The Alta Garrotxa, a 32,865-hectare natural area, is a region of great importance within the eastern Pre-Pyrenees, characterised by a limestone relief and notable ruggedness. With deep valleys and cliffs, it is known for its biological and cultural diversity. Holm oak and oak forests dominate this spectacular woodland cover, and together with a rich cultural heritage of archaeological sites, farmhouses, and hermitages, they reflect the history of this land.
The landscape of Alta Garrotxa, with its geomorphological complexity, offers an ideal setting for activities such as hiking and rural tourism. The presence of different geological materials such as limestone, conglomerates, and marl has created a unique landscape with karst features like limestone pavements, sinkholes, and caves.
This region, inhabited since ancient times due to its caves and which has left us a rich archaeological heritage, is today a space where nature and human activity coexist harmoniously, promoting sustainability and respect for the natural environment. Alta Garrotxa, with its humid Mediterranean climate, offers a rich and diverse setting, ideal for all those seeking an in-depth experience with nature.
Alta Garrotxa is a territory straddling the regions of Ripollès, Garrotxa, and Alt Empordà. In the case of Garrotxa, it covers, wholly or partially, the areas of five municipalities.
Its extremely rugged terrain has shaped the landscape, vegetation, wildlife, and human settlements throughout its history, allowing the preservation of a relatively isolated natural area that retains significant biological richness. This has led to its designation as a Site of Natural Interest and as a Special Protection Area for Birds within the Natura 2000 Network. Today, the area is managed by the Alta Garrotxa Consortium.
The relief of Alta Garrotxa, marked by deep valleys surrounded by cliffs and rock walls, is what gives the area its name: “garrotxes” are rough lands that are hard to traverse. The landscape of Alta Garrotxa is truly spectacular, not only for the magnificence of its terrain but also for its forest cover, dominated by holm oak and oak woodlands.
This extensive territory also boasts a significant wealth of cultural heritage: archaeological sites, farmhouses, hermitages, charcoal-making sites…
Bookings allow us to welcome you better, balancing the enjoyment of your visit with the conservation of the natural values of the protected area. Make them in advance (some places have no coverage), and also book your accommodation, restaurants, and activities in good time.
You will need one if you want to wild camp or bivouac, go canyoning, fly drones, hold events, organise sports activities, or carry out professional photo shoots and filming; a permit is also required if you have reduced mobility and wish to access restricted areas by vehicle.
Use the designated car parks.
During part of the year, access to the Sadernes and Pont del Llierca car parks requires a prior reservation.
Check all the information at https://altagarrotxa.org
Plan your route in advance, check the weather forecast, be well equipped (suitable walking footwear, warm clothing if necessary, water, food, and a map of the route), do not light fires, and follow the marked trails.
In summer, start walking early, as it gets very hot at midday.
If you are an organised group and want to visit the Museum Space of the Croscat Volcano, you must be accompanied by a guide holding the “Good Knowledge of La Garrotxa” certification. Almost all guiding companies in the region have staff with this qualification.
Respect private property —almost all of the territory is private—, do not make loud noises or shout, move with caution, never leave the paths or go cross-country, pick up your dogs’ waste, and keep them on a lead.
This is the only way to ensure they do not interfere with cattle and sheep herds or with wildlife.
If you are travelling by motorhome, in addition to campsites there are several specially designated areas available.
Outside these areas, in some municipalities it is forbidden to overnight in vehicles or motorhomes parked on public roads.
The experience you’ve had, photos of your stay, and your rubbish.
Rocks, minerals, plants and animals, and anything that is not yours.
© Turisme Garrotxa
