5 things to do in La Garrotxa - The unknown Catalonia (Spain)
View from Castellfollit de la Roca’s mirador. Wow.
Ever stumble upon a place that feels like it’s been hiding, just waiting for you to discover it? That’s Garrotxa.
Ok, to be honest, it’s already been discovered, but mostly by Catalans. So, if you’re looking for authentic Catalunya, just a few kilometers from the Costa Brava’s beautiful beaches, this is the place to go!
The small, but mighty, region is packed with things that make you go “wow.” We’re talking volcanoes you can hike, villages where time has stopped, and super “grammable” views.
Here’s how to make the most of your time in this hidden gem, with five epic adventures you absolutely can’t miss.
Follow the Volcano Route: Santa Margarida, Croscat & La Fageda
So, Garrotxa is volcanic. As in, 40 volcanoes — dormant, don’t worry! — scattered around, hidden in forests and rolling hills. If you’re into geology or natural history (or just want an excuse to see landscapes you won’t find anywhere else), follow the Volcano Route, which gathers the Garrotxa’s highlights. Just be warned: you won’t be alone on the trail, especially during weekends!
Penguin Trampoline tip:
To enjoy the volcano route in peace, wake up early and start with La Fageda! Even better, you can stay at the nearby camping so you can enjoy it at sunrise. If you start too late, you’ll be surrounded by vocal families!
Santa Margarida
You’ll love this one. Imagine hiking up a volcanic crater and finding… a tiny, beautiful chapel sitting in the middle. It’s a peaceful — when not too crowded! — little spot in an ancient place where lava once flowed. About 11,000 years ago, Santa Margarida had its last eruption, and now it’s all wildflowers — in season — and moss-covered rocks. Standing here is just a bit surreal.
Croscat
This one’s like nature’s geological rainbow. Croscat has been carved out, revealing these vibrant layers of red, black, and orange rock. Oh, and it’s the “youngest” volcano in the area — “only” around 17,000 years old.
La Fageda d'en Jordà
This isn’t a volcano, but it’s magical. La Fageda is a forest born out of ancient lava flows, with beech trees that twist and turn like in a fairytale. In autumn, the leaves turn a fiery orange and gold.
Right next to the Fageda is the dairy farm of the same name.
Did you know?
La Fageda Dairy isn’t just about producing delicious, high-quality yogurt and ice cream – it’s a remarkable example of social responsibility. Founded with a mission to provide meaningful employment for people with disabilities and those at risk of social exclusion, it has become a beloved Catalan brand.
Hike the Puigsacalm
Feeling adventurous? The Puigsacalm hike is the best way to see Garrotxa’s wilder side. Standing at 1,515 meters, this is Garrotxa’s highest peak, and the views from the top are absolutely worth the climb — Well, when it’s not cloudy! You’ll see the Pyrenees stretching out to one side and, if you’re lucky with the weather, even spot the Mediterranean coast in the distance.
The trail itself is like a highlight reel of everything Garrotxa has to offer: dense woods, open meadows with grazing cows, and rocky stretches. It’s pretty easy and well market, although qualified as moderate by Catalan standards.
But, as for any outdoor activity, make sure you have a good travel insurance — You can get 5% off with our partner HeyMondo!
Eat a Magdalena in Castellfollit de la Roca (and Marvel at the Town from Below)
Welcome to Castellfollit de la Roca, the village that looks like it was plucked out of a fantasy novel and dropped onto a cliff. The town is perched on a sheer wall (50 meters!) of basalt rock formed by two lava flow hills — it’s as dramatic as it sounds.
Even the buildings of Castellfollit de la Roca are built mainly with volcanic material. The pavement and street furniture of the old town is constructed using basalt, the rock formed when the lava cools.
However, it’s hard to get a good idea from the top, so make sure to head down to the river below (Mirador) to take in the full view of the town perched up high on its volcanic cliff.
The best magdalenas
After walking up and down, reward yourself with a scrumptious magdalena (Spanish muffin, kind of) at Cal Tuset. If you can’t chose a flavor, they sell boxes of 6. Just saying. The perfect comfort snack after a full day of hiking!
Go Back in Time in Besalù
Alright, medieval history buffs — right, Jake? — this one’s for you. Besalù is basically like stepping into a movie set. Cross its famous Romanesque bridge, and you’re instantly transported to the Middle Ages. And actually, Besalù has been the set for plenty of movies and series. Notably, it was used in "Game of Thrones", "The Perfume: Story of a Murderer", and in Spanish TV series like "Isabel" and "La Catedral del Mar".
View from Besalú from the bridge
Once you’re in, check out the Jewish Quarter and the old mikvah (ritual bath). There’s also the Sant Pere Monastery, which dates back to the 12th century. After exploring, grab a coffee at one of the town’s cafes and enjoy the view of the bridge over the river.
If you love the Middle Age, make sure to stop by Santa Pau!
Stay in the Middle of Nowhere
We live in Sitges, a very touristy seaside town near Barcelona. And in summer, it gets a bit hectic! So we always look forward to enjoying silence and peace! And in Garrotxa, we found the perfect place to chill in the most peaceful, scenic way possible. Groups usually stay at a masia (traditional Catalonian farmhouse), but since it was just the two of us, we found an adorable cabin at the top of a hill, owned by a painter. Good thing our rental car was a Jeep!
Imagine waking up to birdsong and roosters in the distance, siping your morning coffee while looking out over the hills, and spending your evenings stargazing. The kind of place we love at Penguin Trampoline: with no civilization in sight!
Just make sure to get groceries before going up!
Here is a playlist for your Catalan trip:
Garrotxa isn’t one of those places you’ll see splashed across Instagram or in travel magazines, and that’s part of its magic. This is a place most foreign travelers don’t know to look for, which makes every discovery feel even more personal.
So, pack light, leave your plans a little loose, and enjoy the true heart of Catalonia!
