Girona & the Volcanic Garrotxa
The ultimate weekend plan for those who want to see and experience a lot in just two days. Day one: medieval Girona in all its depth — Catalonia's most photogenic city. Day two: the volcanic Garrotxa and medieval Besalú — a landscape that seems lifted from another continent. Private, customisable and designed for couples and small groups.
Europe's youngest volcanoes
The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park has 40 extinct volcanoes and 20 lava flows. Unique in the Iberian Peninsula.
The perfect weekend escape
2 days can fit a lot if you know how to plan it. Girona + Garrotxa + Besalú: three unique experiences, one private journey.
Besalú: Catalonia's most complete medieval village
Romanesque bridge, intact Jewish quarter, pre-Romanesque churches and 12th-century stone streets. No crowds, no souvenir shops.
Why you'll love this journey
Medieval Girona in full depth — the largest Jewish quarter in Catalonia, 9th-century Carolingian walls and the cathedral with Europe's widest Gothic nave
The Garrotxa: 40 extinct volcanoes, centuries-old beech forests and the most spectacular landscape of inland Catalonia — nobody expects this on the Mediterranean coast
Besalú: a medieval village so perfectly preserved it looks like a film set — but completely authentic and still lived-in
Besalú's Romanesque bridge: one of Europe's most photographed bridges, and for good reason
La Fageda d'en Jordà: the beech forest on volcanic lava that poet Joan Maragall immortalised — a forest unique in Europe
Olot: Catalonia's capital of Modernisme outside Barcelona, with an art collection that surprises
Everything in 2 days: perfect for extending a Barcelona visit or a weekend getaway from anywhere in Spain or France
A passionate local guide with deep knowledge of the region's medieval history and volcanic geology — an educational journey without you noticing
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Medieval Girona · Jewish quarter · free afternoon
Day 1
Medieval Girona · Jewish quarter · free afternoon
Pickup at your agreed point. Private Medieval Girona tour (2h): Jewish quarter, ritual bath mikvé, Carolingian walls, cathedral, colourful houses by the Onyar river and the Old Quarter where Game of Thrones was filmed.
Free afternoon to explore at your own pace: Lleó market, design shops, artisan cafés or a walk along the Onyar river. Your guide will give you a personal list of must-sees tailored to your tastes.
Included this day
Optional activities
Day 2
Day 2
Volcanic Garrotxa · medieval Besalú · return
Day 2
Volcanic Garrotxa · medieval Besalú · return
The day that changes your perception of Catalonia. Morning: Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park — 2-hour guided hike through the volcanoes (Croscat volcano route or Fageda d'en Jordà depending on the season). Your guide explains the geology, the flora of the volcanic beech forests and the history of the eruptions.
Afternoon: Besalú, the most photogenic medieval village in Catalonia. 12th-century Romanesque bridge, the medieval Jewish quarter (home to the only Jewish mikvé excavated in the Iberian Peninsula), pre-Romanesque churches and a perfectly preserved main square. Return to your starting point.
Included this day
Optional activities
What's included
Included in the price
Local expert guides in medieval history and volcanic geology
Private transport in a comfortable vehicle
Complete Medieval Girona tour (2h)
Guided hike through Garrotxa volcanoes (2h)
Complete Besalú tour (1h 30)
1 night in a 4★ boutique hotel in Girona's old town
Breakfast included (Day 2)
Personalised attention throughout the journey
Not included
Flights and transfer to starting point
Meals and dinners (except Day 2 breakfast)
Travel insurance
Optional entrance fees (Garrotxa Museum, etc.)
Tips
Before you book
Is it possible to add a third day?
Absolutely. We can extend the trip with a third day dedicated to the Medieval Costa Brava (Peratallada, Pals, Begur) or wine tourism in Empordà. Let us know and we'll design it for you.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The Garrotxa hiking is very easy and ideal for families with children from 6-7 years old. Girona and Besalú fascinate children with their medieval history. We adapt it to your group's age.
What is the hiking level for the Garrotxa route?
Very easy — well-marked trails with minimal elevation changes (maximum 100-150m). La Fageda d'en Jordà is almost flat. No special equipment needed, just comfortable shoes.
From which cities can this be organised?
The usual starting point is Girona city. We can also arrange pickup from Barcelona (with an additional transfer fee of ~90 min) or from the Costa Brava.
Can this package be done in winter?
Yes, and it's especially beautiful in autumn (beech forests with colours) and spring (volcanic wildflowers). In winter, Besalú and Girona are virtually tourist-free. The Garrotxa is accessible year-round.
Price per person
For 2 people · price lowers with more travellers
No commitment · We respond in less than 24 hours
✓ Free cancellation up to 7 days before
✓ Payment after itinerary confirmation
✓ 4.9/5 · +500 satisfied travellers
Design your Girona + Garrotxa escape
Tell us your dates, group size and any preferences. We'll respond in less than 24 hours with a proposal tailored to your group and budget.