Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor

Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor is one of the largest protected natural areas in the Maresme region of Catalonia, covering roughly 15,000 hectares across thirteen municipalities at the boundary of the Maresme and Vallès Oriental comarques. The park forms a natural barrier between the coastal plain of Maresme and the inland basin of Vallès and Selva, creating a landscape of forested hills, valleys, and seasonal streams.

Location and management

The park stretches along a mountain range running roughly parallel to the Mediterranean coast, reaching elevations of several hundred meters. It is promoted and managed by the Diputació de Barcelona, with its administrative headquarters based in Vallgorguina. Since 2002, an Information Office has operated in Sant Iscle de Vallalta, providing visitors with maps, trail information, and updates on path conditions.

Legal protection of the area rests on a special plan for the protection of the natural environment and landscape, approved on 20 July 1989. This plan regulates land use while safeguarding the traditional forestry and agricultural practices carried out by local communities within the park's boundaries.

What to see in the park

Forest covers more than 95% of the park's surface, making it one of the most extensive continuous woodland areas in this part of Catalonia. Cork oaks, holm oaks, and pines dominate the tree cover, and the plant diversity is exceptionally rich, with over a thousand species of vascular plants recorded within the park. The area is particularly notable for its fungal diversity, drawing mushroom foragers from across the region, especially in autumn.

The dense forest cover also supports a varied fauna, including wild boar, roe deer, badgers, and numerous woodland bird species. A network of streams, many of them seasonal, sustains humid microhabitats that are important for the park's overall biodiversity.

Traces of past inhabitants

The park preserves numerous remains left by the people who settled this territory over thousands of years. These include megalithic structures built by prehistoric communities, fortified Iberian settlements, remnants of Roman villae, as well as medieval hermitages and churches and fortified structures from the early modern period. These layers of past settlement make the park an appealing destination not only for nature lovers but also for anyone interested in history.

Activities for visitors

The park offers an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails winding through forests, valleys, and scenic viewpoints. Routes vary in length and difficulty, making them suitable for families looking for a relaxed walk as well as more experienced hikers and mountain bikers. Many trails pass close to historical sites and locations tied to the region's traditional cork production and winemaking heritage.

Frequently asked questions

How large is Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor? The park covers approximately 15,000 hectares across thirteen municipalities in the Maresme and Vallès Oriental comarques.

Who manages the park? The park is managed and promoted by the Diputació de Barcelona, with its administrative office located in Vallgorguina.

Where can I find visitor information about the park? An information office has operated in Sant Iscle de Vallalta since 2002, offering maps and up-to-date trail information.

Are there historical sites within the park? Yes — they include prehistoric megaliths, Iberian settlements, remnants of Roman villae, and medieval and early modern religious and defensive structures.