Cabrils: Hiking Trails, Views and Cultural Heritage

Cabrils has signposted hiking trails, viewpoints and cultural attractions. The two signposted routes differ in length and walking time: the SL-C 116 is listed as 2.9 kilometres and 50 minutes, while the SL-C 113 is listed as 5.3 kilometres and one hour 30 minutes; according to both figures, the SL-C 113 is longer. Cabrils’ attractions include historic buildings and geological features.

Hiking Trails and Tours in Cabrils

The signposted SL-C 116 La creu de Montcabrer trail starts at Plaça de l'Església in Cabrils. It is listed as taking 50 minutes and covering 2.9 kilometres. The SL-C 113 A la Roca d'en Toni des de Cabrils is also signposted: its starting point is on Avinguda Santa Elena, on the road to Vilassar de Dalt; the listed figures are one hour and 30 minutes and 5.3 kilometres. By both stated measures, the SL-C 113 is the longer of the two routes. Route distances may vary slightly depending on the measurement method.

Another route, the Ruta de la Creu de Montcabrer II, passes through the eastern part of the municipality and offers views of the Mediterranean, coastal towns, fields, greenhouses and residential areas. The Ruta de la Roca d'en Toni starts at the bridge by the Cabrils petrol station. For a cycling trip, the BTT route is a separate option: it is long and technically demanding, and passes through highly varied landscapes. GPS is required to ride it; bringing a conventional map is also recommended.

Landscape and Viewpoints

The Arborètum de Catalunya is in the centre of Cabrils, within the Parc de la Serralada Litoral. Free or guided visits are available for groups of ten or more, including families, friends and school groups. The Arborètum also has a picnic area with swings, dining tables and an oven.

The Mirador de Montcabrer is a natural viewpoint overlooking Barcelona, Montnegre and Montseny. Its facilities include a protective railing, two panoramic information panels and an information panel about the summit cross. The summits of Montcabrer and Turó de l'Infern are part of the Montcabrer-Burriac leucogranite outcrops; the area is also home to a particularly diverse range of lichens. Both summits are listed within the Castell de Burriac geozone in the Inventory of Sites of Geological Interest in Catalonia.

Another geological feature is the Cova de les Encantades, also known as Forat de les Bones Dones. The large tafone has two openings and is about two metres high. The cave is interpreted as an Iberian cult centre; its use as an Iberian sanctuary cave is dated to the period from the 4th to the 1st century BC. It is also among the geological attractions listed in Parc Serralada Litoral.

Historic Sites and Cultural Heritage

The Ruta patrimonial, also known as the Ruta urbana, begins at Plaça de l'Església de la Santa Creu and ends at the Museu-Arxiu Municipal de Cabrils – Can Ventura del Vi. The Església de la Santa Creu dates from the 18th century; its façade is Baroque, and its bell tower dates from the 20th century. At the route’s endpoint, the Museu-Arxiu is housed in one of Cabrils’ oldest farmhouses. Its collection includes agricultural tools, archaeological materials and tools from traditional trades. The objects were donated by local residents.

Can Vehils is another distinctive building: this fortified farmhouse has a square defensive tower with its original pyramid-shaped roof. The church of Sant Cristòfol de Cabrils is in the southernmost part of the municipality, near the border with Vilassar. A Roman road and later a royal road once ran through its location; the church stands above a group of old farmhouses and modern homes.

Cabrils also has more than twenty sundials, which can be visited along the Ruta dels rellotges de sol. Together, they form a distinctive astronomical, mathematical and historical heritage. At the Cova de les Encantades, geological interest combines with the possible interpretation of the cave as an Iberian cult site; the sundials, in turn, offer a distinct way to explore the history and mathematics of the area.

Festivals and Local Events

The Festa Major Sant Helena is held around Saint Helena’s feast day, 18 August. Festivities include sardanas and dances, a Correfoc, theatre, bell ringing and a surprise festival speech. The dance of the giants and devils is considered a tradition. Other activities include the Gambarrada, a gathering of cava plaque collectors, ice cream in the street and the La Santa Penya teams’ competition.

The annual Mostra Gastronòmica, Comercial i d'Artesans lasts four days. It offers tastings of typical dishes, as well as wines and cavas from the comarca. Can Barba is another venue for evening events: it hosts nighttime concerts, and its grandstand seats 300 people. More than a hundred tree and shrub species representative of Catalonia’s vegetation zones can be seen on the grounds.

Discover more destinations: Taradell, Les Masies De Voltregà, Artés, Badalona, Viladecaballs, Castelldefels, Olvan, Dosrius

For the wider travel overview: Barcelona.