Sant Llorenç De La Muga: Walls, Muga Valley and Nature

Sant Llorenç de la Muga begins with a well-preserved medieval walled complex. The medieval fortification comprises three entrance gates as well as several towers with a circular or square ground plan. The Torre de Guaita dates from the 13th century and has a completely circular ground plan. Its viewpoint stretches across the Muga Valley and the town of Sant Llorenç.

Buildings

In the municipality lies Santa Maria del Palau, a single-nave, rectangular church with a continuous pointed vault and a semicircular apse. To visit it, ask for the key at the neighbouring house. The medieval town fortifications are also connected with the small gardens outside the town walls, where the famous Mongetes de Sant Llorenç are grown.

Nature

The La Muga River crosses the municipality of Sant Llorenç de la Muga over a distance of eleven kilometres. The natural area includes the Penya-segats de la Muga protected area. It is the only known site in Catalonia for several valuable species of cryptogamic flora, including ferns and mosses. The landscape is characterised by acidic red conglomerate cliffs and particularly unique botany featuring ferns, mosses and fungi. Along the Muga there are various gorgs that invite visitors to swim.

Trails and activities

The signposted Camino Natural de la Muga runs from Sant Llorenç de la Muga to Castelló d’Empúries. Fishing, cycling and hiking are possible along this route; it can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. For cycling, the Camí Natural de la Muga en BTT is described as a 42-kilometre route with 498 metres of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty level.

The Pujada a la ermita de Sant Jordi route leads from the town of Sant Llorenç de la Muga to the Sant Jordi chapel. Its viewpoint offers views of the end of the reservoir and across the Empordà plain to the sea. The Passeig de Sant Antoni runs along an approximately 800-metre section from the Sant Antoni hermitage to the Sínia and is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The Fox Trail is a mountain race in Sant Llorenç de la Muga and part of the Valls Catalanes Trail Running Challenge.

Traditions and events

The Fira del Carbó takes place annually on the first Sunday in March and is a celebration in honour of the traditional charcoal-burning trade. In July, “Muga Amunt” presents free small-scale concerts on the open-air stage at Font Pudosa. The stage is located next to the La Muga River and the medieval walled complex.

Other places

You can find other places in the same broader area here: Cantallops, La Vall De Bianya, Garriguella, Aiguaviva, Sant Ferriol, Forallac, Tossa De Mar, Argelaguer

To the broader travel overview: Girona.