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| · nature walks |
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| · circuits around the area |
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| · the Garraf nature reserve |
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| · the Foix nature reserve |
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| · olèrdola |
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| These routes were designed for anyone who wishes to get to know Vilanova i la Geltrú's surroundings. They are suitable for all kinds of people and have different durations and lengths (from 5 to 12 km), so that each person can choose the route that best suits them. They can be followed all the year round. However, in the summer it is better to go walking at times of day when the sun is not too high. Please note that the walking times do not include rests. Recommendations Wear suitable walking shoes. They should be light and comfortable. Take drinking water with you; there are very few fountains or springs on the way. Wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun. Do not go walking in the middle of the day, especially in the summer months. |
NATURE WALKS OTHER WEB SITES: |
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| www.diba.es |
Coastal route Mas Gros Route Mas de l'Artís Route| COASTAL ROUTE |
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| 1 The tower of Ribes Roges |
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| 3 The town of Adarró |
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| 4 Xalet del Nin |
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| 5 Racó de Santa Llúcia |
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| 7 The Aviation Centre |
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| 9 Sant Gregori's Cross |
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| 10 The tower of Enveja |
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| 10 Sant Joan's Hermitage |
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| Agave (Agave americana) |
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| Seagull (Larus ridibundus) |
| COASTAL ROUTE |
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Starting point: the tower of Ribes Roges Finishing point: the tower of Enveja Time needed to complete the walk: 1 hour 12 minutes DESCRIPTION OF PLACES OF INTEREST 1 The tower of Ribes Roges: This fortification on the right of Sant Joan's stream was constructed during the third Carlist war (1874). It has the same design as the other 5 that were built at the same time, of which only two are left: the fortifications of Plats i Olles and D'en Garrell. The tower of Ribes Roges once housed a pergola (1912), and a Tourist Information Office (1982), and now contains an art exhibition on the subject of the sea (1998-2000).
· DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK This is a short walk that starts on the sea front in Vilanova. It goes along the coast to the small houses at the Racó de Santa Llúcia, where it goes through the railway tunnel, crosses the main road at sea level, and goes on to L'Aragai housing estate. Here you can observe the planes of the Aviation Centre. Soon after you come to the estate turn into the street called Nova rambla Arnau de Vilanova and then into the old path (camí vell) of Cubelles which leads to the tower of Enveja and Sant Joan's Hermitage where the walk ends. It is a walk that goes through built up areas, but is quite interesting. It might be a good idea to start at the other end, especially in the summer, and finish it off with a pleasant swim at Ribes Roges beach. 1 The tower of Ribes Roges: The walk starts in front of the tower of Ribes Roges (1) and goes west along the sea front. A few minutes later you will see the platform leading to the sculpture that represents the Greek myth of Pasifae (2). At the end of the double row of palm trees, cross a small roundabout and go uphill along an asphalt road past a block of flats, on the left, and the Adarró Ibero-Roman remains, on the right (3). (3). The path goes round the Xalet del Nin (4). On reaching the Miramar bar-restaurant go down onto the beach and climb up a small rocky path to the railway. On the right is a building called Gavina. The path goes on through the rocks of Sant Gervasi, very close to the sea. There is sea fennel growing here. 5 Racó de Santa Llúcia: After a few minutes go up some small steps and along the row of white houses belonging to the Racó de Santa Llúcia housing estate (5). At the end of the row of houses leave the estate and go through an old gateway, down a cement road to sea level. 25 metres further on go under the railway line through a tunnel. At the end of the tunnel take a path between high banks, which runs along the side of the camp site and comes out onto an asphalt road. Follow the road uphill and take a wide path to the left that leads up towards some telecommunication aerials. The path gets narrower and runs along an overgrown wall. At the end of the wall, leave the path and turn left. Cross the main road (mind the traffic!) and on the other side take a little path which soon becomes a dirt track. Follow it towards the left (in a north-westerly direction). Keep to the main path and don't take any of the paths going off it. On reaching a fence the path drops down to the right, and turns into a road that skirts the Aragai housing estate (6). 7 The Aviation Centre: The Aviation Centre (7) is very close by on the right. Go along the Avinguda de l'Aragai, which is getting steeper here. At the roundabout go uphill to the left, along the Rambla d'Arnau de Vilanova. 8 9 The Masia d'en Seró and the boundary cross: The Masia d'en Seró (8) is visible to the right. Later skirt the park which contains the Sant Gregori's Cross on the municipal boundary (9). The path goes downhill and comes out onto the old path of Cubelles which now has an asphalted surface. Go downhill to the right, in a north-easterly direction. Turn right at the traffic lights onto the Ronda Ibérica. 100 metres further on take a dirt path on the left, that runs between some palm trees and some street lights. Cross the Ramusa stream over a wooden bridge. 10 The tower of Enveja and Sant Joan's Hermitage: The path comes out at the side of the tower of Enveja (10), opposite Sant Joan's Hermitage (10), where the walk ends. · NOTES ON THE FLORA AND FAUNA This walk has two different parts. In the first part, the coastal area, there are very few plants but a lot of marine creatures on the rocks. In the second part the route goes inland but there are also few plants because it is increasingly affected by urban development. There are all kinds of algae to be seen on the rocks that are washed by the waves. There are green ones such as sea lettuce (Ulva rigida), flat red ones like Porphyra umbilicalis, and algae with calcified stems, such as Corallina elongata. There are also some brown ones, such as Petalonia Fascia, whose lance-like fronds can be seen on the coast during the winter. On the land very close to the sea there are plants such as the sea rocket (Cakile maritima) or perhaps French Scorzonera (Reichardia picroides). Further from the coast there are some groups of Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis) and in the fields there are carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua) and olive trees (Olea europaea). There are also some magnificent examples of agave (Agave americana) and other species typical of Mediterranean scrub. Here is a list of some of the most well-known forms of animal life. The marine animals include mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and limpets (Patella sp. Pegellida) which, along with many other creatures, cling onto the rocks along the sea part of the route. Seagulls can often be seen flying near the coast. They include the large yellow-legged gull (Larus cachinnans) and the black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus). Other birds include the ever- present house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and, in the summer months, the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica). |
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| THE MAS GROS ROUTE |
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| 1 The Xoriguer square |
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| 2 R. d'Arnau de Vilanova |
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| 4 Ruins of the tower of Vallès |
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| 6 Mas d'en Palau |
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| 7 Mas Roquer |
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| 8 Puig de mas Gros |
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| The European bee-eater (Merops apiaster) |
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| Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) |
| THE MAS GROS ROUTE |
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Starting and finishing point:The Xoriguer square Time needed to complete the walk: 1 hour 36 minutes · DESCRIPTION OF PLACES OF INTEREST 1 The Xoriguer square: has been the popular name for the square since 1976. Xoriguer was the nickname given to the Puig family, the owners of local land acquired by Pere Puig i Escardó (1785-1870). 5 Els Sis Camins: this is now a large district of the town. It used to be a big crossroads, where three old pathways came together: The Camí Ral from Ribes to Cubelles, that comes through La Plana and goes on through the Fondo de Somella, the road from Vilanova to Rocacrespa, that comes from Enveja and goes on towards the windmill of Salze, and La Carrerada, along which animals were driven, coming from the Ribes Roges beach, which traversed La Collada and the tower of Vallès, to join the path called La carrerada de la Cerdanya at the Talaia peak. This place used to be called La Creu or La Creueta d'en Garí, named after the farmer who owned the land around the crossroads. However, long ago, it was called Forca de Faraix, and the land is still called Fondo de Fraig. 7 Mas Roquer (Vilanova Park Camp Site): This is an old farmhouse (inside the camp site) that was reconstructed at the beginning of the 20th century upon the remains of an old farmyard. The building was already there in the 18th century and was called Corral d'en Llorenç, after the farmer. Later it changed its name to Corral del Daniel (Montserrat) and became part of the quarter of Piular. In 1833 the pharmacist Francesc Roquer, together with Sebastià Gumà founded the first textile factory in Vilanova. It was called “La Rambla” factory. In 1898 the building was purchased by Francesc Font i Gumà, whose architect brother Joseph made improvements in the Modernist style. It has housed the camp site centre since 1982. 10 The Bassa de Creixell: this former irrigation pool gave its name to the house at the bottom of the Camí Ral –now La Plana road– which is now a modern building known to many as La Figuera. The place called Creixell is mentioned in 1303 in local documents related to Vilanova. It once belonged to the quarter of Piular, located in an old farmhouse nearby. Here archaeologists have found Ibero-Roman remains and traces of Mediaeval silos and terraced fields. The Bassa de Creixell dates from at least 1589. 11 Sant Joan's Cross : This is the oldest remaining cross in the town, first mentioned in documents in 1554. It originally stood in the Cap de Creu square, and was called the Cross of Vilanova. It was moved during the first quarter of the 19th century.
· DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK This route goes through the outskirts of the town of Vilanova, following agricultural and industrial paths. It goes from the Xoriguer square to the neighbourhood of Sis Camins (once six paths met here, now they are streets). It continues along the Carrerada de la Serra, crosses the road of L'Arboç, and goes round the Vilanova Park camp site and the farmhouse called Mas Roquer, in the general direction of the Mas Ricart and La Talaia. However it changes direction abruptly at the end of the camp site and follows the path that goes past the ruined Mas Gros farmhouse to the hill of the same, which has sweeping views of the coastal mountain range. It then continues along the La Plana road to the Bassa de Creixell. It goes into Vilanova again along the Ronda Ibèrica and ends back at the Xoriguer square. An original route round the outskirts of modern Vilanova. 1 The Xoriguer square: Start at the Xoriguer square (1) go west along L'Aigua street, which crosses the bridge over Sant Joan's stream and goes uphill. 2 The Rambla d'Arnau de Vilanova: L'Aigua street ends at an avenue. Turn right along the avenue. Further on, on the right, is the Masia d'en Seró (3) and the boundary cross of Sant Gregori. Take a path to the left called old path of Cubelles and, 100 metres on, take a footpath that leads to the boundary of the housing estate, where there is a beautiful view over the sea. The street takes a bend and leads to a bridge over the C-246. Cross the bridge and go uphill along the main street, past streets leading off to the right. 4 Ruins of the tower of Vallès: Stay on the path, now an asphalt road, which goes past the tower of Vallès, placed strategically to overlook the coastline. The road turns to the right and drops down through the housing estate to the Sis Camins intersection. (5). Go straight across at the roundabout. 6 The Mas d'en Palau: On the left surrounded by fields is the old farmhouse called El mas d'en Palau. On the right there are signposts to El Margalló state school. Go straight on down the hill. Cross the main road (BV-2115) and go past the entrance to the Vilanova Park camp site on the right, where the Mas Roquer is situated (7). Take an asphalt path that skirts round the camp site in the direction of the golf course. About 50 metres further on go past a path on the left and continue uphill. The path takes a bend to the right and then to the left. Watch out for a smaller path that branches off to the right. Leave the main path and follow it along the wire fence of a big farm. Later it skirts the camp site. Follow its many bends down the hill. Turn right at the crossroads near the entrance to the Hípica Llorenç farm. The path goes straight on for a while, then uphill and to the right, along a fence. There is a sweeping view from here, stretching from La Talaia to the mountains of the Garraf massif. 8 The Puig de mas Gros: The path reaches the Puig de mas Gros, the highest point of the walk, where there is a small esplanade with some stone benches. A few metres further on, as the path begins to go down, there is beautiful view of Vilanova. This stretch of the path is in rather poor condition. The fence that has been running along on the right comes to an end and the path goes over the irrigation canal from the Foix reservoir (9). The path narrows and continues in a south-westerly direction towards Vilanova. It runs along the side of a building called Pou Salat. Keep to the main path without turning off. The path comes to an end at an asphalt road that was once called Camí Ral and is now known as La Plana road. Go left along the road. 10 Masia La Figuera: Masia La Figuera restaurant, situated inside the former farmhouse of the Bassa de Creixell (10). Cross the road and take the Escalons path, that goes south-west towards Vilanova between stony banks. Keep to the main path without turning off. Go under another main road (the C-246) and straight on along the main path. When the path bends suddenly to the left (E), take a path on the right that goes on in the same direction as before. It is a narrower, more grassy path that is paved with stones. Cross the Ronda Ibèrica and take the Josep Coroleu street into town. From one end of the esplanade on the left there is a view of the boundary cross of Sant Joan (11). 1 The Xoriguer square: The route ends at the Xoriguer square (1). · NOTES ON THE FLORA AND FAUNA As most of the itinerary goes through built up areas, the indigenous flora and fauna have practically disappeared. They can only be found in the areas that are furthest from the town, especially in the pine woods on the mountain sides. Among the most characteristic forms of plant life are Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis), carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua) and a few olive trees (Olea europaea). The bushes and shrubs include the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), Mauritanian grass (Ampelodesmos mauritanica), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), broom (Spartium junceum), gorse (Ulex parviflorus), the white-leaved rock rose (Cistus albidus), the agave (Agave americana), the elm-leaf blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and there are other common species such as perennial grass (Brachypodium retusum), the white wall rocket (Diplotaxis erucoides), the corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas)and the slender sow thistle (Sonchus tenerrimus). Although animals are rare in these parts there are rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), practically reduced to only a few by hunting, lizards (Psammodromus algirus), a few vipers(Vipera latasti) and also a few horseshoe snakes (Coluber hippocrepis). Game birds include the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), which is also pursued by the hunters, and quite a few turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur). Among the smaller birds are house sparrows (Passer domesticus), robins (Erithacus rubecula), and the European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis). Depending on the time of year, there are migrating birds such as the bee-eater (Merops apiaster) or the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica). In addition there are bright and colourful magpies (Pica pica) and some blackbirds (Turdus merula). These are the main plants and animals, but many of the animals go unnoticed, either because there are very few of them, or because they usually avoid human beings. |
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| THE MAS DE L'ARTÍS ROUTE |
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| 1 Cap de Creu |
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| 1 The Cross of Vilanova |
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| 2 Aqueduct |
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| 3 Mas de l'Artís |
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| 4 Barraca del Bruno |
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| 5 Mas Coloma |
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| 5 Les Mesquites |
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| 6 Mas Torrat |
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| 8 Rest. Masia La Figuera |
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| 10 The Xoriguer square |
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| Holly oak (Quercus ilex) |
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| Wild boar (Sus scrofa) |
| THE MAS DE L'ARTÍS ROUTE |
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Starting point: Cap de Creu square Finishing point: The Xoriguer square Time needed to complete the walk: 2 hours 46 minutes · DESCRIPTION OF PLACES OF INTEREST 1 Cap de Creu: This neighbourhood was built around the cross of Vilanova, a Gothic-style cross that was already in existence in 1554. It was moved in the 19th century, by which time it was known as Sant Joan's Cross. 3 Mas de l'Artís: This is one of the farmhouses that is furthest from the town. It stands on the junction of the path from Canyelles to Cubelles with the path from Vilanova to Castellet via Torrelletes. The house was built with money given by King Jaume I to Joseph Artís in 1275. It has always been a self-sufficient farmhouse. It has been in the hands of the same family since the 18th century. 5 Mas Coloma and les Mesquites: These are old farmhouses with millenary place names. Matabona once marked the boundary of the lands belonging to the castles of Cubelles and Ribes. Since 1366 it has stood on the boundary between the parishes of Vilanova and La Geltrú. The place was known as Mas de la Miquela in the 17th century. Since the 19th century the two houses have been called Les Mesquites. One is called Mesquita del Coloma and the other, Mesquita del Vidal. Coloma was the name given to the Ballester family, owners of the big building used by the Talaia Hikers Association on the Comerç street. The word 'mesquita' means dung, manure, and was often used in olden days. There are two places in the region with the same name, one at Olivella and the other at Sitges. 6 Mas Torrat (a partridge farm): In the 16th century this building was known as Mas d'en Rocafort. It has had its present name since 1858 but nobody knows why it was given this name. Behind the house are all the outbuildings of a farm that produces quails and partridges. 9 Sant Joan's Cross: (see itinerary nº 2). The Gothic style has certain Renaissance influences. Demolished in 1834 and in 1936, and re-built in 1945.
· DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK This itinerary leaves behind the immediate surroundings of Vilanova and goes up into the foothills of the local coastal mountains. It takes you closer to the mountains. The route takes about 3 hours to walk (there and back). Start at the Cap de Creu square and leave the town, crossing the motorway. Walk as far as the Mas de l'Artís. Go past the farmhouse and on through the Fondo de Grifi through pine woods and Mediterranean woodland. Then turn towards the Barraca del Bruno. Further on, go close by two abandoned farmhouses: Mas Coloma and Les Mesquites. The path back to Vilanova goes past the Mas Torrat, crosses under the motorway and goes on to the Bassa de Creixell. Here you take Escalons path to the boundary cross of Sant Joan, and then, Joseph Coroleu street to the Xoriguer square, where the walk ends. 1 Cap de Creu: Start at the Cap de Creu square (1). Go west along Miquel Guansé street. Cross the Ronda Ibèrica and continue straight on. After a minute you come to an intersection, go straight on. Go past a farmhouse on the left and 50 metres on, go to the right hand at a fork, and then straight away go left. When it reaches the main road (C-246) the path forks again. Go to the right. A few metres on, the path drops down and passes under the main road. There are red and white paint marks, indicating a long-distance route (GR). Go past two paths to the left, one of which goes to the Mas Xicarró housing estate. Go past a path that drops down to the right. Keep straight on. A few metres further on, go past a path that goes down on the right and, later, a connection to the same path as before. Then there is a signpost for the walk to the Foix dam. After 20 metres go past a path on the left. Keep to path of the Mas de L'Artís. 2 The Foix reservoir irrigation aqueduct: Go under the irrigation canal. The path bends immediately to the right. After a few metres go past the path of Mas Tapet on the left keeping to the path of the Mas de l'Artís. Go under some high-tension electric cables, and then past a tall pine tree. The Mas d'en Perris used to be here, but has now disappeared. The path leads through some vineyards. Go under the A-16 motorway through a tunnel. Later the path goes past a dry-stone hut, whose roof has collapsed. You can see the Maset del Safonts above you on the left and will soon go past the entrance. Keep going along the main track. On the right there is a footpath that goes down to the stream marked with red and white paint (GR). You can either follow it, or keep to the main track; both options lead to the Mas de l'Artís (3). 3 Mas de l'Artís: Leaving the house to your left follow the track downhill towards the north. 3 minutes later, leave the track and go to the left. There are some woods on your left and vineyards on your right. Go down into a hollow, keeping to the left hand path that comes up out of the hollow following the GR signs. Shortly afterwards you will see a round well on the right. After 7 minutes, on an uphill bend, leave the main path with the GR signs that levels of towards the right, and take the path on the left that goes on up the hill. Keep going uphill. 4 Barraca del Bruno: At the top of the ridge there is a track. Follow it towards the left. Soon you will see the Barraca del Bruno (4). It is a large building. Follow the track downhill. A path joins the track on the right and then there is an intersection. Take the right hand path. 5 Mas Coloma and Les Mesquites: Pass close to the Mas Coloma, on your right and Les Mesquites, on your left. Keep to the path that runs along the Serra del Gat mountain range. Go past a house on your right. On the left you will see the remains of a building. Just a few metres on, look carefully for a footpath going into the woods on the left. Leave the main track and take the footpath into the woods and down, going southwards. This was once the old path of the Mas de la Miquela but is now a narrow footpath. Go past the entrance to a small building on the left. At distance, on the right, you will see the Mas Roig. The footpath goes through some pines and comes out onto a wider path. Follow it down to the right. It soon joins a track. Turn left along the track. Go past the Mas Torrat and then under the motorway passing under a tunnel. Keep straight on. 7 Pas del Bou: At the fork, do not go down to the right, take the left branch uphill near some electric cables. Keep to the main path. Do not branch off onto side paths or driveways. 8 Masia La Figuera Restaurant: There is a restaurant in the former farmhouse of the Bassa d'en Creixell, now called Masia de la Figuera (8). Cross La Plana road and continue in the same direction along the Escalons path. Keep to this path without turning off. It goes under the C-246 road bridge. Go on along the path. Close to the town of Vilanova the main path drops down to the left. Leave it and take a narrow path on the right that is paved with stones. It leads to a roundabout. Cross the Ronda Ibèrica and follow Josep Coroleu street into town. At one end of the esplanade on the left you will see the boundary cross of Sant Joan. 10 The Xoriguer square: Go on to the Xoriguer square (10) where the walk ends. · NOTES ON THE FLORA AND FAUNA Because this itinerary leaves the town and goes into a wooded area, it offers the opportunity to see many kinds of animals and plants. Among the plants there are many trees: For example, Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis) in large woods mixed with holly oaks (Quercus ilex). There are also some Carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua) and olive trees (Olea europaea), because the itinerary goes through the Oliveres stream. In the scrubland, mixed with other plant colonies there are a few Phoenician junipers (Juniperus phoenicea) and some examples of Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops humilis). There is also gorse (Ulex parviflorus), elm-leaved blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius), white-leaved rock rose (Cistus albidus), Mauritanian grass ( Ampelodesmos mauritanica), prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus), and Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera). These plants are intermingled with sarsaparilla (Smilax aspera), mastic trees(Pistacia lentiscus), Mediterranean heather (Erica multiflora) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). The main species that grow around ruined buildings are perennial grass (Brachypodium retusum) and others, such as the white wall rocket (Diplotaxis erucoides), the poppy plant (Papaver rhoeas) or the slender sow thistle (Sonchus tenerrimus). Animals include rabbits(Oryctolagus cuniculus), which are very scarce because of the hunters, and the occasional red fox (Vulpes vulpes) or red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). The number of wild boar (Sus scrofa) has increased lately and signs of their activity can be seen. Reptiles include vipers (Vipera latasti), horseshoe snakes (Coluber hippocrepis), and some jewelled lizards (Lacerta lepida). There are many birds including house sparrows (Passer domesticus), blackbirds (Turdus merula), goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis), robins (Erithacus rubecula), magpies (Pica pica) and also bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) and barn swallows (Hirundo rustica). Larger birds include the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), the turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) a few barn owls (Tyto alba) and the occasional bird of prey. |
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