Sant Privat d'en Bas: Waterfall, Hiking Trails and Village History

In the landscape around Sant Privat d'en Bas, water from forests and rocky cliffs gathers to form the Salt del Sallent waterfall.

Nature and Hiking Trails

A 6.5-kilometre circular hike starts at the Pla d'en Xurri picnic area, follows the camí dels Matxos to the Salt de Sallent waterfall and returns via les Escales along the Riera de Sallent to Pla d'en Xurri. The hike to Salt del Sallent leads through a shady, dense beech forest to a viewpoint where the Riera de Sallent plunges over a more than 80-metre-high cliff.

The upper part of Salt de Sallent can be reached from Can Turó Park in Sant Privat via two paths: the camí dels Matxos and the camí de les Escales. From the upper viewpoint, views extend across the plain of la Vall d'en Bas and large parts of la Garrotxa.

Below Sant Privat d'en Bas, the Gurn River forms natural pools suitable for swimming. The Gorgues des Gurn at the dels Pins picnic area near Sant Privat also offer swimming opportunities.

Salt de Sallent o de Gurn is a descent route near Sant Privat d'en Bas. Reaching the descent route takes one hour, and the descent takes one hour and 30 minutes. During the descent of the Puigsacalm traverse to Sant Privat, the route passes the 140-metre-high Salt de Sallent waterfall and then follows the les Escales path to Sant Privat d'en Bas.

A traverse leads from Joanetes to Sant Privat d'en Bas via the summit of Puigsacalm, the equipped Ganxos Nous route and the dels Burros path. According to the municipality's route information, the section of the road known as the parcel·lària between Hostalets and Sant Privat is suitable for walking or cycling without significant effort.

Village and History

In the ensemble of Sant Privat d'en Bas, the church and a small group of houses enclose the secluded square; access is through a vaulted passage beneath one of the houses. The first documented mention of the church of Sant Privat dates from 1017.

The route to the les Olletes sanctuary begins in Sant Privat d'en Bas and climbs along cool, shady paths. For centuries, the inhabitants of la Vall d'en Bas have made pilgrimages to the cave of the Mare de Déu de les Olletes.

Festivals and Music

The Ball de Sant Isidre in Sant Privat d'en Bas originated in ancient agricultural cults dedicated to protecting the crops and ensuring their fertility. In the second half of August, a performance of the Ball de Sant Isidre is recorded during the Festa Major of Sant Privat.

La Vall d'en Bach was held for the third time in 2026. In 2026, Bach's music was performed, among other places, in the church of Sant Privat d'en Bas.

Food and Local Events

Tasta la Vall is a gastronomic tour through rural farms in la Vall d'en Bas. The 2025 edition started from the car park by the football pitch in Sant Privat d'en Bas, was seven kilometres long and had an elevation gain of 100 metres. On the Plaça Major in Sant Privat, the 2025 route included a tasting stop at Embotits Artesans Can Gori.

The Descobreix el que menges series took place for the fourth consecutive summer as part of the village festivals of la Vall d'en Bas. Descobreix el que menges included a visit with a tasting at the Can Bailèn butcher's shop.

The Ca la Carmelita restaurant in Sant Privat d'en Bas offers traditional cuisine and market cuisine using local products.

Getting There

From Les Preses, the municipal road route leads to the de la Serra roundabout; at the second exit, continue towards el Mallol and Sant Privat d'en Bas.

To the main travel overview: La Vall D'en Bas.