Gravel through the fortresses of medieval Empordà

This circular route will bring us closer to some of the natural borders of the old county. On the one hand, the River Ter and the Montgrí massif to the south and, on the other, the Mediterranean Sea to the east. It is a very flat route in which you head south inland to Verges, to return along the coast, passing through Sant Martí d'Empúries and Sant Pere Pescador.

The Route starts south from Figueres as you cross cultivated fields along agricultural roads, and towns such as Vilamalla, Siurana, Sant Miquel de Fluvià and Ventalló. You find the first Place of interest in Marenyà, a small district of the Tallada d'Empordà, where you can admire the small and humble church of Sant Esteve de Mareny. This is a perfect example of the sober and frugal character of the Romanesque in the area.
After traveling a couple of kilometers between fields, you arrive at the fortified church of Santa Maria de la Tallada d'Empordà, the only structure that remains standing in the walled enclosure that protected the town.

The Route continues to Verges, where you will pass through its picturesque town center before heading east and towards the sea. The proximity to the river Ter also marked the border of the county. This is why you will visit one of the castles dedicated to its defense. After Verges, Bellcaire d'Empordà is your next destination. Always with the imposing Montgrí massif and its castle in the distance. In Bellcaire you can visit its fortress, of which its central courtyard and some of its defense towers have been preserved.

A little further north, you find another castle, the Castell d'Albons. Converted today into private homes. There you will head straight for the coast to follow a picturesque bike path that goes from l'Escala to Sant Martí d'Empúries. This section separates the beautiful beaches of the area from the Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries.

In the tiny town of Sant Martí d'Empúries, various buildings await you, such as the church, built on the remains of a medieval castle of which some walls still remain, or the Casa Forestal. From there you have privileged views of the Gulf of Roses and the town of l'Escala.

You leave Sant Martí d'Empúries along a bike path that takes you to Sant Pere Pescador after crossing the Fluvià river again. From there, and by road, you get to Vilamacolum, and then continue along farm roads to Far d'Empordà. And finally back to Figueres.