Old Catalonia: Volcanoes &… – Independent
The region known as the Garrotxa offers some of the most delightful walking in Spain and includes one of the most interesting and important dormant volcanic areas in Europe.
It is a land of high open plateaux, wooded hills and fertile valleys, with wonderfully preserved villages and picturesque Romanesque churches. It has a rich flora and fauna and much of the Natural Park is covered by woodland. The present-day towns and villages date back to the rural parishes founded in the 9 to 10th centuries and many of these maintain their medieval feel.
You will find excellent Catalan cuisine including the cuina volcànica (volcanic cuisine) developed in the Garrotxa region.
Duration: 5, 6 or 8 days
Itinerary
Arrive in medieval Rupit, situated on a rocky promontory at an altitude of 840 m. Comfortable, centrally located hotel accommodation.
A picturesque jumble of cobbled streets and charming stone and slate-roofed houses, all set within a dramatic landscape of wooded ravines, high meadows and towering cliffs. A delightful place, best in the early morning mist or out of season.
Comfortable hotel in the centre of Rupit
Optional circular walk from Rupit, visiting the impressive Salt de Sallent waterfall and church of Sant Joan de Fàbregues, one of the best examples of Catalan Romanesque architecture in the area (4.3 miles, 2.5-3 hours).
Comfortable hotel in the centre of Rupit
Follow paths along the edge of the Collsacabra escarpment with spectacular views. Continue through grassy pastures and woodland to the superbly situated Santuari de Nostra Senyora de la Salut. Onwards through farmland, meadow and beechwoods with views across the Alta Garrotxa and Pyrenees to your 14th-century farmhouse accommodation. (10.7 miles, 5-5.5 hours / Low level route: 8 miles, 3.5-4 hours).
Built in the 17th century, this is a centre of devotion and a favourite location among locals to get married. Situated at 1,030m in the heart of the Collsacabra, it enjoys a vast, panoramic view over the volcanic hills of the Garrotxa Natural Park. On a clear day, you can see down to the sea.
14th century farmhouse with splendid views
Small lanes, then paths, lead you across the hills of the Collsacabra, with wide views over the Garrotxa. After visiting the hermitage of Sant Miquel de Castelló perched on a rocky outcrop, descend steeply through woodland into the farmed valley below to the quiet rural hamlet of Joanetes, and your farmhouse accommodation with pool. Optional afternoon walk across the plain to the charming village of Els Hostalets d’en Bas (6.3 miles, 3.5 hours + optional 4.6 miles, 2.5 hours / Wet weather: 7.5 miles, 3.5 hours).
A picturesque hamlet set amid mountains in the Vall d’en Bas with a Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century. Stay in a casa rural, a former farmhouse just outside the village where you can experience the bucolic charm of the area.
Casa Rural: Family-run 18th century farmhouse in valley
Leaving the plain, paths climb into the richly wooded natural park of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone, dotted with small Romanesque churches. Pass between dormant volcanoes and through the Fageda d'en Jordà beech forest to the medieval village of Santa Pau, an ancient barony with a castle founded in the 11th century (11.5 miles, 6 hours). 4* hotel in converted country houses.
An ancient baronial fortified village with a castle keep founded in the 11th century. All the cobbled streets converge on the small Plaça Major, with its Romanesque / Baroque church of Santa Maria. This is also a unique area for the growing of Fesols de Santa Pau – a creamy white bean that grow well in the fertile volcanic soil and have become a staple of the region.
Small hotel in converted country houses
Optional circular walk to visit the craters of Santa Margarida (with its tiny chapel) and Croscat volcanoes, then back along country lanes to Santa Pau (8.3 miles, 4.5 hours / Shorter walk: 5.7 miles, 3 hours). Alternatively, travel by road to explore excellent museums, art nouveau architecture and volcanic remains in nearby Olot.
The charming but understated city of Olot, built among volcanic cones, is only a 15-minute taxi journey away from Santa Pau. The pleasant centre has some eye-catching Art Nouveau architecture, four small, good and diverse museums, and a typical Spanish/Catalan pavement-café culture lining its small squares and leafy streets.
Small hotel in converted country houses
Footpaths follow the valley (opportunities for swimming in natural pools), before climbing to a high ridge with views. Then more remote paths across wooded hills and valleys lead to the medieval town of Besalú and your well located, 3* hotel (12.7 miles, 6.5-7 hours).
Inhabited since 6 BC, Besalú has a distinguished past. The 11th-century fortified bridge, Jewish bathhouse (unique in Spain), various Romanesque churches and elegant buildings are all worth viewing.
In the historic centre, with pool
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Easy to moderate. The walk lengths vary from from 2 hours to a maximum of 7 hours walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas.
Terrain: The paths are mostly tracks (farm, woodland and country tracks). Landscape is gentle hills and medium-sized mountains. The route starts at a 1,000m high plateau and ends at 200m. On certain days the paths cross may more rugged terrain – please make sure that your foot-wear provides sufficient ankle support. There are no vertiginous sections.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Easy to moderate. The walk lengths vary from from 2 hours to a maximum of 7 hours walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas.
Terrain: The paths are mostly tracks (farm, woodland and country tracks). Landscape is gentle hills and medium-sized mountains. The route starts at a 1,000m high plateau and ends at 200m. On certain days the paths cross may more rugged terrain – please make sure that your foot-wear provides sufficient ankle support. There are no vertiginous sections.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Additional activities available locally
This is a wonderful area offering additional local experiences - some can be booked to fit in with the itinerary, whilst for others you may wish to customise your trip to have an extra leisurely day or two to enjoy.
Additional activities are paid for locally and can be booked via your Route Manager who will contact you 2 weeks prior to departure.
Options for the free day in Santa Pau:
Hot Air balloon ride over the volcanic landscape below, from 190€/person
Gastronomic experience - Enjoy a Tasting menu in Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park from 60€/person
Bike Rental in Olot (close to Santa Pau) (prices vary)
Our Route Manager can also offer a range of additional full day guided walks in the natural parks of the area including bird watching opportunities and a Dali experience to visit the landscapes which inspired him. If you would be interested to find out more, please contact the ATG office and we can put you in touch directly with our Route Manager (early booking is recommended).
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
Catalonia is my home, where I was born and brought up. I am a butterfly enthusiast and love nature and the great outdoors, which led me to train as a hiking guide for several natural parks in the region. What really is spectacular about this walk is the variety of the terrain, from cliffs to volcanoes, plateaux with incredible views over the Pyrenees, and then the variety of forests. Spot vultures and other raptors, many species of butterflies, even the rare Large Blue Butterfly (Phengaris arion).
“Jordi (Route Manager) was a fantastic host, an excellent ambassador for his region and his profession. He was totally committed to making sure we had a wonderful experience.”
“We have taken a number of trips with ATG over the years and enjoyed them very much. However, this trip was special. So, we wanted to write to let you know how amazing the trip was. Especially, how very kind, professional, and caring our route manager, Jordi, was.” Mr & Mrs Foy
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
You can expect each hotel to be one of the most characteristic, comfortable and best located for travellers on foot, with the character and sometimes the standard varying from place to place. In more remote areas hotels may be of a generally lower standard in relation to their ‘star ratings’.
Single travellers are accommodated in double rooms for single occupancy for a supplemental charge.
Breakfast is included and there are suggestions in the Route Book about where to buy provisions for a picnic lunch, as well as restaurant recommendations. Dining options often include a choice of restaurants that can be pre-booked for you by your Route Manager.
Food & Wine
Catalonia boasts an excellent and varied cuisine. Being a coastal region, fish is a dominant feature, while game from the sierras gives rise to a varied assortment of meat dishes including rich and wholesome stews. Try the famous Catalan mar i montanya (sea and mountain) paella, which combines the best of both worlds! Santa Pau beans (Fesols de Santa Pau) are found on many menus with Bottifarra (sausage with white beans) being a Catalunyan favourite. Sweet treats include the delicious Catalunyan baked cheesecake as well as pastries filled with locally harvested almonds and hazelnuts. The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants en route.
History
The Garrotxa region is part of the province of Girona and has a strong Catalan identity. Its history is tied to that of Catalonia (Catalunya) and to understand the Catalan character it is necessary to see why the Catalans consider themselves, in many respects, a nation apart. A small Catalan state existed as early as the ninth century and grew over a period of some 600 years into a powerful nation before being absorbed eventually into a united Spain. It has rarely been a willing subject and has maintained its individuality in many ways, not least in its history, culture, food and folklore. The Route Book provides a detailed account of the history of Alsace.
Flora & Fauna
The Garrotxa has higher annual rainfall than other regions nearby. Combine this with the rich volcanic soil and you have a rich vegetation. Moisture-loving creatures, such as marbled newts, salamanders, rare painted frogs and three-toed skinks (a snake-like creature with rudimentary legs), thrive here. On higher ground eagles and vultures soar above the cliffs. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the wildlife en route.
Travel Arrangements
Travel arrangements, including flights, for ATG Independent Footloose trips should be made independently.
Outward travel to Rupit:
From Girona airport, catch the airport shuttle bus to the central bus station, from where there are bus services via Vic to Rupit (approx. 2hrs 15 mins, excluding time to change bus in Vic).
From Barcelona airport, catch the airport shuttle bus or train into the centre, from where there are trains to Vic (1 hr 20 mins), and then an onward bus (1 hr 15 mins) or taxi to Rupit.
Return travel from Besalú:
There are regular buses running from Besalú to Girona central bus station (1 hour), then catch the shuttle bus back to Girona airport.
There are also direct buses from Besalú to Barcelona, but as the service is quite limited and journey time 2-2.5 hours, it is often better to take the bus to Girona (1 hour) and then the train from Girona to Barcelona central station (40 mins), then the shuttle bus or train back to the airport.
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 5 day independent walking tour in Catalonia starting in medieval Rupit, includes 3 days of walking for those looking for a dedicated walking trip. A short break to northern Spain combining great walking and rich flora and fauna in the Garrotxa National Park.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rupit
Day 2: Rupit to Mas La Serra
Day 3: Mas La Serra to Joanetes
Day 4: Joanetes to Santa Pau
Day 5: Departure
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 6 day itinerary from Rupit to Besalú includes 1 night at each of the 5 overnight stops and with 4 full days of walking and no 'rest' days, this is a great option for keen walkers wishing to experience the full linear route but in less time!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rupit
Day 2: Rupit to Mas La Serra
Day 3: Mas La Serra to Joanetes
Day 4: Joanetes to Santa Pau
Day 5: Santa Pau to Besalú
Day 6: Departure
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 8 day independent walking tour in Catalonia is a more in-depth visit to the area. The itinerary includes 4 days walking plus two optional ‘free day’ walks. With the option to explore the nearby town of Olot and a stay in Besalú, you’ll enjoy a well-balanced itinerary incorporating the best of the area on this weeklong trip to north eastern Spain.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rupit
Day 2: Rupit - free day
Day 3: Rupit to Mas La Serra
Day 4: Mas La Serra to Joanetes
Day 5: Joanetes to Santa Pau
Day 6: Santa Pau - free day
Day 7: Santa Pau to Besalú
Day 8: Departure
Prices (per person)
Our Independent Footloose itineraries have the flexibility to be customised if you would like to spend more time in any of the places en route; perhaps to incorporate some of the add-ons available locally or just to create a more relaxed pace to your holiday.
If you wish to build your own itinerary please complete our customise form and our Sales team will provide you with a bespoke quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
Your Route Manager will be able to tell you about the ATG Trust project on this route involving conservation of the European Yew (Taxus baccata L.) which is a protected tree, highly prized for medical applications, the conservation of yew trees is of great ecological significance.
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