Discover Riudarenes

Riudarenes can be explored through its historic sites and varied trails. If you plan your stay around your interests, architectural history, exercise and nature offer clear themes: Sant Martí reflects several building phases, while the chapel, tower remains and viewpoint come together at Castell d’Argimon. The trails include a 17-kilometre linear hiking route and a network of health-promoting paths with short, medium and long routes.

The architectural history of Sant Martí

The Església de Sant Martí de Riudarenes brings together building phases from different centuries. The present-day building dates from the 16th and 17th centuries, and the bell tower from the 18th century. On 3 May 1640, soldiers of the Terç de Moles burned and sacked the church during the uprising that triggered the Reapers’ War. The present-day building was constructed in the second half of the 17th century.

A distinctive architectural detail is the square Baroque granite entrance portal. The building inscription bears the date 1730. Together with the later bell tower, the portal shows how different periods and architectural features can be traced in the church.

Castell d’Argimon: chapel, tower and viewpoint

On the hill of Argimon, in the western part of the municipality of Riudarenes, the site of Castell d’Argimon contains the remains of an eight-metre-high square tower and the original 11th-century chapel. The Romanesque chapel has two naves and a semicircular apse; remains of wall paintings have also been preserved. The site thus brings together different aspects of architectural heritage, from the tower remains to the design of the chapel.

From the village of l’Esparra, the castle can be reached along an easy, well-maintained forestry track. There is a viewpoint at the castle with sweeping views across the whole La Selva region. This stop therefore offers both the surviving structures and the view as distinct points of interest.

Hiking trails and route choices

The Camí dels Segadors is 17 kilometres long, linear and rated easy. It connects the first foothills of the Guilleries near Santa Coloma de Farners with the La Selva plain near Vidreres, passing through Riudarenes, Sils and Vidreres. Its length, course and difficulty rating give you a clear basis for comparing this trail with other route options.

Riudarenes also has a network of health-promoting paths with short, medium and long routes. While the Camí dels Segadors is a single route of a set length and linear course, the paths in this network are grouped by route length. The Parc Urbà de Salut de Riudarenes (Centre Cívic) is designated as an urban health park.

The Centre a la Selva MTB circuit route is part of a regional trail network described as well maintained and properly signposted. The route can be started in any municipality along its course. Alongside the linear hiking trail and the varied routes in the health-path network, information about a regional MTB network is therefore also available to help you plan.

Landscape and nature

The protected area of the Riera de Santa Coloma, together with the agricultural use of the flatter areas, forms a landscape of significant natural value. Riudarenes also lies on a white stork migration route. These natural features complement the architectural heritage and trails, offering another perspective on the area.

Discover more destinations: Darnius, Palau De Santa Eulàlia, Sant Feliu De Guixols, Vallfogona de Ripollès, Castelló D’empúries, Sant Pere Pescador, Santa Cristina De Aro, Borrassà.

For the main travel overview: Girona.