Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor

Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor is in Barcelona (province) of Catalonia in Spain.

Understand

The park covers an approximate area of ​​15,000 hectares (37,000 acres), between the counties of Maresme and Vallès Oriental. It is formed by the Serra del Corredor and the Massís del Montnegre. The Corredor and the Montnegre are separated by the streams of Vallgorguina and Arenys.

• 1 Central office and information (Oficina del Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor), Església, 13, 2n. 08471 Vallgorguina, ☏ +34 934 727 670, p.montnegre@diba.cat. M-Th 09:00-14:00. Information (updated Aug 2023)
• 2 Information office in Arenys de Munt (Centre d'Informació d'Arenys de Munt), Parc de Can Jalpí (La Central) 08358 Arenys de Munt, ☏ +34 673 37 39 70. Information (updated Aug 2023)
• 3 Sant Celoni Tourist office (Oficina de Turisme de Sant Celoni), Can Ramis. Plaça de la Vila, 24, 08470 Sant Celoni, ☏ +34 938 670 171. Information. (updated Aug 2023)
• 4 Information office in Tordera (Punt d'informació de Tordera), Carrer Sant Antoni, 7, 08490 Tordera (Antic Hospital de pobres), ☏ +34 937 643 717 ext 8015. M-F 09:00-13:00, 16:00-19:00. (updated Aug 2023)

History

The park boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the natural beauty it now preserves. Its story dates back centuries, with evidence of human habitation since the Paleolithic era. In medieval times, the park's lands were the backdrop for feudal disputes and the construction of castles like Montpalau.

As the centuries passed, the park's forests provided valuable timber for shipbuilding during Spain's maritime expansion. In more recent history, it became a refuge for guerrilla fighters during the Spanish Civil War.

Today, this protected area stands as a testament to the region's ecological diversity and its historical significance.

Landscape

The Montnegre and the Corredor constitute a compact and continuous mountainous complex of rather gentle relief with a landscape reshaped by human activity and covered in exuberant Mediterranean forests. The two massifs are, however, very different. Montnegre, bigger and steeper, is also wilder and more impenetrable. The Corridor, on the other hand, shows a gentler and gentler relief, with rounded shapes due to erosion that have favored the agricultural occupation of even the central areas. More than 95% of the park's surface is forested.

Flora and fauna

going from Can Draper to Sant Esteve d'Olzinelles

The geographical location, topography, and climatic variations between the inland slopes and those facing the sea influence and diversify the vegetation covering these mountain ranges. The proximity of the sea, which provides an additional degree of environmental humidity, especially in summer, also promotes the development of lush vegetation enriched with numerous Central European and even Atlantic species.

The most widespread formations are holm oak forests and evergreen oaks, with the latter favored by the economic interest associated with the cork industry. Stone pine forests, also very abundant, characterize the landscape of the coastal slopes of Maresme, where they occupy vineyards and abandoned crops over the past 150 years.

At the higher elevations of Montnegre, the cork oak groves and large-leaved oak groves stand out for their scientific and scenic interest. Amidst the oaks, a wide variety of Central European-affinity plant species grow, including some beech trees that persist due to the high humidity on the ridges.

In the sheltered areas of Montnegre, among hazel groves and evergreen oak forests, there are still significant chestnut tree plantations. Magnificent alder groves are preserved in the wetter lowlands and along the banks of numerous streams and rivers flowing towards the Tordera River.

The park host a rich and varied wildlife population. Among the inhabitants are large mammals like wild boars and roe deer, along with various bird species, including raptors and migrating birds. The well-preserved forests provide habitats for Mediterranean and Central European forest-dwelling species. Notably, this region is part of a major bird migration route in the Western Mediterranean. Open areas support a variety of predators and herbivores, contributing to the area's ecological richness and making it a significant wildlife observation site.

Climate

The climate within Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park exhibits fascinating variations due to its geographical location and topography. It experiences the influence of both the Mediterranean Sea and the inland areas. This results in climatic diversity between the interior slopes and those facing the sea. The proximity of the sea brings additional humidity, particularly during the summer, fostering lush vegetation that includes Central European and even Atlantic species.

Get in

The park is north-east of Barcelona and south-west of Girona and Costa Brava

By train

Rodalies-Renfe trains

• Line R1 i RG1: Mataró, Sant Andreu de Llavaneres, Caldes d'Estrac, Arenys de Mar, Canet de Mar, Sant Pol de Mar, Calella, Pineda de Mar.
• Line R2 nord: Llinars del Vallès, Palautordera, Sant Celoni, Gualba i Riells i Viabrea-Breda

By car

You can get there by the Motorways AP-7, C-60 and C-32.

The C-61 crosses the park from Arenys de mar to Collsacabra to Vallgorguina to sant Celoni.

The B-510 between Dosrius and Llinars del Vallès gives acces to the track to the santuari del corredor.

The BV-5112 runs the Olzinelles Valley from Sant Celoni.

Fees and permits

It's free to enter.

Get around

The parc has mainly unpaved roads. Some of them allow cars. Have in mind that is a small mountain range with almost no flat roads. Be careful with the climbs and descends in a car if you are not used to unpaved roads.

Parking areas

• 5 parking Coll de Can Bordoi (Aparcament Castell del Far), Ctra. B-510, km 8, 08450 Llinars del Vallès. free. (updated Aug 2023)
• 6 Parking Hortsavinyà. free. (updated Aug 2023)
• 7 Parking Can Draper. Signposted parking with capacity for 3 undelimited spaces. This point coincides with the start of the SL-C 79 La vall d'Olzinelles itinerary.Free parking, Historical and cultural heritage site, Natural heritage site, Self-guided itinerary, Signposted itinerary. free. (updated Aug 2023)
• 8 Parking Sant Martí de Montnegre. Signposted parking with capacity for 6 spaces, one of them for disabled individuals, also signposted. Free parking, Historical and cultural heritage element, Natural heritage element, Self-guided itinerary, Signposted itinerary. free. (updated Aug 2023)
• 9 Parking Corredor. Parking in the recreational area. The following itineraries pass through this parking area: GR 92 Mediterranean Long-Distance Path: From Tordera to Llinars del Vallès. SL-C 80 Dolmen de Ca l'Arenes. (updated Aug 2023)
• 10 Parking Can Bosc (Área de aparcamiento de Can Bosc), Pista de acceso al Santuari. 16 places. Free parking, Adapted access, Historical and cultural heritage site, Natural heritage site, Self-guided itinerary, Signposted itinerary, Ruins / Archaeological sites, Panoramic view. (updated Sep 2023)

See

Santuari_del_Corredor

• 1 El Corredor Sanctuary (Santuari del Corredor). Sanctuary at the top of a mountain, great views. There is also a restaurant (open on week-ends only). The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Corredor is located very close to the summit (633.5 m (2,078 ft) above sea level) of the Corredor mountain range. It is built in a late Gothic style and was constructed in the late 16th century. It is a center of devotion in the region and has a great tradition of the pilgrimage that takes place on Easter Monday. The origin of the sanctuary is believed to be a chapel built around 1530 by the farmer Salvi Arenes, from the parish of Sant Andreu del Far. The original image of Our Lady of Socors, created by this same farmer, was replaced by a new image in 1815 and moved to another location within the sanctuary. free. (updated Aug 2023)

Dolmen de Pedra Gentil

• 2 Dolmen de Pedra Gentil. Is a megalithic structure, dating back approximately 4,000 years, is a burial chamber of the so-called single-chamber type. Traditionally, it has been believed to be a gathering place for witches, and to this day, popular celebrations are held there on the night of Saint John. The top stone is broken, and some of the seven supporting stones have been relocated and supplemented to maintain its original height. The original appearance is unknown, although it is documented that the dolmen was restored in 1885. (updated Sep 2023)
• 3 Ca l’Arenes Dolmen. It is a megalithic tomb of the Catalan small gallery type, attributed to an age of about 5,000 years, dating from the Late Neolithic period. It was discovered in 1997 and was excavated and restored by archaeologists between 2006 and 2007. (updated Aug 2023)

• 4 Sant Martí de Montnegre. There is Sant Martí de Montnegre church, and also a hostel. Great views of Montseny mountain. The current church dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Montnegre is mentioned in 1022, and the church was initially associated with the Castle of Montnegre, the center of an extensive jurisdiction that also included Fuirosos, la Batllòria, and Gualba. Until 1867, la Batllòria was dependent on it, and it had the parish of Sant Cebrià de Fuirosos as its subsidiary. It is known to have undergone repairs in 1379. Similarly, in 1737 and 1739, a church visitor noted the need for significant repairs. In 1776, Bishop Gabino de Valladares visited the parish church, which was then constructed. (updated Aug 2023)
• 5 Canyamars Snow Well (Pou de Glaç de Canyamars). Used to make ice and store it. Construction from the 17th-18th centuries. In the southern part, there are two brick arches, which are assumed to have been the supports for the ramp that connected the well with a pond located further up. From this pond, when the water froze, blocks of ice were sent down to the well. Inside the well, layers of ice and straw were created to preserve it until summer, the time of year when it was commercialized. (updated Aug 2023)
• 6 Olzinelles Valley. Starting from Sant Celoni there are a road and paths to Olzinelles Valley. It is located to the south of the municipal area of Sant Celoni. Olzinelles is connected to it via the local road BV-5112 and to Vallgorguina through a forest track. At the center of this dispersed settlement, you'll find the Church of Sant Esteve d'Olzinelles, which was documented as early as 1083, although it underwent renovations in the 16th century. The place was mentioned as Vallis Ollofredis in 1179, in 1331 as Castrum Eulofredii or Vallis de Ulzinellis, and in other texts of that time as Oltzinelles, Olzinelles, Ulzinelles, or Otzinelles. The 1360 census recorded nine households in the so-called parish of Aulineles. In 1421, the parish of Olzinelles incorporated that of Vilardell, another dispersed settlement within the present-day municipality of Sant Celoni. The 1553 census already contained the name "parish of Sant Esteve d'Alzinelles." (updated Aug 2023)
• 7 Hortsavinyà. This hamlet has a long history. The first records of the Church of Santa Eulàlia d'Hortsavinyà date back to the year 1080. Notable on the esplanade are the beautiful Church of Sant Llop, the Church of Santa Eulàlia d'Hortsavinyà, the hermitage of l'Erola, and Sant Miquel de Vallmanya. You can also admire the giant holm oaks of Can Portell (which was damaged by lightning in 2009) and the oak tree of Santa Maria (which fell in 2010). The latter was cataloged by the Generalitat as one of the most spectacular trees in Catalonia; it took 4 people to hug it, but it fell on January 10, 2010, due to heavy snowfall, and now only its fallen remains can be visited. You can reach Hortsavinyà from Pineda de Mar by walking along Quatre Camins or by taking the Camí de les Costes, following the river upstream. Both routes are beautiful and pass through holm oak forests, pine groves, and magnificent chestnut forests. (updated Aug 2023)
• 8 Dosrius Castle (Castell de Dosrius). Small Castle in ruins dated back in 1114. Initially a fortified structure, became linked to the Sant Vicenç de Montalt castle in the 11th century. By 1114, it fell under the jurisdiction of the Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Casserres. The Dosrius family, holding lands that included Canyamars, was vassal to this castle, later passing to the Cartellà family in 1277. In 1453, the Cartellàs bought full dominion over the castle and the Dosrius barony from Casserres. They took the titles of barons of Dosrius and Canyamars. Over time, they merged with the Sentmenat family, retaining control until the old regime's end. In 1690, King Charles II of Spain created the Marquesat de Castelldosrius, awarded to Manuel de Sentmenat Oms de Santa Pau, more than a century after the Sant Pere de Casserres community ceased to exist. (updated Sep 2023)
• 9 Palafolls Castle (Castell de de Palafolls). Palafolls Castle has a history dating back to 1035 when it formed the Barony of Palafolls, encompassing Palafolls, Malgrat, Santa Susanna, and part of Blanes. In 1113, Ramon Berenguer granted the major lordship to the Viscounts of Girona, later known as the Cabrera family. However, the lesser sovereignty remained with Palafolls. The Palafolls family acquired the County of Ariza. In the 14th century, a conflict led to Guillem de Palafolls becoming a royal arms advisor. He eventually sold the castle to King Peter for the Castle of Ariza. Subsequently, the castle passed to the Cabrera family. In the 16th century, it underwent renovations to reinforce coastal defenses against pirates. By the 18th century, it fell into disuse and decay. It changed ownership several times until becoming state property in 1880. Today, the "Friends of Palafolls Castle" organization works to preserve it, with architect Joan Bassegoda i Nonell restoring its church in 1971. (updated Sep 2023)
• 10 Parc Forestal. Visit the mountains above Mataró and enjoy a tipical Mediterranean forest. 

Do

Hiking

Long Range

• The GR92 runs across the full length of the park, between Llinars and Tordera.

• The Spanish GR-5-Viewpoints trail crosses the parc between Sant Celoni and Canet de mar.
• the GR-83 crosses the parc between Viabrea to Sant Martí de Montnegre to Sant Iscle de Vallalta to Canet.

Local routes

• PR-C 216 From Canyamars to Santuari del Corredor. 16 km (9.9 mi), 500 m (1,600 ft) level increase.
• SL-C 80 Parking Can Bosc, Dolmen de Ca l'Arenes, el corredor. 10 km (6.2 mi), 331 m (1,086 ft) level increase.
• SL-C 106 Sant Corneli. Starts in Fogars information point. 10 km (6.2 mi), 284 m (932 ft) level increase.
• PR-C 146 De Calella a Tordera. 23.5 km (14.6 mi), 884 m (2,900 ft) level increase.
• SL-C 79 La vall d'Olzinelles. Starts in Can Draper (Sant Celoni) .10 km (6.2 mi), 200 m (660 ft) level increase.

Mountain bike

Hundreds of Mountain bike ways and paths can be used in the parc. Some suggested routes are:

• Sant Andreu de Llavaneres - Creu de Rupit - Santuari del corredor and return.
• Sant Celoni - Riera Fuirosos - Sant Marti de Montnegre - Return by Cami de Sant Celoni or by Olzinelles.
• Dosrius - Canyamars - Pou de Glaç - Creu de rupit - Santuari del corredor - Can Bordoi - Torrassa del Moro - Dosrius.
• Calella- Hortsavinya - Sant Marti de Montnegre - Collsacreu - Arenys de Mar . Return by train
• Mataro - Can Bruguera - Creu de Rupit - Collsacreu - Sant Marti de Montnegre - Tordera. Return by train

Horse Riding

• 1 Horseway club, Veïnat de La Pujada 29, Argentona, ☏ +34 607 999 048, info@horseway.es. (updated Sep 2023)
• 2 CLUB HÍPICO MERCHE MARTÍNEZ, Ctra. Dosrius a Canyamars, Km. 2.2, 08319 Dosrius, ☏ +34 696 125 969, merche.fru@gmail.com. (updated Sep 2023)
• 3 Terra Eqüestre, ☏ +34 620688892 , +34 630211170, terraequestre@gmail.com. (updated Sep 2023)

Kid activities

• Bosc vertical, Ctra. Dosrius a Canyamars, Km. 1,5 - 08319 Dosrius, ☏ +34 666 591 988, info@boscvertical.com. kid adventures on the trees, from 11€. (updated Feb 2024)

Buy

There are no specific products of the parc. In the surrounding cities you can find some local producers of food products.

Eat

• 1 Santuari del Corredor (at B-510 starts a small road with many sections unpaved). F Sa 08:00 - 24:00, Su 08:00-17:00. Restaurant inside a 16th-century sanctuary. Grilled meats. €30. (updated Aug 2023)
• 2 Restaurant Montnegre, Carretera Montnegre, KM. 9, Montnegre (in C-35 road going NE after Sant Celoni there is a small road, the first part is paved and then gravel), ☏ +34 656388622. Sa Su 09:00-16:00. A restaurant up in the mountain, with panoramic views and grilled meats. (updated Aug 2023)
• 3 Tarannà Parc Forestal, ☏ +34 663 348 794. It has great views over the city and the sea. Informal and terrace over no pavement. Access preferably by car. No public transportation near. from €25. (updated Aug 2023)
• 4 Restaurant Can Bruguera, Camí de la Cornisa, 39 (Mataró), ☏ +34 93 790 36 43. Grilled meats, cyclist breakfast. (updated Sep 2023)
• 5 Cal Víctor, carrer major, ☏ +34 937 955 010. Tu closed, F Sa 09:00-00:30, M W Th Su 09:00-21:00. (updated Feb 2024)

Picnic areas

• 6 El Corredor recreational area (Área de recreo de El Corredor), Pista forestal de Can Bordoi (Llinars del Vallès) a Vallgorguina, ☏ +34 677 477 089. Free parking, adapted access, pedagogical and environmental education activities, camping area, recreation area, Historical and cultural heritage site, natural heritage site, personalized information, self-guided itinerary, signposted itinerary, guided tour, loan of adapted equipment, ruins, archaeological sites, panoramic view. (updated Sep 2023)
• 7 Hortsavinyà recreational area (Área de recreo de Hortsavinyà), Pista forestal de Tordera a Calella, ☏ +34 937 443 327. Free parking, adapted access, restrooms / WC, pedagogical and environmental education activities, Recreation area, Training courses, historical and cultural heritage site, Natural heritage site, water source, self-guided itinerary, signposted itinerary, guided tour, loan of adapted equipment, panoramic view. (updated Sep 2023)

Drink

Springs

• See Hortsavinyà recreational area
• See Sant Marti del montnegre recreational area
• See el corredor recreational area
• 1 Font de Lourdes (olzinelles valley). (updated Sep 2023)
• 2 Font del Rector (olzinelles valley). (updated Sep 2023)
• 3 Font de la Figuerassa. (updated Sep 2023)
• 4 Font de Ca l'Arenes. (updated Sep 2023)
• 5 Font de Ferro. (updated Sep 2023)
• 6 Font de Can Bosc. (updated Sep 2023)
• 7 Font dels Tres Raigs. (updated Sep 2023)
• 8 Font del Parc Forestal. (updated Sep 2023)

Sleep

The best option for finding lodging is to look in surrounding villages like Mataró, Sant Celoni,Calella Santa Susanna, Sant Pol de Mar , Tordera or even in Barcelona.

Camping

See El Corredor recreational area in the Eat section.

Stay safe

In summer time don't do fire in the wild. There are big fines and you can easily burn the forest. Mediterranean forests are quite dry in summer time.

Go next

Parc de la Serralada Litoral: following the GR92 south you get to this park. Entering by Urb.Sant Carles you can follow the GR92 until La conreria in Badalona.

Visit Montseny Natural Park