HORTA DE SANT JOAN WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Via Verda + Tast d'Olis — 23 km downhill ride and a guided olive‑oil tasting in Horta de Sant Joan
A gentle 23 km descent along the Via Verda followed by a 45‑minute guided tasting of Empeltre, Arbequina and Picual oils; bike, helmet and end‑of‑ride transport are included.
Via Verda + Tast d'Olis — 23 km downhill ride and a guided olive‑oil tasting in Horta de Sant Joan.
Adventure brief
Via Verda + Tast d'Olis — 23 km downhill ride and a guided olive‑oil tasting in Horta de Sant Joan
Experience cycling along the scenic Via Verda on a leisurely, largely downhill 23 km route suitable for all, followed by a guided olive‑oil tasting that explores monovarietal flavors and the health benefits of olive oil.
Located in the captivating region of Cataluña, Spain, Horta de Sant Joan presents an exceptional outdoor excursion combining gentle cycling and local culinary discovery. The Via Verda + Tast d'Olis experience invites riders of all ages and abilities to glide along a carefully maintained 23-kilometer route on the historic Greenway (Via Verda). This trail traces a mostly downhill path following an old railway line that winds through rolling countryside dotted with olive groves and pine forests. The gentle slopes and smooth surface make it an accessible ride for families, casual cyclists, and even those with limited mobility, ensuring a relaxed 2-hour journey punctuated by stunning landscape views and opportunities for photo stops or a refreshing dip in natural pools along the way.
The adventure begins at Montsport in Horta de Sant Joan, where participants receive a well-equipped bike with front suspension and multiple gears, plus a safety helmet. Enduring charm laces every pedal stroke, as riders pass small villages and eye-catching geological features carved by millennia of Mediterranean winds. After the ride, guests are transported to the charming town’s historic olive mill, the Identitat Extra Virgin Olive Oil facility, for a profound tasting experience. Here, the focus shifts from the landscape’s visual feast to a sensory journey through the region’s famed monovarietal olive oils, including Empeltre, Arbequina, and Picual.
Guided tastings reveal the nuances of flavor, from grassy freshness to rich peppery finishes, illuminating how these oils have been woven into Catalonia’s cultural and culinary fabric since time immemorial. This session not only entertains palates but educates visitors on the health benefits of olive oil and dispels common misconceptions. Together, the cycling trip and tasting create a holistic day that captures the essence of the region’s slow-paced outdoor lifestyle and agricultural heritage.
Horta de Sant Joan’s Via Verda trail is a rare blend of nature, culture, and wellness, making it a standout destination for travelers seeking active yet accessible experiences. With its mild climate, well-planned infrastructure, and locally rooted activities, this tour offers something deeply authentic and restorative compared to busier tourist hubs nearby. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast, a foodie eager to explore Mediterranean flavors, or simply someone craving a day outdoors within breathtaking surroundings, Via Verda + Tast d'Olis is a compelling choice.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and stops
Key stops and what to expect at each point along the ride and tasting.
Montsport — bike rental and departure
Punt de sortida i lloguer de bicicletes: Montsport (Carrer del Medi Natural, 4). Bicycles provided include gears, front suspension and a helmet; the excursion departs from here.
Via Verda — the 23 km stretch
A largely downhill 23 km section along the Via Verda with low difficulty; the route includes an adapted stretch for people with disabilities.
Antiga estació de la Via Verda del Pinell de Brai — collection point
Point of collection at the end of the excursion where transport is provided if required.
Molí d'oli Identitat Extra Virgin Olive Oil — tasting
Location of the 45‑minute guided olive‑oil tasting: Passeig Manel Pallarès, 21 A, Horta de Sant Joan, where monovarietal Empeltre, Arbequina and Picual oils are sampled and discussed.
The route is rated low difficulty and is largely downhill; a section is adapted for people with disabilities. Operators manage pickup and timing and may adjust logistics; participants should note the two activities must be carried out within 48 hours.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 23 km gentle descent on the Via Verda
The route covers 23 km with a predominantly downhill profile and a low difficulty rating, making it suitable for a wide range of participants and including a section adapted for people with disabilities.
Bicycle rental, helmet and end‑of‑ride transport included
The excursion includes the rental of a bicycle equipped with gears and front suspension plus a helmet; transport at the end of the ride is provided as part of the offering.
Guided tasting of Empeltre, Arbequina and Picual
A 45‑minute guided tasting at the Identitat oil mill introduces the monovarietal oils (Empeltre, Arbequina and Picual), covering how to distinguish qualities on the market and the health benefits of olive oil.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You pair a relaxed cycle along the Via Verda with a focused culinary workshop: the ride is a mostly downhill, easy 23 km stretch that can be completed in about two hours at a leisurely pace, and the tasting is a guided 45‑minute session at the Identitat oil mill; the two activities must be completed within 48 hours.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience is built for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total listed duration: 2 hours 30 minutes. The ride itself is typically around 2 hours at a leisurely pace; the olive‑oil tasting lasts 45 minutes. The two activities must be completed within 48 hours.
Bicycle rental (with gears and front suspension) and helmet are included as part of the activity.
Meeting location is Identitat Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Bicycle rental and the ride depart from Montsport (Carrer del Medi Natural, 4, Horta de Sant Joan); end‑of‑ride pick‑up is at the Antiga estació de la Via Verda del Pinell de Brai.
Difficulty is low; the route is largely downhill and includes an adapted section for people with disabilities.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the whole experience take?
The total listed duration is 2 hours 30 minutes.
How long is the cycling section and how far do we ride?
The cycling section covers 23 km and can be ridden in about two hours at a leisurely pace, with flexibility to stop for breaks or photos.
What is included with the ride?
The package includes rental of a bicycle with gears and front suspension, a helmet, the guided excursion along the Via Verda and transport at the end of the ride.
Where do I meet and where are the start and tasting locations?
The meeting location is Identitat Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Bicycle rental and departure are from Montsport (Carrer del Medi Natural, 4, Horta de Sant Joan); the tasting takes place at the Identitat oil mill on Passeig Manel Pallarès, 21 A.
Is the route suitable for children or people with reduced mobility?
Yes: the activity is presented as suitable for all ages, the difficulty is low, and a section of the route is adapted for people with disabilities.
How long is the olive‑oil tasting and what will we taste?
The tasting lasts 45 minutes and covers the monovarietal oils produced by Identitat — Empeltre, Arbequina and Picual — including discussion of qualities on the market and the health benefits of olive oil.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:51:41.545Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.