La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park
La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park
La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Some of the most interesting volcanic landscape in Europe can be found in La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, one hour and a half north of Barcelona. The Garrotxa's Volcanic Zone is the best example of volcanic terrain on the Iberian Peninsula. It has 40 volcanic cones and more than 20 lava flows.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
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docandrew
Uzwil, Switzerland33 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
4 years ago I had been here for the first time from another holiday resort and so today I gladly accepted a slightly longer journey to the Volcà Sta. To climb Margarida. The trail is well signposted from the paid parking lot (with toilets and picnic areas). It soon rises, but mostly runs in the shaded forest. Once at the top, it is worth taking the stairs into the crater under your feet. The green natural amphitheatre with the chapel in the middle is unique. Just as rewarding is the way to the volcanic landscape of Croscat from the car park. You learn a lot about the geology of volcanoes here.
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Written 25 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dilly4472
Spilsby, UK899 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Amazing park spread over a very large area with dozens of different trails of varying length. We spent a day visiting 3 different places but you could probably spend a whole week in the area, exploring everything. Lots of parking at different sites, also information and clearly signposted walks. The leaflet about the park (picked up at Tourist Information in Olot) was very useful but some of the details were printed in such minute writing we couldn’t read it!!! Maybe it needs to be turned into a small booklet so the print could be bigger!!
Written 17 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Written 15 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bart
Koh Tao, Thailand6 contributions
Garrotxa Natural Park is about 15.000 ha big and inludes towns like Sant Joan les Fonts, Olot and Santa Pau. There are many great walking paths in this area and a very nice one starts from a parking place at the GI-524 between Olot and Santa Pau. Next to the parking is a picknick site and after that a tourist info center. If it's open get a (free) map of the walks and points of direction but if not, just follow route nr.1 It's a 10 km round that takes you to 3 different volcanos. Very well marked and lots of diversity in landscape. From walking on flat path to (occoasionally) climbing with hands and feets. A good part of this 3,5 hours walk is in the woods (ahh, shadow!) and there are nice spots for a picknick too.
Written 18 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
geoffwellard
Terrassa, Spain266 contributions
Nov 2011
If you're in Barcelona in the Autumn, get in your hire car and nip up the main road past Vic, take the tunnel of Brecons and head to the Volcanic Park of the Garrotxa. It is an outstanding beauty spot, spattered with pocket-sized, extinct volcanoes, covered by one of Europe's most southerly beech forests. The most popular hikes are the short climb over the crater of the Santa Margarida volcano, a perfect mini cone, with excellent sections of volcanic activity lining the route up and the other favourite is the Beech forest, "La Fageda d'en Jordà" a few kms away, and which offers a plethora of paths through the woods. If all that hiking builds up an appetite, head for one of nearby Olot's renowned eateries, or alternatively the town of Les Preses close at hand, where tasty local fare can be found in places like Hostal Vertisol, at very reasonable prices.
Written 10 February 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles C
Colwyn Bay, UK254 contributions
Apr 2012 • Friends
A lovely area to tour around especially walking up to and into the volcanoes. Attractive woodland paths. Many areas too for cycling. We visited the Santa Margarita volcano, which has a CHURCH on crater floor of the volcano. Volcanic cliffs to the rim of the volcano. A safe secure walk,wide paths , very occasionally steep. A place of mysterious beauty. A nearby village had excellent restaurant and shop dedicted to the local speciality beans. Worth buying these and eating the calcots ( a form of long shallot braised in almond sauce: they give you a large overall to eat these tidily.. part of the fun) in local restaurants. We visited while staying in Girona ( about 40 mins away) . Attractive beaches and small resorts also nearby.
Written 17 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CopperTeaPot
Russia467 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
It was my dream to visit some volcanos in La Garrotxa National Park. Certainly, we have no much time, that is why I tried to plan everything, but unfortunately did not succeded.
By the way.
We stayed in hotel in Girona, and one morning went to Olot with regional bus.
Trip took about 40 minutes. As far as we arrived in Olot, we went to Tourist office - it is not far from bus station.
Our plan was: to rent bicycles, and go for one of 2 routes:
1. Olot - volca del Puig Jorda - volca del Puig de la Costa - volca del Croscat - volca del Puig de Martinya - volca del Puig de la Garsa - then next 3 small volcanos and return to Olot. According information from brochure on Olot official site, it should take about 5 hours (15 km).
2. Olot - volca del Puig Jorda - volca del Puig de la Costa - volca del Croscat - volca de St. Margarida - Santa Pau village. Then return to Olot the same way. Information in brochure on Olot official site was not completely clear, but in my opinion it should take about 6 hours (20 km).
So it should be all-day-long trip.
But girl in Tourist office did not recommend us such trips, because this day unfortunately was too-too HOT. In case we travel with car, it is not problem, but with bicycle or on foot - too difficult.
That is why we broke our plans (our family contains not very strong people - my wife and my daughter) and explored volcanos located in Olot.
We visited Montsacopa (exactly this spelling - many people mix central letters and write "MontAScopa"), and see the Garrinada (this volcano belongs to private property, so we just look on it from Montsacopa).
All other plans we kept for the next visit.
(But this day we succeded to visit Besalu)
Good luck!
By the way.
We stayed in hotel in Girona, and one morning went to Olot with regional bus.
Trip took about 40 minutes. As far as we arrived in Olot, we went to Tourist office - it is not far from bus station.
Our plan was: to rent bicycles, and go for one of 2 routes:
1. Olot - volca del Puig Jorda - volca del Puig de la Costa - volca del Croscat - volca del Puig de Martinya - volca del Puig de la Garsa - then next 3 small volcanos and return to Olot. According information from brochure on Olot official site, it should take about 5 hours (15 km).
2. Olot - volca del Puig Jorda - volca del Puig de la Costa - volca del Croscat - volca de St. Margarida - Santa Pau village. Then return to Olot the same way. Information in brochure on Olot official site was not completely clear, but in my opinion it should take about 6 hours (20 km).
So it should be all-day-long trip.
But girl in Tourist office did not recommend us such trips, because this day unfortunately was too-too HOT. In case we travel with car, it is not problem, but with bicycle or on foot - too difficult.
That is why we broke our plans (our family contains not very strong people - my wife and my daughter) and explored volcanos located in Olot.
We visited Montsacopa (exactly this spelling - many people mix central letters and write "MontAScopa"), and see the Garrinada (this volcano belongs to private property, so we just look on it from Montsacopa).
All other plans we kept for the next visit.
(But this day we succeded to visit Besalu)
Good luck!
Written 1 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark r
London, UK30 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
La Garrotxa National Park has volcanic landscape, Romanesque churches, beautiful flora and fauna, medieval towns and villages with well signposted paths and trails to follow. We followed an easy trail to visit the Croscat volcano which has had a wedge cut out of it by quarrying exposing evidence of how the volcano was formed in two successive eruptions. We also visited the basalt lava flows in Sant Joan les Fonts to see the columns and slabs formed as the lava from different eruptions cooled. On another day we went to the small medieval town of Besalu with its romanesque bridge and picturesque streets followed by a trip to visit a selection of romanesque churches. We were staying in Roses, about an hour's drive away but I think that there is plenty to do in the area to make it worth staying there, I would like to go back. We visited just before Easter and the weather was sunny without being too hot and this helped. I can immagine that it may be a bit hot for walking in the summer.
Written 23 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona M
Colchester, UK22 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
We spent only a couple of nights in this region but would have liked longer. We found several interesting old towns to explore, starting in Olot. The little medieval town of Besalu we particularly enjoyed. This area is full of fascinating geographical features and is a wonderful place to explore by bike or on foot. We stayed at Hotel Can Garay in La Planes D'hostoles which was excellent.
Written 28 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brooke S
Berlin, Germany104 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
We downloaded the Itinerànnia app and decided to try out the circular Trail 1. The app itself crashes a lot and needs internet so not the best but the route is well marked.
It took us cca 4h with a longer stop in between in the crater of sta. Margarida volcano.
The trail is quite easy with only a few steep but short climbs on the way if you go in the direction of Croscat - Santa Margarida - La Fageda d’en Jordà (the other direction has more and longer uphill sections).
There is also the La Fageda cooperative/farm/production on the way, but they do tours only on weekends and in English only for pre-booked groups.
It’s a nice and easy trail, lots of change in scenery so never boring. Great way to get a feel for the area.
It took us cca 4h with a longer stop in between in the crater of sta. Margarida volcano.
The trail is quite easy with only a few steep but short climbs on the way if you go in the direction of Croscat - Santa Margarida - La Fageda d’en Jordà (the other direction has more and longer uphill sections).
There is also the La Fageda cooperative/farm/production on the way, but they do tours only on weekends and in English only for pre-booked groups.
It’s a nice and easy trail, lots of change in scenery so never boring. Great way to get a feel for the area.
Written 25 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piedrarip
Prague, Czech Republic107 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
We dedicated about hal-day to visit 3 volcanoes around Olot. Firtsly, we climbed on Montsacopa from where there was beautiful view over Olot and surrounding volcanoes. There is church and bar/restaurant on top. It was about to rain so we decided to have a lunch in Olot and not in Santa Pau. After the rain we headed to Santa Margarita volcano. There is parking lot from where you climb uphill to see the crater. Once on top you have to descend elevation about 70m down tot he crater. It's a nice walk, though pretty steep. We could hardly catch a breath. On top, you'll be vindicated. Santa Margarita visit took us about 1h. Then we decided to see another volcano - Croscat. It's stone-throw from Santa Margarita. You need you leave car on parking lot. We didn't go to the summut, instead we walked on path around the volcano till we got to the area where they had quarry for gravel. It's very impressive, it looks someone had cut the mountain like cake.
If you have time there are several trekking routes well described in Garrotxa App you can download.
If you have time there are several trekking routes well described in Garrotxa App you can download.
Written 4 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I was wondering if anyone would know if dogs are welcome in the park? We have small welsh pembroke corgi.
Written 3 November 2019
Yes, dogs are allowed, but they have to be tied with strap.
Written 4 November 2019
Hi friends, may I find out if there is a 2-hr carriage ride in Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park? It has all along been an hour ride from the park to the volcanic area and back to the park. If there is an operator who offers a 2-hour carriage ride, may I have the name of the operator(s) please? Thank you.
Written 15 May 2017
Good morning,
Yes, it is, but the tour is not so long (1 hr). Te name os the company is "Activitats Garrotxa", and here you can get a little bit of information: en.turismegarrotxa. com/companies/tourist-trains-and-carriages/santa-pau/activitats-garrotxa/
You're welcome!
Written 15 May 2017
La Garrotxa's privileged situation and the network of public transport means that you can reach the land of volcanoes quickly and comfortably from any part of Europe:
en.turismegarrotxa. com/la-garrotxa/how-to-get-there/
Written 17 February 2017
Hola, I have rented a car for two days from sunday morning 14 th of june. Sunday night to monday I will stay in Santa Pau and go on a hot air baloon trip on monday morning. I would like to see castafollit de roca too. What should I see in the area, and what route is the most beautiful ? Is it possible to drive close to a vulcano, or do I have to walk a lot to get there?
Written 27 May 2015
Hello, we are sorry that we did not detect your question in time. We are very sorry. We hope that even so you can enjoy your visit to La Garrotxa.
Written 16 November 2021
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