Olot Travel Guide

Discover the captivating beauty of Olot, a small picturesque town in Catalonia, with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the town's rich culture, natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, food scene, and more.


Introduction to Olot

Located in the heart of Catalonia, in the province of Girona Pyrenees, Olot is a small yet charming town that boasts a unique blend of modernity and traditional Catalan culture. Surrounded by majestic mountains, lush forests and stunning natural parks, Olot is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and culture-seeking tourists. With a rich history and cultural heritage, Olot offers something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the cultural and natural wonders of this hidden gem of Catalonia.

List of Places to Visit in Olot

Olot is a town that is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top attractions to visit during your trip to Olot.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Museu Comarcal de la Garrotxa

Located in the heart of the town, this museum provides a comprehensive overview of the history and culture of the Garrotxa region. The museum hosts an array of artifacts, traditional costumes, and decorative arts, among many other things.

Casa-Museu Bisbe Vilanova

The former residence of Bisbe Vilanova, this beautifully restored 18th-century mansion is a must-visit site for every history and architecture enthusiasts. The house-museum showcases the evolution of Catalan architecture and the turn-of-the-century Catalan lifestyle.

Natural Attractions of Olot: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa

This national park, located in the northwest of Olot, features stunning volcanic landscapes, unparalleled natural formations, and an extensive network of marked hiking and biking trails. This natural wonder is home to numerous rare species of flora and fauna, which makes it a great place to explore both from a cultural and scientific perspective.

Fageda d’en Jordà

This beech forest offers an otherworldly experience for nature enthusiasts. The trees are covered with a vivid green moss, and a hushed silence is interrupted only by the rustling of leaves and bird song. This forest is the natural habitat of various fauna, including wild boars, squirrels, and foxes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Olot

Olot is a perfect destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some top routes to explore during your visit.

  • Ruta del Carrilet: This 54-kilometer route takes travelers through quaint Catalan villages and stunning natural landmarks. The trip ends in Girona.

  • Ruta de les Tines: This route offers breathtaking views of both Olot and the surrounding natural landscapes. The trail gradually ascends to the top of the mountain, which provides a panoramic view of the town below.

  • Ruta de la Font de Sant Roc: A long yet gentle hike, this route is perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. The trail leads to a scenic waterfall, which offers a refreshing pause to any trekking adventurer.

Best Things to Do in Olot: Activities and Tours

Apart from exploring the town’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, there are several other things to do in Olot. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Travelers can view the impressive landscapes while floating through the sky in a hot air balloon. This is a perfect way to appreciate the beauty of Olot from an uncanny perspective.

  • Land Rover Safari: With this tour, you can explore the rugged terrains of Olot in a Land Rover. This adventure tour offers a thrilling experience to any adventure-seeker.

  • Cooking Class: Learn to cook traditional Catalan dishes with a local chef, from using the finest ingredients to preparing them in the traditional way.

Week-Long Itinerary for Olot

Day 1: Explore the town center and visit the Museu Comarcal de la Garrotxa

Day 2: Explore the natural wonders of Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa

Day 3: Hike, bike, or horseback ride through the Fageda d’en Jordà

Day 4: Visit the Bisbe Vilanova and Girona, stopping along the way to picnic

Day 5: Participate in hot air ballooning or Land Rover safari

Day 6: Take a cooking class with a local chef, and explore Olot’s rich culinary history

Day 7: Take a day trip to nearby coastal town Calella de Palafrugell

Food and Drink Scene of Olot

Olot has a rich food and drink scene that is a must-visit for any food enthusiasts.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fesols de Santa Pau: Bean stew with botifarra sausage and pieces of pork.

  • Calcots: A type of sweet onion that is grilled and dipped in romesco sauce.

  • Trinxat: A dish of boiled potatoes and cabbage, sautéed together and garnished with garlicky allioli sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Cava: Known as Catalan champagne, this sparkling wine is widely popular.

  • Garnacha: A fruity red wine that boasts of a rich flavor.

Where to Stay in Olot: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

No matter what your budget or preference is, Olot has a perfect stay option for you.

  • Les Cols Pavellons: Located 2 kilometers outside the town, this eco-luxury hotel offers a unique accommodation experience in a minimalist and polished setting.

  • Riu Fluvià: A charming boutique hotel that is located in the heart of the town. This stylish hotel offers cozy ambiance, modern amenities, and personalized service.

  • Sant Ferriol: This guesthouse is located in the historic center of the town. Guests can enjoy traditional Catalan architecture, comfortable lodgings, and hospitable service.

What to Buy in Olot: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Ceramics from Sant Esteve d’en Bas

  • Embroidered linens from the town center

Local Culture and Customs of Olot

The patron saint of Olot is Sant Pere, and the town celebrates its feast day on June 29th every year. Another important annual tradition in Olot is the Carneval de la Fuga, which is celebrated a week before Ash Wednesday.

Best Time to Visit Olot

The best time to visit Olot is during the summer months of June and July, when the temperatures are warm, and the weather is pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Olot

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions

  • Take care of natural resources

  • Explore the outdoor wonders in a sustainable way

Don’t:

  • Litter or cause damage to natural resources

  • Ignore local customs and traditions

  • Be rude or disrespectful to the locals

Safety and Health

Safety in Olot

Olot is a safe town. However, visitors should take basic safety precautions, as in any other destination.

Health in Olot

Visitors should have comprehensive health insurance to cover any medical needs during their stay. It is also recommended to have all required vaccinations before traveling to Spain.

Getting to Olot: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Olot

The nearest airports to Olot are Girona-Costa Brava Airport and Barcelona El Prat Airport. Both airports offer bus and train services to the town.

Bus Stations Near Olot

Olot has its own bus station, which is well-connected to other cities in Catalonia and Spain.

Other Options

Travelers can also take trains to Girona and then switch to buses that run to Olot. Alternatively, self-driving visitors can access the town via the AP-7 and A-26 highways.

How to Get Around in Olot

The best way to get around in Olot is by foot or bike. Public transport in the town is limited, but there are many bike rental shops that allow you to explore the city and its surroundings independently.

Where to Go Next from Olot: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Besalú

This picturesque medieval town is located a few kilometers from Olot and is renowned for its intact Romanesque bridge, 12th-century Jewish Quarter, and the monastery of Sant Pere.

Calella de Palafrugell

This charming seaside town is located on the Costa Brava, and is known for its beautiful beaches, unique architecture, and delightful seafood cuisine.

Conclusion

Olot is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. From hiking and biking trails, scenic landscapes, and a rich culinary heritage, Olot is an excellent destination for any adventurous or cultural traveler. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can explore the best that Olot has to offer and experience this Catalan wonderland like a local.

Santa Margarita volcano Santa Margarita volcano