About Zona Volcánica de la Garrotxa
In the Iberian Peninsula there are several volcanic landscapes, although none is as beautiful and extensive as this protected space located on the Costa Brava. We are talking about the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa, which was reclassified in 1985. At that time it was determined that the area became a natural park.
Its surface exceeds fifteen thousand hectares, encompassing a total of eleven municipalities including Olot, Las Planas, and Castellfullit de la Roca. On the other hand, the natural reserves are nearly thirty.
The Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa comprises forty volcanic-type cones whose origin dates back more than one hundred thousand years, being a clear example of the great historical and biological value they all have.
Furthermore, this natural park of the Costa Brava has around ten craters, as well as more than twenty cones that boast of being in good conservation status. Additionally, the numerous lava flows with their dark color and microlitic texture reveal that they are of basaltic type.
Volcanoes
While it is true that some volcanoes in the protected area are only ten thousand years old, others originated seven hundred thousand years ago. Volcanic activity has not occurred for a long time, although that does not mean that all the volcanoes are extinct. But, how is it possible that there is such volcanism in this area of the Costa Brava? Basically, this is due to the finesse of the lithosphere.
In Garrotxa, this outer layer does not have the more than one hundred kilometers that characterize the European continent, but its thickness is only fifteen kilometers. This additionally led to each eruption occurring in a recently emerged volcano, which proceeded to extinguish just after without having any further activity.
The morphology of each volcanic cone is very varied. The craters demonstrate this perfectly, as some are lateral, while others are central and have pyroclasts that stand out for their uniformity, some of them being heterometric.
In one of the areas of the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa there are many small stones known as lapillis, which were expelled during several eruptions.
Experts estimate that when a minimum of ten thousand more years have passed, there will be an eruption in this protected space again.
Flora
Although the volcanoes are the main attraction of the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa, both the flora and fauna are also fully enjoyable. Starting with vegetation, it is notable that the number of plant species widely exceeds one thousand in total.
Thanks to the elevations of the terrain, the type of soil, and the climatic conditions, it cannot be said that the scenic result is purely Mediterranean, since part of it resembles what can be seen in Central Europe.
One of the areas that most attracts attention is known under the name of Fageda d’en Jordà. It basically consists of a forest full of beeches that have managed to grow despite being at an altitude of five hundred fifty meters. This is due to how humid this part of the protected space is and the extent to which volcanic-origin rock drains.
The forests are lush and numerous in the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa, especially highlighting cork oaks, holm oaks, and oaks.
Fauna
The variety is evident when talking not only about the flora, but also about the fauna. The animals most present in the protected area are undoubtedly invertebrates, although vertebrates also play an important role, as demonstrated by the total of over three hundred different species.
The most numerous species are the birds, widely exceeding two hundred. For their part, mammals are also important for the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa. Among the animals that can be frequently seen are the following: wild cats, genets, peregrine falcons, vipers, and snake eagles.
Economic activity
It is common for natural parks on the Costa Brava to have virtually no human presence, beyond those in charge of ensuring the well-being of the area and the visitors. However, this is not the case with this protected space. In fact, an economic activity occurs daily in it, carried out while trying to respect the area's nature.
Specifically, we are referring to crops known as garrotxes, taking advantage of the useful terraces in areas where the relief is quite steep. Another economic activity is the extraction of lapilli, which is used to manufacture cement.
It is surprising that only two percent of the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa is public, with the remaining percentage being completely private, part of which is used for activities related to economic development. Thus, the administrators of the protected space have the main objective of ensuring that all of them are compatible with the well-being of the natural park.
Itineraries
In this natural park of the Costa Brava there are many attractions worth visiting. Volcanoes such as those of Santa Margarida and Croscat are a clear example, as well as the Fluvià River, wetlands, etc. All of them can be traversed on itineraries that are very varied, allowing people of all ages, regardless of their physical ability, to undertake a route that they enjoy from start to finish.
Fageda d’en Jordà, Volcà de Santa Margarida and Volcà del Croscat
We begin with Itinerary 1, one of the most practiced by visitors. This is not surprising considering that during its course three points of great interest are covered.
This is a circular route that connects with other itineraries in the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa that are also highly recommended. After one and a half hours it reaches Sant Miquel de Sacot, while after almost ten kilometers of route there is a shortcut that is recommended to take: the one of Can Passavent.
After about four and a half hours the itinerary is considered complete, although the time increases if you choose to descend into the crater, as it covers a total of seven hundred meters that require an additional twenty minutes of walking.
Riscal de Castellfollit de la Roca
If you love great views you cannot miss this itinerary. After just over a kilometer, you will reach a viewpoint that will reward your visit with a skyline that you will hardly forget.
Before that, you will pass through the cliff, and then visit the Plaça de Sant Roc. The itinerary can be completed in just three-quarters of an hour, being suitable for the elderly and small children, as it has no considerable elevation changes.
Volcà del Montsacopa
In the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa, there are several iconic volcanoes, one of the most attractive being the one known as Montsacopa. This itinerary that passes through Montolivet and Tossols makes it possible to explore it.
We are facing one of the most varied routes, as it also has a strong urban character. This is due to covering a large part of the city of Olot, whose streets are traversed, with locals being the ones who usually undertake this itinerary.
Upon reaching the Montsacopa volcano, the first thing that surprises is its considerable height of almost one hundred meters, as well as the crater's diameter, reaching one hundred twenty meters in total.
Valls de Sant Iscle and del Vallac
Itinerary 19 is one of the most physically demanding of all those that can be done in the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa. For some people, it is not easy to cover the total of seventeen kilometers that it encompasses. However, if you feel capable of it, the five hours of the trail will be enjoyed to the fullest.
The route starts at what used to be the Sant Feliu de Pallerols station. After two hours and a quarter, you arrive at Sant Iscle de Colltort, shortly after reaching an iconic volcano known as Can Tià. This is not the only one visited in the itinerary, as another must be added to the list: that of Traiter.
Being a circular itinerary, it ends at the same station, making it hard to get lost thanks to the indications based on pictograms with a light orange color.
How to get there
The most recommended way is to travel by private or public transport to Olot, although you can also choose Santa Pau. In both cases, the AP-7 connects with local roads that will take you to either municipality, where there is a bus you have to take. This is the Bus dels Volcans, which will take you directly to the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa.
Where to park
If you prefer to avoid the bus and choose to go directly to the natural park with your own vehicle, you should know that there are a couple of parking lots, although they charge fees. The Can Serra parking is one of the most frequented, as it is near the Fageda d’en Jordà. However, keep in mind that payment cannot be made in cash.
On the other hand, the parking lot at the Santa Margarida Area does not accept cards. Getting to it is easy by taking the local road GI-524, appreciating the proximity to one of the most iconic volcanoes in the protected area.
Rates
Except for guided tours organized by some companies, traversing the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa is free. The amount collected from vehicles parked in the two previously described parking lots is used to keep some parts of this natural park in the Costa Brava in good condition.
Comment by Bravissima about Zona Volcánica de la Garrotxa:
The Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa, located in the Costa Brava, is a stunning natural area that spans over fifteen thousand hectares, covering eleven municipalities including Olot and Castellfullit de la Roca. This natural park, recognized since 1985, hosts a unique volcanic landscape, home to over forty volcanic cones and numerous well-preserved craters.
The richness of flora and fauna is remarkable, with more than a thousand plant species and a wide variety of animals, including over two hundred bird species. The enchanting forest known as Fageda d’en Jordà is famous for its lush beech trees and breathtaking landscapes throughout the year, particularly in autumn.
The well-marked trails offer various hiking routes, suitable for all ages and skill levels. The circular route connecting volcanoes like Santa Margarida and Croscat is particularly popular among visitors. Additionally, the irresistible viewpoints provide spectacular views of the surroundings.
The area also blends nature with responsible economic activities, featuring local crops and rural tourism opportunities. Gastronomy is another highlighted attraction, with many restaurants serving traditional dishes made from local products. The Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa is a destination that invites exploration, enjoyment, and a connection with nature.
Zona Volcánica de la Garrotxa: Reviews
Fantastic experience: The questions asked are very inappropriate because the Parc Natural is not a business, it's a protected area within which there are private homes as well as some businesses, restaurants, rural tourism etc and walking paths and a variety of other possible activities.
Fantastic experience:
Most beautiful area ever
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Fantastic experience:
This area is impressive because of the charm or attractiveness of numerous volcanoes and because you eat very well, really;')
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Fantastic experience:
wild and surprising region, beautiful nature rich in geological history. The ascent and descent into the crater of Santa Margarida Volcano is a good excuse for a hike and a family picnic in the center of the crater near the small chapel. Other volcanoes such as Croscat are of interest. The villages in the area are exceptional, Santa Pau, Castellfollit, Besalú in particular.
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Fantastic experience:
We leave the car in the parking lot and start walking! Very good excursion !! We make the circular route of about 10 km and we deviate another 2 km to see the Croscat volcano. Fantastic! The walk is not difficult, but there are some sections that are a bit complicated. Highly recommended!
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Fantastic experience:
Autumn is dressed in colors in the natural park of La Garrotxa. It is beautiful in any season of the year but in autumn you can enjoy a multitude of colors, the path is easy and accessible and adapted to any need, and the beech forest is really beautiful to visit and enjoy. As it is a natural environment, I recommend bringing water for the road. You choose if you want to do the whole way or half depending on the time you have
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Fantastic experience: Lush and breath-taking landscape and lots of well-marked trails, a great place to visit!
Fantastic experience:
Fantastic natural environment
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Fantastic experience: Relax abdolut!!!!
Positive experience:
The park is amazing. But what I don't think is the parking lot is very expensive one hour lying down 3/15
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Fantastic experience:
It really is a magical forest. Spectacular!!
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Positive experience:
It is a nature reserve, very well preserved.
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Positive experience:
Very nice place. With many routes to do.
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Fantastic experience:
For its beauty and its friendly people, not to mention the good gastronomy. A place to visit more often.
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Fantastic experience:
Fantastic place
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Fantastic experience: Beautiful place to go and get lost in if you enjoy getting away from the city. It has beautiful trail of about 20 km that you can walk or bike ride through. Breath taking views and also has amazing pick nick areas
Fantastic experience: Beautiful & fascinating views and feeling
Fantastic experience: Brutal
Fantastic experience:
Very romantic and lovely
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Fantastic experience: Beautiful and loads of different tracks
Fantastic experience: Went for a hike here and one if the roads was closed off. Ended up going off-road through the wilderness. Quite a challenge, but the views in this area are great!
Fantastic experience: Wonderful gigantic trees and cohérent souvenirs to buy
Fantastic experience:
Lovely guides and very pretty landscape
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Fantastic experience: Very interesting park
Fantastic experience: They have a very well developed tourism and activities. Nicely marked trails of all levels.
Fantastic experience: Breathtakingly scenery. Gorgeous little stone villages Wonderful walks. Well managed. Loved it.
Fantastic experience: Lovely interesting walks, good campsite and well marked pathways
Fantastic experience: Fantastic
Fantastic experience: An incredible part of the country! We really enjoyed our time here.
Fantastic experience:
Very nice
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Fantastic experience: Magic
Fantastic experience: Magic
Fantastic experience: it was nice, even thought i got lost
Fantastic experience:
Especially
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Fantastic experience: Fantastic
Fantastic experience: It is such a beautiful and interesting place, deff you should have some hiking around it
Fantastic experience: Ok
Fantastic experience: 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). Probably not good if you have younger children as it is still a mountain trail (lots of rocky sections,etc). 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.
Fantastic experience: It's amazing
Fantastic experience: Be
Fantastic experience: Awesome
Fantastic experience: Magic!!
Fantastic experience:
A magical region to enjoy nature and local traditions.
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Fantastic experience: Natural reserve, landscape, hiking...
Fantastic experience: If you really want to experience Catalunya, not just the big city mirage of Barcelona, this is one of the palces where you must go. It has a great area of volcanoes and a forest. You can fly with hot air balloons, do segway tours of the volcanoes and hiking.
Fantastic experience: Incredible place. Is like magic... a lot of old volcanoes covered with green vegetation. Plus the gastronomy of the area is wonderful!
Fantastic experience: Ok
Fantastic experience: Great hikes at the Natural Park
Fantastic experience: Wonderful views and great riding.
Fantastic experience: A beech forest with grandeur and tranquility
Fantastic experience: Super Natural Park.
Fantastic experience: Brutal
Fantastic experience: Awesome place to visit and walk
Fantastic experience: Great and wonderfull place
Fantastic experience: Happy
Fantastic experience: Walk there!
Fantastic experience: Nice walking. Helped to have a gpx trail to follow. But the trails have guideposts. Don't follow trails that have an x
Fantastic experience: Interesting area
Fantastic experience: Very great and beautiful.
Fantastic experience: Super good
Fantastic experience: Stunning scenery, good trails that are well marked. Highly recommended.
Fantastic experience: This is at Lava-Camping
Fantastic experience: The absolute best in the world!! :) Are you after nice pics and astonishing views? Are you after good and selected food? Are you after family holidays? Outdoor activities? This is your place.... You won't regret it!!!
Fantastic experience: Amazing. Be prepared for a long walks and up and down on the mountain.
Fantastic experience: Stunning
Fantastic experience: Fantastic volcanic area but easy walking
Fantastic experience: Great
Fantastic experience:
Fonda Can Finet! BRUTAL
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Fantastic experience: Amazing park to discover Catalonia's volcanic region. The views are nice and there is a small museu to explain the region's geological history. A must see for families and weekend wanderers.
Fantastic experience: Fantastic
Fantastic experience: Volcanology
Fantastic experience:
Natural beauty, lots to do, great food
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Fantastic experience: Its beautifull
Fantastic experience: Ok
Fantastic experience: Soothing stroll through pretty countryside with views of snowy peaks.
Fantastic experience: Fantastic
Fantastic experience: Top
Fantastic experience: Amazing views and plenty to learn!!
Fantastic experience: It's a great place for nature lovers. Paths are well signalized. A really beautiful place!
Fantastic experience: Incredible scenery
Fantastic experience:
Natura to Dojo. Bestial and unique
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Fantastic experience: Fantastic
Fantastic experience:
Lovely countryside and villages, good food.
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Fantastic experience:
Cool
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Fantastic experience: I really loved the Volcanic national park, we went to Olot and walked up the volcano there, amazing views of the area and there's even a little restaurant at the top where we had a drink. I think May is a good time to visit this as there was a lot of rich vegetation and the poppy flowers were everywhere.
Fantastic experience: Some amazing trails to be run in this area. The views and scenery are spectacular but ensure you plan your run thoroughly as there are so many trails in this park that you may end up along way from your destination.
Fantastic experience: Amazing...
Fantastic experience: Nature and tranquility
Fantastic experience: A nice park on the crater of an ancient volcano. Several towers provide good views of the area. There is also a church that is quite beautiful from the outside. The church was closed for the night at the time we visited.
Fantastic experience:
Nice trails
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Fantastic experience: A very beautiful area with great cuisine. Many of the local restaurants here offer food cooked on the volcanic rock found here. There are also many fantastic viewpoints of the surrounding towns. You can climb many of the dormant volcanos which offer panoramic views. Finally, you can also go hiking along a number of paths that lead you through many beautiful areas of nature. My favourite moment was discovering a tiny chapel in the crater of a volcano!
Fantastic experience: Simply wonderful!
Fantastic experience: This is a stunning place and you should visit it. Period.
Fantastic experience: Amazing
Fantastic experience: Love this area, so many things to do
Fantastic experience: Lovely walk through volcanoes
Fantastic experience: Wanderful natural park with a mistic touch. Where you can wander in many ways, by foot, by bike, on horse.. all seasons of the year.
Fantastic experience: Awesome wood zone
Fantastic experience: A lovely place for hiking, trail running, mountain biking or cycling. The area is surrounded by hills and volcanoes. The local gastronomy is another good thing you have to experience by yourself. Don't forget to visit "La Fageda d'en Jordà" or the middle age village of Santa Pau.
Fantastic experience: Because it is my home area and I love very much volcanoes, they make me feel excited.
Fantastic experience: Total!!!
Fantastic experience: Bona Natura
Fantastic experience: Super! !!
Fantastic experience: Great place to visit. Nice walks in the Nature
Fantastic experience: Perfect for a walk and knowing local geography
