La Garrotxa Natural Park & Volcanic Area Guide

Description of Garrotxa Volcanic Zone

The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone in northern Catalonia forms part of the inland foothills of the Pyrenees and contains around 40 dormant volcanoes and more than 20 lava flows that were active between 700,000 and 10,000 years ago.

Today, La Garrotxa is the most prominent volcanic landscape on the Iberian Peninsula. Its medieval stone villages sit among forests, crater rims and fertile volcanic soil that supports 1,178 species of flowering plants, 261 vertebrate species, and extensive holm oak and beech woodland.

The region includes two protected areas: the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa and the rugged Alta Garrotxa range near the French border. Both offer exceptional autumn hiking, with waterfall routes, crater viewpoints and mountain‑top castle ruins hidden within ancient forest — landscapes comparable to Montseny Natural Park, but with volcanoes.

Beyond the trails, the towns of Olot, Castellfollit de la Roca, Santa Pau and Besalú are all worth visiting for their architectural heritage, dramatic settings and mountain cuisine — ideal for a day trip or a long weekend.

When hiking in La Garrotxa, the volcanic origins of the landscape are not always obvious from ground level. For a full appreciation of the crater shapes and lava flows, a hot‑air balloon flight is highly recommended.

Click on any of the photos below to explore detailed hiking routes, photo galleries, access information and more.

Happy exploring!

Map of Attractions in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone