Just two hours from Barcelona, tucked away among green valleys and majestic mountains, lies a small but stunning mountain destination—perfect for those looking to escape the summer heat and crowds without giving up refreshing swims or the essence of the high mountains.
We’re talking about Setcases, a charming medieval village surrounded by nature, located at an altitude of over 1,200 meters in the Ripollès region (Girona). It remains true to its rural past and is an ideal getaway for this summer, with nighttime lows that can drop to 12 degrees.
Setcases, the mountain village with a beach
Its cobblestone streets, wooden balconies, and surroundings of forests and rivers make it a true Pyrenean postcard—but with one surprising twist: a beach right in the heart of this Pyrenean village.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the town center, the town hall has developed the “platgeta,” a small river beach along the crystal-clear waters of the Ter River. This spot becomes a natural oasis when the sun is at its strongest: hammocks, umbrellas, and river sand where you can lie down or rest after a hike—always while respecting the environment.
The water, which comes directly from snowmelt, never exceeds 15°C in summer, ensuring the refreshing swim you’re looking for.
Furthermore, the medieval past is evident in the Church of Sant Miquel, with its Baroque altarpiece—one of the few to survive the Civil War. Throughout the year, Setcases also hosts traditional events such as the Fiesta del Bolet (mushroom festival), where you can sample local products from its forests.
Some hiking trails from Setcases
Setcases is the starting point for numerous trails through the Cabeceras del Ter y del Freser Natural Park, suitable for all skill levels. The main one is thehike to the source of the Ter River, which takes you from the village to the river’s source, winding through high-mountain landscapes and alpine meadows.
On the other hand, thecircular route through Coll de la Marrana and Les Borregues features mountain trails that allow you to reach the summits and enjoy panoramic views of the entire Eastern Pyrenees. This is where the GR11 runs —the legendary Pyrenean trail that passes through Setcases and crosses the entire Pyrenees from east to west.
How to get to Setcases from Barcelona
To get to Setcases from Barcelona, you have several convenient options by both car and public transportation. The fastest route is by car: it’s about 140 km by road, following the C-17 toward Ripoll, then toward Camprodon, and finally to Setcases; this trip will take about 2 hours and takes you through spectacular mountain scenery.
If you prefer public transportation, you can take a train from the Barcelona-Arc de Triomf station to Ripoll (R3 line), and then transfer to a bus to Setcases, which usually passes through Camprodon. The train and bus trip takes about 4 hours in total and is operated by Rodalies and TEISA. There’s also the option of taking a direct bus from Barcelona (Gran Via, 658) to Camprodon, and from there catching a local bus to Setcases.
And speaking of rivers, there’s nothing like a getaway to go swimming during this heat wave, so here are some suggestions for swimming spots at Catalonia’s reservoirs where you can enjoy a dip surrounded by mountains.
