Things to See and Do in East Catalonian Pyrenees

With over 40 volcanic cones and 20 lava flows, La Garrotxa is the largest volcanic zone on the Iberian Peninsula and offers a landscape completely different from the nearby Pyrenees.

The proximity of the Mediterranean and the lower altitudes here make themselves felt in a softer climate, which in turn makes the area ideal for walkers all year round. There are several walking routes which take you through the Natural Park’s most interesting spots.

It can also be accessed by bike, on Segway, or even on donkey! For the most daring visitors, balloon rides over the volcanoes are also available.

The delightful villages of Santa Pau, Besalú, and Castellfollit de la Roca are all well worth a visit, and Olot serves as a centre for visitors to the park and has all the amenities.

When you get off the train, Núria offers plenty of activities, from a leisurely walk around the lake to renting a boat and paddling or embarking on one of the many hikes.

But here’s our recommendation: visit the shop in the main building and ask them to prepare a picnic for you. They’ll need a bit of time, so while you wait, head over to the Mirador de la Cruz de Riba for some stunning photos. By the time you return, they’ll have a basket ready for you, filled with local products like cheese, bread, tomatoes, olive oil, cold meats, biscuits, and water. You’ll also get a blanket and a knife to enjoy your meal. Take the basket and hop on the ski lift to the Albergue de Núria (your last chance to add a beer to your picnic 😉). Choose a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy your meal while taking in the stunning views. Just remember to return the basket and the blanket.

La Cerdanya, spanning the border of Spain and France, is a region where Catalan and French cultures intertwine, shaping its architecture, gastronomy, and traditions.

This expansive valley, among the broadest in Europe, captivates with its stunning mountain scenery, charming villages, and a remarkable climate characterized by plentiful sunshine.

The curious little mountain town of Llivia belongs to Spain but is uniquely located within France due to a treaty and a bureaucratic oversight dating back to 1659. Perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding valleys, its castle became a key strategic point for monitoring the French army, which attempted to invade several times but failed. When they finally captured the castle, King Louis XI ordered its destruction, which is why only a few ruins remain today. The local bishop seized the opportunity to demonstrate his power by building a church with defensive purposes, large enough to shelter the entire village if necessary.

Even the castle’s keepers began working there to maintain their privileges. The museum is an excellent place to learn about the town’s history. It houses the remains of the oldest pharmacy in Europe, as well as exhibits on the ongoing excavation of the only Roman forum found in the Pyrenees. Unfortunately, part of the forum lies beneath the church.

Founded in 1178 by King Alfonso I of Aragon, Puigcerdà is the main town on the Spanish side of Cerdanya. Set between the Querol and Segre rivers at an altitude of 1,202 meters, it has become a popular ski resort in winter and a great base for walkers and climbers in summer.

The village features a man-made lake in its centre, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Puigcerdà also boasts a notable collection of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, including the Gothic Bell Tower, the Church of Santo Domingo, and the arcaded Main Square, among other interesting buildings.

As an important market town, Puigcerdà is always lively, with plenty of bars and restaurants where visitors can sample local produce and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Just south of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Nature Park, the medieval fortified village of Santa Pau is one of Spain’s prettiest villages and a perfect base from which to explore the region.

This charming village has beautifully preserved medieval monuments, including the Vila Vella (Old Town), Plaça de la Arqueria Square, the castle, and the Church of Santa María - especially beautiful when illuminated at night.

Santa Pau offers a variety of activities, mainly focused on adventure sports and hiking, with numerous well-marked trails to explore the surrounding mountains, as well as horse-riding routes.

The local Cuina Volcànica gastronomy is not to be missed. The village is famous for its fesols de Santa Pau - a special variety of white bean so beloved by Catalans that it has its own annual festival.

Segre Olympic Park is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-packed adventure. Located in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, this park was originally built for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and is now a hub for water sports enthusiasts.

You can try your hand at white-water rafting, canoeing, or kayaking in the stunning natural surroundings, with the Segre River providing the perfect backdrop. There are activities for all levels, so whether you're an experienced paddler or just looking to try something new, there's something for everyone.

If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can also take a leisurely walk along the park and its beautifully landscaped gardens, enjoying the peaceful mountain views. It’s the ideal spot for both adventure seekers and those who simply want to unwind in nature.

Although the Mediterranean influence is essential in Catalan gastronomy, the Cuina Volcànica - or Volcanic Cuisine - of La Garrotxa also stands out. It is a gastronomic movement created to protect the region’s endemic ingredients, grown or reared on volcanic soil.

The fertile soil of the extinct volcanoes produces products found nowhere else, such as black turnips, escarlots (a type of wild mushroom), and fesols de Santa Pau (small white beans with fine skin and sweet, soft flesh). In Volcanic Cuisine restaurants, you can sample unique ancient and modern recipes accompanied by delicious local wines.

Adventuring in the Pyrenees mountains offers many opportunities for birdwatching. In the Catalan Pyrenees, there are plenty of clearly marked trails through the mountains, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

The dramatic and wild landscapes are home to native birds of prey, including one of Europe’s largest and rarest vultures - the lammergeier.

The griffon vulture, the golden eagle, and the beautiful white-and-speckled short-toed eagle can also be seen here, along with several smaller species.

Inaugurated in 1974 and designed by the artist himself, the Dalí Theatre-Museum stands on the remains of the former Municipal Theatre of Figueres.

It’s considered Dalí’s last great work and, without a doubt, the world’s largest surrealist object. A visit to the museum is an authentic journey into the fascinating world of the genius. The collection includes a broad range of works, from his earliest artistic experiments to his most important surrealist creations.

Every detail was conceived under the artist’s supervision, most notably the transparent reticular structure shaped like a geodesic dome that crowns the building.

One of the most characteristic mountain ranges in Catalonia, the Serra del Cadí is part of the Parc Natural Cadí-Moixeró. It rises to over 2,000 meters, with a scarp on the northern slope visible from all of La Cerdanya and the northern half of L'Alt Urgell.

Mountain lovers will find a true natural paradise here, where the action of water has shaped a steep and rugged terrain with stunning views. The spectacular peak of Pedraforca, at 2,497 meters, offers some of the most challenging rock climbing in Catalonia.

The best bases for visiting the park are the picturesque villages of La Seu d’Urgell, Berga, and Puigcerdà. Several routes can be combined to make the most of this beautiful and dramatic landscape.

Queralbs is a quaint mountain village nestled in the Pyrenees, full of rustic charm and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. It is known as a gateway to some of the region’s most scenic hiking trails.

One of Queralbs’ highlights is the beautiful Church of Sant Jaume, a 12th-century Romanesque gem. The church is small but striking, with thick stone walls and a distinctive bell tower that seems to watch over the village. Its true marvel is the intricately carved porch, featuring arches and animal motifs that showcase the skill of medieval stoneworkers.

For those looking to explore further, the mountain railway from Queralbs up to Vall de Núria opens up a world of high-altitude lakes and hiking paths, making this little village an ideal starting point for adventure.

The beautiful valley of Núria is only accessible by a 12 km rack railway (Tren Cremallera) from Ribes de Freser or Queralbs. It operates all year round, with more frequent services in the summer months (check valldenuria.cat/en for more information and to book in advance).

At the top, you’ll find the Sanctuary of Núria, the cable car to Pic de l’Àliga (2,170 m), and, of course, wonderful walking routes surrounded by stunning mountain scenery — with the nearby Puigmal rising to nearly 3,000 meters.

The first town in Catalonia to be recovered during the Reconquista - and thus known as the cradle of Catalonia - Ripoll’s main attraction is the Monastery of Santa María, renowned for its magnificent Romanesque portal.

Known as “the city of the volcanoes,” Olot is the historic capital of the La Garrotxa region. It is surrounded by four of the finest dormant volcanoes within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. The Montsacopa Volcano, located right in the city centre, offers stunning panoramic views - you can even walk down into the crater and see the different volcanic layers. Don’t worry, they’ve all been dormant for quite some time!

If you’re a fan of volcanoes, don’t miss the Volcano Museum. And for those seeking a bit more excitement, you can even take a balloon ride over the volcanic landscape.

Olot also boasts an interesting cultural heritage. Designated a National Cultural Interest Site, the El Carme Renaissance Cloister is one of its architectural highlights, along with several beautiful Modernist buildings scattered around the city.

Declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble in 1966, Besalú is best known for its magnificent 12th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River, complete with a fortified gateway at its midpoint.

The Church of Sant Pere, dating from 1003, features intriguing details such as pirate gravestones set into the stone floor. The village’s arcaded streets and squares are beautifully preserved, and there is an important restored mikveh - a ritual Jewish bath from the 11th or 12th century - along with the remains of a medieval synagogue.

For a relaxing break, you can enjoy a drink at one of the village’s lovely terraces or, on a hot day, visit the Jardins de Martana, located just over the bridge, with its peaceful shady garden.

Banyoles is a charming town rich in history and natural beauty, centered around its famous lake, which lies at the heart of local life.

Banyoles Lake is dotted with pesqueres, quaint fishing huts that add rustic charm to the shoreline. Its clear waters make it ideal for boating, swimming, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk along the lakeside paths.

The town itself is steeped in history, with a medieval wall offering a glimpse into its past. Highlights include Cal Moliner, an old flour mill that adds character to the streets, and the Lonja del Tinte, once used for textile dyeing and now a beautiful reminder of Banyoles’ industrious heritage.

For those interested in museums, the Archaeological Museum and the Darder Museum offer fascinating exhibits ranging from natural history to local culture.

The legend says that Andorra was founded by Emperor Charlemagne in 805 to thank the Andorrans for their help in fighting the Muslims. After a long history of power conflicts, the principality gained its independence from the Spanish dukedoms and France in 1278 and formally became a parliamentary democracy in 1993 with the approval of its first-ever constitution.

Located on the border between Spain and France, Andorra is a mountainous land with steep peaks and beautiful valleys. With an average elevation of around 2,000 meters, its highest peak is Comapedrosa at 2,942 meters.

Andorra’s charm lies not only in its stunning landscapes and unmatched shopping opportunities - attracting many visitors to this tax-free paradise - but also in its Romanesque architecture.

In Andorra la Vella, the capital, and the town of Santa Coloma, you can find fine examples of this artistic style, such as the monumental Santa Coloma Church, La Margineda Bridge, and San Esteve Church, among others.