Matagalls is a classic and popular hike among local mountaineers, and it’s one you’ll surely love. From its summit, you’re treated to sweeping views of the Montseny Natural Park and beyond, stretching from the majestic Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea.
Whether you’re a passionate hiker or just love beautiful landscapes, this is a perfect plan to enjoy a day outdoors. And if you’re hungry after your trek, you’re in luck—this area is dotted with charming rural restaurants known as masies, serving delicious local cuisine.
We tackled this hike in winter 2018 and indulged in a hearty meal at one of the masies nearby. Now, we’re sharing all the details so you can experience this adventure yourself!
* Post written for the first time in May 2018 and updated in April 2024.
Technical details
🥾 Distance: 8.47 km one way
🟢 Level: Easy
⬆️ Elevation gain: 563 m
⏱ Duration: From 3 hours to half day. It depends on the number of stops you make and the number of pictures you take!
🗓️ Best time to hike: You can hike Matagalls all year round, but our favourite times are spring and autumn
🧭 Wikiloc track
You can check this hike track on our Wikiloc profile.
How to get to Matagalls
🚗 There are different walking routes up to the Matagalls peak, and the one we did starts at the parking of the restaurant Collformic. Getting to the trailhead by car is the easiest option. The Matagalls is located 1 h 45 min by car from Barcelona and 58 min by car from Girona.
🚌 If you want to get there by public transport, the best option is to go to Viladrau. Check here how to get to this village. However, keep in mind that the hike from Viladrau is longer (18 km total).
Matagalls hike
With a height of 1.697 m, Matagalls is the third-highest and most emblematic mountain of El Montseny Natural Park.
The hike starts at the parking lot of the restaurant Collformic, and it’s easy not to get lost: just follow the white and red marks.
In the beginning, the track goes through a pretty forest of Mediterranean vegetation, which makes the first part of the track more enjoyable. As you climb the mountain, the vegetation disappears, and wide-open spaces appear.
Pause to enjoy the views and take a moment to realise how small you are compared to all the mountains surrounding you. It’s a scary but great feeling at the same time!
The summit is visible from halfway up, and it’s easy to recognise, thanks to its big cross. This cross has a huge symbolic meaning, both historical and religious. It’s dedicated to Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer, one of the greatest poets of Catalan literature. He wrote a poem called “La Creu de Catalunya” (The Cross of Catalonia) in honour of this place.
There’s evidence that the cross was at the top of this mountain before 1614. According to the story, the first crosses were made of wood, which was a problem because they got destroyed every time there was a storm. The neighbours of Viladrau tried to fix it by putting in a new one every time the meteorological conditions were terrible. In 1931, the cross was renewed and (finally!) changed to a metallic one that still remains today.
Once at the top, you have a 360º view of Catalonia. Just imagine infinite horizons and immense landscapes. On one side, you can observe the Mediterranean Sea, but if you turn your head to the other side, you spot the snowed mountains of the Pyrenees. The contrast is beautiful.
Due to its location close to the sea and the Pyrenees, this mountain is an excellent viewpoint of Catalonia. You can also spot Montserrat, Barcelona, and, if the day is clear enough, you can even see the Balearic Islands!
Views of the Pyrenees- Views of Montserrat
Overall, it’s the perfect morning activity to release stress and switch off your thoughts. It’s also close to Barcelona, making it a perfect day trip during your travels.
The whole excursion lasts around 3 hours, and it’s suitable for everyone with energy and motivation. We planned this hike to spend a day with the family, and it was a great way to stay together, do some exercise, and breathe some fresh air.
Things to take into account when hiking Matagalls
It usually is very windy at the top of the mountain, so we advise you to bring a windstopper jacket. If you want to eat a snack, the best place to do it is behind the cross, as it protects you from the wind.
Also, in winter, bring warm clothes because you might get cold if you want to stay at the top for a while.
Bear in mind that if you go during winter, there could be snow on the trail. We went in March, and there was snow only in the last part of the track, but nothing to worry about. It also makes the landscape different, so you can just repeat the same excursion in another season and see it entirely distinctly. It’s a win-win!
Where to eat after hiking
After all the effort made, it’s time for a well-deserved lunch! Our choice was Mas Estabanell, which is around 15 min by car from Matagalls. It’s a typical Catalan rural house, and the food they serve is just mouthwatering!
We recommend the peus de porc amb bolets i patates al caliu (pig’s feet with mushrooms and baked potatoes); just exquisite! Also, if you want to try a typical rice dish, go for arròs negre (rice with squid ink).
The portions are generous, so you’ll probably leave with a happy (and full) belly!
So, that’s all you need to know to hike the Matagalls. Now it’s your turn. Lace your shoes, grab the water bottle, and you’re ready to reach the summit!
If you do this hike, let us know your experience in the comments below 🙂
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