The Ruta del Cister (Cistercian Route) is a cultural trail connecting three magnificent medieval monasteries — Poblet, Santes Creus and Vallbona de les Monges — through the beautiful inland countryside of southern Catalonia. Starting 35 kilometres from Camping La Noria, it is one of the most rewarding day trips in the region.
The three monasteries of the Ruta del Cister were founded in the 12th century by the Cistercian order, which sought remote, fertile valleys for their self-sufficient communities. Each monastery has a distinct character: Poblet is the grandest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an active monastic community and royal tombs; Santes Creus is the most atmospheric, with an ornate Gothic cloister that can be explored at leisure; and Vallbona de les Monges is the smallest and most intimate, still home to a community of Cistercian nuns.
The route connecting the three monasteries covers roughly 100 kilometres in a triangular loop through gently rolling countryside of vineyards, olive groves, wheat fields and almond orchards. The landscape is quintessentially Catalan interior — unhurried, agricultural, dotted with small stone villages and old farmhouses. It is a world apart from the coastal tourism strip.
You can follow the Cistercian Route by car in a comfortable day, visiting all three monasteries with time for lunch in one of the route towns. Montblanc, the medieval walled town near Poblet, is a particularly atmospheric lunch stop, with restaurants serving local cuisine and an annual medieval festival (Setmana Medieval) in April that is one of Catalonia's most elaborate historical re-enactments.
For the more adventurous, the route is also a designated long-distance cycling path (Ruta del Cister GR175), well-signposted and covering a mix of quiet roads and farm tracks. Fit cyclists can complete the full circuit in a day, though splitting it over two days allows more time at each monastery. The terrain is gently undulating rather than mountainous.
From Camping La Noria, the nearest point on the route is Santes Creus (35 km, 30 minutes). From there, follow the route south-west to Poblet (30 km) and north to Vallbona de les Monges (35 km). The full loop brings you back via the AP-2 motorway.
Why Visit The Cistercian Route
The Cistercian Route offers a single-day immersion in medieval history, architectural splendour and Catalan rural landscape. Visiting the three monasteries reveals different facets of Cistercian life — royal ambition at Poblet, artistic expression at Santes Creus, quiet devotion at Vallbona. The countryside between them is beautiful and the pace of the day is naturally relaxed, making it an ideal break from the beach.
How to Get There
Start at Santes Creus, 35 km north-west of Camping La Noria (30 minutes by car via the AP-2). Follow the route south-west to Poblet (65 km from the campsite) and north to Vallbona de les Monges, then return via the AP-2.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal — comfortable temperatures, wildflowers or harvest colour, and manageable visitor numbers. The Setmana Medieval in Montblanc (April) is a highlight. Summer visits are feasible with early starts; the monastery interiors stay cool. Check individual monastery opening hours before setting out, as they vary seasonally.
Tips
Start early and visit Santes Creus first (closest), then drive to Poblet, then Vallbona — this follows a logical geographical loop.
Stop in Montblanc for lunch — the walled medieval town has excellent restaurants and is worth a walk through itself.
If cycling the route, check the GR175 waymarks and carry supplies — services between towns are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Cistercian Route from Camping La Noria?
The nearest monastery on the route, Santes Creus, is about 35 km from Camping La Noria. The furthest, Poblet, is about 65 km. The full circuit is approximately 100 km.
Can you complete the Cistercian Route in one day?
Yes, by car you can comfortably visit all three monasteries in a day with time for lunch. By bicycle, the full circuit is achievable for fit cyclists but is more enjoyable over two days. Allow at least 60-90 minutes at each monastery.
