Maçanet de Cabrenys

Maçanet de Cabrenys is a municipality in the Alt Empordà region. It is also part of the Alta Garrotxa region, which has no administrative status.

The municipality lies at the foot of the eastern slope of the Sierra de las Salinas (Pyrenees), which includes a section of the GR-11 trail. The Arnera and Rinadal rivers are found here. To the south/southwest, it borders the municipalities of Albanyà and Sant Llorenç de la Muga, to the east, Vajol and Darnius, and to the north, the northern Catalan municipalities of Costoja, Sant Llorenç de Cerdans, Reiners, the Baños de Arles and Palaldà, Ceret and Morellàs, and Las Islas.

Places of interest

The Church of Sant Martí

The parish church of Sant Martí is a 12th-century Romanesque building with several subsequent modifications. It stands out for its square bell tower and the interior altarpieces, which are of stunning beauty. It is an emblematic site in the town, ideal for lovers of art and religious architecture. Its location in the center of town makes it a historical and cultural landmark.

The Chapel of San Sebastián

On the outskirts of town, the Chapel of San Sebastián is a late Gothic-style church from the 16th century. This small building offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for reflection. It is a cozy place surrounded by nature.

The sanctuary of the Virgin of the Salinas

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Salt Flats is located at an altitude of 1,100 meters, 15 kilometers from the town of Maçanet de Cabrenys. Built in 1271 and renovated during the 18th century, it maintains its original Romanesque style, with documented history dating back to 954. The sanctuary offers panoramic views of the Alt Empordà and is a place of pilgrimage for the faithful seeking peace and spirituality.

Sant Pere dels Vilars

Sant Pere dels Vilars is an ancient Romanesque church in ruins, located in a privileged natural setting. Despite being in ruins, its architecture and location make this site a point of historical interest. It's ideal for excursions and photography.

Gorges of Maçanet

The Maçanet pools are natural pools of crystal-clear water formed by the Arnera River. They're perfect for refreshing summer swims and are surrounded by stunning natural scenery. The best known are Gorg del Pla, Gorg Negre, and Gorg Blau.

Maçanet Castles Route

The Castle Route allows you to discover the remains of several medieval castles, most notably Cabrera Castle. The panoramic views of the Alt Empordà from these points are spectacular. It's an ideal route for history and nature lovers.

Other Places of Interest

There used to be a textile and iron industry, as well as cork factories, but currently the municipality's main source of income is tourism, along with construction. There are many restaurants. Water from the Les Creus spring, which currently belongs to the Vichy Catalán group, is bottled. There used to be a large sunflower seed factory. Now, a few small workshops remain.

It enjoys a large forest area, as it is the second-largest municipality in the entire region. The various rivers that flow throughout the municipality create a large number of pools that are popular during the warmer months. Maçanet de Cabrenys is also well known for its diverse mountain sports, such as mountain biking, hiking, and running, among others.

In Maçanet de Cabrenys, the festival is celebrated on the first Sunday in July and on November 11th, the day of the patron saint, Saint Martin. On the first Sunday in August, the Salinas gathering is held at the sanctuary at the top of the mountain. On the first Sunday after Saint Isidore, a traditional rice dish is held at the same site.