The best gravel rides around Sant Cebrià De Vallalta

This small hermitage, lost in the woods, was born out of a promise, not a whim. In 1885, the Prats family paid for its construction after their daughter Fermina recovered from an illness. The first mass was held that same year. And here comes the good part: it's next to the Font de la Salut, and this whole area has long been associated with stories of healing waters and the famous dones d’aigua, the mysterious water women from the legends of Sant Iscle. Small, hidden, and without great pretension. But if someone builds an entire hermitage because their daughter gets cured, it at least deserves you to stop your bike for five minutes.

Curious pass between Calella and Sant Cebrià de Vallalta. Today it is a large open expanse in the middle of the forest with views towards the Mediterranean, but it has a much less beautiful past: during the second half of the 20th century it ended up being converted into a landfill. In the year 2000 the environment was recovered and restored. Now it is hard to imagine: you arrive by bike, leave the forest and this huge clearing appears dominating the valley and the coast. From dump to viewpoint. There are places that improve a lot with the years.

One of those places where it's worth slowing down a bit and looking around. Towering trees, dense forest, and a light that, when it filters through the canopy, makes this stretch spectacular. In summer, the shade is also greatly appreciated. And you're in Vallgorguina, land of forests, dolmens, and old witch stories. Very close by, in Pedra Gentil, tradition says that covens and witch gatherings were held. I don't know if any remain, but if you pass through here with this light, you perfectly understand why so many legends were born in these woods. A beautiful stretch to enjoy by bike without rushing.

It is a very pleasant stretch of road thanks to the shade of the vegetation and the low traffic. In winter it tends to be damp, so I recommend caution.

Parc i Font de la Llorita Aquest indret, molt a la vora del centre urbà, va ser des dels anys cinquanta un lloc d'esbarjo per a molts llavanerencs. Al costat de la riera i a l'ombra de les alzines i altres arbres centenaris, es va construir una font i diversos bancs; durant alguns anys, també s'hi instal·lava, a l'estiu, un petit "merendero". Eren moltes, les colles d'amics que als vespres d'estiu es portaven les taules i cadires per anar a sopar sota la fresca dels arbres. També s'hi organitzaven ballades de sardanes i altres actes festius i també era un lloc habitual per als infants de les escoles que hi anaven, la tarda del dijous gras o altres dies, a fer una excursió i berenar. Font: Ajuntament de Sant Andreu de Llavaneres

Good morning route. No difficulties

Right on the border between the river and human settlement: it wasn't placed randomly, but on a high, safe point when the Tordera River frequently overflowed. From here, fields and roads could be watched, and that's why the surroundings feel open and strategic. A good place to slow down: the terrain is more inviting for observing the valley than for pedaling hard.

Restoration needed after many years of going unnoticed. It's hard to believe, but the bathroom of my grandparents, Maria and Miquel, was right in the center of the cloister. A few meters above, but in the center.