Guided Hike – Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Park South Hike and Picnic

• Tour Duration: Approximately 9 hours
• Walking Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Activity level: Medium
• Price: From €230 per person

Itinerary

Morning

Tour leader Killian Driscoll and your chauffeur will pick you up for your hike in the Garrotxa volcanic hills from your chosen location, and you’ll start your tour driving out of the city with Killian introducing the day ahead, and answering any questions you may have. Throughout the day, Killian will share with you his knowledge of the region, and the places you visit.

Your hike starts in the rural setting of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. The extinct volcanic field is formed by 40 volcanoes, the last one of which erupted about 11,000 years ago. The volcanoes now form a range of beautiful, green domes, making it a idyllic place to ramble through the countryside. The hike takes in the wheat fields and pasture on the rich volcanic soils in the fertile valley, and then you work your way up the hill of Coll de Boixeda. There you'll walk by the ancient 'masias' (farmhouses) built of the dark volcanic rock of the region, and follow the old medieval paths up the hills.

At the summit, you'll take a break by the small chapel of Sant Abdó i Sant Senen de Santa Pau where you can ring the bell. From there, you'll be treated to fantastic views of the extinct volcanoes and the Pyrenees Mountains beyond. You'll then make your way down the mountain along the western side, along the old medieval mountain paths.

Lunch

After your guided hike you'll relax and have a specially prepared, gourmet picnic of typical Catalan food and wine at a wooded picnic spot. Alternatively, you can choose to have lunch at a restaurant of your choosing.

Afternoon

After lunch, you'll visit the beautifully preserved medieval mountain town of Besalú, with the Fluvià River running through it on its way to the Mediterranean Sea. In Besalú you'll see the archaeology and history of this living medieval town. While exploring the winding streets and laneways, you'll learn about lives of the people who lived in the town and its environs, from the Iron Age (about 2,500 years ago), Roman period, medieval period, to the present day.

Among the wealth of historical sites to visit is the 800 year-old Jewish bathhouse, overlooking the 12th century fortified bridge. The Jewish bathhouse - mikvah - is one of the last remaining in Europe, and part of Besalú's medieval Jewish quarter.

• Activity level: Medium
• Walking Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Walking Length: 9 km (5.6 miles)

• Elevation max: 777 m (2549 ft)
• Elevation min: 496 m (1627 ft)
• Total Uphill: 390 m (1280 ft)