Medieval Villages & La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Hiking. Small Group Tour

The Medieval Villages & La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Hiking tour offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and historical charm, all within a manageable 9-hour day trip from Barcelona. Priced at $148.35 per person, this small-group experience is limited to eight participants, ensuring a personalized and engaging journey. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy moderate hikes, want to explore Spain’s volcanic landscapes, and appreciate medieval towns like Besalú and Castellfollit de la Roca. With round-trip transportation included, the day flows smoothly from start to finish, making it ideal for visitors seeking a comprehensive yet manageable excursion.

Based in Catalonia, this tour brings you close to both geologic marvels and cultural treasures. The 9-hour itinerary combines nature walks, historic site visits, and local cuisine, making it a well-rounded experience. The reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, although travelers should be prepared for active walking and dress for variable weather conditions. Whether you’re a geology buff, history enthusiast, or outdoor lover, this tour offers an immersive taste of the Garrotxa region.

Key Points

• Small-group experience limited to 8 participants for personalized attention
• Includes round-trip transportation from Barcelona to La Garrotxa
• Hike through the Fageda den Jordà, a rare beech forest growing on volcanic lava
• Visit Santa Margarida and Croscat volcanoes, with iconic craters and volcanic scars
• Enjoy a traditional 3-course meal at a local restaurant after hiking
• Explore two medieval towns, Besalú and Castellfollit de la Roca, with guided and free time

Starting Point and Transport: Comfortable Ride from Barcelona

The tour departs from Pg. de Gràcia, 26, L’Eixample, Barcelona, at 8:30 am. A comfortable air-conditioned minivan takes roughly an hour and a half to reach the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. The transportation is designed for convenience, allowing travelers to relax during the scenic drive while the guide shares insights into the region’s geology and history. The small group size ensures a quiet, intimate environment, setting the tone for a more personal experience.

Hiking in La Garrotxa: Exploring the Beech Forest of Fageda den Jordà

The highlight of the day is the hiking portion through the Fageda den Jordà. This beech forest grows at a low altitude of 550 meters, atop rugged lava flows from the Croscat volcano. The terrain offers a magical atmosphere, especially during autumn when the leaves turn stunning shades of orange and red. The easy to moderate hike spans approximately 3.5 hours, making it suitable for most visitors with moderate physical fitness.

Travelers will appreciate the peaceful ambiance and the unique landscape created by the volcanic activity. The trail includes stops to enjoy the natural beauty and take photos of the dense beech trees contrasting against the lava formations. The tour provides hiking poles for added stability, and travelers are advised to wear sport shoes and comfortable clothing.

Visiting Santa Margarida: The Circular Volcano Crater

Continuing the hike, the group visits the Santa Margarida volcano, recognized by its wide circular crater. At the center stands a Romanesque church, which was built inside the volcano‘s crater after its explosion. The site offers a fascinating geological and cultural combination, providing insight into the volcanic activity that shaped the landscape. The crater and the church give a sense of the region’s volcanic history and are perfect for those interested in geology and architecture.

Croscat Volcano: Spain’s Highest Volcanic Cone

The next stop is Croscat volcano, which rises 160 meters high, making it the tallest volcanic cone in the Iberian Peninsula. The volcano’s former quarry exposes an impressive scar on its flank, a reminder of long-standing quarrying activity. The scenic views from this area are particularly striking, offering an aerial perspective of the volcanic landscape. The hike around Croscat provides opportunities to learn about volcanic formation and the region’s geological evolution.

Post-Hike Lunch at a Traditional Local Restaurant

After completing the hike, the group heads to a carefully selected local restaurant to enjoy a 3-course meal. This break offers a chance to refuel and savor Catalan cuisine in a warm, authentic setting. The meal underscores the tour’s focus on regional flavors and local gastronomy, adding a delicious culinary element to the day.

Castellfollit de la Roca: The Town on a Basalt Cliff

Post-lunch, the journey continues to Castellfollit de la Roca, a picturesque town dramatically perched on a basalt crag. The town’s spectacular cliffs were formed by lava flows and shaped over centuries by the river Fluvià. Visitors can walk through its narrow streets, enjoying stunning views of the lava formations and medieval architecture. This stop offers a visual feast and a chance to feel transported back in time in one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval towns.

Exploring Besalú: Medieval Charm and Historic Streets

The final stop is Besalú, a well-preserved medieval town known for its twelfth-century bridge and historic buildings. The guided tour takes visitors through magical streets, highlighting medieval architecture and cultural landmarks. After the guided walk, there is free time to explore on your own, shop for local crafts, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this timeless town. This visit encapsulates the medieval essence that characterizes much of Catalonia’s history.

Practicalities: Tour Logistics and What’s Included

The tour includes round-trip transportation via air-conditioned minivan, professional guides fluent in English and Spanish, and a bottle of water for each participant. Hiking poles and personal insurance are provided, making it accessible for active participants. The tour limits to 8 people, ensuring attentive guiding and a personalized experience.

The start time is 8:30 am, and the activity concludes back at the original meeting point in Barcelona. Travelers should wear comfortable sports shoes and be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially since the tour operates rain or shine. Bringing snacks for the hike is recommended, while lunch is not included but can be booked at the restaurant.

Guide and Experience Quality: Ramon’s Expertise and Personal Touch

The guides are praised for their knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible approach. Ramon, in particular, receives high praise for his personality and ability to explain the geological and historical context in an engaging way. His local insights enhance the experience, making the day both educational and enjoyable. The small group size ensures that questions are welcomed and that everyone receives personal attention.

Critical Considerations and Suitability

This tour is suitable for those with a moderate physical fitness level as it involves active hiking. The terrain is generally accessible but may require sturdy footwear. It operates rain or shine, so appropriate rain gear or warm clothing in winter is advised. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, travelers need to arrange their own transportation to the meeting point.

Why Choose This Tour?

The Medieval Villages & La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Hiking tour offers an appealing mix of geology, history, and local culture. The small-group format guarantees a personalized experience with an expert guide. It’s perfect for visitors who want to explore Spain’s volcanic landscapes and medieval towns in one day, with the convenience of organized transport and local cuisine.

This tour stands out with its balanced itinerary, combining nature walks, cultural visits, and culinary delights. It delivers stunning scenery and insightful commentary, making it a rich, engaging day out from Barcelona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour involves moderate hiking and active walking, so it is best suited for those with good physical fitness. Children or elderly travelers should evaluate their comfort with walking on uneven terrain.

What should I bring for the hike?
Bring comfortable sports shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and snacks for energy. The tour provides hiking poles and water, but extra snacks or personal items are optional.

Can I customize the meal options?
Lunch is at a local restaurant and typically includes a 3-course meal. Special dietary requests are not specified, so it’s advisable to inquire in advance if needed.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour operates rain or shine. In the event of poor weather conditions that make hiking unsafe, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with options for full refunds or alternative dates.

Is this tour available all year round?
The tour runs year-round, but travelers should prepare for colder weather in winter, especially in the Garrotxa region where temperatures tend to be lower than in Barcelona.

This small-group hiking tour from Barcelona showcases volcanic landscapes and medieval towns, offering a well-rounded day filled with natural beauty, history, and local flavors. Its personalized approach and expert guides make it an excellent choice for those eager to experience Catalonia’s geological and cultural richness.