Castellfollit de la Roca Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Castellfollit de la Roca, a beautiful village perched atop a volcanic cliff in the Girona Pyrenees.


Introduction to Castellfollit de la Roca

Located in the Girona Pyrenees, Castellfollit de la Roca is a picturesque village that sits atop a basalt cliff created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The village is a unique sight that guarantees to impress any traveler. Castellfollit de la Roca is situated in the province of Girona, in Catalonia, Eastern Spain. The village offers numerous outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and a laid-back vibe that makes it a perfect stop for any type of traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Castellfollit de la Roca

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Visitors to Castellfollit de la Roca can enjoy its rich history and culture through its museums and historical attractions:

  1. The Ethnographic Museum is an excellent museum to learn about the customs and traditions of the village and the surrounding area.

  2. La Mare de Deu dels Desemparats Church is a stunning church located in the center of Castellfollit de la Roca. The church is the perfect place to witness the village’s religious heritage and admire its unique architecture.

  3. Puente de Besalu is a bridge that spans the Fluvia River. The bridge is an incredible piece of medieval architecture and used to be an important gateway to the village.

Natural Attractions of Castellfollit de la Roca: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Apart from its cultural attractions, Castellfollit de la Roca offers a variety of options for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers:

  1. The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is a must-visit for visitors to Castellfollit de la Roca. The park offers a unique landscape of extinct volcanoes and lava flows. The park is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

  2. The Fluvià River is the perfect spot for visitors to enjoy a peaceful kayak or canoe trip. The river flows through the breathtaking landscape of the Garrotxa Natural Park.

  3. The Santa Margarida Crater is an extinct volcano located in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. At its base, visitors can find a stunning medieval chapel surrounded by lush vegetation.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Castellfollit de la Roca

Castellfollit de la Roca and its surrounding area are ideal for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the best routes are:

  1. The Via Verda is an old railway track that’s been transformed into a bike track. The track extends from Olot to Sant Feliu de Guixols, offering breathtaking views of the landscape.

  2. The Ruta de les Fonts is a hiking route that takes visitors through the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, allowing them to observe some of the park’s most breathtaking waterfalls.

  3. Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage route that passes through Castellfollit de la Roca. Visitors can choose to hike some or all of the route, depending on their preference.

Best Things to Do in Castellfollit de la Roca: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking, biking, and kayaking, Castellfollit de la Roca and its surrounding area offer numerous other activities, including:

  1. Hot air balloon rides offer a unique perspective of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

  2. Horseback riding is a great way to explore the countryside around Castellfollit de la Roca.

  3. Guided tours offer the chance to learn more about the village’s history through its landmarks and cultural attractions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Castellfollit de la Roca

Visitors to Castellfollit de la Roca can easily spend a week exploring the village and its surroundings. Here’s a sample itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Ethnographic Museum and explore the village
2 Hike the Ruta de les Fonts
3 Take a hot air balloon ride over the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park
4 Visit La Mare de Deu dels Desemparats Church and Puente de Besalu
5 Take a kayaking trip down the Fluvià River
6 Explore Camino de Santiago
7 Horseback riding excursion

Food and Drink Scene of Castellfollit de la Roca

Castellfollit de la Roca is a great destination for food lovers. Visitors can enjoy local Catalan cuisine and try some of the region’s famous dishes, including:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Pa amb tomàquet is a classic Catalan dish of bread rubbed with tomato, olive oil, and garlic.

  2. Escalivada is a roasted vegetable dish consisting of eggplant, peppers, and onions.

  3. Calcots are a type of scallion that are grilled and served with romesco sauce.

Local Beverages

  1. Cava is the famous sparkling wine of Catalonia.

  2. Vermut is a popular aperitif served throughout the region.

  3. Gin Tonic is a favorite cocktail among locals, with many variations.

Where to Stay in Castellfollit de la Roca: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Castellfollit de la Roca offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Hotel Costa Brava is a charming hotel that offers a great view of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

  2. L’Arcada de Fares Hotel is a peaceful hotel located in the countryside, offering a serene atmosphere.

  3. Apartments Castellfollit is a self-catering accommodation option that allows visitors to experience the village like a local.

What to Buy in Castellfollit de la Roca: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Castellfollit de la Roca can find many souvenirs and local products to bring home. Some of the popular items include:

  1. Cheeses are a staple product of Catalan cuisine, making them a great souvenir to take home.

  2. Wine and Cava are excellent presents to bring home to friends and family.

  3. Pottery is a popular local craft, and many stores in Castellfollit de la Roca offer handmade pottery.

Local Culture and Customs of Castellfollit de la Roca

Castellfollit de la Roca is influenced by the Catalan culture and tradition. Visitors can witness local customs through its festivals and events. Some of the popular events include:

  1. Fira de l’Avet de Castellfollit is a Christmas fair that takes place in December, where visitors can experience Catalan Christmas traditions.

  2. The Festa Major de Sant Roc is a popular summer festival with live music, parades, and traditional Catalan dances.

Best Time to Visit Castellfollit de la Roca

The best time to visit Castellfollit de la Roca is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can also enjoy Castellfollit de la Roca during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when the crowds are fewer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Castellfollit de la Roca

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs and culture.

  2. Explore the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

  3. Try the local cuisine.

Don’t:

  1. Litter in public spaces.

  2. Ignore the safety regulations while taking part in outdoor activities.

  3. Disrespect the locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Castellfollit de la Roca

Castellfollit de la Roca is generally a safe destination for visitors. However, visitors should take normal precautions such as securing their belongings and not leave valuables unattended.

Health in Castellfollit de la Roca

Visitors to Castellfollit de la Roca do not need any specific vaccinations. Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is also widely available.

Getting to Castellfollit de la Roca: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Castellfollit de la Roca

The nearest airports to Castellfollit de la Roca are Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BNC) and Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO). From the airports, visitors can take a shuttle or taxi to the village.

Bus Stations Near Castellfollit de la Roca

The nearest bus station to Castellfollit de la Roca is in the nearby village of Olot. From Olot, visitors can take a local bus or taxi to Castellfollit de la Roca.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Castellfollit de la Roca by hiring a car or taking a train to the nearby city of Girona and then taking a bus or taxi to the village.

How to Get Around in Castellfollit de la Roca

Castellfollit de la Roca is a small village that can easily be explored on foot. Hiking, biking, and renting a car are other popular ways to get around in the surrounding area.

Where to Go Next from Castellfollit de la Roca: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Castellfollit de la Roca makes an ideal base to explore the surrounding area and nearby destinations. Some of the popular excursions include:

  1. The Dalí Museum in Figueres is a world-renowned museum dedicated to the works of the surrealist artist, Salvador Dalí.

  2. Girona is a nearby city with a rich cultural heritage, including a stunning medieval quarter and unique architecture.

  3. Cadaqués and Port Lligat are a beautiful fishing village and home to the Dalí House Museum.

Conclusion

Castellfollit de la Roca is a unique destination that promises to leave a lasting impression on visitors. The village’s rich cultural heritage, mouth-watering cuisine, and stunning landscapes, combined with its laid-back atmosphere, make it an ideal destination for any type of traveler.

Castellfollit de la Roca over the basalt cliff Castellfollit de la Roca over the basalt cliff