GR 11 Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

The GR11, also known as the Senda Pirenaica, is a long-distance hiking trail that runs the length of the Spanish Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Stretching over 800 kilometres, it offers a rugged and scenic route through some of Spain’s most stunning mountain landscapes. The trail passes through Basque Country, Navarre, Aragon, and Catalonia, traversing high alpine passes, lush valleys, remote villages, and national parks. It’s a challenging but rewarding trek that typically takes around 40 to 50 days to complete, attracting experienced hikers and adventurers seeking solitude, natural beauty, and cultural richness.

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Map of GR 11

Distance

16 km

This stage begins at the 42.31893.315871 Cap de Creus lighthouse at the 42.3192863.3218861 Easternmost Point of the Iberian Peninsula and follows rocky coastal trails through the dramatic, undulating terrain of the natural park. The path is mostly non-technical, with a few short road sections leading into 42.33753.2041672 El Port de la Selva. There are no reliable water sources along the way, so it's important to carry enough, though a small well at Cala Taballera is known to exist. Port de la Selva offers plenty of accommodation options, including a campground, hostels, and hotels. Highlights include striking sea views, the park’s otherworldly, lunar-like landscapes, and the medieval Sant Pere de Rodes monastery visible high on the ridge. Many hikers mark the start of their journey by dipping a hand in the Mediterranean.

Distance

27 km

From Port de la Selva, the trail climbs steadily to the hilltop 42.323613.166672 Sant Pere de Rodes monastery, then descends through forest paths toward the interior. After passing through the coastal village of 42.3666673.15253 Llançà, it shifts to dirt tracks as it enters the Albera Range as it passes through 42.3772223.0688894 Vilamaniscle . The stage ends at the remote 42.4162743.0589453 Sant Quirze de Colera monastery. Along the way, hikers enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the peaceful, oak-lined setting of the Albera Mountains.

Distance

24 km

This stage winds westward through the cork oak and pine forests of the Albera Natural Area, following a mix of footpaths and farm tracks that gently climb toward the hamlet of 42.4505562.9386114 Mare de Déu de Requesens.

Distance

26 km

The route begins at the peaceful sanctuary of Mare de Déu de Requesens, nestled in the forested hills below the ruins of the medieval Requesens Castle. From here, the trail steadily passes through 42.4197222.8752785 La Jonquera .

The stage ends in the small village of 42.4052782.8002786 La Vajol , known for its role in the Republican exile of 1939. It’s a quiet, reflective place with a few amenities, offering a chance to rest and take in the historical and natural richness of this lesser-known corner of Catalonia.

Distance

26 km

This stage leads through peaceful Mediterranean forests and old paths once used by local villagers. The route offers views over the Empordà plain and passes near the historic Sant Quirze de Colera monastery. Passing through 42.3886112.7519447 Maçanet de Cabrenys , a steady descent brings you to the quiet village of 42.304962.7200578 Albanyà .

Distance

19 km

This stage enters wilder terrain, following the Muga River upstream through deep forest and narrow valleys. The trail becomes more rugged as you approach the remote Romanesque hermitage of 42.31692.5885 Sant Aniol d’Aguja .

Distance

27 km

The route passes through the Alta Garrotxa wilderness, passes 42.30082.57259 Talaixà and 42.320462.4810810 Beget, before entering the Camprodon Valley, and reaching the mountain village of 42.346882.4043811 Molló.

Distance

20 km

This stage climbs steadily through the scenic Camprodon Valley, passing alpine meadows and forests. The route enters the high Pyrenees, passing through 42.3748732.30149512 Setcases and reaches the historic 42.4197222.2577781 Refugi d'Ulldeter, located near the source of the River Ter.

Distance

20 km

This stage crosses high mountain terrain with impressive views of the surrounding peaks. After passing close to the iconic Pic de Bastiments, the trail descends gradually into the valley of Núria, 42.396952.15356113 Sanctuary of Nuria, before continuing down to the picturesque village of 42.3487162.16265914 Queralbs.

Distance

10 km

This short stage follows a well-marked path through forests and meadows, gradually descending along the valley. The route is relatively easy and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains, ending in the quiet village of 42.3163042.10378915 Planoles .

Distance

30 km

This is a long and varied stage crossing the Collada de Toses (1,790 m), a historic mountain pass. The trail passes through 42.33472.0684916 Dòrria, 42.4080241.95262617 Vilallobent and 42.4316671.92833318 Puigcerdà descending into the Cerdanya valley. The day ends in the small village of 42.4446391.90202819 Saneja, near the French border.

Distance

16 km

This stage leads from the valley of La Cerdanya into high mountain terrain. After crossing the border into France briefly, the trail passes 42.4505561.87972220 Guils de Cerdanya and 42.46431.785982 Refugi de Malniu before reaching the 42.4811671.7456673 Refugi d’Engorgs (2,390 m), located in a dramatic glacial cirque beneath the Puigpedrós massif.

Distance

25 km

This stage crosses into Andorra, marking a new section of the GR-11. From the Refugi d’Engorgs, the trail ascends to the Coll de la Portella (2,605 m), passes 42.4951.6563894 Refugi de l'Illa, then descends into the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route follows forested paths and open meadows down to 42.511471.56046721 Engolasters before reaching 42.5166671.56666722 Encamp in the Andorran heartland.

Distance

15 km

This short but scenic stage climbs steadily from Encamp through alpine forests and pastures toward the Coll d’Ordino (1,980 m), offering panoramic views of the Andorran valleys. After the pass, the route descends gently to the peaceful village of 42.5833331.51666723 Arans in the Ordino Valley.

Distance

14 km

This high-mountain stage traverses the rugged and remote terrain of northwest Andorra. From Encamp, the route passes 42.571981.484724 Arinsal before ascending steeply through alpine landscapes, passing lakes and reaching the Portella de Baiau (2,767 m), the highest point on the GR-11. After crossing into Spain, the trail descends to the 42.59761.429175 Refugi De Baiau, nestled below dramatic peaks.

Distance

31 km

This demanding stage begins with a descent from the remote Refugi de Baiau through wild, high-altitude terrain. The trail crosses several cols and rugged valleys as it enters the Pallars Sobirà region. The stage ends in 42.64371.2560925 Tavascan .

Distance

24 km

This stage follows forested paths and pastoral landscapes as it descends gradually through the valleys of Pallars Sobirà. Along the way, hikers pass through traditional villages like Boldís and Lladorre before reaching 42.593861.13216726 la Guingueta d'Àneu, located by a reservoir and offering services for rest and resupply.

Distance

29 km

This demanding stage climbs steadily into the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, a high-mountain area known for its lakes and granite peaks. The route passes through pine forests and alpine meadows before reaching 42.6242690.9206686 Refugi vielh de Colomèrs, nestled among the glacial lakes of the Colomèrs cirque.

Distance

25 km

This alpine stage continues through the heart of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, offering expansive views and several high passes. The trail descends through rocky terrain and lush valleys, eventually reaching 42.6152340.7682217 Refugi de Conangles at the foot of the tunnel under the Port de Vielha.

Distance

27 km

This stage begins with a steady ascent through the Vall de Barravés, passing the nearby 42.5977980.7630278 Refugi forestal de Baserca. The trail crosses into Aragón via the Collado de Salenques and descends through pine forests and rugged terrain to reach 42.6240910.5418659 Camping Aneto near Benasque.

Distance

21 km

This stage crosses the Pyrenean divide again, heading west through the beautiful Estós Valley. After a steady climb past waterfalls and alpine scenery, the route traverses the Collado de Chistau before descending into the tranquil valley of Viadós, surrounded by high peaks. 42.6606780.37719410 Refugio de Viadós is available here.

Distance

22 km

This stage begins with a descent through forested trails and open pastures, followed by a climb over the Collado de Urdiceto. After reaching the pass, the path descends steadily to 42.66050.207927 Parzán, a small village near the Spanish-French border, known for its proximity to historical smuggling routes.

Distance

17 km

After passing the nearby hamlet of 42.66490.18628 Chisagüés, this stage crosses the Collado de Añisclo (also known as Collado de Pietramula), a high and demanding mountain pass at over 2,400 meters. The ascent is long and steep, often with snow patches late into the season. After reaching the top, the trail descends dramatically into the lush and scenic 42.6830.08329 Valle de Pineta, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Distance

15 km

This stage is short but very steep, with over 1,200 meters of elevation gain. The trail climbs from the Pineta Valley up to the Balcón de Pineta, offering spectacular views of Monte Perdido and its surrounding peaks. From there, it traverses rocky alpine terrain to reach the 42.66310.013911 Refugio de Góriz , located just below the Ordesa Plateau.

Distance

25 km

This stage descends from the alpine heights of Góriz into the Ordesa Valley, passing dramatic cliffs and waterfalls along the way. After reaching the valley floor, the trail follows forested paths and riverside tracks westward toward the Puente de los Navarros. From there, it continues gently uphill through pine forests to reach 42.694536-0.10691730 Refugio de Bujaruelo (mountain hostel).

Distance

20 km

From Bujaruelo, the GR11 climbs steadily through the Valle de Ara toward the Puerto de Bujaruelo, crossing into Aragón. After a scenic descent, the trail enters the Valle de Panticosa, passing lakes and rugged terrain before arriving at 42.76253-0.2332212 Refugio Casa de Piedra near the historic 42.760082-0.2340726 Baños de Panticosa (Panticosa Spa) spa complex.

Distance

24 km

This stage ascends through high mountain scenery to the Cuello del Infierno pass, offering views of glacial lakes and peaks. The route then descends into the picturesque valley of the Río Aguas Limpias, eventually reaching the mountain village of 42.771944-0.33277831 Sallent de Gállego .

Distance

25 km

This stage follows a scenic and rugged path through the upper Valle de Tena, passing by 42.77411-0.3608832 Formigal and the iconic Ibón de Anayet and beneath the striking silhouette of Pico Anayet. The trail continues along alpine terrain before reaching the ski resort village of 42.788-0.52764433 Candanchú, near the French border.

Distance

22 km

This stage crosses into the Aragón Valley and follows sections of the Camino de Santiago. It traverses high mountain terrain with expansive views and descends gradually toward the Parking de la Mina near the Ibón de Estanés, a scenic alpine lake.

Distance

12 km

A relatively short stage that enters the verdant valleys of the western Pyrenees. The route crosses the scenic Collado de Petraficha and descends through beech and pine forests into the valley of 42.864396-0.8128634 Zuriza.

Distance

11 km

A gentle and brief stage through lush Navarrese landscapes. The trail follows forest paths and open meadows, gradually descending into the charming village of 42.8614-0.922535 Isaba/Izaba .

Distance

21 km

This stage crosses rolling green hills and beech forests as you leave the Roncal Valley and enter the Salazar Valley. The route is scenic and relatively gentle, leading to the picturesque village of 42.9056-1.091136 Ochagavía/Otsagabia , one of Navarre’s most beautiful mountain settlements.

Distance

20 km

This 20 km stage crosses the Irati Forest, primarily on forest tracks and footpaths. The route passes close to the Irabia Reservoir before reaching 42.975176-1.24965337 Orbara and gradually ascends to a high point near the Casas de Irati. It then descends into the Aezkoa Valley, ending in the village of 42.94537-1.2309838 Hiriberri/Villanueva de Aezkoa .

Distance

17 km

This 17 km stage crosses the western edge of the Irati Forest and follows forest tracks and footpaths through wooded terrain. It passes near the Alto de Abodi and descends steadily into the Roncesvalles Valley, finishing in the village of 42.990805-1.33463839 Auritz/Burguete , close to the Camino de Santiago.

Distance

35 km

This long and demanding stage traverses the rugged Baztan Valley region. The route involves significant ascents and descents as it crosses several ridges, including the Puerto de Urkiaga. The terrain alternates between forest trails, open pastures, and remote paths before descending into the lively town of 43.146806-1.51711140 Elizondo , the main center of the Baztan Valley.

Distance

30 km

This stage continues west through the scenic Baztan Valley and into the foothills of the western Pyrenees towards 43.278333-1.682541 Bera (Vera de Bidasoa) .

Distance

32 km

The final stage of the GR-11 leads from Bera to Cape Higuer on the Atlantic coast. The route descends from the Pyrenean foothills toward the sea, passing through wooded hills, pastures, and small villages. As you approach 43.337806-1.78880642 Irun and the coastline, the terrain softens and opens up. The hike concludes at 43.39-1.79643 Cape Higuer , marking the western terminus of the trail and the completion of the Pyrenean traverse.

• Pyrenean High Route: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11.
• GR 10 This footpath stays on the French side of the Pyrenees.