The best walks and hikes around Maresme

Few people know that the church was fortified because this point was exposed to raids and conflicts, and that is why even today it conveys more of a feeling of refuge than of a temple. It was not placed here by chance: it dominates roads and fields, and was a place where people closed themselves in when they needed to protect themselves. Today the silence is deceiving, but the place has more of a defensive than a religious past.

The church was also designed as a refuge: the circular tower is not merely decorative; it served to protect the population from coastal raids. From here, the valley and the passes into the interior could be visually controlled, which is why the surroundings feel so "open" despite the silence. It's a good place to pause for a moment: the contrast between its defensive function and its current tranquility is striking, and the surrounding landscape invites observation rather than a rush.

It's a megalithic tomb, approximately 5,000 years old, discovered in 1997 and restored in 2006-2007. Located in the heart of the Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park, it's easy to miss, but it has a history: it belonged to a Neolithic community that used it as a collective grave. Interestingly, remains of the tumulus that covered it are still preserved, which is unusual, and its orientation seems related to astronomical events, like other dolmens in the area. It's an archaeological rarity in the middle of a prime cycling area, perfect for stopping and reflecting that humans once walked this path... but without helmets.

The true epicenter of Maresme enduro. Once you reach the top, it's time to switch gears: you're at the highest point of the system, and a labyrinth of trails and tracks of all levels unfolds before you. There are no rules here: from this central hub, you can drop down towards Sant Vicenç, Llavaneres, Can Boada, Massuet, or wherever your heart desires. Every direction offers a different descent, and all connect to legendary Maresme lines. A word of advice: when you reach Turó de l’Oriola, take a deep breath… and prepare to go wild, because this is one of the few places where you can literally ride down wherever you want.

The true epicenter of Maresme enduro. Once you reach the top, it's time to switch gears: you're at the highest point of the system, and a labyrinth of trails and paths of all levels unfolds before you. There's no instruction manual here: from this central hub, you can drop down towards Sant Vicenç, Llavaneres, Can Boada, Massuet, or wherever your heart desires. Every direction offers a different descent, and all connect to legendary Maresme lines. A word of advice: when you reach Turó de l’Oriola, take a deep breath… and prepare to go wild, because this is one of the few places where you can literally ride down wherever you want. A perfect spot to get lost—but in a good way.

But it is locked

The Creu de Montcabrer crowns one of the most emblematic points of the Serralada Litoral. The current cross, placed in 1982 and blessed in 1983, is the last in a long tradition dating back to 1565. Over the centuries, it has been replaced several times due to lightning, vandalism, and even bullet impacts during the Civil War. In addition to its unique history, this place is wonderful for the spectacular views it offers: from Montseny to Barcelona, passing through the Castell de Burriac and reaching Blanes on clear days. It's ideal for stopping, breathing, and contemplating the landscape. 🚴 WARNING: Do not attempt to ride down the path that leads to the caves located just below the cross. It is not suitable for cycling and can be dangerous. It is recommended to return along the same path you came in.

About 300 meters before reaching the hermitage along the track from Òrrius, on the left, dry stone walls are preserved, the remains of a shelter used by Republican militiamen during the Civil War. It's not signposted, but it's visible if you get off your bike and explore a bit. The surroundings are very peaceful and steeped in history: the hermitage was also used as a temporary shelter.