Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa Natural Park

Explore Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa Natural Park

Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park: The Absolute Essentials

The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park protects over 40 volcanic cones and 20 basaltic lava flows within a lush Mediterranean landscape. This selection highlights the park's geological diversity, from the exposed strata of the Croscat volcano to the Santa Margarida crater, which contains a Romanesque chapel. The list also includes the cultural heritage of Olot, featuring 18th-century noble houses, neoclassical churches, and medieval castle ruins that overlook the surrounding Pyrenean foothills.

20 places

Volcanic Wonders of Catalonia

The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park protects one of Europe’s most significant volcanic landscapes, featuring approximately 40 dormant cones and over 20 basaltic lava flows. These Strombolian volcanoes, primarily formed during the Quaternary period, created a unique topography of craters and deep valleys. Key highlights include the Santa Margarida crater, which houses a Romanesque chapel, and the Croscat volcano, known for its horseshoe-shaped crater and exposed geological layers resulting from former quarrying activities.

27 places

Historic Castles and Ruins

This collection features the archaeological heritage of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone, ranging from prehistoric megaliths to medieval fortresses. Explore the remains of the 10th-century Castell de Puig-alder and the strategically significant Castell d'Hostoles, a central site during the War of the Remences. The list includes the Iberian settlement of La Palomera and ancient standing stones like the Menhir de Santa Margarida. These sites, often situated on volcanic ridges, offer insight into the defensive architecture and early human occupation of the Catalan landscape.

11 places

Sacred Sites and Churches

The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone preserves a significant collection of Romanesque architecture, with many chapels and churches dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Notable sites include the Santa Margarida de Sacot chapel, uniquely situated within a dormant volcanic crater, and the Benedictine monastery of Sant Joan les Fonts. These structures often feature local volcanic stone and serve as historical landmarks reflecting the region's medieval heritage, ranging from isolated mountain shrines to prominent urban parish churches in Olot.

42 places

Scenic Natural Wonders

This collection highlights the geological diversity of Catalonia's Garrotxa Volcanic Zone. It features the basaltic cliffs of Castellfollit de la Roca, formed by ancient lava flows, and the multi-tiered waterfalls of Can Batlle and Salt del Molí dels Murris. The list includes the highest peak in the Sierra de Finestres, Puigsallança, alongside the specialized wetland ecosystems of Basses de Can Jordà, situated within the unique Fageda d'en Jordà beech forest.

15 places

Map of Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa Natural Park

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa Natural Park: April, May, June, September, October

Practical information

Tours & Activities