Girona (Catalonia)

The volcanic area of La Garrotxa was declared a nature park in 1985. With 38 volcanic craters and more than 20 basaltic lava outcrops, it is the best example of a volcanic landscape on the Iberian Peninsula. Located between the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees, the area stretches between the green hills and lush vegetation and the magical forest of La Fageda d'en Jordà, which is formed only by beech trees and is characterized by a special silence.

An insider tip in the Pyrenees is the Vall de Núria, which cannot be reached by car, but only by cog railroad or via the Camí Vell de Núria pilgrimage path. At an altitude of 200 m between the peaks of the Pyrenees, the valley is a traditional Catalan pilgrimage destination: the image of Our Lady of Núria can be found here.

Lake Banyoles and its surroundings are a unique natural space. As the most important karstic lake system in Spain, the area delights visitors with its extraordinary rock formations, traces of Stone Age culture and legends about a dragon in a cave by the lake and fairies in the ancient forest near Porqueres.

Girona, the capital of the region of the same name, is one of the most historically and architecturally interesting cities in Catalonia. The old town district is particularly impressive with numerous highlights. An extensive discovery tour through the Jewish quarter of El Call with its winding alleyways, to the white cathedral of Santa Maria on a hill above the city and to the basilica of Sant Feliu, along the Roman city wall and to the Arab baths requires some time. Girona has been a popular film set for decades, and a guided tour of the city reveals more than just locations from the "Game of Thrones" series.

Besalú is a medieval town straight out of a picture book. The old Pont Vell bridge over the Fluviá river is one of the most popular photo motifs in the whole of Catalonia. The churches of Sant Martí and Sant Vicenç, the monastery of Sant Esteve as well as the synagogue and the historic bathhouse in the old Jewish quarter provide further great motifs with Mediterranean medieval romance.

Pertallada is considered one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia and Spain. Characterized by narrow alleyways, sunny squares and medieval towers, the town is definitely worth a visit. The old stone houses in the historic town center feature many Gothic elements and, of course, there is also a castle that was built between the 11th and 14th centuries.

Another special highlight is the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, located in the Sierra de Rodes in a secluded area. It is characterized by architectural and artistic elements from the Carolingian and pre-Romanesque periods as well as Roman art and is now the seat of the Cap de Creus Natural Park. As one of the most impressive sights on the northern Costa Brava, the monastery not only impresses with its buildings, but also with its mountainous coastal landscape and views over ancient vineyards and the Mediterranean.

The most famous beach holiday destination on the Iberian Peninsula is more than just water and sand - hikers and cyclists get their money's worth here, as do water sports enthusiasts.

The good water quality and the highly specialized offer in the large tourist centers on the coast attract sailors (with 17 marinas), divers (with the Western Mediterranean Nature Reserve), surfers and kite surfers and of course swimmers and snorkelers (with the Vies Braves, a network of marked and buoyed sea trails). A guided kayak tour gives you an even deeper insight into the nature and culture of the Costa Brava.

Hikers are out and about on the Camins de Ronda coastal paths. These traditional paths have been used for centuries by fishermen, coastguards and smugglers. Spectacular views over the coast, the bays and the sea, steep cliffs and shady pine forests make for a varied tour. The Camins de Ronda are particularly recommended in winter, when the beaches are deserted and you can walk alone through the romantic bays.

The vies verdes, green paths, are specially designed for hikers and cyclists and are not permitted for motorized traffic. The routes run along old railroad tracks and therefore do not have any major differences in altitude. They not only connect the five districts of the region, but are also great starting points for discovering the nature and culture of Girona.