Discover Jafre: Nature and Culture
Accommodation in Jafre
Jafre can be explored during a stay through two interests: nature and local history. These themes offer different points of interest, from the habitats along the Ter to church architecture and local traditions.
Nature at L’Illa d’Avall
L’Illa d’Avall is the Ter’s final meander, south of the municipality of Jafre, and is part of the protected Natura 2000 site “Riberes del Baix Ter”. The landscape includes riverside forest, ponds in a former river channel, dry meadows and Mediterranean scrubland. These different habitat types sit side by side and can be experienced as distinct features when exploring nature.
A network of trails at L’Illa d’Avall is intended for exploring nature and can be used on foot or by bicycle. Along the trails, visitors can observe animal tracks and numerous bird species. In addition to birds, those interested in observing wildlife can also look for tracks. The information about the trails and habitats makes L’Illa d’Avall a clear nature-focused option for a stay in Jafre.
The Ruta del Ter and nature trails
The Ruta del Ter is a cycling and walking route that follows the river. Its lower section runs between Girona and the Gola del Ter through the municipality of Jafre. This distinguishes the Ruta del Ter from the trails at L’Illa d’Avall: one description refers to a route along the river, the other to a network of trails for exploring nature in a protected area. Both offer a connection to the Ter landscape, but have different planning priorities.
Sant MartĂ Church and local history
The streets of Jafre lead to Sant MartĂ Church. The present-day church was built in the Renaissance style in the second half of the 18th century, partly on the structures of an earlier medieval castle. Its single-nave interior is complemented by side chapels; the floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross. It also has a polygonal apse and a dome over the crossing. These features give the church a distinctive architectural profile that goes beyond its date of construction.
Font Santa: religious heritage and tradition
A chapel dedicated to the Mare de Déu de Grà cia was built at the Font Santa spring. The Santuari Font Santa is considered Jafre’s most striking building and is associated with events said to date back to 1460. Traditions surrounding the spring are also part of local history: according to a local legend, its water has healing properties. In the past, the spring attracted pilgrims seeking relief from eye diseases and other ailments. The pilgrimage tradition is a matter of historical record; it does not indicate any present-day effects of the water.
Another local legend tells of the Pou de les Goiges. Female fantastical beings are said to have lived there, hiding during the day and coming out at night to call and dance. La Creu del PadrĂł is also associated with a tradition: every year, on the feast of Santa Creu, a procession was held there to bless the municipal area. This account describes a traditional practice and does not say whether it continues today.
The Biennal and Fira de Jafre
The Biennal de Jafre takes place every two years, in odd-numbered years, in the historic town centre. If this event is a key factor in your trip, check the date of the edition you wish to attend. The Fira de Jafre is dedicated to craft-brewed beer and products from the region. Stalls selling handcrafted goods include cheese, honey, cured meats, bread and olives. Beer tastings are held at every edition; the best beer submitted by the breweries is also awarded a prize. The two events therefore offer different cultural highlights: the Biennal takes place in the historic town centre, while the Fira focuses on beer culture and regional products.
Bus connection for planning your trip
A bus route connects L’Estartit to Girona via Jafre. If you plan to use this connection, check the timetable for your travel date. This lets you take the bus connection into account when choosing your destination and accommodation, without assuming a specific departure time.
Discover more destinations: Olot, Vall-Llobrega, Valveralla, Pardines, Santa Pau, Els Hostalets D'en Bas, Ordis, Calonge
For the broader travel overview: Girona.
