GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1) landscape

Photo: Photo by damien dufour on Unsplash

GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1)

~2 days · 9.8 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance9.8 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain1,827 ft
Gain / mile186 ft
High point630 ft
Difficulty index17/100

What the GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1) is known for

The first stage of Spain's GR11 (La Senda Pirenaica), the long-distance route that traverses the Spanish side of the Pyrenees coast to coast. It begins at Cap de Creus, the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean, and heads inland across the coastal hills of the eastern Pyrenees. The complete GR11 is a waymarked point-to-point running west to the Atlantic.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1) on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 7 ft to 630 ft over 9.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 3.6 mi · 37%
  • Downhill 4.2 mi · 43%
  • Flat 2.0 mi · 20%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1)?

17 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1) scores 17/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Best season & permits

Season: Best from June to September for the higher central stages; this coastal opening stage can be walked in spring and autumn given its low elevation and hot summers.

Permits: No permit is required to walk the GR11; lodging is in refugios, hostales, and village accommodation, booked ahead in the busy summer season.

Official trail & permit info

Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1) take?

Most backpackers hike the GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1) in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 9.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1)?

The GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1) climbs roughly 1,827 ft total — about 186 ft per mile, topping out near 630 ft.

When is the best time to hike the GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1)?

Best from June to September for the higher central stages; this coastal opening stage can be walked in spring and autumn given its low elevation and hot summers.

Do you need a permit for the GR11 – Senda Pirenaica (Stage 1)?

No permit is required to walk the GR11; lodging is in refugios, hostales, and village accommodation, booked ahead in the busy summer season.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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