La Garrotxa Natural Park and Volcanic Area Guide

Description of Garrotxa Volcanic Zone

The Garrotxa volcanic zone in the north of Catalonia is a landlocked area of the Pyrenees mountain range that contains approximately 40 now dormant volcanoes and 20 lava flows that we active between 700,000 and 10,000 years ago.

Today, la Garrotxa, the most prominent volcanic landscape on the Iberian Peninsula is characterised by beutiful medieval stone villages surrounded by forests and volcano craters. The fertile volcanic soil and conical crater forms are home to 1178 species of flowering plants, 261 vertebrate animals, and holm oak and beech forests.

There are two natural parks of Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa and Alta Garrotxa at the foot of the Pyrenees french Border that contain great autumn hiking trails with spectacular waterfalls and mountain top castle ruins nested within medieval forests comparable to those of Montseny Natural Park but with Volcano craters!.

As well as hiking trails, the towns of Olot, Castellfollit de la Roca, Santa Pau and Besalú are worthy of a day trip each for thier archetectural heritage or part of a long weekend of exploring.

When hiking in La Garrotxa it is not immediately obvious that you are walking up a volcano crater so I also recommend a hot air ballon ride to full appreciate the landscape of craters.

Click on one of the photos below to find the hiking route, photo gallery, Getting to information and much more!

Happy Exploring!

Discover the charming medieval cities and villages of the Pre-Pyrenees, see the rich romanesque cultural heritage of the area, try a barbecue or set up a picnic in the forest.

Glide with the wind over the Garrotxa Natural Park and discover the volcanoes of Catalonia from the sky. See how the landscape was shaped by volcanic activity in a way that is simply not possible from the ground.

The half-day tour lasts approximately 5 hours, with about 1.5 hours flying time, and baskets for those with reduced mobility are available, including 3-door baskets that are suitable for the elderly.

Sip a glass of Cava and enjoy a local pancake as the breeze and your pilot navigate the route, The balloon is constantly monitored by a 4WD car that will be ready to pick you up on landing and return you to the start point where you will celebrate your balloon experience with a typical country breakfast of bread and tomato, cold cured sausage and beans from Santa Pau, roasted sausage, Catalan wine, and a glass of the local ratafia liquor.