Route of the Carantos

A circular hiking route around Vilaller leading to the emblematic Els Carantos site, a landscape of rocky fissures, cavities and formations surrounded by mountain scenery and legends of witches.

Route description

The route starts in Vilaller and climbs towards Els Carantos de Vilaller along the Camí de Serreres. Along the way, walkers can discover the characteristic holes, fissures and rock formations of the Carantos, as well as the Faro dels Carantos, before descending back to the village.

The first section of the ascent follows the same route as the Camí de Foc de Vilaller up to the Faro de Vilaller and also overlaps with the climb to Serreres. Several paths meet in this area, so pay close attention to the signs at junctions and always follow the specific directions for the Carantos trail and the updated GPS track.

The legend of the Carantos holes

According to legend, the witches of Vilaller lived in the Carantos, among rocky fissures in the mountain. When it rained, they took their dirty clothes out of the caves and spread them outside to be washed. Once clean and dry, they hid their treasure inside the holes again.

At midnight, while the village slept, the witches went down to Vilaller’s square to dance the Bolangera. Whenever they sensed someone approaching to spy on them, they fled back to their deep cavities. Only the carpenter Xep de Veleta ever managed to catch sight of them dancing in the square.

Points of interest

• The holes, fissures and rock formations of the Carantos.
• Faro dels Carantos.
• Places associated with the legend of the witches of the Carantos.
• Views over the Barravés valley.

Path condition and signage

The Carantos path has been restored because it was previously impassable. On the ascent, it shares sections with the Camí de Foc de Vilaller and the Serreres route. For this reason, pay particular attention to the signs at junctions, stay on the marked route and follow the updated GPS track.

Recommendations

• Wear hiking footwear and carry water and sun protection.
• Check the weather forecast before setting out.
• Follow the signs and stay on the path.
• Respect the rock formations, the natural surroundings and the cultural heritage.
• The route is not suitable for mountain bikes.

View and download the updated Camí dels Carantos GPS track on Wikiloc.

Discover the legend of the witches of the Carantos.