The best traffic-free bike rides around Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa

There are over 20 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa, offering a wide range of distances and difficulty levels to explore the unique volcanic landscape.

You'll encounter a diverse mix of terrain, from paths winding through ancient lava flows and past volcanic cones to shaded routes in lush beech and holm oak forests. Many trails feature a combination of unpaved tracks, forest paths, and some paved sections, providing a dynamic and engaging gravel biking experience.

Yes, there are options suitable for families. For a moderate and shorter ride, consider the Can Jordà Farmhouse – La Fageda d'en Jordà loop from Olot. This route is just over 13 km and takes you through the enchanting La Fageda d'en Jordà beech forest, offering a relatively gentle experience away from traffic.

Many routes offer stunning views of the park's unique volcanic features. You can cycle past the iconic Croscat volcano on tours like the Santa Pau Medieval Village – Croscat Volcano Natural Area loop from Olot or the Hermitage of Sant Miquel de Sacot – Croscat Volcano Natural Area loop from Olot. The enchanting La Fageda d'en Jordà beech forest is also a highlight, accessible on routes such as the Can Jordà Farmhouse – La Fageda d'en Jordà loop from Olot.

Absolutely. The region is rich in history. The Santa Pau Medieval Village – Croscat Volcano Natural Area loop from Olot takes you directly to the charming medieval village of Santa Pau, allowing you to combine your ride with a cultural exploration. Other villages like Castellfollit de la Roca, perched dramatically on basalt cliffs, are also within reach on longer routes.

While enjoyable year-round, autumn is particularly stunning when the beech forests, especially La Fageda d'en Jordà, display vibrant colors. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and lush greenery. Summers can be warm, so early mornings or late afternoons are recommended, while winters are generally mild, though some higher elevation paths might be cooler.

Yes, the park offers several challenging routes with significant elevation gain. For instance, the Col de Bas – Croscat Volcano Natural Area loop from Olot covers nearly 70 km with over 1200 meters of ascent, providing a demanding ride through varied landscapes. Another challenging option is the La Vall del Bac – Capsacosta Pass loop from Reserva natural parcial del volcà Montolivet, which is over 57 km with more than 1000 meters of climbing.

Many of the no-traffic gravel routes in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Santa Pau Medieval Village – Croscat Volcano Natural Area loop from Olot and the Can Jordà Farmhouse – La Fageda d'en Jordà loop from Olot, making logistics easier for your ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique volcanic landscapes, the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature while discovering charming medieval villages and lush forests.

Olot is a central hub for exploring the park, and several excellent no-traffic gravel routes begin there. You can easily access tours like the Santa Pau Medieval Village – Croscat Volcano Natural Area loop from Olot, the Col de Bas – Croscat Volcano Natural Area loop from Olot, or the shorter Can Jordà Farmhouse – La Fageda d'en Jordà loop from Olot directly from the town.

Yes, the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa is reasonably accessible by public transport. Olot, the main town in the region, has bus connections from major cities like Barcelona and Girona, making it a convenient starting point for many of the trails. Some routes also incorporate sections of the Vía Verde Olot–Girona, an old railway line converted into a greenway, which is excellent for car-free access.