Olot: Catalonia’s Charming Volcanic Town

Picture a town built on old volcanoes, ringed by beech forests and lava fields. That’s Olot, tucked in the Garrotxa region of inland Catalonia. It sits around 130km north of Barcelona and just an hour from Girona. Nature lovers flock here for gentle hikes through volcanic craters. Meanwhile, art fans discover a rich painting tradition, since Olot birthed its own 19th-century landscape school. Foodies, too, are drawn in, as the town sits at the heart of the acclaimed Cuina Volcànica food movement. History buffs will also enjoy wandering the old town, where modernist mansions sit alongside medieval churches. Meanwhile, families appreciate how compact and walkable everything feels, from the museums to the volcano trails. Add lively festivals and a genuinely warm welcome, and you’ve got one of Catalonia’s most rewarding little-known towns. Let’s dig into why Olot deserves a spot on your itinerary.

What to see and do

Start by climbing the Volcà de Montsacopa, right in the centre of town. A short, well-marked path leads up through pine trees to the crater rim in about fifteen minutes. From the top, you’ll see the whole of Olot spread out below, framed by the wider volcanic zone. Along the way, you’ll pass the small Hermitage of Sant Francesc and old defence towers from the Carlist wars.

Next, head to the Museu dels Volcans, based inside the leafy Parc Nou. This small but excellent museum explains how the region’s 40 volcanoes formed. Interactive displays cover earthquakes, lava flows and local ecosystems, making it a brilliant stop before heading out to explore. Because it also houses the town’s tourist office, it’s a genuinely useful first stop too.

Afterwards, visit the Museu de la Garrotxa, set inside the grand 18th-century Hospici building. Here, you’ll find works from the Olot School, a landscape painting movement led by the Vayreda brothers. Sculptures, altarpieces and period furniture round out the collection nicely. Combined tickets often cover several of Olot’s museums, so it’s worth booking ahead if you plan to visit more than one. Buy Tickets

For a proper dose of nature, venture into the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. This protected area holds 40 volcanic cones, including the dramatic Croscat and Santa Margarida volcanoes. Don’t miss the Fageda d’en Jordà, a haunting beech forest that grows over an ancient lava flow. Trails here suit all fitness levels, from gentle strolls to full-day hikes. If you’d rather not drive, guided minibus tours run regularly from the town centre and cover the park’s main highlights in half a day. Since parking fills up fast at weekends, booking a guided walking tour takes the stress out of planning. Buy Tickets

Finally, wander the streets around Plaça Major and admire Olot’s modernist architecture. Grand townhouses built by wealthy 19th-century industrialists still line several streets. Look out for Casa Solà-Morales and the striking Torre Castanys, both fine examples of the era’s flair. History fans should also pop into Casa Museu Can Trincheria, a preserved 18th-century home that reveals how a wealthy Olot family once lived.

Local festivals and traditions

Olot truly shows off its personality during the Festes del Tura, held each September around the 8th. This is the town’s biggest celebration, named after its patron saint, Our Lady of Tura. Expect giant processional figures, called gegants, dancing through Plaça Major. At night, the Turinada procession fills the streets with music, noise and confetti. There’s also a correfoc fire-run and a quirky olive-stone spitting contest, so there’s genuinely something for everyone.

Come October, the Fira de Sant Lluc takes over the town centre. This historic fair dates back over 700 years, when it began as a livestock market. Today, it mixes farming displays with an antique car show, live art and plenty of local food stalls. Consequently, it’s one of the best times to sample Garrotxa cuisine, from wild mushrooms to hearty mountain sausages.

Throughout the year, Olot also celebrates its food culture through the Cuina Volcànica movement. Local chefs champion ingredients grown in the region’s mineral-rich volcanic soil, from beans to wild mushrooms and free-range meats. Several restaurants across town run special tasting menus built entirely around seasonal, local produce. Therefore, even a simple lunch here often turns into a genuine culinary discovery.

Where to stay

For easy access to the museums and old town, base yourself near Plaça Major or Passeig d’en Blay. This leafy promenade sits right at the heart of Olot, lined with cafés, plane trees and Sunday market stalls. Staying here puts you within walking distance of nearly everything, including the climb up Montsacopa. It’s also the liveliest part of town in the evenings, with plenty of tapas bars to choose from.

If you fancy something truly memorable, consider Les Cols Pavellons. This striking design hotel sits just outside town, with five glass-walled pavilions set beside a Michelin-starred restaurant. Guests consistently praise its serene, minimalist style and private onsen-style baths. It’s a wonderful choice for a special occasion, though a car is genuinely useful here. Alternatively, for a simple, well-located base, look towards hotels near the Fluvià river on the edge of the old town, which suit travellers wanting easy parking and a quieter night’s sleep. Whichever you pick, book ahead during festival weekends, as rooms sell out quickly. Book Accommodation

How to get to Olot

The closest airport is Girona-Costa Brava Airport, roughly 55km away and popular with budget airlines from the UK. Barcelona-El Prat Airport sits further out, around 130km south, but offers far more international routes. Both airports connect easily to onward transport into the Garrotxa region. Book flights

Unfortunately, Olot has no direct train station of its own. However, you can take a train to Girona and then continue by bus, which takes around an hour. It’s a smooth, scenic route through the Catalan countryside, especially as you near the volcanic zone. This combination also suits travellers arriving from further afield, since Girona connects well to the wider Spanish rail network. Check connections

Buses run regularly from both Barcelona and Girona directly into Olot’s town centre. The journey from Girona takes about an hour, while Barcelona services take roughly two hours. Tickets are simple to book in advance online. Buy Tickets

Driving remains the easiest way to explore the wider volcanic park at your own pace. From Barcelona, follow the AP-7 and then the C-66 to reach Olot in around ninety minutes. Hire a Car Already in Spain? Get directions.

However you arrive, Olot rewards you with volcanic scenery, brilliant food and a genuinely warm Catalan welcome. Add a night or two here, and you’ll soon understand why it’s become such a beloved corner of Catalonia.