Salitja offers several distinct reasons to stay: at Fonts de Salitja, springs and watercourses shape the landscape, while archaeological finds beneath Plaça Major tell the story of settlements on the Crosa. The parish church of Santa Maria de Salitja adds its architectural history to this picture; festivals provide their own occasions to visit. You can choose to focus your trip on the landscape, history or events.

Springs and getting your bearings

Fonts de Salitja is a hydrological phenomenon. Springs and other water outlets are connected to the base of the Volcà de la Crosa and form the Riudevila stream. This watercourse is therefore part of the same described system of outlets and the volcano’s base.

Next to the Capella de Nostra Senyora de les Fonts, a spring flows into a small basin, which was restored in 1995. The Les Fonts de Salitja recreational area has picnic tables. The Les Fonts de Salitja car park is one of the closest parking options for access to the Volcà de la Crosa.

Archaeological finds and architectural history

Numerous storage pits have been discovered beneath Plaça Major de Salitja. The finds confirmed the importance of agricultural activity among the settlements that inhabited the Crosa. A bronze statue of the god Mercury, dating from the 1st century BC, was also found beneath the square, inside an Iberian trough. These archaeological traces offer a different perspective on the town’s history from the architectural history of Santa Maria de Salitja.

The parish church of Santa Maria de Salitja has been documented since 1019. The current church building replaced a 13th-century structure and dates from the 18th century. It has a rectangular floor plan and a polygonal apse: the floor plan describes the overall shape, while the apse has multiple sides. The surviving bell tower dates from 1598 and is topped by a pyramid. Santa Maria thus offers a chance to see both the development of church architecture and specific architectural forms.

Festivals in different seasons

Salitja’s Festa Major takes place in August. It includes activities for all age groups, including parades and performances for children. The Aplec de les Fonts follows in the first week of September: this traditional gathering takes place at the Nostra Senyora de les Fonts chapel, about one kilometre from the centre of Salitja. The programme includes a shared meal as well as cultural and religious activities.

The Concurs de la Cançó de Salitja is a musical highlight: it is open to musicians and singers of all styles and has a tradition spanning more than thirty years. The festivals therefore differ both in timing and format—from a gathering with a meal and religious activities to a competition encompassing different musical styles. Annual programmes may vary; if you are travelling specifically for one of the festivals, check the dates and programme for the relevant year.

Local products and practical information

For an outdoor break, the Les Fonts de Salitja recreational area has picnic tables. If you are planning to access the Volcà de la Crosa, the Les Fonts de Salitja car park is one of the closest parking options. Agrobotiga Mas Bes in Salitja sells its own and regional products, including handmade ice cream, dairy products, honey, liqueurs, eggs, pastries and chocolate. Alongside springs, history and festivals, you can add a visit to buy local produce to your stay.

Discover more destinations: Vilademuls, Brunyola, Anglès, Pujals dels Pagesos, Osor, Pont De Molins, Macanet De Cabrenys, Peralada

For the broader travel overview: Girona.