Best natural monuments around Santa Margarida I Els Monjos are characterized by a diverse landscape, situated in a transitional area between the Penedès plain and the Garraf massif. The region encompasses a significant portion of the Parc del Foix, a natural park spanning over 3,100 hectares. This area features the Foix Reservoir, a wetland ecosystem that supports varied flora and fauna, alongside Mediterranean forests and extensive vineyards. Its natural features combine water environments, agricultural landscapes, and historical elements, providing a…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Beautiful hike and a great view of Vilanova i la Geltrú and the sea.
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The Puig de l'Àliga, at 464 meters above sea level, is not the highest peak of the Garraf, that honor goes to the Puig de la Mola (534 meters), but it is the highest of the foothills southern parts of the Garraf massif. It forms a natural border between the regions of Alt Penedès and Garraf and is a natural viewpoint of both the Penedès plain and the Garraf coast. At its highest point there is a geodesic vertex, a large cross, and a fire watch tower.
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La Fita dels Tres Termes is a mountain 234 meters high located in the Garraf massif, at the confluence of the municipalities of Vilanova and la Geltrú, Castellet and la Gornal and Cubelles. In its highest part, next to the forest surveillance tower, there is a cairn of mortar, right at the apex of the three municipal boundaries.
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Necropolis located on the elongated hill located in front of the Olerdolana wall. It is known as Pla dels Albats (relatively modern place name). This name comes from the numerous small and medium-sized tombs corresponding to infants and alabtas (babies who died before receiving the sacraments or having the use of reason) found in the necropolis of anthropomorphic tombs. More than a hundred tombs have been located. The graves are excavated in the rock, they are rectangular in plan, with the head separated from the rest of the body and narrower at the feet. Most feature a socket in the rock itself for the cap. The graves follow the east-west orientation. In the middle of the necropolis are the ruins of a building that has been identified as the remains of the chapel of Santa Maria. Part of the north wall is preserved, with a height close to 3 meters and the west wall, modernly altered. The chapel of Santa Maria and the necropolis must be associated with the population, more or less dispersed, located outside the walls in medieval times. They were already in operation at the beginning of the 10th century. Observations: Archaeological research is very incipient in this sector, its evolution will confirm the exact functionality of the building described, its chronology and the relationship with the remains of another building that can be guessed in the middle of the necropolis.
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Small peak, near a quarry, where a series of rural roads converge. This is a typical area of the Penedès with extensive fields of vineyards interspersed with scattered farmhouses where you can also appreciate old quarries. From the top, if the vegetation allows us, you can see from Montserrat, la Mola, la Morella, el Montmell, el Montau and el Puig de l'Àliga, among others. As can be read on a small panel at the top, the Toponym derives from the word "popia", which in the geographical vocabulary of the popular language designates a hill of low height, with a regularly rounded shape and a wide base: the shape of the chest of 'a woman. The word "Papiol" derives from this metaphor. The name is already documented in 992 as the boundary of Viladellops (Olèrdola). Essential peak included in the list of 100 peaks of the F.E.E.C. https://www.feec.cat/activitats/100-cims/cim/penya-del-papiol/
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Pla dels Albats Necropolis owes its name to the numerous tombs of children and newborns (babies who died before receiving the Sacraments). More than a hundred tombs outside the enclosure are documented. The tombs are excavated in the rock, they are rectangular with the head differentiated from the rest of the body and narrower at the feet. Most of them have a lace in the same rock for the cover. This consisted of one or several slabs that protected the body. The graves follow the east-west orientation.
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mountain shoes, very dangerous and slippery area!
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The region offers a diverse range of natural monuments, including significant wetland ecosystems like the Foix Reservoir and the unique lagoons of Gran Pèlag of Vilobí del Penedès. You can also find impressive summits such as Puig de l'Àliga and Penya del Papiol, offering panoramic views.
Yes, the Gran Pèlag of Vilobí del Penedès is particularly noted as family-friendly. Its unique wetland microecosystem, formed from old gypsum quarries, provides an interesting and accessible environment to explore, contrasting with the surrounding vineyards.
The Parc del Foix, which encompasses many of the natural monuments, is rich in biodiversity, especially around the Foix Reservoir. You might spot various bird species linked to water environments, such as the little ringed plover, little bittern, and black-crowned night heron. Bats and marine reptiles like the Spanish pond turtle also inhabit the area.
Yes, the region beautifully blends natural beauty with historical significance. For instance, the Pla dels Albats Necropolis and Chapel Ruins offer a glimpse into medieval history within a natural setting. The broader Parc del Foix also contains historical sites like Penyafort Castle and Castellet Castle, which complement the natural landscape.
The area around Santa Margarida i els Monjos is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy loops around Santa Margarida i els Monjos. There are also dedicated MTB trails and road cycling routes that allow you to explore the diverse landscape.
For hiking enthusiasts, there are several options. You can explore trails around the Foix Reservoir, or take on more challenging routes to summits like Penya del Papiol. For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the Hiking around Santa Margarida I Els Monjos guide.
For breathtaking views, head to Puig de l'Àliga, which offers panoramic vistas of both the Penedès plain and the Garraf coast. Penya del Papiol also provides excellent views, including Montserrat and other peaks, especially if the vegetation allows.
The Foix Reservoir is a central feature of the Parc del Foix and one of the few wetlands in the Penedès region. It creates a unique and diverse ecosystem with riverbank, reservoir, arroyo, and forest environments, supporting a rich variety of flora and fauna, particularly waterfowl. It was inaugurated in 1928 to supply irrigation water to orchards.
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the ascent to Penya del Papiol is categorized as challenging. It's advisable to wear mountain shoes as the area can be very dangerous and slippery. The reward is expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
The region's natural monuments can be enjoyed throughout the year, but spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. These seasons also showcase the diverse flora and fauna at their best, particularly around the wetland areas.
When visiting the Foix Reservoir, it's essential to bring your own drinking water as there are no sources available during the tour. If you're interested in wildlife, especially birdwatching, binoculars are highly recommended for observing waterfowl from the observatories.
Absolutely. The natural monuments are situated within the Alt Penedès region, which is renowned for its wine-growing landscape. You'll find that many trails and viewpoints, such as those around Penya del Papiol or the Gran Pèlag of Vilobí del Penedès, offer views of extensive vineyards, making it easy to combine natural exploration with visits to local wineries.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Santa Margarida I Els Monjos: