Excursions in La Garrotxa around Olot
Because it lies in a valley surrounded by mountains and dormant volcanoes, the Garrotxa region is an ideal destination for hiking. Whether you’re traveling with children or not, you’ll find plenty of routes around Olot to explore on foot or by bike and enjoy nature to the fullest.
I’m an “adoptive” Olot local, and today I’m sharing with you some of the best-kept secrets to discovering La Garrotxa through its trails and breathtaking views.
A tip: if you can, plan your hikes for late October or early November, when the leaves change color. It’s a truly beautiful sight!
What to see in the Garrotxa area?
The Enchanted Rocks
This legendary route begins at the Sanctuary of La Salut, located about 30 minutes from Olot (at an altitude of 1,000 meters). It’s an easy hike with little elevation gain, winding through the forest and offering a variety of beautiful landscapes.
You can complete the hike in about 2 hours (round trip) at a relaxed pace. Once you reach the rocks, you can climb over them and explore hidden spots it feels like wandering through a natural labyrinth.
You’ll need to park your car at the La Salut restaurant. After admiring the views, follow the trail to The Enchanted Rocks, which starts to the left of the Sanctuary. And if you’re hungry after the hike, the restaurant at La Salut is an excellent choice.
Sant Miquel del Corb y Sant Martí
Between Olot and Les Preses, there’s a beautiful and little-known trail that takes you to two charming hermitages: Sant Miquel del Corb and Sant Martí (about 1 hour round trip).
The path has almost no elevation gain — it’s easy and passes through a forest near La Fageda d’en Jordà. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a quiet walk and to disconnect from everything.
Take the turnoff to Sant Miquel del Corb from the Les Preses road, and about 3 kilometers later, park your car as neatly as possible before entering the limits of the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone.
Cycling Route through Vall d’en Bass
Take advantage of the fact that Olot is located in a valley and enjoy cycling without too much effort. A beautiful loop to do in a full day (or half a day if you’re on an electric bike) is the Vall d’en Bas route.
Starting from Olot, follow a section of the Greenway (Vía Verde) from Olot to Girona until you reach Sant Esteve d’en Bas. There, take a detour toward the picturesque village of Els Hostalets d’en Bas, where you can stop for a bite to eat (try the village bakery’s coca de azúcar — it’s fabulous!).
Els Hostalets marks the halfway point of this cycling excursion. Continue along the old Parcelaria Road, which has very little traffic and winds through wheat fields and beautiful countryside.
The Parcelaria passes through several charming villages of the Vall d’en Bas, where you can stop to explore. Don’t miss the main square of Sant Privat d’en Bas, the village of Joanetes, and the medieval heart of El Mallol. Continue towards La Pinya and Vecindario Cirera, and reconnect with the Carrilet Greenway to return to Olot.
You can rent bicycles and pick up route maps at ACMA, located in the old Olot train station, where the Greenway begins.
Xenacs Natural Park
The Xenacs mountain is a natural recreation area full of hiking trails. Drive up to the summit (access via Les Preses) and, once there, enjoy the panoramic views from the lookout point. Then choose among several hikes — one of the most beautiful is the Puig Rodó (900 m), which offers stunning views.
If you’re visiting with children, explore the Interactive Forest, where they can learn about local flora and fauna while walking through Xenacs.
At the Xenacs parking area, you’ll find a restaurant-café, picnic area, and barbecue facilities. The hike to Puig Rodó has a 500 m elevation gain and takes about 1 hour.
Santa Margarida Volcano, Croscat Volcano, and Fageda d’en Jordà
The volcanoes and the Fageda d’en Jordà beech forest are must-see spots if you’ve never been to La Garrotxa before. Here you’ll find three excursions in one, each with a very different atmosphere.
The Santa Margarida Volcano is a steep hike (about 40 minutes uphill to the summit). Once at the top, walk around the massive volcanic crater, where you’ll find a charming hermitage standing right in its center.
The Croscat Volcano isn’t as steep as Santa Margarida, but it’s just as fascinating. It was once a mining site, which means you can now admire its exposed lava strata and see what the inside of a volcano looks like. The round trip takes about one hour, but you’ll want to take your time exploring the volcanic layers up close.
Lastly, the Fageda d’en Jordà is one of Catalonia’s most famous forests — especially magical in autumn, when the beech leaves turn golden and red. Several circular routes are available, and maps are provided at the entrance to help you choose the best itinerary. One of the routes passes by the La Fageda Cooperative, well known for its delicious farm-made yogurts.
The easiest way to explore is by car, as each site has nearby parking and only a few kilometers separate them. However, for more adventurous visitors, you can hike or cycle from the Fageda through to the volcanoes.
Sadernes: Sant Aniol and the Salto del Brull Waterfall
This is the longest hike on the list — a 5-hour circular route through the Alta Garrotxa region, with about 300 meters of elevation gain. It’s not too difficult but does require some stamina. It can be done year-round, though in summer you’ll enjoy the bonus of swimming in the Sadernes River.
Along the route, you’ll discover the rugged landscape of Alta Garrotxa, the Romanesque bridge of Valentí, the beautiful Salto del Brull waterfall, the Sant Aniol hermitage, and several natural pools and cascades typical of this wild area.
Drive towards Sant Jaume de Llierca and Sadernes, continuing until you reach Sadernes itself. If you arrive early (or outside summer season), you can park near the Sadernes Bridge. Otherwise, you’ll need to leave your car further back near the Sadernes campsite, adding about an extra hour of walking.
Which volcano to visit in Olot?
Montsacopa Volcano
The Montsacopa Volcano is an easy and short hike right within the town of Olot, and it’s a local favorite. From the top, you’ll enjoy 360º panoramic views over the city and surrounding landscape. Visit at sunrise or sunset for particularly stunning light.
At the summit, you’ll also find old watchtowers and the Sant Francesc hermitage. There are two access points: the stairs next to the cemetery, or a steeper path known as the Camí del Montsacopa, which starts a little further past the cemetery and leads directly up to the volcano.
Where to Stay:
The Hotel La Perla is perfectly located in the center of Olot. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll love the family-friendly amenities: a playground right in front of the hotel, an indoor recreation room, special kids’ menus, and family rooms themed around Olot’s traditional festival characters (farandula d’Olot).
Hotel La Perla d'Olot, located in the heart of Garrotxa, is a family-run establishment that combines a cozy atmosphere with modern facilities.
Ideal for exploring the volcanic nature and the springs of Olot, it offers services such as swimming pool, restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and parking. With comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, TV and terrace, the hotel is designed to guarantee a peaceful and pleasant stay for all its visitors, whether for family breaks or business stays.
The Hotel Cal Sastre is located right in the heart of the medieval center of Santa Pau, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia. At Cal Sastre, you’ll find a warm, family atmosphere with a cozy and traditional charm. The rooms are decorated in a classic style and furnished with period pieces, creating an authentic and inviting ambiance.
Located in front of the Medieval Castle of Santa Pau, this property is ideal for exploring the old town and enjoy beautiful landscapes.
The bedrooms at Cal Sastre, decorated in a traditional style with antique furniture. are the result of an elaborated and technical renovation of two cozy houses from the XV Century. It has been maintained a perfect harmony between the architecture and the exceptional environment of Sant Pau’s old town. All the rooms are exterior with views of the “Santa Margarita” and “Puig de Mar” volcano, as well as views of the “Sant Julia” Mountains or of the Santa Paula medieval Castle from the 13th century.
In the region of the Garrotxa you can practice outdoor activities discovering volcanic scenery and the natural park.
The Hotel-Monument Can Garay is located in Les Planes d'Hostoles, just 100 meters from the Carrilet route between Olot and Girona. It is a small hotel housed in a beautiful modernist building, where all the rooms overlook a century-old garden spanning 4,000 m².
Hotel Can Garay is an Art Nouveau hotel built in 1906 and is listed as an architectural heritage site being declared as a “Hotel-Monument” by the Catalan government in 2007.
It is a family-run hotel with 6 double rooms and a family suite . All the rooms look out onto the large, centenary gardens and feature all modern-day comforts. The hotel is located just 100 meters from the Greenway (Vías Verdes) bike trail, which runs from Olot to Girona and has a secure bike parking space equipped with tools and cleaning facilities.
The hotel is situated in the village of Les Planes d’Hostoles on the edge of the Volcanic Park of La Garrotxa and the Park of Special Natural Interest, Collsacabra. Visiting this unknown part of La Garrotxa, you will discover the pleasure of walking through the magnificent oak and beech forests and stopping off to contemplate the Brugent river, its beautiful natural pools, spectacular waterfalls and the wonderful array of the colours of the forest...
Good food "garrotxina" for breakfast and dinner.
Want to explore more? Discover the best hotels in La Garrotxa!
