Located in the heart of the Garrotxa region, where peace, nature and medieval towns abound, its name is inevitably linked to volcanoes. Nowadays extinct, there are about 40 volcanic cones in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, which surrounds Olot.
The town, and the Garrotxa area in general, is a popular destination during autumn and spring times, where its nature and colors are at its best and it can be more easily visited.
How to get to Olot from Barcelona
By car: Olot is located 110 km north of Barcelona and can be reached via the C-17 and then the C-37 highway. The journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
In order to fully enjoy and get to visit all the volcanoes in the area, renting a car is ideal. Click here to find a car to rent.
By bus: the journey lasts 2 hours 10 minutes and tickets normally cost 16,40€ per way. The name of the company is Teisa and buses run up to 16 times per day, departing from Pau Claris, 117. Tickets can’t be purchased online. For more info check their website here.
Things to see in Olot
The Volcano Museum
For a deeper geological understanding of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone and volcanoes in general make a stop at the Volcano Museum. For more information and opening times click here.
The volcanoes
There is a total of 28 hiking itineraries in the whole of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.
The Croscat and the Santa Margarida volcanoes are among the most popular ones. The Croscat is the youngest and tallest one in the area and used to be a quarry. I found the Santa Margarida volcano very special, with an old romanic chapel in the center of its old crater, on a prairie, while the rest of the volcano is covered by a forest.
On the other hand, the Montsacopa volcano is located right in the urban area of Olot, so it can be reached more easily.
For more information on the different itineraries available click here.
Santa Pau
Travel back to the past in this medieval town and visit its 13th century castle, located on top of a hill.
Castellfollit de la Roca
The view of this town from afar is simply stunning and hard to forget. It was built on top of a basalt cliff formed by lava flows, and many of the buildings were built using volcanic material.
Hotels in Olot
Les Cols Pavellons
A stunning, modern interior located inside a traditional stone house surrounded by the green, this place is definitely worth a visit and will make your stay in Olot unique. Treat yourself and book your room now: click here.
Hotel Rural & Spa Mas Prat
The perfect choice for complete disconnection and relaxation on top of the hills. My favorite is definitely its infinity pool overlooking the mountains. Click here to see it for yourself.
B&B La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda
I love the rustic charm of this bed & breakfast, also located in the Garrotxa Volcanic Nature Reserve and 12km from Olot. It features beautiful wooden floors and ceilings, as well as a pool and an on-site restaurant. Book your dream stay by clicking here.
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