In an era where popular trails are often overwhelmed, a unique sanctuary of tranquillity exists in the Catalonian hills. The Pinar de Can Camins offers a radically different experience, opening its gates for a mere ten days each year to a handful of fortunate visitors.
A Rare Glimpse into a Pristine Wilderness
This Spanish treasure is one of the few remaining Mediterranean forests in its original, unspoiled state. Covering 30 hectares, the forest holds a prestigious place within the Natura 2000 Network, a European Union-wide collection of protected natural areas. Its exceptional status is matched only by its extreme inaccessibility to the public.
The forest's management strictly limits access to preserve its delicate ecosystem. It opens exclusively on the first Sunday of each month, excluding the busy summer months of July and August. This creates a very short annual visiting window. Furthermore, entry is not just limited by date but also by numbers, with only the first 25 tourists being granted access on any given open day.
How to Secure a Coveted Spot
For the few who manage to plan ahead, the reward is a unique and intimate experience with nature. Those lucky 25 visitors are treated to a free guided tour of the protected area. The tours commence at 11am from the Puerta del Delta.
Prospective visitors must reserve their spot in advance through one of three methods:
- By telephone
- In person
- Via email
This system ensures that the impact on the forest is minimal, allowing it to remain a bastion of biodiversity and peace.
A Contrast to Spain's Overtourism Crisis
The success of Pinar de Can Camins in managing visitor numbers stands in stark contrast to the tensions brewing in other parts of Spain. The Canary Islands, for instance, have become a hotspot for disputes between tourists and local residents concerned about the effects of mass tourism.
Last year, the archipelago welcomed approximately 7.8 million visitors, with its airports processing a staggering 27 million passengers. In response to this overwhelming surge, the renowned travel publication Fodor's Travel has placed the Canary Islands on its 2026 'No List', suggesting travellers reconsider visiting.
This sentiment is echoed by local environmental groups. The Tenerife-based organisation Asociación Tinerfeña de Amigos de la Naturaleza (ATAN) has issued stark warnings, stating that natural spaces are being "degraded" and that "overcrowding has erased peaceful places." They argue that the islands are losing their identity to unlimited, low-cost tourism.
In this context, the carefully preserved solitude of the Pinar de Can Camins serves not just as a natural refuge, but as a powerful model for sustainable tourism, proving that some treasures are best enjoyed in quiet reverence by the very few.
