La Garrotxa in 3 days – Surprising

Three intense days to discover a surprising Garrotxa, with volcanoes, perched villages, magical forests and a city with soul. Designed for families with curious children eager to enjoy authentic experiences. Nature, culture and gastronomy in a peaceful, accessible setting full of details that will leave a lasting impression.

 Day 1. City, volcanoes in sight and surprising viewpoints

After a good breakfast, to start discovering Garrotxa, the Espai Cràter in Olot is a must-see. A leading interactive exhibition on volcanism, featuring audiovisuals, immersive experiences, augmented reality, gamification and video mapping. Espai Cràter allows you to learn about volcanoes from inside a volcano: a unique experience!

Just a few metres away awaits the Montsacopa volcano, an excellent viewpoint to take photos by the crater, with views over the whole city and perfect for letting your imagination run wild: what would this landscape have looked like with those mountains in full eruption?

Head down towards the city centre, strolling past modernist façades, traditional shops and stopping at the Plaça Mercat, full of colours and local producers.

Before dinner, take the opportunity to visit the Garrotxa Museum, where you’ll also say “Oh!” in front of the painting The Charge.

Day 2. Among lava and stunning volcanic recreations

Start your adventure by stepping into the Fageda d’en Jordà, a forest that seems straight out of a fairy tale. You’ll be wrapped in an inexplicable light and can walk peacefully. Touch the volcanic soil and listen to the birds as if they were welcoming you.

Next, visit La Fageda Foundation. If you want to taste the best yogurt in the world, this is the moment!

Along the way, start thinking about which dish you’ll choose from the Volcanic Cuisine in the restaurants you’ll find between the Fageda d’en Jordà and Santa Pau, a medieval village with an arcaded square and an imposing castle.

In the afternoon, walk to the Croscat volcano which, with its exposed inner section, will make you say “Oh!”. And if you go with a local guide, you’ll understand what happened there more than 10,000 years ago.

Day 3. A mosaic landscape, hanging cliffs, lights and storybook architecture

For today, we suggest choosing between two options: a morning bike ride through the Vall d’en Bas, visiting some of its seven charming villages and stopping for breakfast at the cooperative or a bakery in Els Hostalets, where the flavours are as authentic as the surrounding landscape; or a getaway to Castellfollit de la Roca, guided by a local expert. The village seems to defy gravity, perched on a basalt cliff. Capture the grandeur of this volcanic formation that will open your soul.

Then, discover Besalú, a medieval village that preserves the magic of time: the bridge, the Jewish quarter and the narrow streets are perfect settings to get lost as if in a treasure hunt. End the day enjoying the quietness of history on one of its terraces.

 Don’t miss it

• Authentic Olot potatoes in one of the restaurants of the Cuina Volcànica collective.
• Circusland in Besalú, an unusual collection that will make both adults and children smile. Yes, in Garrotxa you’ll also find clowns, trapeze artists and a museum full of magic.
• The PanOHrames 3D glasses, which will help you see the landscape like never before. Find them at Garrotxa tourist offices.
• A carriage ride through the Fageda or a tourist train through the Volcanic Zone.
• Take a guided tour with a local guide.
• Plan ahead and book access to natural areas, guided tours and interpretation centres.
• Take the Rumbus, the bus that brings you to the central area of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

If your trip takes place in November, get ready for the Lluèrnia festival: light art, fairytale installations and artistic magic. An urban surprise that closes this route by lighting up the darkness.