Garrotxa is a fascinating region: Garrotxa Volcanic Zone, Fageda d’en Jordà, Besalú, Santa Pau, Olot, Hostalets d'en Bas, Castellfollit de la Roca...
Discover a region full of personality, history, tradition and with some extraordinary landscapes. The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone and her impressive volcanoes and the Fageda d’en Jordà is the essence of the region. Moreover we can find a very interesting cultural heritage: modernism in Olot, medieval architecture in Santa Pau and Besalú. Etc.
Environmental tourism resources:
Natural Park of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone: a large protected area of a 15.000h, considered one of the best examples of volcanic landscape of the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most important in Europe. In this park we can find up to 40 volcanic cones in a very good state and more than 20 basaltic lava flows. The rich soil and climate in this area encourage growth of a unique vegetation, such Jordà Fageda.
There are 28 trails, most of them marked.
One of the most important routes of the park is visit la Fageda d’en Jordà, the volcano of Santa Margarita and Croscat volcano, the most important points of the Volcanic Area of the Garrotxa. This is a trail suitable for all ages and can be done quietly in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Starting point: Area Can Serra (Fageda Jordà) and Santa Margarida Area.
Jordà Fageda: it is one of 26 nature reserves of the Natural Park of Volcanic Zone of the Garrotxa. We have access from the area of Can Serra, where there is a point of information and a car park. This is a beech forest unique because it grows on the side of the volcano's lava flow of Croscat in a humid area, with a hilly terrain. A well-signposted route 1.5 km allows us across this place that inspired the writer Joan Maragall to write one of his works.
Area of national interest Alta Garrotxa: this large natural area is in the pre-Pyrenean eastern part of the region. This is a very large territory sparsely populated. It features rugged landscape with a forest of oak and oak basically. We also find a wealth of cultural heritage that makes the area an ideal area for hiking or enjoy rural tourism.
Area of national interest Salinas: This area of natural interest, is located northeast of the region, particularly in the mountain border with the Alt Empordà. It covers 4.107ha with mountain areas can reach 1500m. We found very dense forest areas with a climate between the Mediterranean and mountains. We emphasize the diversity of forest species and the large number of mammals.
Vall d'en Bas: this is a very unique natural setting with lots of contrasts, ranging from crop fields, forests of oak and beech forests to waterfalls. The profile of the valley is drawn primarily by the Puigsacalm and the Massif de Santa Magdalena. It is a valley rich in cultural heritage with a large number of Romanesque chapels and villas and els Hostalets Mallol, classified as historic-artistic. Each takes place December 6th St. Fair. Nicholas.
Cultural Resources:
Besalú: villa situated between the rivers and Capellades Fluvià a very important medieval past. Its old town is considered as one of the best preserved medieval sets and Catalonia National Historic-Artistic Site in 1966. Walking through its streets and squares will allow us to go back to medieval times visiting such interesting buildings as the church of San Pedro, San Vicente church, the house Cornellà, etc. The passage of the Jews from this town has left an outstanding legacy, the most important monument Miqyé as being one of the only bathroom of its kind preserved in the continent. We should also mention the spectacular Roman bridge over the river Fluvià dating from the eleventh century. The town has excellent communications that allow us to place ourselves in the nearest regional capitals with little time.
Santa Pau: small town within the nature reserve of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone, an area of volcanoes and magnificent natural surroundings. This town is perfectly preserved medieval charms of the time, with cobbled streets and a lot of details that will not leave us indifferent. Note the square of bulls, Santa Pau Castle and the church of Santa Maria. It has been declared a historic-artistic.
Olot: the capital of region, also called the city of volcanoes, is located in the Natural Park of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone. The volcano Montsacopa with the church of San Francisco rounds out the villa, and offers wonderful views of the area. Olot offers a vibrant cultural heritage, highlighting the modernist landmarks such as Casa Solà-Morales, Lluis Domenech i Montaner, the house bidder, Casa Noguer, etc. On the other hand also emphasize the church of St.. Esteve with baroque or the square of the clearing.
Traditional Festivals:
Festes del Tura, Olot: during the second week of September the town celebrates a centenary celebration in honor of the Virgen del Tura. This is the most important holiday in the region and was declared Traditional Festival of National Interest since 1996. Noted for its tradition and popular events, attended by giants, dwarves, heads, etc.. This also has all kinds of events such as dances, concerts, correfocs ...
Feria de Sant Lluc, Olot: middle of October is celebrated in different parts of the village fair multisectoral. In Olot Fairgrounds we can find a trade show on rural tourism, agricultural products and food and wine and the craft market and fair drawing. In the walk of St. Roc Cattle Fair celebrates traditional showing all kinds of animals and make the purchase - sale of cattle as was done historically.
Medieval Market, Besalú: the first weekend of September, the town relives the Middle Ages as it did in the tenth century You have to walk through its streets and squares and enjoy the party where all kinds of characters involved old, as artisans, jugglers, musicians and songwriters. There are a number of activities for the whole family, guided tours, parades, exhibitions, shows, etc..
Active tourism
The volcanic landscape and the natural wealth of the region of La Garrotxa offer us a unique place to enjoy the sport. The old hiking trails to explore many different places in the area, such as the Camino Real de Vic a Olot, Roman Way Capsacosta (branch of the Via Augusta) or the various Long distance walks that pass through the region.
One of the most important routes of the park is visited Jordà Fageda, the volcano of Santa. Margarita and Croscat volcano, the most important points of the Volcanic Area of the Garrotxa. This is a trail suitable for all ages and can be done quietly in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Starting point: Area Can Serra (Fageda Jordà) and Santa Margarida Area.
Olot is the main point of two greenways, the greenway Iron and Coal and greenway Carrilet (une Olot and Girona). In Besalú, we also found a very interesting way for fans of cycling, the Green Belt follows the river Fluvià.
Possibility of many outdoor activities, adventure sports and hot air ballooning by the volcanic zone. The ski Vallter 2000 (Ripollès) are 55 km from Olot.
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