Discover the GR 175, the Cistercian Route

If there's one route that combines history, art, and nature in a captivating journey, it's the GR 175, known as the Cistercian Route. Stretching 108 km, this trail traverses the regions of Conca de Barberà, Alt Camp, and Urgell, offering the only route that connects the three Cistercian monasteries: Santes Creus, Poblet, and Vallbona de les Monges.

A tour designed for all audiences

The GR 175 is suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and e-mountain biking, allowing for a leisurely and immersive exploration of the landscapes. Hikers traverse rural paths, secondary roads, and mountain trails, enjoying panoramic views of cereal fields, almond groves, olive groves, vineyards, riverbanks, and dry-stone huts. They also venture into protected natural areas, such as the Poblet Natural Park, the Prades Mountains (a future natural park), and the Tossal Gros de Miramar, and cross watershed mountain ranges like the Serra del Tallat and the Serra de Comaverd, from where spectacular views can be admired all the way to the Cogulló peak (881 meters).

The route is recommended for people accustomed to multi-day treks, but its circular layout allows you to start and finish at any point and travel it in either direction. It's also possible to adjust the stages according to the number of days available, accommodation, physical condition, or interests of the participants, using marked alternative routes, taxis or public transport, or hiring guides and luggage transfer services.

The route links the most emblematic Cistercian monasteries through rural roads and mountain trails, offering panoramic views that combine cereal fields, vineyards, oak and holm oak forests, and streams that run through the most picturesque villages.

To enrich the participants' experience, the route includes stamping points at key locations along the way. This allows walkers and cyclists to verify their passage through each municipality and have their Camino Passport Card stamped, tracking their progress and fostering motivation and interaction with the route.

Hiking the GR 175 is not just a cultural journey; it's also a gastronomic and wine tourism experience. The towns along the route offer a variety of places to visit, showcasing high-quality local products such as wines from different designations of origin, extra virgin olive oil, cheeses, fruit, artisanal sweets, and more. It's common for hikers to stop at wineries, restaurants, and local markets to sample these culinary treasures.

In addition, the route is ideal for observing Mediterranean biodiversity, with native flora and fauna that change according to the season, from the burst of spring to the warm colors of autumn.

Routes adapted for mountain biking

The Cistercian Route is also designed for cyclists, with mountain bike-friendly itineraries that allow for safe and comfortable travel. Along the route, there are bike repair and maintenance stations with basic tools and support areas in every town along the way, ensuring that participants can enjoy the journey without any technical difficulties.

The route is fully signposted with white and red GR markings, with directional posts indicating altitude, distances and connections with other GR and PR trails. It also has walkways, railings, stairs and other infrastructure that facilitate passage and increase the safety of participants.

The GR 175 is much more than a trail: it's a gateway to the history, culture, and nature of Alt Camp, Conca de Barberà, and Urgell. Whether you're a heritage enthusiast, a hiking aficionado, or a mountain biker, the GR 175 offers a complete, enriching, and memorable experience. With its stamping points, mountain bike maintenance stations, and diverse culinary and cultural offerings, every step or pedal stroke becomes an opportunity to discover these three regions in depth and with genuine enjoyment.