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Terra Alta

Horta De Sant Joan

Top 14 Gorges around Horta De Sant Joan

Best canyons around Horta De Sant Joan are situated within the Els Ports Natural Park, an area recognized for its natural beauty and outdoor activity potential. The region features diverse landscapes, including impressive rock formations and river systems. Canyoning is a notable activity, with routes suitable for various experience levels. The area offers opportunities to explore natural thermal basins, river gorges, and sections with water-based activities.

Best canyons around Horta De Sant Joan

  • The most popular canyons is Old railway viaduct, a bridge that leads through a gorge. This location features a selfie holder at the beginning of the bridge for group photos.
  • Another must-see spot is Fontcalda, a natural monument with a thermal basin. Visitors can access a natural source of warm water, suitable for all seasons.
  • Visitors also love Els Estrets Gorge, a gorge where the Riu dels Estrets flows between vertical walls. This area attracts hikers and climbers, and includes a designated bathing spot called Toll Blau.
  • Horta De Sant Joan is known for river gorges, natural thermal basins, and boxed sections where rivers flow between rock walls. The variety of canyons provides diverse exploration opportunities for visitors.
  • The canyons around Horta De Sant Joan are appreciated by the komoot community, with 42 photos and 211 upvotes.

Last updated: May 23, 2026

Old railway viaduct

Highlight • Bridge

At a lofty height, an old railway viaduct leads right through the gorge - and on the other side the Vía Verde disappears into a tunnel again.

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Fontcalda

Highlight • Natural Monument

Fontcalda, a natural thermal basin inserted in a wonderful gorge. To get there you have to get off the track and go down a steep and short descent. The water temperature is 22 degrees, therefore good for all seasons. It is highly recommended to bring a bathing suit: resisting those waters is difficult.

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Els Estrets Gorge

Highlight (Segment) • Gorge

Boxed section where the Riu dels Estrets flows between the Lliberós car park, where we find informative panels about the route and the existing regulations, and the Pontet de Cantavella under the Mola dels Biarnets. Two points can also be distinguished, the Straits of Lliberós, at the height of Mola de Guasc, and the Straits of Arnes at the height of Roca del Duc.
Due to its scenic beauty, it attracts a large number of hikers, due to its vertical walls to many climbers and because we find the only place where bathing (Toll Blau) is allowed to large numbers of bathers in the summer.
The PR-C 185 goes through this place as well as the Estels del Sud route in its stage between Arnes and Paüls.

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Els Estrets d'Arnes

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The Estrets d'Arnes path is a true natural wonder surrounded by imposing rock walls. Without a doubt, it is one of the most spectacular mountain sites in all of Catalonia.

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Canaleta River

Highlight • River

The Canaleta river is a tributary of the Ebro that originates in the Espina mountain range, north of the Els Ports massif. Between Horta de Sant Joan and Bot the river has eroded the rocks forming pools called "Olles de Bot".

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Tips from the Community

Skpat-Viajarruteando-Enderroc
March 18, 2026, Els Estrets d'Arnes

Impressive landscapes in this area of the Port, with its rocky masses, its fauna and spectacular views of the Terra Alta region.

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A stretch that is even more beautiful if there is water

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It's a Green Route suitable for all levels, well-maintained, with beautiful scenery and also many tunnels. You'll need to bring a light, as they don't illuminate themselves.

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Amazing greenway but mandatory to have lights, the tunnels have but we found some that didn't work and some of them are long and its pitch black inside because some of them are not straight

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very beautiful landscape, with only a slight incline.

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Josereyes
December 29, 2024, Els Estrets d'Arnes

Natural environment one (10)

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The Estrets d'Arnes path is a true natural wonder surrounded by imposing rock walls. Without a doubt, it is one of the most spectacular mountain sites in all of Catalonia.

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Tip: Be sure to take a look into the gorge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main canyons and gorges to explore around Horta de Sant Joan?

The region offers a variety of impressive natural formations. You can visit the Els Estrets Gorge, where the Riu dels Estrets flows between vertical walls, popular for hiking and climbing, and featuring the Toll Blau bathing spot. The Old railway viaduct offers a unique experience, leading through a gorge at a lofty height. For canyoning, the Canaletes Canyon is known for its mix of easy and technical sections, including jumps and natural slides, suitable for various skill levels. The Riu Glorieta Ravine provides a medium-level canyoning challenge with natural slides and jumps.

Are there family-friendly canyoning options in Horta de Sant Joan?

Yes, the Canaletes Canyon is widely regarded as suitable for all skill levels, including beginners and families. It offers a comprehensive introduction to canyoning with fun jumps, slides, and swimming pools in a scenic environment. The Old railway viaduct is also perfect for cycling families with children, offering a unique passage through a gorge.

What are the difficulty levels for canyoning in the area?

Canyoning options range from beginner-friendly to medium-level challenges. The Canaletes Canyon is suitable for all skill levels, offering both easy and more technical sections with jumps and abseils up to 10 meters. The Riu Glorieta Ravine is considered a medium-level challenge, providing an excellent half-day experience with natural slides and various jumps.

What unique natural features can I find in the canyons around Horta de Sant Joan?

You can discover several unique natural features. Fontcalda is a natural thermal basin with water at 22 degrees, perfect for bathing year-round, nestled within a wonderful gorge. The Canaletes Canyon features siphons, large swimming pools, and an underground passage through water. The Canaleta River has eroded rocks to form pools known as "Olles de Bot" between Horta de Sant Joan and Bot.

Are there good viewpoints to admire the gorges and canyons?

Yes, the Racó de Sant Antoni offers spectacular panoramic views of the curious rock formations of the Penyagalera massif and the Roca de Migdia, shaped by the Ulldemó river. The Fontcalda area also provides a beautiful setting within a gorge, even if you're not bathing.

What is the best time to visit the canyons and gorges in Horta de Sant Joan?

The region is generally suitable for outdoor activities throughout much of the year. For canyoning, the warmer months are ideal for enjoying the water features. The natural thermal basin at Fontcalda, with its 22-degree water, is pleasant for bathing in all seasons. For hiking and exploring the gorges like Els Estrets Gorge, spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures.

What outdoor activities can I do near these canyons?

Beyond canyoning, the area around Horta de Sant Joan, particularly within the Els Ports Natural Park, is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including moderate routes like Els Estrets d'Arnes and Toll Blau. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the Vía Verde de la Terra Alta passing through gorges, such as over the Old railway viaduct. The region also offers opportunities for climbing and spelunking.

Are there specific hiking trails that go through or near the gorges?

Yes, the Els Estrets Gorge is a popular hiking destination, with the PR-C 185 and a stage of the Estels del Sud route passing through it. A well-known moderate hiking route in the vicinity is Els Estrets d'Arnes and Toll Blau, which allows you to experience the scenic beauty of the gorges and geological formations.

What do visitors enjoy most about the canyons and gorges in Horta de Sant Joan?

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the variety of activities available. The fun jumps and slides in canyons like Canaletes, the unique experience of cycling over the Old railway viaduct, and the opportunity to bathe in the natural thermal waters of Fontcalda are often highlighted. The imposing mountains and crystal-clear rivers provide a breathtaking backdrop for all adventures.

Is there parking available for accessing the canyons?

For Els Estrets Gorge, there is parking available at the Lliberós car park, which also features informative panels about the route and regulations. For other canyoning spots like Canaletes Canyon, local guides or tour operators can provide specific information on access and parking arrangements.

Are there any regulations or permits needed for canyoning or hiking in Els Ports Natural Park?

The Els Ports Natural Park has regulations in place to protect its natural environment. For specific canyoning activities, especially in more technical routes, it is advisable to check with local authorities or guided tour operators regarding any required permits or group size restrictions. For hiking, informative panels at locations like the Lliberós car park for Els Estrets Gorge provide details on existing regulations.

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