Welcome to La Garrotxa, an authentic destination where responsibility and sustainability come together to offer you a unique experience. We invite you to explore breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in tourism experiences with respect and awareness for the environment.

The Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa is part of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, an initiative of the EUROPARC Federation, an organization that brings together protected natural areas from 38 European countries. In this way, the aim is to improve sustainable development and tourism management of the protected area, always taking into account the needs of the environment, the population, local businesses and visitors.

Yes, exactly! Also for you, visitor, who are reading these lines and who care about sustainable tourism, to preserve the environment so that both you and future generations can enjoy it. Do you want to know how you can contribute while enjoying the impressive landscapes of Garrotxa?

On our trails, where every step is a connection with nature, you can also immerse yourself in these magical spaces in a sustainable way. Would you like to discover, for example, the central area of the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa? We offer sustainable options on foot, by bike or with Rumbus, a public transport service operated by TEISA that runs the route Les Preses – Olot city center – Fageda d’en Jordà – Santa Margarida Area – Santa Pau on weekends, holidays and other specific dates. This not only takes you to key points but also helps reduce the number of vehicles in the region, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Walking routes or cycling routes are also a sustainable and fun option to share with family, a partner, or on your own. However you prefer: in Garrotxa, all of them help reduce the carbon footprint in the region. There are so many routes and itineraries that you won’t know where to start!

A good option is a weekend getaway to Garrotxa, staying in one of the certified sustainable accommodations, allowing you to enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace. This way, you can continue the route or start a new one the next day. It’s up to you!

After a day well spent, you’ll surely be hungry: explore and enjoy our region through local zero-kilometer products and the authentic gastronomy Garrotxa offers. These not only provide you with genuine flavors but also support local producers and businesses, giving you the opportunity to take home the same products by shopping in local stores. Had you ever thought that by enjoying our gastronomy you were also contributing to the sustainability of the region?

Finally, we cannot forget the resource of water, vital for life. Another commitment reflecting our responsibility to the environment is the monitoring of water quality, supervising treatment plants and ensuring sustainability in the supply of drinking water.

In addition, with Garrotxa’s adherence to the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (like other important areas such as the Cap de Creus Natural Park or the Cadí-Moixeró), it also aligns with the guidelines of the United Nations, specifically those of the specialized tourism agency, the World Tourism Organization. For this body, sustainable tourism is that which “fully considers current and future economic, social and environmental impacts to meet the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

Thus, it presents a type of tourism with a proper balance between three dimensions to ensure its long-term sustainability: the environmental, economic and sociocultural aspects of tourism development.

In summary, sustainable tourism must:

• Make optimal use of environmental resources, which are a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural resources and biodiversity, such as those of the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa.
• Respect the sociocultural authenticity of host communities, preserve their cultural and architectural heritage and traditional values, and at the same time contribute to understanding and cultural tolerance. In Garrotxa, you can take itineraries ranging from the Romanesque of the Bianya Valley to the Jewish heritage of Besalú.
• Ensure viable long-term economic activities that provide well-distributed socioeconomic benefits to all stakeholders, including stable employment opportunities, income, and social services for host communities.

Can you imagine participating in an experience that not only gives you unforgettable memories but also contributes to the well-being of the local community and the care of the environment? In Garrotxa, that is more than possible!

Get ready to live a sustainable experience where every choice counts and where being responsible becomes part of the journey. In Garrotxa, we have managed to combine sustainability and authenticity to offer you a unique, sustainable, responsible, and inclusive experience. All so that you can enjoy it many more times!