The 10 most charming villages in La Garrotxa

The Garrotxa region is known for being one of the greenest in the entire Catalan territory. Its natural surroundings and medieval heritage make it one of the most attractive regions in the area, and its small towns are very popular when organizing family outings. Based on the classification prepared by the magazine Descobrim Catalunya, we have created a route through the 10 most charming towns in La Garrotxa.

1. Castellfollit de la Roca

Don’t be fooled by the size of this town, which is less than one square kilometre, because it is one of the most charming corners of the entire region and a great favourite when organising outings as a couple or family. Castellfollit de la Roca is considered one of the smallest towns in Catalonia, but it stands on an impressive 40-metre basalt cliff that acts as a natural barrier for the town. Before arriving there, there are different viewpoints from where you can observe Castellfollit de la Roca from a distance and start enjoying it before you get there.

The town itself is a viewpoint of La Garrotxa, but you don’t have to look outside to be captivated by the charm of the town’s streets and houses. Castellfollit de la Roca is a postcard town and is crowned by the bell tower of the church of Sant Salvador. Thus, one of the most recommended towns is completed when taking a route through the most charming corners of La Garrotxa.

2. Besalú

Besalú is no secret to those who organize a route through the most charming villages of the Garrotxa region. The star of this postcard town is clearly the medieval bridge that welcomes all visitors, but it is not the only remarkable corner of Besalú.

One of the details that often goes unnoticed, but which makes this stop essential on the route, are the Jewish baths that are located in the center of the town, one of the only two that exist in the Iberian Peninsula along with those of Girona.

The historic center of Besalú is one of the best preserved medieval complexes in all of Catalonia, making it a must-see in La Garrotxa and a Cultural Asset of National Interest. If during the route through the most charming villages of La Garrotxa there is a medieval fair in the town of Besalú, the visit becomes a real journey back in time to the Middle Ages.

3. Santa Pau

Hidden inside the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, we find one of the most peaceful and emblematic corners of the region, the town of Santa Pau.

The historic town preserves all the charm of a medieval town, with magical corners that can be discovered while walking through its narrow streets.

Beyond the charm of the town of Santa Pau, the town is surrounded by impressive nature. From there you can easily reach the Fageda d’en Jordà, which changes colors with the passing of the seasons and where you can take walks for all ages. The volcanoes of Santa Margarida and Croscat also rest very close to Santa Pau, making the town an ideal point for excursions. The hermitage in the middle of the crater of the Santa Margarida volcano is the postcard photograph par excellence of the area.

4. Beget

Although Beget belongs to the Ripollès region, it can be considered one of the most charming towns in La Garrotxa because it also belongs to the Alta Garrotxa area.

Quite isolated from the rest of the municipalities in the area, the town of Beget perfectly preserves its medieval past. Any of its visitors can notice this at first sight due to the peaceful atmosphere that can be breathed and the cobbled streets throughout the municipality.

In addition to being one of the most charming towns in La Garrotxa, it is the starting point for many walking and cycling routes of varying difficulty.

5. Sant Joan les Fonts

The Fluvià River crosses the municipality of Sant Joan les Fonts, a mandatory stop on this route of the most charming villages in La Garrotxa. The village has so many curiosities and points of interest that you can visit it for more than one day.

The municipality has numerous routes that surround it prepared for visitors. The best known being that of the Tres Colades. However, the star point of Sant Joan les Fonts is the Juvinyà castle, which dates from the 12th century and is considered the oldest civil Romanesque building in Catalonia. Several impressive medieval buildings are still preserved in what is considered one of the most charming villages in La Garrotxa.

Information about the area of ​​the village are full of options and outdoor activities, but it is recommended that visitors to Sant Joan les Fonts not miss seeing the medieval bridge of the town, which was built with the volcanic stone so representative of the Garrotxa area.

6. Olot

Montsacopa, Montolivet, Garrinada and Bisaroques are the four volcanoes that surround the capital of La Garrotxa: Olot. If you organize a route through the most charming municipalities of La Garrotxa, it is clear that the capital cannot be missed.

The city’s natural heritage is more than evident and impressive in a town that lives surrounded by volcanoes, but it does not end there. Numerous parks and gardens such as the Moixina wetlands or the Parc Nou botanical garden fill Olot with corners where you can rest and relax.

As for cultural and architectural heritage, Olot is not lacking either. The Renaissance cloister of El Carme and the modernist Masramon cada are the points of reference, but walking through the main streets of the capital is very pleasant. All the museums also stand out, such as the Espai Cràter d’Olot, an interactive space ideal for families and children.

7. Sant Feliu de Pallerols

Sant Feliu de Pallerols is located in the Vall d’Hostoles, within the Garrotxa Natural Park. Its surroundings and heritage make it an essential point of the Garrotxa and one of its most charming towns.

The town offers many paths to discover the Garrotxa through lush forests and beautiful landscapes, but it also has many charming corners and an enviable historical and architectural heritage. The church of Sant Feliu de Pallerols dates back to the 17th century, and in the same municipality it is accompanied by the church of Sant Iscle de Colltort from the 15th century, the church of Santa Cecília, the church of Sant Miquel de la Pineda from the 11th century and, finally, the Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu de la Font de la Salut. The latter is one of the most renowned points in the area, which offers spectacular views of the Garrotxa region and all its landscapes.

8. La Vall d’en Bas

La Vall d’en Bas is not one of the most charming villages in La Garrotxa, but rather 13. The 13 villages that make up the municipality between Puigsacalm and the Santa Magdalena massif breathe nature and rural life.

Each of the villages hides stories and interesting corners to discover during a visit to La Garrotxa. For example, Els Hostalets is a quiet village that originated as a hostel, as its name suggests, and was declared a historical and artistic monument. In Joanetes there is the Romanesque church of Sant Romà and one of the most outstanding living nativity scenes of the Christmas festivities in La Garrotxa.

All of them are small and quiet villages with very interesting details that all visitors will fall in love with.

9. Tortellà

Tortellà is a town that goes unnoticed, but which preserves much of the history and heritage of La Garrotxa. Bathed by the Llierca River and the Juiàs Stream, the town is the gateway to Alta Garrotxa and stands out for its characteristic modernist buildings.

In addition, there is the church of Santa Maria, which dates back to the 18th century, a prehistoric site from the Iron Age and the Romanesque bridge of Llierca. This crosses the river of the same name and is iconic for its single arch.

Very close to Castellfollit de la Roca and Besalú, a visit to Tortellà can serve to avoid possible large accumulations of people, a perfect center to discover the best landscapes of La Garrotxa and start numerous excursions.

10. Sant Aniol de Finestres

At the head of the Llémena valley is Sant Aniol de Finestres, a small town with a lot of charm.

Its main heritage element is the Castell de Finestres, but the Romanesque churches of the surrounding villages cannot be ignored. The highlight of Sant Aniol de Finestres, however, are the large leafy areas in which it is located and which make it one of the most charming towns in the Garrotxa region.

In our rural tourism farmhouse, you will have the opportunity to stay close to all these charming towns. Enjoy a stay at Mas Redortra and explore the Garrotxa area!