are very well known.

In addition, there are information panels placed throughout the area, providing information about the different species that inhabit the environment. As well as those that give information about the terrain, the surrounding mountains and the cultural heritage of these beauty spots.

Oliana Reservoir Activities: Kayaks & Summits – Lo Bosquet del Pantà

Rialb Reservoir Activities: LAPICA FUN – Segre Rialb Nautical Club

Located in Odèn (29 km from Cal Petit), the Pyrenees Zoo is a wildlife refuge. Consequently, it can only be visited accompanied by a guide. Different activities are organised all year round to highlight the incredible work that the zoo does to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals, being home to more than 40 animal species, all native to the Catalan Pyrenees. A prime location with ideal conditions to allow you to experience a true spectacle of nature, thanks to the spontaneity of its inhabitants

Accompanied by the guide, you can pet some of the animals and even feed or help train them. All set in a peaceful environment, where the most important values ​​are to respect nature and the animals. You also can see wild vultures, hawks and eagles in their natural habitats of breathtaking landscapes. A wonderful experience that allows you to see a third of the whole of Catalonia in an instant, while enjoying the exciting world of the Pyrenean wildlife. 

Discover the Pyrenees Zoo by clicking here.

Did you know that where the mountains of Pre-Pyrenees stand today, was home to the last dinosaurs in Europe, more than 66 million years ago? Today, thanks to the Dinosaures dels Pirineus network, we can discover what these lands were like and the animal and plant species that inhabited them. The Dinosfera de Coll de Nargó is one of the interpretation centres that forms part of this network that, thanks to careful research and interpretation of recovered fossils (bones, eggs and fossilised footprints), opens a window into this fascinating past.

The exhibition, arranged in nine thematic areas, uses audiovisuals, interactive games, actual fossils, replicas and reconstructions, to show the different dinosaur species that inhabited the Pyrenees. The first two areas recreate the landscape and explain the deposits found in the area. The third and fourth areas focus on the eggs from a general point of view, highlighting the importance that the largest dinosaur nest in Europe, found in Coll de Nargó, truly deserves.

The fifth area explains the find, and the excavation, restoration and study of this find. And it does so by means of an interactive game that recreates this excavation process. The sixth and seventh areas reveal the current lines of study as well as those being developed. Finally, the eighth area explains what happened on earth when the dinosaurs became extinct.

Visit the past and come to Dinosfera!

Salí de Cambrils, located 34 km from Cal Petit, is one of the few mountain salterns to be found in Catalonia. It would appear that the site was already used by farmers and residents of Cambrils alike during Middle Ages, who took advantage of the salt both for their own consumption and for their livestock. However, the saltern as such began to function at the end of the 18th century. From then up until the mid 20th century, the complex was used to supply Solsonès and Alt Urgell with salt.

The salterns, as we know them today, were built between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, centred around two places parallel to the River Fred (tributary of Segre): Font Salada and Les Cabanetes. Along with these, the terraced evaporation beds are one of the most characteristic features, where the water gives way to small mountains of salt. In this same Saltern there is also the building that was used as an office, warehouse and residence, although now divided into two: Casa Nova and Casa Vella.

Nowadays represents an important testimony to the production activity carried out in the mountains, allowing us to learn more about the ingenious system of using fresh with salt water. It is open for both individual and group visits. A great way to get to know the site is on a guided tour, providing a detailed explanation about the various mills that formed part of the complex, as well as the entire process for producing salt. There is also an alternative way of enjoying this space, by means of a therapeutic bath.

A full day out. Learn about everything that Salí de Cambrils has to offer by clicking here.

Located next to Oliana, this via ferrata is known as the Serra de les Canals vertical trail. The route is in a figure of 8, divided into 2 clearly distinct circuits. The total route covers 1.42 km, with a maximum height of 864 m and a drop of approximately 200 m. To complete the route, the use of a helmet, harness and via ferrata kit (energy absorber or safety plate and K-type carabiners) is compulsory. It is also advisable to bring an anchor or rest with a large opening carabiner, climbing shoes, gloves and water.

The first circuit is less difficult and is ideal for beginners or family climbs. The climb is steady with a drop of 150 m, alternating clamps and chains. On reaching the top, exit towards the right along the crest over a distance of more than 500 m. Then, after crossing the plank bridge, there is a gentler stretch with clamps and a chain that takes you down to the base of the wall. The circuit takes about 1 hour and there is no option to turn back throughout the trail. To access the second circuit, turn left, following a chain that leads under the Three Cross Rock. The circuit takes about 1 hour to complete.

Everything you need to know about the Serra de les Canals Via Ferrata can be found here.

Formatges L’Oliva is a project that began in 2011, taken on by a young couple who wanted to restore a barn at the family farmhouse. They produce goat’s milk cheeses in a completely traditional way. The milk is currently sourced from a local farm, however, they have started raising their own herd of dairy goats to supply the cheese dairy.

They currently make five goat cheeses: Rumbau (cut, pressed and aged for 80 days), Coscollet (soft cheese, sour curd and rind, made with pasteurized milk), Turp and Cendrat (soft cheese, sour curd, made from raw milk), L’Orri (cheeses macerated with olive oil and herbs). In addition to these, they also produce “brossat” and “recuit”.

The workroom and farm are both open for visits, workshops and tastings. An enjoyable activity for the whole family! Discover L’Oliva cheese dairy here.

Alt Urgell is a veritable paradise for cycling aficionados, both road cycling and ATT. At Cal Petit we provide space to store your bike as well as a small workshop in case you need to do any repairs. From among the variety of available routes, we propose the following:

· Route of the Cabó dolmens, relatively easy route of just under 28 km with two major attractions: the landscape and the valley’s megalithic tombs. The route starts and ends in Organyà. The most exceptional views over the valley are to be found right next to the Espluga del Molí de Favà dolmen.

· Gavarra Circular Route, a route of just over 40 km with a very varied landscape that passes through solitary but extremely beautiful countryside, along the foothills of the Aubenç mountain range, the Tolustre plain and the Valldarques canyon. Three essential stops are: the old church of Sant Climent, the Torre del Duc tower and Gavarra, with its stone houses, castle and the view over the plains of Noguera and Urgell.

· Corb, Cortiuada and Castell-llebre, a highly demanding circular route, offering a variety of landscapes and slopes. With some interesting spots such as the Roca del Corb and the Sierra de Sant Honorat. The route is about 37 km long, ascending to 1,264 m its highest point. 

· Tour around the Rialb reservoir (Rialb ATB Tour), a route made up of trails and tracks with beautiful views of the Rialb reservoir and the mountains that surround the northeast of Noguera and the south of Alt Urgell. It starts and finishes in the village of Tiurana, with a total distance of 68.5 km.

Discover more ATB and road bike routes at wikiloc.

Our prime location surrounded by nature gives us beauty spots in all directions. And discovering them on foot is a delight. Below are some of the routes that we like the most:

· The Fountain Walk, a circular route around the the outskirts of Oliana, 8.22 km long and moderately difficult This route passes by the Gotzena fountain, the Aube fountain, Reguer del Jaumet and the church of Sant Jaume. This last spot offers you beautiful views of the Segre Valley.

· Sant Andreu del Castell Route, a relatively easy 6 km circular route that takes in the castle of Oliana and the church of Sant Andreu del Castell. It also passes along the extremely scenic Serra de les Canals.

· Sierra de Oliana Walk, an almost circular 17km route that starts next to the Escola Sant Jordi de Oliana to reach the Gotzena Fountain, the Llaceres Cross and Cal Caramet, with beautiful views of the Serra de les Canals on your right. The route also passes by the hermitage of Sant Jaume de Graell.

· GR1 – Les Encantades, a practically circular, highly demanding route some 25 km long, which runs through the Serra de les Canals, continuing towards Coll del Portell, with the Oliana reservoir at our feet and the Sierra de Aubenç ahead, leading to Les Encantades, rounded mountainous terrain with a jagged appearance.

Discover the best-known hiking trails that you can do in Alt Urgell by clicking here.

Our location in the middle of a beautiful mountain environment is the perfect place for practising off-road motor sports, as well as an incomparable setting for complementary outdoor activities (ATB, rafting, canyoning, trekking, among many others).

SUV and 4×4: enjoy a true off-road experience on specially designed off-road circuits and tracks.

Bassella Motocross Park: A private, FCM approved, 1.6 km long track. Managed by the Sip Sport Club, who organise different free practice and timed training sessions throughout the year.

Kartcross: Test your limits and become a driver for a day at the wheel of a crosskart with more than 100CV of power for less than 300 kg weight. You will be supervised by instructors who will help you improve.

Excursions and routes: two or four wheels, on-road or off-road, discover the Pre-Pyrenean surroundings of Lleida with an excursion. Mushroom route, Romanesque route, smugglers route, and many more!

Would you like to see amazing places and enjoy nature to the full? Don’t miss out on what Bassella Experiences has to offer.