The Catalan pre-Pyrenean region La Garrotxa is located in the province of Girona (Spain) and is subdivided into two distinct parts: the High Garrotxa and the Low Garrotxa. The natural area of the High Garrotxa presents an abrupt landscape, with narrow and deep valleys surrounded by high cliffs and rock walls. On the other hand, Low Garrotxa is soft and humid, the valleys are flat due to volcanic activity and this has led to the development of the most important populations in the region, Olot being its capital.
The natural park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa is the best example of the volcanic landscape of the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most important in Europe. In 1982 it was declared a Natural Site of National Interest with areas of Integral Reserves of Geobotanical Interest. The Park extends over some 12,000 hectares, within which thirty-eight volcanic cones have been counted.
The high rainfall rate, the variety of substrates and the differences in altitude and orientation of the mountains are reasons for such in a small space to be found from the most typical Mediterranean vegetation to the Central European type or Atlantic trend vegetation.
The region also has a cultural heritage of incalculable value: medieval villages, Romanesque hermitages, Roman road of Capsacosta, Besalú, etc.
Interesting outdoor activities:
– Trekking
– Bicycle touring
– MTB, Mountain Bike
– Panoramic balloon flight. Fly over the natural park of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone, with the mythical Croscat and Santa Margarida volcanoes at your feet. As well as flying over the Pyrenees and the Canigó, the Susqueda swamp and the Far sanctuary and up to the Cap de Creus and Medes. All enlivened with a glass of pink champagne and a little coca de llardons.
Gastronomy. In La Garrotxa there are restaurants for all palates, for lovers of good food and local, traditional products.
Some of the restaurants of La Garrotxa spread the history of Besalú through its gastronomy (Besalú Gastronòmica collective); others recover a simple kitchen based on local products (Cuina Remença); others update the most traditional cuisine of the region with innovative ideas (Volcanic Cuisine group); others make more innovative proposals, and there are even some that are awarded Michelin Stars, by the hand of the great chef Jordi Cruz, who remain year after year for their high quality.
The possibility of enjoying a good meal is guaranteed! guided by Iberinbound, iberinbound@iberinbound.com is a tour operators suppliers and incoming travel agency in Spain and Portugal destinations, from global brands to local independent businesses.
The Natural Park of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone preserves dozens of varieties of ancient fruit trees, the SIGMA Consortium maintains a seed bank of all types of vegetables historically grown in the Garrotxa, and the groups of restaurateurs recover traditional ingredients and prepare historical recipes .