Montsacopa combines a round summit crater with 360-degree panoramic views over Olot and Alt EmpordĂ . Along with protected wetlands, walking trails and museums, Olot offers something for a range of nature and cultural interests.
Volcanoes, wetlands and trails
Montsacopa is one of the 26 nature reserves in the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. A walk leading through the volcano’s clay quarries is suggested for the ascent. Check trail conditions before setting out. La Moixina offers a second landscape to explore: the natural park’s nature reserve includes wetlands.
A walk in Parc Nou, in the heart of Olot, can also be combined with a look at the plants. On a signposted trail, you can discover typical and notable trees, shrubs and plants of Alt EmpordĂ . The Via Verda, meanwhile, follows a former railway line that connected Olot and Girona. If you plan to take this route, check conditions before your trip.
Museums, art and architecture
At the Museu dels Sants, original, touchable objects demonstrate how religious statues are made. There are also four permanent activities that visitors can interact with freely. The Garrotxa Museum offers a different focus: it displays works by the Olot School of landscape painting, including La Carga by Ramon Casas, as well as a collection of decorative arts arranged chronologically. The collection spans from the late 18th century to the present day.
The Museum of the Parish Treasury is located in the Basilica of Sant Esteve and houses an original painting by El Greco, Christ Embracing the Cross. The current basilica building dates from 1763 and was designed by Blai de Trincheria. The cloister of the Carmen convent is a cultural treasure of national interest and is one of the few Renaissance cloisters still standing in Catalonia. On Passeig de Miquel Blay stands Casa SolĂ -Morales, designed by LluĂs Domènech i Montaner.
Casa Museu Can Trincheria illustrates how a wealthy family in Olot lived in the first half of the 18th century. The house museum also features a large nativity scene inspired by Italy. Espai CrĂ ter offers another connection to volcanoes: inside the Puig del Roser volcano is an interactive exhibition about volcanoes. Its features include audiovisual content, immersive experiences, augmented reality, gamification, video mapping and the CRĂ€TER 360 experience.
Local products and seasonal events
For regional products, Plaça Mercat offers a concrete example of short supply chains: the market is run by the AssociaciĂł de Placers d’Olot, and 40 percent of vendors are direct producers. It sells regional products from short supply chains. Fira OrĂgens is an agri-food event in Olot where you can discover Catalan products from the region. It takes place on the penultimate weekend of November.
Olot’s main festival, Festes del Tura, takes place around September 8. If attending a festival is part of your travel plans, check the program dates for the specific event.
Planning tours and getting there
Olot offers both guided tours with qualified guides and self-guided tours. This lets you choose between having a guide and exploring independently; schedules for some tours may change. For travel to Olot, TEISA operates bus services from Barcelona, Figueres, Ripoll and Vic. Bikes are allowed on some TEISA services between Girona and Olot. Check current services and bike conditions before travelling.
Discover more destinations: La Cometa, CassĂ De La Selva, Camprodon, Vilajuiga, Ogassa, Ultramort, Selva, VilobĂ D'onyar
For the wider travel overview: Girona.
