Showing posts with label Àger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Àger. Show all posts

Sunday, October 22, 2023

What can I do in the Noguera region - Balaguer?

Discover the wonders of La Noguera: activities for families and history buffs, prehistoric heritage and medieval, exuberant nature, local gastronomy and exciting adventures outdoor. Explore the Mont-rebei Gorge, caves and medieval monuments. Enjoy climbing in the Cova Gran de Santa Linya and sports nautical in the calm waters of the reservoirs from Camarasa, Canelles, Santa Anna, Sant Llorenç de Montgai and Rialp. A unique destination in Catalonia for all tastes.
Sant Mamet and the Montsec de Rúbies

Territory Activators

For Families with Children

In Balaguer, the capital of Noguera, we can search for gold in the Segre River with the Center for Gold Interpretation, which is part of the Noguera Museum.

In Camarasa, with Origins Space, we can learn about the Neanderthals and participate in other activities related to prehistoric, historical, and natural heritage in the surroundings of the Mont-roig mountain.

At the Montsec Astronomical Park in Àger, in addition to observing space, various activities related to astronomy and science are organized.

At the Seró Transmitter Space, activities related to prehistory are carried out.

The West Natural Spaces project, in Noguera, introduces the Montsec mountain, the Segre - Noguera Pallaresa confluence, the slopes of Noguera Ribargorçana, the Serra Llarga, and the Segre - Noguera Ribagorçana confluence, organizing various very interesting activities during the year.

Launching rockets at the COU in Àger

For Adults

At the Monastery of Las Avellanas, many interesting activities are organized, such as medieval dinners, historical events, and nighttime concerts.

Castell del Remei has established a Foundation with the aim of preserving its valuable heritage. Through this initiative, various activities are organized, including yoga, jazz, exhibitions, wine tastings, concerts, and races.

Small but Unique Villages

Sant Llorenç de Montgai, a natural reserve for waterbirds, is my favorite place in Noguera. When I visit, I can feel my heart rate slowing down.

Alòs de Balaguer, more remote, is the realm of hunters and fishermen.

Penelles has become the capital of Street Art in Lleida.

Tiurana with its starlight certification is the ideal place to spend summer nights.

Penelles - Street Art

Gastronomy

Barley, wheat, almond trees, olive trees, vineyards, honey, milk, and the orchard all contribute to the rich gastronomy of Noguera. Additionally, there are small workshops that transform these elements into wine, beer, cheeses, jams, samfaina cakes, and many other culinary delights. These products end up nourishing our restaurants that are gaining culinary excellence day by day.

Blossoming almond trees

Heritage

Prehistory chronological axis made by the Museu de la Noguera

From prehistory, we have the rock paintings of the Vilars cave in Os de Balaguer, the archaeological site of the Parco cave in Alòs de Balaguer, the Neanderthal shelters of the Cova Gran in Santa Linya, and the Roca dels Bous in Sant Llorenç de Montgai. We also have fossil sites like la Pedrera in Vilanova de Meià.

Map made by the Museu de la Noguera

In the medieval period, Noguera was a borderland and part of the County of Urgell, where castles, monasteries, and Romanesque hermitages were built, such as the Monastery of Santa María de las Avellanas, the Montsonís Castle, and the collegiate church of Sant Pere d'Àger.

There are also Spaces of Memory from the Spanish Civil War, such as the Merengue hill in Camarasa and the wartime remnants around the Cap de Pont in Balaguer.

We must not forget the extensive heritage of Balaguer, the capital of Noguera, and its walls within which the three monotheistic cultures, Christians, Muslims, and Jews, coexisted.

Plateau del Merengue in Camarasa

Hiking Excursions

The quintessential hike in Noguera is the Mont-rebei Gorge, but it's also wonderful to explore the Mu Gorge and visit the Tobacco Cave.

The Montsec, Mont-Roig, Sant Mamet, and the Montclús mountain range offer countless possibilities, such as hiking to the Pedrera de Meià from the Santa Maria de Meià side or from the Doll Road near to Terradets.

Exploring the plain with its fields that change color with the seasons, collecting thyme, rosemary, asparagus... Open spaces that are a delight to the senses.

Barley and wheat fields in February

Motorized Excursions

Our preferred motorized route, whether on a motorcycle or in a car, is the circuit around Montsec de Rúbies, passing through the Doll Road, Terradets, Barcedana Valley, El Pas Nou, and Vilanova de Meià Valley.

The Montsec, Mont-Roig, Sant Mamet, and the Montclús mountain range offer countless possibilities for 4x4 routes, such as visiting the Balconet de Santa Linya, ascending Sant Mamet, or exploring the abandoned village of Rúbies.

Camarasa Reservoir - El Coscoll

Rock Climbing

The Cova Gran de Santa Linya is world-renowned in the rock climbing community. Chris Sharma lived in Sant Llorenç de Montgai for many years. Accommodations in Camarasa are always filled with climbers from all over the world.

The Cova Gran de Santa Linya

Active Tourism - Land, Air, Water

In Àger, the capital of Montsec de Ares, the spirit of adventure sports permeates the environment. It's an area renowned for free-flying, with a special emphasis on paragliding and hang gliding. You can also enjoy hot air ballooning, ultralight flying, as well as gliding and paramotoring. Several specialized companies and schools offer courses, introductory flights, g uided outings, and equipment rentals.

The reservoirs of Camarasa, Canelles, Santa Anna, Sant Llorenç de Montgai, and Rialp, the largest area of calm waters in Catalonia, are ideal places for water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and sailing.

Mountain bikes crossing the Sant Llorenç de Montgai dam

Agendas

Cartells de Ponent Agenda Ajuntament Balaguer Espai Origens - Activitats Museu de la Noguera - Activitats Agenda Ara Lleida - La Noguera Surt de Casa - Ponent Fundació Castell del Remei - Agenda

More information

The best restaurants in La Noguera The rich heritage of Noguera Excursions in Noguera Towns of Noguera La Noguera Festivals Sports in Noguera Special activities in Noguera

In other languages

Catalan version Spanish version

Location

Click for an interactive map

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

The Mont-rebei gorge

Mont rebei espai d'oci, kayacs
The old horse path, usually waterlogged.

The Mont-rebei gorge connects the regions of Pallars Jussà and La Noguera by a horse path dug into the rock of Montsec d'Ares, the border of Catalonia. On the other side, in Aragon, we have a vertical wall where Montsec de l'Estall begins. And in the middle, the author of the work, the Noguera Ribagorçana river slowed down by the dam of Canelles.

congost de mont-rebei
Camí de ferradura

Itinerary from Pertusa to the Sant Jaume ravine

The route, of about 7 kilometers from the hermitage of Pertusa de Corçà to the Hanging Bridge of the Sant Jaume ravine near Pont de Montanyana, is the most well-known and traveled in the Pre-Pyrenees of Lleida. You will not be disappointed, the panoramic views of the Canelles reservoir, the part of the path dug into the rock, the limestone walls of Montsec, the birds of prey, the Colomera cave and the suspension bridge make it an exceptional itinerary.

It is necessary to avoid the hottest days and be well supplied with water, even though there are a couple of springs, as the Lleida sun will not have mercy on us.
Suspension bridge that connects Catalonia and Aragon

Itinerary from Montfalcó to Masieta

A few years ago, the Aragonese government built a metallic suspension bridge over the Noguera Ribagorzana and wooden stairs in a zigzag pattern on the rock of Montsec de Estall, which connect Aragon with Catalonia and they open up new possible routes for us.

The stairs, which allow us to overcome 50 meters of unevenness, are the most spectacular part of this new itinerary.

In this case from La Masieta to the Montfalco refuge, between the round trip there are about 17 kilometers that can be done in less than 5 hours.

Stairs embedded in the rock on the Aragon side

Where do we start?

We can begin our itinerary in the Masieta, at the Montañana Bridge; in Pertusa, in the Àger Valley; and in Montfalcó, in Aragón.

If we expect a lot of traffic, it is better to start from Montfalcó, where there is a large and free parking lot. The Pertusa car park has capacity for about 50 cars and is also free. The Masieta parking is paid and serves as an access regulator to the gorge as it allows us to reach the gorge without too much effort.

We include some of the possible routes and times starting in La Masieta, in all cases only one way:

  • Masieta - Montfalcó: 8.5 km - 2.2 hours.
  • Masieta - Siegué Suspension Bridge: 5 km - 1.5 hours.
  • Masieta - Pertusa: 10 km - 2.5 hours.
embassament de canelles
Canelles reservoir

Mont-rebei by Noguera Ribagorçana

There is also the possibility of exploring the gorge by kayak or boat through the calm waters of the Canelles reservoir, where we will see the spectacular walls that rise above us.

What can I do in the Lands of Lleida?

Discover the natural wonders and cultural treasures of les Terres de Lleida, where ancient heritage blends with breathtaking landscapes ...