GR11 — Pyrenean High Route (Spanish side)

Route overview

Full Pyrenean traverse on the Spanish side, from the Atlantic at Cabo Higuer to the Mediterranean at Cap de Creus.

The GR11 covers approximately 820 kilometres along the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, from Cabo Higuer on the Atlantic coast in the Basque Country to Cap de Creus in Catalonia on the Mediterranean. It mirrors the French GR10 in concept but tends to be less serviced, wilder, and in some sections more challenging, with fewer huts and mountain refuges in the western stages. The route passes through diverse Spanish landscapes: the rolling green hills of the Basque Country and Navarre in the west, the spectacular Aragonese Pyrenees with Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in the central section, and the drier limestone ranges and Catalan countryside toward the Mediterranean. The central section is widely considered the scenic highlight, with dramatic gorges, glacial lakes, and high passes. The GR11 is waymarked in Spain with the standard red-and-white GR marks and has been growing in popularity as an alternative to the more heavily trodden GR10. Navigation is generally clear but some sections…

The Spanish counterpart to the GR10, traversing the entire Pyrenean range on the Spanish side from the Atlantic at Cabo Higuer to the Mediterranean at Cap de Creus.

Trail facts

Country

Spain

Region

Pyrenees, Spain

Distance

820 km

Typical duration

40–50 days

Difficulty

Hard

Elevation gain

46,000 m cumulative

Best season

July–September

Trail type

Point-to-point

Safety context

The western sections in Navarre and Aragon have limited refuge cover — wild camping may be necessary. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in the central Pyrenees. High passes can hold snow into early July.

Water sources can be sparse in the eastern limestone sections. The GR11 is less supported than the GR10 in terms of accommodation — forward planning is essential.

Highlights

Basque coast start at Cabo Higuer Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici Benasque valley Cadí-Moixeró natural park Mediterranean finish at Cap de Creus

Why find a buddy

The GR11's wilder, less serviced character makes a trail partner more valuable than on most European long trails — shared decisions about camping spots, water, and weather add meaningful safety.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

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