5. L'Hospitalet de l'Infant, the naturists' route
This circular route through L'Hospitalet de l'Infant explores the natural area of La Rojala and Platja del Torn, among coves, cliffs and pine woods with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The route combines nature, history and heritage, with attractions such as the Llop Marí cave, the Civil War bunkers and the naturist beaches.
- Distància
- 8 km
- Durada
- 3 hours
- Dificultat
- Medium
- Punt de partida
- Cala d'Oques (L'Hospitalet de l'Infant)
- Tipus de ruta
- Circular route
Route description
The route starts at Cala d'Oques in L'Hospitalet de l'Infant. Right there we find the GR92 signs on the right, towards Platja del Torn. The path climbs among the pines and continues past Punta de Cala Bea heading south. We pass the naturist campsite El Temple del Sol, which we leave on our right, as we go along a narrow passage bordering the beach. At the end of Platja del Torn, we carry straight on parallel to the sea, and the path forces us to pass beside a small cove, Cala de la Roca del Torn, to avoid walking beside the railway line. We walk close to the cliffs, with some rather delicate and exposed steps. When we reach the top of the slope we can see Cala Justell from there. Before going down to this last cove, we will be level with the railway, in front of a building from which a wide dirt track leaves. Here we cross the line and follow this track, which leads to the underpass beneath the railway to reach Cala Justell. We take the path in the opposite direction from the beach and the next turning on the right, where we soon find a sign for the Natural Area of La Rojala. At this point a forest track starts on the left, which we follow until we find a narrow turning that climbs to the right. It takes no more than half an hour to reach the summit. Once at the top of La Rojala, you can enjoy excellent views. We follow the path down, following the signs for L'Hospitalet de l'Infant. The route takes us down to the viewpoint beside the road that descends to Platja del Torn. After crossing the road, we continue in a straight line up the mountain towards Punta de la Rojala, from where we can see L'Hospitalet de l'Infant perfectly. The descent gradually becomes steeper until we emerge once again at the gate of the El Temple del Sol campsite. At this point, we are once again in front of Cala Bea, and we retrace our steps to Cala d'Oques.
Points of interest
The area covers a stretch of coast with many scenic values. There are beautiful dunes, coastal pine woods and seagrass meadows on the seabed. Thanks to its secluded location, La Rojala-Platja del Torn has become an ideal place for interpreting and contemplating the natural environment, as well as an excellent spot for naturist tourism. There is also the option of an underwater route to discover the beautiful seabed of the area. In addition, there is a cave called El Llop Marí, a paradise-like place where you can enjoy the zigzagging side gallery and a spectacular column that divides it. In this wonderful setting, all the curious can observe some interesting lithogenesis processes. By swimming, or better still by boat or kayak, it is possible to get into the cave, as long as the sea is calm. The best place to get into the water is a small cove 60 metres north of the cave entrance. Legend has it that Neptune, god of the seas, had a refuge in this cave at Platja del Torn in L'Hospitalet de l'Infant.
Have you ever swum naked in the sea? It is one of the best feelings you can have! And if you can do it in an idyllic setting, the experience can be unforgettable. Platja del Torn is joined to the Illot, a rock rising at one end of the beach. From the rock, we can see the remains of the defence towers and beautiful views of the coastline, from Cap de Salou to the whole of the Gulf of Sant Jordi.
This route gives us the chance to visit the Civil War bunkers found all along the Catalan coast. Let's not forget that General Franco was studying a seaborne invasion of Catalonia that envisaged a landing at Cala Justell. In addition, Platja del Torn was one of the pirates' favourite spots, since they could reach the beach on foot with their boats and raid the trade route that ran parallel to the coast, along the old Via Augusta.
Even if you are not a fan of campsites, this is one of the best naturist ones in all of Spain. If you can extend your stay, it is worth spending a night or two in its fantastic bungalows. If not, you can always have a beer in good company while you rest after the route.
