Barcelona Day Trip #3: La Garrotxa

Barcelona is a city filled with vibrant life and stunning architecture, but for those who seek more open landscape, a day trip to La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park offers an unparalleled experience. Located about 100 kilometers north of Barcelona, La Garrotxa is a region of extraordinary geological and ecological significance. Known for its ancient volcanic landscape, dense forests, and charming medieval towns, this area provides a perfect escape into the heart of Catalonia’s natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, La Garrotxa has something to offer.

La Garrotxa: A Volcanic Landscape Like No Other

A Unique Geology: La Garrotxa is home to the most extensive volcanic area in the Iberian Peninsula, with more than 40 extinct volcanoes and numerous lava flows. The landscape, shaped by volcanic activity over thousands of years, is characterized by lush forests, fertile valleys, and distinctive conical hills. The region’s unique geology has earned it a designation as a Natural Park, making it one of the most important natural areas in Catalonia.

Ecological Significance: The volcanic soil in La Garrotxa has given rise to a rich and diverse ecosystem. The region is covered by dense oak and beech forests, known as hayas in Catalan, which provide a habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. The interplay between the volcanic terrain and the lush vegetation creates a landscape that is both dramatic and serene, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

An Ideal Day Trip: La Garrotxa’s proximity to Barcelona makes it an ideal destination for a day trip. Whether you’re interested in hiking through ancient forests, exploring the craters of extinct volcanoes, or visiting the picturesque villages that dot the region, La Garrotxa provides a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Hiking in La Garrotxa: Trails Through Time

The Fageda d’en Jordà: One of the most famous natural attractions in La Garrotxa is the Fageda d’en Jordà, a beech forest that grows on a lava flow from the Croscat volcano. This forest is unique in that it grows on flat ground at an unusually low altitude, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The forest is crisscrossed by well-marked trails, making it a popular spot for hiking. The most famous trail, Route 1, takes you on a circular walk through the forest, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of this natural wonder.

The Croscat Volcano: The Croscat volcano is another must-visit site in La Garrotxa. Standing as one of the largest volcanoes in the region, Croscat is particularly notable for its horseshoe-shaped crater, which was created by a volcanic eruption over 11,000 years ago. A hiking trail leads to the volcano’s crater, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The volcano’s slopes are covered in a mix of woodland and open scrub, providing a stark contrast to the lush greenery of the Fageda d’en Jordà.

The Santa Margarida Volcano: Perhaps the most iconic of La Garrotxa’s volcanoes is Santa Margarida, which features a chapel nestled within its crater. The hike to the top of the Santa Margarida volcano is relatively easy, making it accessible to hikers of all levels. Once at the top, the view of the small Romanesque chapel standing alone in the crater is truly breathtaking. The area around Santa Margarida is also ideal for picnicking, with plenty of open space and shade provided by the surrounding forest.

The Medieval Towns

Besalú: No trip to La Garrotxa would be complete without a visit to the medieval town of Besalú. Known for its stunning 12th-century Romanesque bridge that spans the Fluvià River, Besalú is one of the most picturesque towns in Catalonia. The town’s narrow, cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and well-preserved Jewish quarter make it feel like a step back in time. Besalú is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Church of Sant Pere, the Mikveh (Jewish ritual bath), and the remains of a medieval synagogue.

Santa Pau: Another gem in La Garrotxa is the village of Santa Pau, located within the natural park. Santa Pau is a little medieval village that is a beautifully preserved old town, complete with narrow streets, stone houses, and a castle that dates back to the 13th century. The village is surrounded by lush forests and volcanic landscapes, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the natural beauty of La Garrotxa.

Castellfollit de la Roca: On the edge of a basalt cliff, Castellfollit de la Roca is one of the most striking towns in the region. The town’s houses appear to cling to the cliff’s edge, creating a dramatic and unforgettable view. The town itself is small, but its narrow streets and ancient stone buildings are steeped in history. The viewpoint at the edge of the cliff offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and is a must-see for any visitor to La Garrotxa.

Local Cuisine

Volcanic Cuisine: The rich volcanic soil of La Garrotxa has given rise to a unique culinary tradition known as "volcanic cuisine." This type of cooking emphasizes the use of local, seasonal ingredients that are grown in the fertile soil of the region. The dishes are hearty and flavorful, often featuring ingredients such as beans, potatoes, and pork, as well as wild mushrooms and truffles gathered from the surrounding forests.

Where to Eat: La Garrotxa is home to numerous restaurants and masias (traditional Catalan farmhouses) where you can sample volcanic cuisine. One of the most famous dishes from the region is fesols de Santa Pau, a type of white bean that is grown in the volcanic soil around the village of Santa Pau. These beans are often served with sausages or in a hearty stew, providing a taste of the land itself. Other local specialties include butifarra amb mongetes (sausage with beans) and escudella, a traditional Catalan stew.

A Culinary Experience: Dining in La Garrotxa is not just about the food; it’s about the experience of eating in a setting that is deeply connected to the land. Many restaurants in the region offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, allowing you to enjoy your meal while taking in the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re dining in a rustic farmhouse or a more modern establishment, you’ll find that the cuisine of La Garrotxa is as rich and varied as the landscape itself.

Adventure and Relaxation

Outdoor Activities: La Garrotxa is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities beyond hiking. Cycling is particularly popular in the region, with numerous trails that take you through the heart of the natural park. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, horseback riding is also available, allowing you to explore the volcanic landscape at a slower pace.

Wellness and Relaxation: After a day of exploring, La Garrotxa offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation. The region is home to several spas and wellness centers where you can unwind and rejuvenate. Many of these centers are located in peaceful rural settings, providing the perfect environment for rest and relaxation. Whether you’re soaking in a thermal bath or enjoying a massage, you’ll find that La Garrotxa is the ideal place to disconnect from the stresses of daily life.

A Place to Stay: While La Garrotxa is easily accessible as a day trip from Barcelona, the region also offers a range of accommodations for those who wish to extend their stay. From rustic farmhouses and boutique hotels to camping sites and rural apartments, there are plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Staying overnight in La Garrotxa allows you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the region and enjoy the beauty of its landscapes at different times of the day.

Planning Your Day Trip

Getting There: La Garrotxa is located approximately 100 kilometers north of Barcelona and can be reached by car in about 1.5 hours. The region is best explored by car, as it allows you the flexibility to visit multiple sites at your own pace. There are also organized tours available from Barcelona that include transportation, guided hikes, and visits to the medieval towns.

Best Time to Visit: La Garrotxa is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the landscape is at its most vibrant. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery, while autumn offers a stunning display of fall colors in the forests.

Tips for Visitors: When visiting La Garrotxa, be sure to wear comfortable footwear and bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike. The trails in the natural park are well-marked, but a map or GPS can be helpful if you’re exploring on your own. Many of the medieval towns have cobblestone streets, so be prepared for some uneven terrain.

A Day of Natural Beauty and Historical Exploration

A day trip to La Garrotxa offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical exploration. From hiking through ancient forests and volcanic craters to wandering the cobblestone streets of medieval towns, La Garrotxa provides a unique and enriching experience that showcases the best of Catalonia’s landscapes and heritage. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, La Garrotxa has something to offer everyone. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere, La Garrotxa is a destination that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. Join Buena Vista Tours for tips on your trips, explore the natural wonders of La Garrotxa, and discover the magic of this extraordinary region.