The long-distance GR11 crossing is one of three treks that run the length of the Pyrenees, the range forming the border between Spain and France. Think of it as a stroll from one lighthouse to another. The route starts by the Atlantic at the Cabo de Higuer lighthouse on the Basque coast and ends at the Cap de Creus lighthouse by the Mediterranean in Catalonia. The high-mountain GR11 route, 840 kilometres long, takes you through the most beautiful part of the Spanish Pyrenees. Somewhere like Valle de Ordesa is bound to be a highlight. So what are you waiting for? Slap a schnitzel between two slices of bread and set off to meet the adventure.
📌 Chystáš se na přechod GR 11 Neztrácej čas hledáním míst v mapě. Stáhni si našeho enabitého průvodce pro GR 11 Detailně rozepsané etapy, tipy na cestu, výběr vybavení a know how, které jinde nezískáš To musím mít!
You’ll find a complete guide to the GR11 route in our other article.
The complete GR11 route and its stages
Into the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean
Getting into the real mountains takes around ten days on average and covers just under 200 kilometres. For now you’re only crossing smaller hills and soaking up the lush, overgrown landscape. Past the village of Isaba the terrain starts to rise sharply and the beautiful Pyrenean massif opens up before you. This is where several days of puffing uphill begin, but the breathtaking views make up for it. Worth noting: the campsite past Isaba was closed this year, so stock up and charge your electronics in town.
The first multi-day stretch in the mountains without civilisation awaits. It’s generally recommended to start at the Atlantic, because the climate on the west coast is a little friendlier than at the other end of Spain. The climb into the mountains is also more gradual here, so you have time to test your fitness and acclimatise. The western side is more built-up too, so you won’t have any trouble topping up supplies.
The Central Pyrenees
They offer the most stunning panoramas. You may feel the sheer rawness of the mountains, reflected in the climbs and descents of a worn-out but thoroughly content hiker. Over 25 days you’ll walk mostly along the Spanish–French border, cross Andorra and drink in breathtaking views. You’ll also find that the spiritual side of the journey – the reason so many pilgrims head into the Pyrenees – is no longer crushed by pain and hunger the way it was at the start, and that you’re finding exactly what you came looking for.
Civilisation is fairly sparse, so you need to plan a few days ahead. The most important thing is having something to eat, something to drink and charged electronics. You’ll come to feel that your backpack can be a real partner and that your fitness is better than you might have thought. The last stretch in the mountains is the Núria valley, which in good weather is the absolute cherry on top.
The descent
Great heat awaits you, the variety of views narrows and a shortage of water sources drives you towards the finish. This is a very dry part of the Pyrenees, and it can happen that, because of the high temperatures, this final section is hit by wildfire and closed. I recommend getting up really early and walking while it’s still dark, hiding in the shade during the worst of the afternoon heat and carrying on towards evening.
In my case a wildfire broke out when I had five days left to the end. The Spanish got the fire under control and I was able to carry on all the way to the very finish without any complications.
