Discover Vidreres: trails, history and El Ranxo
Accommodation in Vidreres
Vidreres can be explored through a range of different highlights. If you are looking for a hotel in Vidreres, it is worth organizing the local attractions as you plan your trip: historic buildings, trails through fields and forests, and El Ranxo as a communal stew tradition. The routes vary in purpose and length. The options range from the trail to Sant Iscle Castle to a 12.9-kilometre section of the Via Marina in the Caulès area.
Castles, farmhouses and architectural history
Sant Iscle Castle was a fortification belonging to the Viscounts of Cabrera and was in use from the 12th to the 15th century. During that time, it shaped the fortunes of the Vidreres area. The route to the castle is an easy, linear trail of 3.7 kilometres, taking approximately one hour to walk. It passes through fields and holm oak and pine forests before climbing up to the castle hill. From Vidreres, a local trail starts on Carrer de la Costa Brava; from there, a signposted ten-minute uphill walk leads to the castle. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.
La Torre d’en Llobet also brings together architecture and history: the original building dates from the 15th to the 16th century. A four-storey defensive tower stands on its western side. A dirt road leading there branches off the C-35 towards Llagostera at kilometre 88. It is also advisable to check the road conditions before driving there.
Mas FlassiĂ is a farmhouse dating from the 16th century, although its use as a farm was documented as early as the 13th century. Santa Maria de Vidreres has two distinct historical periods: the first historical references to the parish date from the 11th century, while the present church was created through an extensive late-18th-century remodelling in the Baroque-Neoclassical style.
Trails through the landscape
The 12.9-kilometre Via Marina section in Vidreres crosses the coastal mountain range in the Caulès area. Its length makes it a different proposition from the 3.7-kilometre route to the castle. The Via Marina Romana–Camà de Sant Jaume connects Girona and Barcelona along the ancient Via Marina of the Via Augusta and passes through Vidreres.
Another route to the Ermita de Caulès and Turó de Puig Ventós leads to Sant Iscle Castle, the Llobet ponds, La Torre d’en Llobet and the Ermita de Caulès. Fields and forests shape the route. The Llobet ponds consist of three ponds built by the Llobet family on the stream of the same name to irrigate their fields. Along the route there, agricultural areas give way to Mediterranean forests. From the viewpoint at Turó de Puig Ventós, you can see across the entire La Selva plain.
A distinctive natural and cultural feature is La petja de Sant MartĂ: a granite rock engraved with crosses and a marked area resembling a footprint. It lies on the trail from Caulès to Cabanyes. Vidreres also has a relatively secluded natural area that preserves its biodiversity. These varied landscape features give each trail its own character; not every route has the same destination or surroundings.
El Ranxo and local tradition
El Ranxo is a communal stew tradition in which residents and local businesses contribute ingredients. The cooks prepare nearly thirty pots, each holding 100 litres. El Ranxo takes place on Shrove Tuesday in Plaça LluĂs Companys, also known as Plaça de l’Oliva. When planning your trip, this offers a different focus from the historic buildings and hiking trails: here, the emphasis is on a recurring local tradition involving the community.
Discover more destinations: Vall-Llobrega, Castelló D’empúries, Llambilles, Ullà , Santa Maria de Solius, Portbou, Campelles, Vilopriu.
For an overview of the wider area: Girona.
