Have you ever heard about the secret language of nature? About the way it silently connects with us and tenderly surprises us? About its capacity of making us happy while staring at a valley from the top of a mountain, of moving us when seeing a bird flying the nest for the first time, or of making us question about what we, small beings, are doing in such a huge natural place? Catalonia’s rural places are a wise open book, a wide variety of nature activities that must be done respecting the environment and the pace of nature. Come and discover their peculiarities through the wide range of participatory activities in which you will learn, enjoy and live unexpected experiences. Let’s go for them!
Let’s start with some activities that will take you closer to the local wildlife. An original way to do it is to go to Rialp, in the Baix Pallars region, and meet Lina, a craftswoman whose Xisqueta workshop will introduce you to the world of wool. What about trying your hand at weaving and plunging into the magic world of natural dyes?
Another intensive experience that will leave you speechless is the wild discovery of Boumort natural game reserve. The spectacular observation of deer and large birds of prey, including 4x4 vehicles and all the material, will allow you to watch those animals in all their wildness. Depending on the day, you will see stags, deer, chamois, small carnivores, bearded vultures, Egyptian vultures, golden eagles, ... in their natural habitat, at their own pace. In this territory, they are the bosses, and we are just privileged spectators.
The region of Segrià also offers very intense nature experiences, such as bird ringing at Segre-Cinca-Ebre confluence, which will teach you about the natural values of the place and let you see those nice species closely in order to recognize them when we see them flying. It is clear that knowledge means respect, respect means taking care, and taking care means preserving …
Another funny activity you can do in this region is the workshop on animal shelters. Based on the “6 R” concept (recycle, reduce, reuse, recover, repair and rethink), the idea is to transform old wooden pallets into small shelters and mangers for different animal species.
Another interesting family activity is the guided walk through the Pyrenean Wildlife Centre of Son, in the Pallars Sobirà region, in order to discover some of the most representative species of the area such as the bearded vulture and the Iberian lynx. An experience that kids will never forget!
Projecte Noctua, in Montsià, is another initiative of wildlife rehabilitation you shouldn’t miss that is focused on the nocturnal birds of prey you can find in Catalonia. Those spectacular birds which can’t go back to their natural habitat are an excellent tool for environmental education. Seeing them so closely is really breathtaking!
As we all know, walking is always positive, as it allows you to discover amazing places, meeting interesting people and learning things, here and there. Muntanyes de Llibertat trek through Alt Pirineu will allow you to rebuild a chapter of the local history and to look back on the escape of thousands of Jews, who crossed the Pyrenean passes to avoid the holocaust. The dramatic side of the route contrasts with the beauty of the forests and Alpine meadows that host wonderful landscapes.
In Pallars Sobirà, you can also go for a family walk through the Monastero Valley, together with a guide who will tell you about the local legends and show you the wooden footbridges and swamps that are located on the other side of the valley. Low difficulty. Ideal to walk, learn and enjoy with the kids.
In another region, La Pobla de Segur gives you the opportunity to go for a participatory treasure hunt, with all the family. An orienteering game through a mountainous area with several difficulty levels, according to your exploring skills.
If you have several days to live some family adventures through the Pallars Sobirà region, you won’t know which activities to choose from: 4x4 trip through Aigüestortes i Sant Maurici National Park, acrobatic park in Rialp, horse-riding, rafting in Noguera Pallaresa, canyoning, local products tasting, dramatized cultural tours ... Pick one, two, or all of them! Whether you spend two or five days, with or without accommodation, just combine the activities the way you want!
In Port del Comte, you can also spend a wonderful thrilling day with the family in the Adventure Park, with its new ziplines route and its final 150-meter jump. There are routes for all ages.
You can connect with nature in all the territory. What about going for your first dive in Ebro Delta, with a theoretical and practical part, as well as a great photo and video-reportage at the end of the experience?
In the Gironès region, the kids can enjoy pony rides in a privileged natural site and then take care of their mounts, brushing and combing them!
Catalonia’s rural sites are also an open book of wise cuisine; an ancestral tradition which gathers the land and its attributes into delicious traditional dishes. If you want to learn more about the origins of Catalan cuisine and savour the gifts of nature, go for some irresistible activities such as the cooking workshop with local and seasonal products from La Garrotxa or other customized workshops and culinary games, adapted to all kinds of celebrations.
In Altron, in the Pallars Sobirà region, you can also see how cheese is made with the guided tour of the cheese factory and learn about the traditional making process of this highly praised product of the Catalan cuisine and about the secrets of its conservation, in a place with incredible views of Àssua Valley.
Jorba, in the Anoia region, offers another gastronomic experience: discovery of edible wild plants with cooking workshop and tasting. You will be amazed at all the things you can do with the herbs you can find in the forest throughout the year!
And in Montsec, enjoy the jam-making workshop with local products. Depending on the season, nature gives us grapes, courgettes, cucumbers, apples, … Whatever the fruit or vegetable, the technique you will learn will be delightful!
