For planning your visit, Les Planes D'hostoles offers three distinct highlights: volcanic landscapes, local history and trails requiring very different amounts of time. On the Itinerari el Far, you’ll come across the Xuriguera oak and enjoy the views from the El Far sanctuary; in town, historic lanes, modernist buildings and recurring festival traditions shape the scene. You can tailor your stay to whether you’re more interested in landscapes, culture or a specific event.
Basalt landscapes and far-reaching views
Les Planes D'hostoles lies on a massive basalt flow erupted by the Traiter volcano 45,000 years ago. In places, the Brugent River cuts into the basalt layer, forming striking prismatic columns. The river and the columns show two sides of the same landscape: its volcanic bedrock and the formations carved out by the river where it cuts through. The 1982 law protecting the La Garrotxa volcanic zone designated the northern part of Les Planes D'hostoles as a natural park.
The Itinerari el Far passes the Xuriguera oak, considered the tallest sessile oak in Catalonia, and reaches the El Far sanctuary. From there, you can enjoy views of the Sau and Susqueda valleys, the Hostoles valley, the Serra de Finestres, Rocacorba, the Gironès plain and the sea. The views stretch from valleys and mountain ridges to the plain and the coast, contrasting with the prismatic columns along the Brugent.
Trails and time required
The Ruta pel nucli antic de les Planes is an easy 3 km walk that takes about 30 minutes. The Ruta a Sant Pere Sacosta is considerably longer: it covers 8.7 km, is rated moderate and has an estimated duration of 3 hours and 35 minutes. Between the two is the walking route from the town centre to Cogolls: it is 4 km long, has a moderate elevation gain and takes about 50 minutes. This makes it easy to choose between a short town route, a walk to Cogolls and a longer hike, depending on how much time you have.
The sixth stage of the GR 83 also starts in Les Planes D'hostoles and ends in Olot. The former Carrilet railway route towards Olot has been converted into the Via Verda for walking and cycling. The section between Les Planes and Olot offers volcanic landscapes and insights into their fauna and flora.
Lanes, buildings and local traditions
The old town consists of several historic lanes; its buildings and door lintels evoke the town’s past. The parish church of Sant Cristòfol has been documented since the 12th century. After being destroyed during the Civil War, it was rebuilt and consecrated in 1946. The church of Sant Cristòfol in Cogolls is considered the oldest church in the Hostoles valley, based on the will of the farmer Vilmaud, dated 986.
The Ruta Modernista leads to buildings with specific historical dates: the schools were inaugurated in 1918 under the direction of architect Joan Roca i Pinet. The Hotel Can Garay, on the Ruta Modernista, was completed in 1906. The Ruta d’art urbà features murals at several locations in the town centre, including a street, the central children’s playground and Carrer Tarragona.
The festival traditions also have distinctive names and dates. The Marieta figure was introduced in May 1986 and has since paraded through the Jonquer neighbourhood every year during the Sant Isidre festivities around 15 May. The Capgrossos made their first appearance on Corpus Christi in 1947 and have accompanied the giant figures ever since. Jordi and NĂşria dance in Plaça Nova during the Festa Major and Santa Espina, held on the fourth weekend of September. A popular Aplec is held every year at the Capella de Sant Grau i ermita de Sant PelegrĂ.
La Fira del Joc offers construction games, giant games, brainteasers, board games and role-playing games, as well as arts and crafts workshops and family performances. The Fira del Joc i Productes de la Terra takes place as part of the Santa Espina festivities on the second-to-last Saturday in September. Check the specific event dates before your trip.
Practical information
La Parada del Jonquer is a shady park with wooden tables, a covered area, a pétanque court, toilets and water. During the summer season, from 24 June to 11 September, prior reservations are required to visit the Les Planes gorges because access is restricted. Check the official reservation system before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Verges, Sant MartĂ Del Clot, FoixĂ , La Selva de Mar, La Tallada D'empordĂ , Aiguaviva, La Pera, CerviĂ De Ter.
For the broader travel overview: Girona.
