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Parque Natural de la Garrotxa

Carrer Fageda, Can Blanc, Catalunya

Description

Garrotxa Natural Park covers a 121 km2 area enclosing about forty volcanoes from the Holocene period (which is the current geological epoch). They are still seismically active, but no eruption has occurred for the last 11,000 years. It is located in the north-eastern part of Catalonia, about 45km to the northwest of Girona. The main town is Olot and other villages include the photogenic Castellfollit de la Roca with its position atop a 50m high and 1km long cliff above the Fluvià river, Santa Pau and Sant Joan les Fonts.

Access & Transport

The park is a 45-50km drive from either Figueres (A-26) or Girona (C66 + A-26 or C66 + GI-524 in Banyoles) The following link include several useful information, in particular concerning parking and access for visitors with reduced mobility: https://es.turismegarrotxa.com/territorio-y-naturaleza/parque-natural-y-espacios-protegidos/parque-natural-de-la-zona-volcanica-de-la-garrotxa/

Instructions & Recommendations

Do you research beforehand in terms of itineraries if you are planning on some hiking or stop by one of the parks' tourist offices. And don't forget to wear proper shoes and carry some water. This activity combines well with a visit of Besalú (on the way to/from Girona or Figueres) and/or Santa Maria de Ripoll Monastery.

Meta review

The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone is not very well known outside of Spain but reviews are very positive, highlighting the beautiful scenery with forest hikes and several medieval villages worth visiting.

Environmental & Social

Eco-friendly activity that educates visitors about the local geology and provides an economic influx to the local villages.

Conclusion

The volcanic zone of the Garrotxa NP is a welcome surprise for most and should attract a wide range of travellers with a mix of natural scenery that can be discovered by car or hiking and several charming medieval villages. Can serve as a nice transition between the coastal area and the Pyrenees for those on regional itineraries across Catalonia.

Key positive

Superb opportunity to see some volcanoes

Some good forest hiking trails and picturesque villages

Key negative

None

Suitability

Partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility: the hiking trails are not suitable but driving around and visiting the villages allow for a proper discovery of the area. The local tourist office can also arrange special access permits when contacted several days in advance.

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:4h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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