La Garrotxa, an autumn among volcanoes

Hidden in the province of Girona, Garrotxa captivates with its volcanic orography that traces unforgettable landscapes, and a set of very well preserved medieval towns, which with the arrival of autumn acquires its sweetest moment.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
03 October 2023 Tuesday 10:34
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La Garrotxa, an autumn among volcanoes

Hidden in the province of Girona, Garrotxa captivates with its volcanic orography that traces unforgettable landscapes, and a set of very well preserved medieval towns, which with the arrival of autumn acquires its sweetest moment. Its forests are dyed with a wide range of ochers that are a visual spectacle, where hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the infinite possibilities for walking. The Fageda d'en Jordà is the star hike in the area, it is a beech forest dotted with ferns with several well-marked trails.

The most distinctive feature of La Garrotxa is its volcanic landscape, protected under the name of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone natural park. A paradise for those passionate about geology. The Croscat volcano, the largest on the Iberian Peninsula, is a must-see place for anyone who sets foot in these lands. The Santa Margarida volcano is another very interesting enclave, which houses a hermitage inside its crater that in the mornings usually wakes up in the fog, drawing a dreamlike landscape.

Regarding the towns, there are memorable towns, such as Besalú. For many, the most beautiful town in Catalonia, whose Romanesque bridge has served as the set for a large number of advertisements and films. Santa Pau is another unmissable town with a spectacular arcaded square, and Castellfollit de la Roca, built on a basalt cliff, provides an overwhelming image.

Gastronomy is another strong point of La Garrotxa, and the best place to taste it is in one of the eight restaurants that make up the Cuina Volcanica collective. They are restaurateurs from the region who came together in 1994 to provide the best of traditional cuisine without giving up creativity, highlighting the product of the territory. Be sure to try the Santa Pau beans, the Montserrat tomatoes, the sheep's "serrat" cheese or the piumoc, an excellent sausage.