In the footsteps of shepherds and hermits, from Tivissa to Cardó

Accompanied by our explorer Espardenya, you’ll walk along old drove roads much-trodden since ancient times, traditional highways to take livestock to the greenest, freshest pastures.

Away from the crowds, faithfully accompanied by birds and other local wildlife, here you can finally reconnect with nature, your body and soul. In this state of mind, a visit to the former “desert” inhabited by the hermits of Cardó is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Walks in these Mediterranean hills offer you sweeping views as you reach passes on your way up to spectacular, little-known peaks. An unforgettable route taking you from the mountains to the Mediterranean sea, reaching the coast in L’Hospitalet.

A rounded journey in the footsteps of shepherds and hermits, between the mountains and the sea, suitable for the keenest walkers.

ITINERARY
This is a trip for people who shun crowds to walk along paths through places frequented for centuries by shepherds and hermits, in search of the greenest grass, the loftiest purity of spirit or both of these.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TIVISSA.
Arrival in Tivissa. Bed and breakfast.

DAY 2: BETWEEN TIVISSA AND LA SERRA D’ALMOS.
Tivissa makes up one of the largest municipalities in Catalonia, taking in several villages and hamlets and over a thousand isolated farmhouses. To begin this adventure in the footsteps of shepherds and hermits you can visit one of the villages in the area, La Serra d’Almos, treading the ancient paths between villages, frequented by shepherds and hermits.

DAY 3: FROM TIVISSA TO RASQUERA ALONG THE OLD DROVE ROAD.
Just like the seasonally nomadic shepherds, today you’ll cross the mountains to go from Tivissa to Rasquera, at the foot of the Cardó hills. For much of the time you’ll be following the old public drove road, formerly used by shepherds with their flocks seeking places with fresher, greener grass.

DAY 4: THE HERMITS’ “DESERT” OF CARDÓ.
Today we propose a route setting off from Cardó, where you’ll discover the hermits’ “desert” settled by Carmelite monks in the early 17th century, with eleven hermitages. After visiting some of the most interesting hermitages, you’ll cross the old Cosp drove road and climb up to the ridge of La Llacuna. The ridge path enables you to enjoy the views, crossing another old drove road at the Pins pass before finally descending to Rasquera.

DAY 5: FROM CARDÓ TO TIVISSA VIA GINESTAR.
We suggest you return to Tivissa following stretches of old drove roads as far as Ginestar, where you’ll join the old route between the villages. Among pines and holm oaks you’ll rediscover the old field terraces held up by drystone retaining walls, a reminder of hard work in these mountains in days gone by.

DAY 6: THE DROVE ROAD TO VANDELLÒS.
On your way towards the Mediterranean coast, you’ll walk along the old drove roads of La Llena, past animal enclosures, farmhouses and drystone retaining walls. A route featuring local wildlife, some stunningly beautiful spots and the option of climbing to the top of La Mola de Genessies, an outstanding viewpoint between two counties.

DAY 7: FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA.
We suggest you climb up from the village of Vandellòs to Los Dedalts and the viewpoint of Molló Puntaire, passing by charming farmhouses and watering places for animals such as the Navaies spring. A unique walk from the roughest, least-known of mountains to the Mediterranean coast.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE.
Return home.