Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Tour

Few visitors expect volcanoes in Catalonia, yet the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park holds about forty cones and many lava flows, extinct for ten thousand years and now covered in beech and oak. This guided day trip from Girona links three highlights of the region: the medieval village of Besalu, the large natural lake of Banyoles and Castellfollit de la Roca, a village that seems to grow out of a cliff of basalt. Along the way you cross gentle green country that feels closer to the Pyrenees than the Costa Brava, with stone farmhouses, rivers and pastures. It is a day for people who like variety, mixing history, landscape and a bit of walking in a small group with a local guide.

The route begins with a drive north-west from Girona, with commentary on the geology that shaped the area. Banyoles lake, the largest natural lake in Catalonia, is a popular stop for walks on its shore, with views across to hills and a long rowing tradition that culminated in the 1992 Olympic regatta. The path along the water is flat and shaded, and the calm is a good contrast to the busy coast. Birdwatchers can spot waterfowl, and in warm months swimmers use designated areas.

Besalu is the cultural centrepiece, with its fortified bridge, Romanesque churches and rare medieval Jewish bath. After the village, the tour continues toward the volcanic heart of the region, where the landscape changes: rounded hills, dark soil and the beech forest known as the Fageda d'en Jorda depending on the itinerary. At Castellfollit de la Roca the village stands on a narrow ridge of basalt above the river, with houses perched on the edge of a drop of about fifty metres. The viewpoint is a favourite for photographers.

Pack comfortable shoes, water and a layer, as the weather can change in the hills. The itinerary varies by season, and the guide may adjust stops to avoid crowds or weather. The tour suits most fitness levels, although the walks are on natural paths. Because the distances between stops are long, you spend a fair amount of time in the vehicle, so bring something to read or enjoy the view.

If you prefer an aerial perspective of the same landscape, a hot-air balloon trip departs from the area. Families with children should check minimum ages for any optional activities.

Late spring and early autumn are the best moments for colour: wildflowers and green meadows in spring, and the golden beech leaves later in the year. Winter days can be crisp and clear, with fewer visitors. Ask the guide about local food stops, as the Garrotxa is known for its cured meats, beans and cheeses, and a lunch in Olot or a village inn is a rewarding part of the day.

For those who prefer to explore alone, the park has marked trails around the Santa Margarida and Croscat volcanoes, and the Croscat crater shows a dramatic cut through layers of ash and scoria. Even a short walk gives a sense of the scale of the geology. Local guides in Olot can arrange longer hikes, bike rides and visits to farms making traditional cheese, so a guided day trip can double as a planning session for a return stay.