Osor: Buildings, Waterways and Hiking

Osor can be explored through three specific themes: medieval buildings, waterscapes and hikes with different route lengths. If you are looking for a hotel in Osor, these highlights can help guide your travel plans: you can focus on culture and nature, or combine the two.

Buildings and History in Osor

The Pont Vell is a stone Romanesque bridge over the Riera d’Osor, documented since the 15th century. The parish church of Sant Pere preserves the southern arm of a medieval Romanesque church, with nine Lombard round-arched friezes and a double-splayed window. If you enjoy looking at architectural details, you can appreciate the two buildings for their distinct features: the stone bridge at Pont Vell and the surviving part of a church, with its friezes and window, at Sant Pere.

Another historic landmark is the Torre de Recs, a sturdy square tower built after 1439. Its features include Gothic windows and preserved battlements. In the 19th century, the tower was used as a prison; it is therefore also known as the Torre de la Presó. Les Mines d’Osor are 5 kilometres from Osor, along the road to Anglès. The ruins of the former mining facilities and the mine shaft are still visible there.

Waterscapes and Trails

Osor’s waterscape can be experienced along different kinds of trails: woodland paths beside its many streams, and the Font del Borrell walking path leading to a spring. The woodland paths beside the streams lead to small bridges, clear gorges and waterfalls. The spring at Font del Borrell has been documented since the 18th century and is one of the best-known springs in the comarca. You can drink fresh water there in the shade of the trees.

Hikes and Choosing a Route

The Ruta de la Riera d'Osor starts in the village centre and follows the Riera d'Osor on a circular route almost five kilometres long. Along the way, you can discover the watercourse’s most striking gorges, including the gorge of de l’Olla. The route is considered moderately difficult and takes about an hour and a half. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out. A much longer alternative is Route 1 from Osor to El Sobirà, a 20-kilometre out-and-back hike. This makes it easy to compare the route options: almost five kilometres on a circular trail along the Riera, or 20 kilometres there and back.

September Festivities

The Festa Major del Terç in Osor takes place every year on the third Sunday in September. The festivities include the Ball del Ciri, a traditional dance unique to Osor with very ancient origins. Alongside its buildings and scenic trails, Osor also offers a clear reason to plan your travel dates around a cultural event. If the festival is important to your plans, check the date for your chosen year before booking.

Discover more destinations: Sant Llorenç De La Muga, Vilamaniscle, Maiá de Montcal, Anglès, Alp, Salionç, Gombrèn, Palol d'Onyar.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.