10 best things to see and do in La Garrotxa
Looking for the best things to see and do in La Garrotxa? Located inland in the province of Girona, this region is one of Catalonia’s most spectacular nature destinations. Its capital, Olot, is the main gateway to the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. With more than 40 volcanoes, ancient forests, natural pools, medieval villages and excellent gastronomy, it offers something for every traveller.
La Garrotxa is a region to explore on foot, through its local cuisine and along roads where the landscape changes around every bend. This guide brings together the 10 best things to see and do in La Garrotxa to help you make the most of your visit.
What to see and do in La Garrotxa: 10 must-see attractions
- La Fageda d’en Jordà
- Santa Margarida and Croscat volcanoes
- Fly in a hot-air balloon over the volcanoes
- Discover Besalú, Castellfollit de la Roca and Santa Pau
- Festivals and traditions in La Garrotxa
- Salt del Sallent and Sant Privat d’en Bas
- Els Hostalets d’en Bas and Vall d’en Bas
- Explore the chapels and sanctuaries of La Garrotxa
- The Carrilet Greenway
- Discover volcanic cuisine
1. La Fageda d’en Jordà
La Fageda d’en Jordà is a spectacular beech forest and one of the most unusual natural areas in Europe, as it grows on an ancient lava flow from the Croscat volcano. The route from the Can Serra Area is easy and clearly signposted. It can also be explored by horse-drawn carriage, making it one of the best activities for families with children in La Garrotxa.
Each season brings a different landscape: the intense green of spring and summer gives way to ochre and reddish tones in autumn, the most popular time of year to visit.
Nearby is La Fageda, a renowned social project where the region’s famous yoghurts and dairy desserts are produced. A visit provides an opportunity to learn about its history and taste its products.
2. Santa Margarida and Croscat volcanoes
If you only have time for one excursion, this is probably the best way to discover the volcanoes of La Garrotxa. A circular route of around 10 kilometres, taking approximately three hours, starts at the Can Serra Area and connects the region’s two most iconic volcanoes.
Santa Margarida volcano is known for its enormous crater, measuring almost two kilometres in circumference, with a small Romanesque chapel standing at its centre. Nearby is the Croscat volcano, the youngest volcano on the Iberian Peninsula. It is famous for its striking quarry, a vertical cut of more than 100 metres that reveals the different layers of lava and volcanic ash.
A highly recommended hiking route that can also be enjoyed with children.
3. Fly in a hot-air balloon over the volcanoes
Few experiences offer such a spectacular perspective of La Garrotxa as a hot-air balloon flight at sunrise. Flying over the park as the sun illuminates more than 40 volcanic cones, forests and farmland creates an unforgettable view.
The leading local company is Vol de Coloms, which organises flights throughout the year and completes the experience with a traditional Catalan breakfast before take-off and a brunch featuring local products after landing. It is one of the highest-rated activities in Catalonia, so booking in advance is recommended, especially during spring and autumn.
4. Discover Besalú, Castellfollit de la Roca and Santa Pau
The most beautiful medieval villages in La Garrotxa include Besalú, Castellfollit de la Roca and Santa Pau. These three essential visits combine remarkable historic heritage with some of Catalonia’s most spectacular volcanic landscapes.
We recommend beginning this route through the villages of La Garrotxa in Besalú, famous for its Romanesque bridge, old Jewish quarter and medieval mikveh. Continue to Castellfollit de la Roca, perched on an impressive basalt cliff more than 50 metres high, before finishing in Santa Pau, a charming medieval village surrounded by volcanoes where it is worth exploring the porticoed main square.
The three villages can be visited in one day. If you have more time, however, it is worth discovering the other must-see attractions in La Garrotxa.
5. Festivals and traditions in La Garrotxa
La Garrotxa has an extensive calendar of events worth consulting if you would like to experience the region from a more authentic perspective.
January brings the Fira del Fesol de Santa Pau, dedicated to one of the region’s most emblematic products, while the Fira del Farro takes place in Vall de Bianya between January and February. In May, Olot hosts Cornamusam, the International Bagpipe Festival, as well as the Ruta de les Tapes, an essential event for food lovers. In September, the Festes del Tura fill Olot with concerts, traditional culture and activities for all ages.
Food lovers should also visit the Orígens Food Fair, held in Olot on the penultimate weekend of November and bringing together some of Catalonia’s finest artisan producers.
6. Salt del Sallent and a route through natural pools
With a drop of more than 100 metres, Salt del Sallent is the highest waterfall in Catalonia and one of the most spectacular natural places in La Garrotxa. The route begins in Sant Privat d’en Bas and passes through oak forests, meadows and old rural paths before reaching a viewpoint opposite the impressive waterfall.
The return route covers approximately eight kilometres and has a moderate elevation gain, making it a good choice for hiking enthusiasts. To complete the experience, nearby you will find some of the most beautiful natural pools in La Garrotxa, including Gorg del Molí dels Murris and the natural pools of Les Planes d’Hostoles.
During summer, Gorg del Molí dels Murris is one of the most popular places to swim and cool off.
7. Els Hostalets d’en Bas and Vall d’en Bas
Away from the busiest tourist attractions, Els Hostalets d’en Bas is one of La Garrotxa’s best-preserved hidden gems. Its porticoed street, wooden balconies filled with flowers and peaceful atmosphere make it one of Catalonia’s most charming villages.
The village is small and can be explored in a short time, so we recommend combining your visit with a tour of Vall d’en Bas. Some of the best hiking and cycling routes in La Garrotxa begin here, crossing a landscape of historic farmhouses, Romanesque churches and extensive farmland surrounded by mountains.
8. Explore the chapels and sanctuaries of La Garrotxa
La Garrotxa is home to numerous chapels and sanctuaries in exceptional natural settings, many of which offer some of the finest views in the region. One of the most noteworthy is the Mare de Déu del Mont Sanctuary, known as the viewpoint of the Empordà. On clear days, the panorama extends across the Pyrenees, La Garrotxa and the Alt Empordà, reaching as far as the Mediterranean Sea.
Other essential places include the Far Sanctuary, perched above the cliffs of Vall d’en Bas and offering spectacular views of the Collsacabra cliffs, and the Sant Miquel del Mont chapel. This popular excursion from Olot rewards hikers with magnificent views over the volcanoes of La Garrotxa.
9. Explore the Carrilet Greenway
The Carrilet Greenway is one of the most popular routes in La Garrotxa for cycling and walking. It follows the former railway line between Olot and Girona, passing through volcanic landscapes, forests and small villages. The route is easy, safe and clearly signposted.
The most popular section of the Carrilet I Route, between Olot and Les Planes d’Hostoles, is almost completely flat, making it suitable for families and cyclists of all abilities. For a longer experience, continue to Girona and cover the 57 kilometres separating the two cities along the former railway line.
10. Discover volcanic cuisine
La Garrotxa can also be discovered around the table. Its volcanic cuisine celebrates locally sourced ingredients such as Santa Pau beans, potatoes from Vall d’en Bas, artisan cured meats, locally raised meat and seasonal mushrooms.
For a distinctive gastronomic experience, Olot is home to some of the best restaurants in Catalonia. In the region’s smaller villages, you will also find traditional farmhouses and hotel-restaurants serving recipes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Where to stay in La Garrotxa
If you want to discover the region’s main attractions, explore its hiking routes and taste its volcanic cuisine, these hotels in La Garrotxa and the surrounding area provide an excellent base for your stay.
Facing the medieval castle of Santa Pau, in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in La Garrotxa, stands the Hotel Cal Sastre, a charming accommodation surrounded by history and volcanic nature. Its privileged location, within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, makes it an ideal base for discovering unique landscapes and exploring the old town of this medieval village.
The Cal Sastre occupies two 15th-century houses carefully restored, preserving the original architecture and creating an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. Its rooms, decorated with period furniture and an elegant style, combine historical character with modern comfort. All are exterior and offer views of the Santa Margarida volcano, the Puig de Mar volcano, the Sant Julià mountains or the castle, and some feature a bathtub in the room, perfect for a romantic getaway in La Garrotxa.
La Garrotxa is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor activities, offering options such as hiking among volcanoes, cycling routes, horse riding or hot air balloon flights. In addition, the hotel is located close to the Greenways, various natural pools and Lake Banyoles, expanding leisure possibilities throughout the year.
The experience is completed at the Cal Sastre Restaurant, where guests can enjoy authentic Garrotxa cuisine made with local and seasonal products. Highlights include the Santa Pau beans, a true gastronomic gem grown in the region’s volcanic soils. The Hotel Cal Sastre also features a unique swimming pool integrated into its stone façade, enhancing its distinctive character.
Hotel ECO Turisme Can Buch, located in Sant Aniol de Finestres, in the heart of the Llémena Valley, is a 17th-century farmhouse dating back to 1621, a former country house transformed into an exclusive charming rural hotel in La Garrotxa. Restored using natural materials and the craftsmanship of local artisans, it blends history, traditional architecture and contemporary design in a setting where nature, sustainability and wellbeing coexist in perfect harmony.
Its twelve rooms and independent apartment have been designed for comfort and relaxation, featuring stone and wood finishes, traditional Catalan vaulted ceilings and décor inspired by the local trees, wildlife and the farmhouse's original spaces. Some rooms have terraces with mountain views, while all offer everything needed to disconnect in the heart of nature.
The experience is completed by a signature plant-based restaurant, serving organic, locally sourced ingredients, many of them grown in the estate's own vegetable garden. The hotel also features a spectacular natural eco swimming pool, purified using plants and microorganisms without chlorine or chemicals, as well as a private hammam spa, which can be reserved exclusively for couples, families or groups of friends.
Can Buch invites guests to experience nature in an authentic way. Children can take part in guided activities such as feeding the farm animals or collecting eggs from the henhouse, while adults can enjoy massages, the outdoor gym or hiking routes leading to some of La Garrotxa's most spectacular places, including the Barranc de les Bruixes waterfall, the Pont de Can Prat and the trails of the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.
Committed to responsible tourism, ECO Turisme Can Buch operates entirely on renewable energy and promotes a respectful way of travelling. A sustainable rural hotel where you can reconnect with nature, discover La Garrotxa and enjoy an unforgettable experience with your partner, family or friends.
Hotel-Monument Can Garay, located in Les Planes d'Hostoles, in the heart of La Garrotxa, is an exclusive charming hotel housed in a Modernist building dating from 1906, officially listed as architectural heritage by the Government of Catalonia. One of the very few Modernist hotels in Catalonia, it offers a unique experience where history, nature and tranquillity come together in an exceptional setting.
This small family-run hotel features just 6 double rooms and 1 family suite, all overlooking a magnificent century-old garden of more than 4,000 m². Its welcoming spaces, the cosy lounge with fireplace and its personalised service create an intimate and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for romantic getaways or peaceful retreats.
Located at the gateway to the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, the hotel is surrounded by forests, streams, natural pools and hiking trails. Some of the most beautiful natural pools in the Vall d'Hostoles are just a few minutes away.
The hotel is especially appreciated by cycling and hiking enthusiasts. Situated only 100 metres from the Carrilet Greenway (Girona-Olot), it offers secure bicycle storage, bike rental, a workshop and every facility cyclists may need, making it an outstanding bike-friendly hotel in La Garrotxa.
Gastronomy plays a central role at Can Garay, with a culinary proposal based on traditional Catalan cuisine prepared using organic, locally sourced ingredients. Many of the vegetables are harvested directly from the hotel's own organic vegetable garden, cultivated on volcanic soil. Outdoor breakfasts, summer dinners in the garden and vermouths beneath the lime trees complete an experience deeply connected to the local landscape.
The hotel also features a gym and a massage and wellness treatment service, which can even be enjoyed in the privacy of your room, creating the perfect setting to experience nature, tranquillity and wellbeing in one of the most special corners of the Girona Pyrenees.
Surrounded by volcanoes, ancient forests and charming villages, Hotel La Perla d'Olot is the perfect base for discovering the essence of La Garrotxa. Located in Olot, this welcoming family-run hotel invites guests to enjoy a peaceful getaway where nature, gastronomy and comfort come together, offering the perfect way to experience the Girona Pyrenees at a slower pace.
Its spacious, bright rooms with private terraces are designed to ensure a restful stay after a day exploring the region. The hotel features beautiful gardens, a children's playground and a games room with billiards, making it an excellent choice for a family holiday.
Gastronomy is also an essential part of the experience. The hotel's restaurant serves carefully prepared traditional Catalan home-style cuisine, made with locally sourced ingredients and authentic recipes that showcase the true flavours of La Garrotxa in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
From the hotel, guests can easily explore the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, stroll through the beech forest of La Fageda d'en Jordà, climb the Croscat and Santa Margarida volcanoes, cycle along the Carrilet Greenway, or wander through Olot's historic centre and lively markets. Hotel La Perla d'Olot is the perfect place to discover one of Catalonia's most fascinating regions while enjoying the warm hospitality of a family hotel surrounded by nature.
Hotel Les Planes del Grau is a welcoming charming rural hotel in Sant Joan de les Abadesses, located just 4 kilometres from the village, in the heart of the Girona Pyrenees. This 14th-century farmhouse, once owned by the Monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses, has been carefully restored while preserving its original character, surrounded by the fields, forests and meadows of the Ripollès region.
Set on the fertile plain of the River Ter, between Sant Joan de les Abadesses and Camprodon, the hotel enjoys a privileged natural setting within the Natura 2000 Network, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the landscape throughout the year.
Its 10 rooms combine contemporary furnishings with traditional features such as exposed stone walls and wooden beams, creating warm and comfortable spaces. Each room includes a cosy sitting area and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
The spacious gardens and the outdoor swimming pool make the hotel the ideal place to relax after a day of outdoor activities. Guests can also enjoy welcoming communal lounges and peaceful spaces designed for rest and relaxation.
Hotel Les Planes del Grau is especially recommended for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. As a bike-friendly hotel, complete with a bike room and workshop, it is an excellent base for exploring the Iron and Coal Greenway and the cycling routes of Ripollès. It is also ideal for hiking, horse riding and discovering the stunning landscapes of La Garrotxa and the Camprodon Valley.
Surrounded by nature and far from the pace of city life, Les Planes del Grau offers an authentic experience of relaxation and disconnection in one of the most peaceful corners of the Girona Pyrenees.
Hotel Grèvol Spa is a welcoming charming hotel in the Camprodon Valley, located in Llanars, in the heart of the Girona Pyrenees. Built from stone and wood, the hotel blends naturally into the surrounding mountains and forests, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere where guests can enjoy the Pyrenees in every season.
Its comfortable rooms, decorated in an elegant mountain style and offering magnificent views of the natural surroundings, provide the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a few relaxing days surrounded by nature. Every corner of the hotel reflects the tranquillity and hospitality that define the Camprodon Valley.
Wellbeing is at the heart of the experience. The hotel's Spa features a water circuit, hydromassage pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath and a full range of massages and wellness treatments, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the mountains. The cosy lounge with fireplace is the ideal place to relax and embrace the peaceful rhythm of the Pyrenees.
The experience continues at the Grèvol Restaurant, recognised as a Gastronomic Hotel, where traditional Catalan cuisine prepared with seasonal local ingredients showcases the flavours of the region. Thanks to its privileged location, the hotel is also an excellent base for hiking, cycling, skiing in Vallter or exploring the charming villages of the Camprodon Valley. Hotel Grèvol Spa is the perfect destination for a getaway where nature, wellbeing and gastronomy come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Hotel Calitxó, located in Molló, in the Camprodon Valley, is a welcoming charming hotel in the Girona Pyrenees, surrounded by nature and just a short distance from the Headwaters of the Ter and Freser Natural Park and the Vallter 2000 ski resort. An ideal destination to enjoy the mountains at any time of year.
Its comfortable rooms and spacious suites, overlooking the mountain landscape, provide a warm and relaxing atmosphere for a getaway with your partner, family or friends. The hotel also offers independent apartments where pets are welcome, making them perfect for travelling with your dog and discovering the Pyrenees in complete freedom.
The Hotel Calitxó Restaurant serves carefully prepared mountain cuisine made with local ingredients such as Camprodon Valley foal, organic potatoes from Molló, and beef and lamb from the Ripollès region. During the summer, the outdoor swimming pool and shaded sun loungers invite you to unwind, while in winter the cosy lounge with fireplace is the perfect place to relax after a day in the snow.
From the hotel, you can explore some of the finest hiking and cycling routes in the Pyrenees, visit charming villages such as Molló, Camprodon and Setcases, enjoy winter sports at Vallter 2000 or spend quality time with the family. In addition, the Hotel Calitxó is bike friendly, offering secure bicycle storage, massage services and exclusive guest parking at the ski resort with prior reservation.
Committed to sustainability and respect for its surroundings, Hotel Calitxó promotes responsible management and the use of local produce. A charming mountain hotel where you can disconnect and discover the essence of the Camprodon Valley and the Girona Pyrenees.
This is our selection of the 10 best things to see and do in La Garrotxa. We hope this guide inspires you to discover one of Catalonia’s most fascinating regions.
Would you like to continue exploring? Discover our selection of charming hotels.
