The best MTB trails around El Montmell

Public fountain in the street Josep Nin of the City of Solomon.

The chapel of Sant Miquel in Pla de Manlleu is a small rural temple that breaks with the typical image of mountain hermitages. Located in the heart of Pla de Manlleu, it stands out for its agricultural and peaceful environment, far from monumentality and mass tourism: everything here breathes simplicity. Its facade and austere interior recall popular architecture more than the great medieval stone. In MTB it is a different point to stop, with paths that cross vineyards and open fields, much more of a rural wipiperia than a classic postcard. The charm lies precisely in this: a discreet chapel that still today keeps alive the spiritual link with the territory and that offers you a respite before continuing to pedal along the paths of Penedès.

The Castillo de Selma, also known as the Castell de Selma, is a ruined medieval fortress located in the municipality of Montmell, in the Baix Penedès. Documented as early as the 10th century, it was one of the most important castles in the Penedès marca, controlling the roads and lands of the area. For centuries it belonged to the Order of the Templars and then to the Hospitallers, until it was abandoned in the 15th century. Today, only half-collapsed walls, towers and wall locks remain, surrounded by forest and silence. The path to the castle is stony and demanding, perfect for those looking for MTB with a touch of adventure. Once at the top, the view is immense: the entire Penedès plain at your feet, the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, the sea in the background. Despite its dilapidated state, it is a place full of history and mysticism, reminiscent of feudal splendor and the Templar presence in the area.

The trail that brings you to this point is in good condition and suitable for all ages. From here, you can choose to descend to Can Marles, or if you turn off the first path, you'll reach Cal Joan de la Torre and then Aiguaviva.

Three emblematic points of the mountain range come together: Castellot, with the remains of the medieval fortress that guarded the Penedès; the Romanesque hermitage of Sant Miquel, from the 11th century, small and simple, but full of history; and the Creu del Montmell, which crowns the ridge as a symbol visible from afar. Climbing it by MTB or on foot is demanding, with steep and rocky sections, but the reward is immense: a 360º natural viewpoint over vineyards, villages and, on clear days, all the way to the sea. It is a place where nature, heritage and epic panoramas meet in a single point.

It crowns the mountain range and is one of the most iconic points in Baix Penedès. Located at an altitude of over 780 m, it offers a spectacular panorama of the entire region and, on clear days, as far as the sea. Today, all that remains are the remains of walls and towers, witnesses to a medieval fortress that controlled the roads and served as a refuge for the population. The climb to Castellot is demanding, with steep and rocky sections, but the reward is enormous: a natural viewpoint where history and landscape merge. On MTB you have to be prepared, it is better to climb calmly and perhaps do the last section on foot, but the experience is very worthwhile. It is a place that reminds us of the strategic importance of this peak and at the same time a perfect point to enjoy the immensity of Montmell.

It is a large and quiet space near the town, surrounded by nature and designed to spend the day or night. There are tables, shaded areas and camping is allowed, but it is strictly forbidden to make a fire or light bonfires. It is a good starting or finishing point for MTB routes through the mountains, with easy access and a calm atmosphere. Ideal for resting after an outing or to enjoy a night under the stars in the middle of the mountains.

Before starting the climb, you'll make a mandatory stop to refill your bottles with water that tastes just like it used to. There are benches and a table in the shade.