Bonastre: Hiking, Nature and Local History

Bonastre combines hiking trails in the Massís de Bonastre with local history that can be read in its distinctive buildings and landscape features. When planning your trip, you can choose routes of different lengths and formats, from an easy hike of around four kilometres to longer circular routes. The area also features buildings in the town and dry-stone heritage in the surrounding countryside.

Landscape and protected nature

The Massís de Bonastre is an extensive area of low mountains between the plains of Alt Camp and Baix Penedès. Woodlands and traditional Mediterranean tree crops shape the landscape. The Massís is designated within the Natura 2000 network as both a Special Protection Area (ZEPA) and a Site of Community Importance (LIC), under code ES5140014, and covers 2,680.29 hectares. Bonastre’s landscape heritage also includes dry-stone structures, areas of biological diversity and shafts from former mining activities.

One route also leads into this landscape: the eastern section of Bonastresc enters the Massís de Bonastre PEIN area, which is part of the Natura 2000 network and serves as a nesting area for Bonelli’s eagle (Aquila fasciata). This is a distinctive feature of the circular route, alongside its exploration of the Massís’s landscape diversity.

Hikes in different formats

If you are looking for a named summit destination, a linear, easy hike leads from Bonastre to La Mola, at 318 metres. Another short option is the Bonastre ruta poètica: this easy hike is about four kilometres long and runs from Bonastre to the Font del Pastorell.

The Ruta de la Pedra Seca is a 7.02-kilometre circular route with 102 metres of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty level. It passes through the countryside around Bonastre, by dry-stone huts located between the Calç Lluisot wine cellar, Masia dels Plans, els Golfes and Bargalló. These names provide specific points of reference along the route, whose theme is the area’s dry-stone heritage.

At 18.2 kilometres, Bonastresc is also a circular route, but considerably longer than the Pedra Seca loop. To choose between them, compare the stated features: La Mola is an easy linear hike, the Ruta de la Pedra Seca is a moderately difficult circular route, and Bonastresc is a longer loop. The Camí de la Serra de les Creus leaves Bonastre, climbs to the ridge and connects there with Bonastresc; the ridge is associated with sweeping views.

The Camí de La Pobla offers a different connection. This GR-92 hiking trail links Bonastre with La Pobla de Montornès via La Gavatxa and Mas Gibert. Circular routes and a trail connecting towns thus offer different ways to explore the landscape on foot.

Architecture and local history

In Bonastre, the parish church of Santa Magdalena was restored between 1941 and 1945 by the modernist architect Josep M. Jujol. The baptismal font and tabernacle are attributed to him. A visit to the church brings together its restoration period and the two works attributed to Jujol.

Cal Ferrer is considered the oldest house in Bonastre and is also known as Casa del Delme. Its name recalls the tithes collected there for the monastery of Sant Cugat. Cal Fontanilles features sgraffito dating from 1853: garlands, friezes and classical columns, a hunting scene on the lower section, and the coats of arms of Catalonia and Bonastre. The two houses therefore represent different historical traces: functions associated with an earlier collection of dues, and a dated façade design.

Public water sources as local landmarks

Two public water sources are located by specific streets and buildings. The Font de Santa Magdalena is near the church and the TV-2041 road. The Font de Santa Quitèria is on Carrer Major, between Carrers del Mig and Jesús. These location details help you place the sources in the context of the townscape, without confusing them with the hiking trails that run farther afield.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: La Riera de Gaià, Vilaverd, El Catllar, Vallfogona De Riucorb, El Molar, Torroja Del Priorat, Calafell, Vila-rodona

For the main travel overview: Tarragona.