Hidden Valleys of the Garrotxa

Wooded volcanoes & historic Girona

Holiday information

Nights: 4
Grade: 1
Terrain: country lanes and a vía verde (disused railway) across volcanic hills and woodland
Hotels: two 2-star hotels; one rural hotel
Meals: breakfast each day, dinner on 3 nights

How our holidays work

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About La Garrotxa >La Garrotxa is divided in two by the River Fluvià: to the north are the abrupt chalk landscapes of La Garrotxa Alta, a rugged wilderness; to the south are the wooded hills and lush meadows of La Garrotxa Baja. This variety of scenery is further enhanced by timeless stone villages, richly varied flora and fauna, numerous Romanesque churches – often in the most unexpected of places – and by the region’s 30 or so volcanoes, which constitute one of the Iberian Peninsula’s finest volcanic landscapes. Clad in thick oak and beech woods which are truly glorious in autumn, the volcanoes are, strictly speaking, dormant rather than extinct, even though the last eruption was some 11,500 years ago. In keeping with the rest of Catalonia, La Garrotxa’s traditional cuisine is rich and flavoursome. The excellent local pork and mutton features in many recipes, while other classic dishes include rabbit with meatballs and wild mushrooms, duck with pears, and butifarra sausage stewed with local beans.

self-guided hotel-to-hotel cycling, luggage transported
real sense of discovery and adventure
excellent regional cuisine
easy pedalling along virtually traffic-free vía verde
enchanting and little-known area

In this delightful corner of northern Catalonia, Pyrenean peaks give way to wooded, volcanic hills and they, in turn, lead down to the valley floor – one of the most fertile spots in Catalonia. Here, beneath jagged ridges and the iconic outline of Santa Magdalena, begins a wonderful journey all the way to the fascinating and historic city of Girona.

The trail made its final thrust through shaded woodland and vast rich allotments, so the change to city roar when it came was oddly instantaneous.

Nicholas Roe, The Times

Starting in the picturesque hamlet of Joanetes, this gentle cycle route explores a culturally rich yet remote-feeling corner of Catalonia which is blessed by a truly Mediterranean climate. You stay in splendidly varied accommodation, and experience diverse landscapes. Most of the route is a gentle ride on traffic-free vía verde (dedicated cycle paths) through the ancient woodland of La Selva to reach Girona - a wonderful and often-overlooked city, where you end your all-too-brief discovery of this enchanting region.

Average Temperatures
Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
6	7	12	14	17	23	26	24	22	16	10	6

Catalan Coast
Discover the magic of Catalonia on two wheels.
Freewheeling in Catalonia
Pedal through glorious scenery and Girona to the sea.
Unspoiled Central Mallorca
Cycle to unspoiled beaches and across the beguiling plain.
Loire Highlights
Cycle to some of France's most splendid châteaux.

Call Inntravel on 01653 617001

Hidden Valleys of the Garrotxa

Call Inntravel on
01653 617001