Esterregalls d’All: hiking the badlands of the Cerdanya
An almost lunar landscape of gullies and earth ridges in the heart of the Pyrenees: these are the Esterregalls d’All, the badlands of Catalonia, with a short trail of paths and viewpoints.
- 1.5 km
- 1 h
- 82 m elevation gain
- Easy
- Where: All (Isòvol), in Baixa Cerdanya, Girona.
- Route: 1.5 km round trip, 1 h and 82 m of elevation gain. Easy.
- What you’ll see: a landscape of gullies formed by sediments around 11 million years old.
- Tip: follow the trail of paths and viewpoints that surrounds the area.
What are the Esterregalls d’All?
The Esterregalls d’All are a truly unique landscape next to the village of All, in the Cerdanya. They are known as the badlands of Catalonia: a maze of gullies, ridges and earth ravines formed by the erosion of loose, poorly consolidated soils.
Humans also played a big part. In the 2nd century BC, the Romans discovered gold in these soils and, to extract it, they used hydraulic techniques: a system of water channels that washed and filtered the earth along with the gold. That is how today’s landscape began to take shape, later finished off by rain erosion, with curious formations such as the famous witches’ hats.
Its origins go back some 11 million years, when a layer of sediments was deposited in the area. Over time, rain and water have sculpted these shapes, which contrast with the green meadows and forests around them.
Hiking the Esterregalls d’All
To explore the area, the best option is to follow the trail of paths and viewpoints created around its perimeter. It is a short, easy walk that lets you see the gullies from different angles without stepping on the ground, which is very fragile.
- Area: All (Isòvol), Baixa Cerdanya
- Distance: 1.5 km round trip
- Time: 1 h
- Elevation gain: 82 m
- Difficulty: Easy
The Esterregalls d’All on video
Watch our Esterregalls d’All reel on Instagram
And in this other reel we tell you their story, from Roman gold to the witches’ hats:
Watch our reel about the history of the Esterregalls on Instagram →
What to see near the Esterregalls d’All
In the village of All itself you’ll find the Romanesque church of Santa Maria d’All. Very close by is Bellver de Cerdanya, with its old town above the Segre river, and Puigcerdà, the capital of the Cerdanya, with its lake. If you like walking, the area is full of Pyrenees hiking routes.
We especially recommend Bellver de Cerdanya, one of the stone villages of the Catalan Pyrenees most worth visiting. Start with its old quarter, restored several times to its current look, and stroll through its streets and squares with views over the valley.
Watch our Bellver de Cerdanya reel on Instagram →
Watch our other Bellver de Cerdanya reel on Instagram →
Tips for visiting the Esterregalls d’All
- Stay on the paths: the ground erodes easily and it is a protected landscape.
- Go early or late in the day: the low light brings out the colours and shapes of the gullies.
- Wear shoes with good grip: the earth can be slippery, especially after rain.
- Combine it: with a visit to Bellver or Puigcerdà to round off the day.
You’ll find more ideas in our 5 routes in Catalonia (in Spanish) and in our Pyrenees hiking routes (in Spanish).
- By car: 1 h 50 from Barcelona, 2 h from Girona and 2 h 15 from Lleida and Tarragona
- Parking: free, next to the start of the trail
- Where to see them: in the village of All and also in Olopte
Activities in the Catalan Pyrenees
Round off your trip to the Cerdanya with an activity: on Civitatis you’ll find tours and experiences in the Catalan Pyrenees. Booking through our links helps us keep the blog going, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your trip to the Cerdanya
- Activities: Pyrenees tours with Civitatis.
- Car hire: essential to get around the Cerdanya; compare prices on DiscoverCars and save up to 70%.
- Filming the routes: we shoot our mountain videos with Insta360.
- Save when you book: with iGraal you get back part of what you spend on accommodation, plus a €10 welcome bonus.
- Sports and outdoor clothing: jackets, caps and sunglasses for your hikes and trips from SIROKO. Use code VIAJEROS10 for an extra 10% off.
Frequently asked questions about the Esterregalls d’All
Where are the Esterregalls d’All?
Next to the village of All, in the municipality of Isòvol, in Baixa Cerdanya (Girona), very close to Puigcerdà and Bellver de Cerdanya.
How long does it take to walk the Esterregalls d’All?
About 60 minutes round trip: 1.5 km with 82 m of elevation gain, following the trail of paths and viewpoints.
Is it a good walk for kids?
Yes, it is short and easy. Just make sure not to leave the paths: the ground is fragile and erodes easily.
Why are they called badlands?
Badlands is the name given to landscapes of gullies formed by the erosion of loose soils with almost no vegetation, like the ones you see here.
When is the best time to visit?
In spring and autumn, and early or late in the day, when the light brings out the colours and shapes of the gullies.
Message us BADLANDS on Instagram if you’d like us to send you the route map.
Follow us on InstagramMore hiking routes
