Terrades – Churches, Trails and Cherry Traditions

Terrades lies between mountains in a small valley, in the basin of the Rissec and Murga streams. The road from Figueres to Terrades also crosses a valley with farmland and forests. This provides a scenic setting for planning your trip; specific destinations range from churches in Terrades and the surrounding area to trails and a recurring cherry market. Depending on your interests, you can focus on local history, outdoor activities or a June event.

Churches and History

The present-day Església parroquial de Santa Cecília was built in 1954 to replace the Romanesque predecessor church, which had disappeared completely. The older church was completely destroyed in February 1939. The destruction of the Romanesque predecessor and the construction of the present parish church therefore took place in two clearly distinct phases.

The Ermita de Sant Sebastià is half a kilometre from Terrades. It probably dates from the 17th century and has been restored several times. The Ermita de Santa Magdalena stands on the summit of the mountain of the same name. From there, you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding area and much of the comarca.

The Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Salut is situated on a heavily forested slope in the Vall de Santa Magdalena, at an altitude of 400 metres. Mossèn Felip Olivet founded the sanctuary; its original chapel was inaugurated on 8 September 1681. Every year, many guilds and organisations make offerings there to the Mare de Déu. The setting in a wooded valley at altitude and a religious tradition that continues to this day are both part of the experience of visiting this place.

Trails and Tours

The Camí Natural de la Muga passes through Terrades and is part of a route approximately 40 kilometres long that can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Another route is the Ruta BTT 30: starting from Terrades, it heads west along the Rissec, through pine forests to the Font Pudosa, then returns to Terrades via Sant Llorenç de la Muga and the GI-511, passing the Ermita de Santa Magdalena and cherry orchards along the way.

A pleasant 30-minute walk leads from the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Salut to the Ermita de Santa Magdalena. The traditional route of the Cursa-Marxa de muntanya also starts in Terrades. When choosing a route, there is a clear distinction: the Camí Natural can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, while the route from the sanctuary to the chapel is a pleasant 30-minute walk.

Cherry Market in June

The Fira-Mercat de la Cirera de Terrades is always held on the first Sunday in June. Its stalls sell cherries, handicrafts and regional products. Up to 16 varieties of cherries are grown in the municipalities of Terrades and Llers. If you want to plan your trip around the fair, check the dates for that year's event when making your plans.

Discover more destinations: El Far d'Empordà, L'Alt Empordà, Sant Gregori, Cornellà Del Terri, Les Preses, Pont De Molins, Ripoll, Vilanova de la Muga.

Go to the main travel overview: Girona.