The forests of the Montseny and Les Guilleries, in the La Selva area of Girona, are full of legends: bandits like Serrallonga, witches in Viladrau, water women in the pools and stones where bishops once met. These are the stories we most like to tell and the places where you can still feel them.
We are Carmen and Dani and we have spent 26 years at Can Micos, an 18th-century farmhouse in Riudarenes, half an hour from these forests. For sightseeing in the area, see our guide to what to see in La Selva; here we stick to the legends.
| Where | Montseny and Les Guilleries, in and around La Selva |
| Legends | Serrallonga, the witches of Viladrau, the water women, the Taula dels Tres Bisbes |
| To learn more | Espai Montseny in Viladrau (about 38 min) |
| Closest | Sant Hilari Sacalm (27 min) and Arbúcies (29 min) |
| Ideal for | A day trip and an evening of stories by the fire |
Legends of the Montseny and Les Guilleries
Some are history, some are tradition, and most are a bit of both. These are our five favourites.
Serrallonga the bandit
- Viladrau and Guilleries
- 17th century
Joan Sala i Ferrer, born in Viladrau in 1594, was Catalonia’s most famous bandit, active mainly in Osona and La Selva. He was executed in Barcelona in 1634, and later plays and novels turned him into a romantic outlaw who robbed the rich.
Photo: Josep Maria Viñolas Esteva, CC BY 2.0
The witches of Viladrau
- Montseny
- Espai Montseny
In the 17th century Viladrau saw witch persecutions that left their mark on the memory of the Montseny. Today the Espai Montseny tells their story, along with the bandits’, using holograms and projections, in a one-hour visit suitable from age 5.
Photo: Pere López, CC BY-SA 3.0
The water women
- Pools and springs
- Montseny
According to tradition, the dones d’aigua, or water women, live in the pools and springs of the Montseny forests. A walk along a stream, like the one at Gorg Negre de Gualba, is the best way to see why.
Photo: Pere López Brosa, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sant Miquel de Solterra
- 1,202 m
- Les Guilleries
The roof of Les Guilleries, also called Sant Miquel de les Formigues, is climbed from Sant Hilari Sacalm or Osor. This is Serrallonga country, and from the top you can see much of La Selva.
Photo: Pere López, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Taula dels Tres Bisbes
- Sant Marçal
- Montseny
A stone table beside the Sant Marçal road in the Montseny. According to tradition, the bishops of three dioceses met here, each sitting in his own; the village has renewed its vow with the three bishoprics since 1348.
Photo: EliziR, CC BY-SA 3.0
A legends route from Can Micos
All of these places make easy day trips from the house.
| Place | What you will find | From Can Micos |
|---|---|---|
| Sant Hilari Sacalm | Les Guilleries, Serrallonga country | 30 km, 27 min |
| Arbúcies | Montsoriu castle and legendary forests | 32 km, 29 min |
| Osor | Climb to Sant Miquel de Solterra | 28 km, 32 min |
| Viladrau | Espai Montseny, witches and Serrallonga | 39 km, 38 min |
| Sant Marçal (Montseny) | Taula dels Tres Bisbes | 61 km, 1 h 15 min |
Approximate road distances and times from Riudarenes.
A night of stories at the farmhouse
Legends are best told at night. After a day in the Montseny or Les Guilleries, the lounge at Can Micos, with the fire lit and a bundle of firewood included, is the perfect place for someone in the group to tell the tale of Serrallonga or the witches of Viladrau.
The farmhouse has more than two centuries of history: stone walls, wooden beams and a large garden that, at night, with the forests all around, helps set the mood.
Can Micos: an 18th-century farmhouse for groups
Can Micos is an 18th-century Catalan farmhouse in Riudarenes (Girona) rented in full to groups of 16 to 25 people, between the Montseny, Les Guilleries and the Costa Brava.
- 9 bedrooms: 8 with private bathroom
- Dining room for up to 30 people
- Lounge of 60 m² with fireplace
- Enclosed garden of 4,000 m²
- Pool 9×4 m (all year round)
- Covered barbecue area of 115 m²
4.8 out of 5 on Google, with more than 220 reviews from groups who have stayed.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Serrallonga?
Joan Sala i Ferrer, known as Serrallonga, was born in Viladrau in 1594 and was the most famous Catalan bandit of the 17th century. He was active mainly in Osona and La Selva and was executed in Barcelona in 1634.
Where can you learn about the Montseny witch legends?
At the Espai Montseny in Viladrau, an interpretation centre that tells the stories of witches and bandits with holograms and projections. It is about 38 minutes from Can Micos.
What is the Taula dels Tres Bisbes?
A stone table beside the Sant Marçal road in the Montseny where, according to tradition, three bishops met, each in his own diocese.
Where is Sant Miquel de Solterra?
It is the highest peak of Les Guilleries (1,202 m), in La Selva. You climb it from Sant Hilari Sacalm or Osor, about 30 minutes from Can Micos.
Can you do a legends route from Can Micos?
Yes. Sant Hilari, Arbúcies and Viladrau are less than 40 minutes away and can be combined in one day, back at the farmhouse for dinner.
Up for a legendary getaway?
Tell us your dates and how many you are and we will help you plan the weekend: rooms, meals and routes for the whole group.
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