Parc del Garraf

Parc del Garraf is in Barcelona (province) of Catalonia. Great views over the sea and of the arid interior lands. The park is well known for its limestone rock landscapes. This arid expanse in the south-western Catalan coastal mountain range boasts captivating karstic formations, featuring caves, sinkholes, and limestone pavement.

Understand
Covering 12,376 hectares in the El Garraf district, limestone rock dominates the landscape, adorning vineyard buildings and ancient farmhouses. Within the park's boundaries, nature and history entwine, creating a unique environment where the earth's very foundation tells an ancient tale. Explore the rich karstic shapes and the enchanting beauty of El Garraf Park. In the park, you'll find remnants of ancient human occupation, such as the Eramprunyà Castle and the abandoned villages of Campdàsens and Jafre, as well as farmhouses that are still engaged in agricultural activities or providing services to the park, like Can Planes and La Pleta. Right on the park's border, you'll also discover the Cross of Saint Isidore on Puig d'en Boronet, highly cherished by the residents of Sitges.

History


Garraf, often seen as a remote and depopulated region, holds a complex history of human interaction. While signs of ancient habitation exist, it was in the 18th century that the population began to grow significantly, fostering extensive vineyards and wheat fields. However, the devastating phylloxera outbreak in 1879-1880 halted this agricultural prosperity. Presently, Garraf faces challenges such as quarries, shooting ranges, and waste sites, compounded by forest fires. Its designation as a natural park seeks to preserve its unique identity. Managed by the Diputació de Barcelona, it's part of the Network of Natural Parks, promoting sustainable land use and responding to the need for educational activities and recreational facilities in the natural environment.

Landscape
The Garraf Mountains, located in the southern part of the Serralada de Marina or Litoral, offer a unique and distinctive landscape. With low rounded reliefs, deep valleys, rocky walls, and sparse vegetation including maquis, holm oaks, pine forests, shrubs, and meadows, it creates a wild and arid atmosphere. The coastal location results in a typical Mediterranean climate with low but torrential spring and autumn rains, mild winters, and hot, dry summers, influencing the local flora and fauna. The limestone substrate has led to the formation of karstic features like caves, dolines, and sinkholes. Human activities such as agriculture and livestock have significantly shaped the landscape, but they have largely been abandoned, leaving the area susceptible to wildfires due to the accumulation of easily ignitable vegetation.

Flora and fauna
The Mediterranean holm oak forest is in regression in the Garraf region, occupying a significantly smaller area than in the past. Today, remnants of this ecosystem are found only in isolated locations in the northern mountains of Olesa and the Bruguers area, primarily in humid spots with deep soil. In some areas, it coexists with the kermes oak or boxwood. Other plant communities in Garraf include degraded evergreen oak woodlands with boxwood, fire-favored maquis, white pine forests (covering a significant part of the wooded area in the park), and the degraded coastal maquis. The landscape is influenced by new activities and infrastructure, such as urbanization, residential tourism, quarries, landfills, radars, antennas, and power lines, resulting in deforested areas.

The harsh environmental conditions, characterized by intense sunlight, water scarcity, limited vegetation, and rugged terrain, support a unique fauna adapted to these peculiar conditions. Notable bird species in the area include the blue rock thrush, black wheatear, Rock Bunting, and woodlark, as well as endangered raptors like the peregrine falcon and Bonelli's eagle. The coastal slopes provide opportunities for marine birds, including the recent establishment of the shag colony. The ecological transition between holm oak forests and Mediterranean maquis and kermes oak is also reflected in the herpetofauna, with species ranging from the thermophilic North African horseshoe snake and Iberian worm lizard to the Central European fire salamander and common wall lizard. Moreover, the extensive karst system in the region has allowed the development of fascinating subterranean life, including unique endemic species found nowhere else in the world.

Climate
The coastal location defines a typically Mediterranean climate with limited but heavy spring and autumn rains, mild and temperate winters, and hot, dry summers. This last characteristic limits the number of animal species capable of establishing themselves. To withstand these conditions, plants have developed a series of adaptations aimed at survival and improving their effectiveness in competing with other vegetation.

The torrential nature of the rains causes an exceptionally powerful mechanical erosion that carries all kinds of materials. When combined with chemical erosion that dissolves the limestone rock, the effect is impressive: deep and steep valleys and streams with a winding and beautiful course that locals refer to as "fondos".

By car

 * AP-7 (exits 28, 29, and 30)
 * C-32 (exits 21 to 48)
 * C-31 (exits from Gavà to Vilanova i la Geltrú)
 * C-15 (exits from Vilanova i la Geltrú to Vilafranca del Penedès)
 * N-340 (exits from Avinyonet del Penedès to Vilafranca del Penedès)
 * BV-2041 (from Gavà to Begues)
 * BV-2111 (from Sant Pere de Ribes to Olivella)
 * BV-2411 (from Begues to Avinyó Nou)

By rail
Renfe. Tel. +34 902 240 202


 * Line R2 Sud (Sant Vicenç de Calders).
 * Stops in Gavà - Castelldefels - Platja de Castelldefels - Garraf - Sitges - Vilanova i la Geltrú

By bus
Mohn SL. Tel. +34 902 023 393


 * Line 902 (Barcelona-Gavà-Begues-Olesa de Bonesvalls)

La Hispano Igualadina SA. Tel. +34 902 447 726

MON-BUS. Tel. +34 938 937 511


 * Vendrell - Barcelona Line, ronda Universitat.
 * Stops in Vilanova, Sitges, and Sant Pere de Ribes

Long range Hiking

 * The GR 5, or Viewpoints Trail (Sender dels miradors) crosses the park south no north on his Western side.
 * The GR92, or Medierranean trail, crosses the park.

Local hikes

 * SL-C 100 Castell vell d'Olivella ,, climb, starts in La Sala d'Olivella information center (See ),  Explore the less-traveled path to the Old Castle of Olivella from the charming village, offering a picturesque journey through the Garraf massif. Enjoy spring blooms, capturing scenic views of Olivella and discovering points of interest like the reservoir and castle ruins.
 * PR-C 39 Camí d'Eramprunyà,, climb, easy route, starts in La Sentiu picnic area (See ), Explore the captivating Sentiu Valley with this nearly circular route, unveiling iconic farmsteads like Can Dardena, Can Vinyes, Can Pardal, and Can Flocant. Traverse diverse landscapes shaped by Garraf's geological wonders: the white Garraf boasts limestone formations and typical Mediterranean flora, the red Garraf reveals siliceous sandstone adorned with heathland, and the black Garraf showcases schists and slates with pine and holm oak. For an optimal experience, wear suitable footwear, carry water—especially during warmer months—and consider binoculars for enhanced wildlife observation and panoramic vistas.
 * PR-C 37 Masies del Garraf,, climb,  starts in La Sala d'Olivella information center (See ). Embark on the circular trail starting from Olivella, weaving through the charming farmsteads of Garraf Park, offering a glimpse into the historical agricultural and pastoral legacy of the massif. Rated with a moderate difficulty level, this route predominantly follows the well-marked PR 37 'Masies del Garraf' paths. Don't forget to bring along water for the journey, and consider carrying binoculars to enhance your wildlife spotting and enjoy the breathtaking panoramas along the way.
 * Can Grau Sensorial itinerary., starts in Parc del Garraf Astronomic Observatory (see  section). Circular path thoughtfully crafted for those with visual impairments, offering a universal experience for non-reading children and adult readers alike. Beginning at the Can Grau Nature School, the route provides diverse sensory experiences, promoting independent exploration for children and engaging activities for adults. With an observation point on a small hill, participants receive visual guidance, and appropriate walking footwear is recommended. Please note that cycling is not permitted on this route. Embark on this inclusive journey, embracing the beauty of sensory exploration in the heart of nature.
 * The solar system Hike . Up to, starts in   Parc del Garraf Astronomic Observatory  (See  section). Follows GR 5 Viewpoints trail: The Solar System Adventure
 * Embark on a unique journey along the GR-5 trail in Garraf, where an extraordinary experience awaits – a scale model of our solar system, showcasing the eight planets. The intricate representation, with 1 mm symbolizing 1000 km, unfolds as you traverse the stunning Garraf Park.
 * Begin your walk from Sitges or Olesa de Bonesvalls, and as you progress through the GR5, witness a celestial marvel. Picture the Iberian Peninsula condensed to a mere 1mm. Each meter you cover signifies a million kilometers, offering an awe-inspiring perspective of the vast distances in our solar system.
 * Marvel at this cosmic voyage, experiencing the journey from Neptune's orbit to the radiant Sun, a 1.40-m sphere nestled within the astronomical observatory near Can Grau. As you pace through this cosmic trail, ponder the impossible – walking at almost five times the speed of light. For a true simulation of light speed, move at 30 cm/second and contemplate the immense distances bridged during your solar system trek.

Climbing
There are many climbing locations. However, there are some restricted areas due to conflicts with bird reproduction. Check regulations at: Garraf Park regulations (Catalan & Spanish only).

Caving
There are many caving locations around the park. Chek with main tourist office for regulations and permits. Park in Pla de Querol and, in the north part, following the TV station road, there are many caves.

Road cycling
The climb of the Ratpenat road from Castelldefels is a demanding climb well known among locals.

Mountain biking
There are many trails along the park.

Sleep

 * You can only camp in authorized campgrounds and camping areas.
 * Outdoor overnight stays (bivouacking) are only allowed during necessary excursions and treks, in small groups, and during nighttime, from sunset to sunrise.
 * Free camping is not allowed in any form, including motorhomes.

Lodging
There are many lodgings in villages around the park, like Sitges. Even Barcelona is close enough.