Things To Do
in Olot
Olot is a charming town in the Garrotxa region of Catalonia, Spain, perched at the edge of a volcanic landscape. The historic center blends medieval streets with Catalan modernist architecture, giving the town a timeless character. It serves as a gateway to the Garrotxa Volcanic Area Natural Park, offering dramatic crater viewpoints and forest trails.
Visitors come for outdoor adventures, art, and a relaxed Catalan atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Plaça Major, the heart of Olot, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the town hall and the surrounding buildings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Catalan pastries and coffee. As the morning unfolds, take a stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and local shops.
After lunch at a quaint bistro, head to the Olot Museum to delve into the region's rich artistic heritage, featuring works by local artists and historical artifacts. Following your museum visit, wander through the beautiful Parc Nou, where you can relax amidst lush greenery and scenic landscapes. Don’t forget to take some photos of the unique volcanic rock formations that characterize the park.
As the sun sets, return to the Plaça Major for a delightful dinner at a traditional restaurant, savoring local dishes such as 'canelons' or 'escalivada.' Enjoy the lively ambiance as locals gather to socialize and enjoy their evening. Cap off the night with a gelato from a nearby ice cream shop, taking a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, then prepare for an adventure in the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, just a short drive from Olot. Embark on one of the numerous hiking trails that lead you through lush forests and past ancient volcanic cones. The fresh air and stunning landscapes will invigorate you for the day ahead.
After your invigorating hike, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty of the park, surrounded by tranquil views of the countryside. Consider visiting the Fageda d'en Jordà, a unique beech forest that grows on volcanic soil, where you can wander along serene paths. Capture the beauty of the area with photographs and take a moment to appreciate the peaceful surroundings.
Return to Olot in the early evening and treat yourself to dinner at a restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine, where you can enjoy local produce and flavors. As dusk falls, take a stroll through the town, observing the changing colors of the sky. Wind down your day with a glass of local wine at a bar, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $2-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $60-90 |
| 🚌Public transit one-way ticket | $2-3 |
| 🧺Local souvenir item | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to the Garrotxa volcanic park with easy access to hiking and crater views
- Charming historic center with a Catalan town atmosphere
- Delicious regional produce and cheeses from nearby farms
- Relaxed pace of life and walkable streets
- Limited large-scale nightlife and club scene
- Some attractions outside the town require a car
- Calçots and some dishes are seasonal and may not be available year-round
- Smaller city services compared to bigger destinations
- "Bon dia" - Good morning
- "Si us plau" - Please
- "Gràcies" - Thank you
- "On és el lavabo?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Quant costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Parla Anglès?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Olot
Visit one of these nice places.
A volcanic hill just behind Olot with a cross at the top, offering sweeping views over the town and the Garrotxa lava fields.
The central square and the Gothic church provide classic Catalan townscape photography with arcades and historic façades.
A fairy-tale beech forest where mossy trunks and soft light create magical forest photography opportunities.
One of Garrotxa’s best-known volcanic craters; with red-brown lava layers and trails leading to scenic viewpoints.
Green spaces and dramatic basalt landscapes ideal for wide, atmospheric landscape shots.
Food in Olot
Olot Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Catalan dish of grilled pork sausage served with white beans, a staple in Olot’s traditional taverns.
Must-Try!
Grilled green onions served with romesco sauce; typically enjoyed in colder months when calçots are in season.
Farmhouse sheep or goat cheese from the Garrotxa region, often served with bread and olive oil or in cheese boards.
Forest mushroom dishes featuring locally foraged varieties, highlighted in autumn menus and tapas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic central market offering fresh produce, cheeses, embutits, and baked goods; best visited in the morning.
Evening stalls and tapas bars in the historic center provide small plates, regional wines, and baked goods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Catalan is widely spoken; greet with a friendly ‘Bon dia’ in the morning or ‘Bona vesprada’ in the afternoon. A handshake or light kiss on the cheek is common among acquaintances.
Safety
Tipping in Olot
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not mandatory; round up the bill or leave around 5-10% in restaurants if service was good. Taxis rarely require tips beyond rounding up.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming almond trees around Olot; great for walking and city sightseeing. Expect some showers; carry a light rain jacket.
Warm, sunny days ideal for hiking in Garrotxa and crater viewpoints. Stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Mushroom season in the Garrotxa forests and turning leaves in beech woods; cooler temperatures and comfortable hiking.
Cool to cold, with possible drizzle; calçots and heartier dishes appear on menus. Some trails may be misty or muddy; dress accordingly.
Olot at Night
Hiking in Olot
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, magical beech forest hike near Olot; easy to moderate.
Crater area with lava field trails and viewpoints.
City-edge hike to the Montsacopa viewpoint with panoramic views.
Airports
How to reach Olot by plane.
Approx. 1.5–2 hours by road; serves several European destinations and offers car rental options for access to Olot.
Major international hub about 1.5–3 hours by car or rail; many international flight options and rail connections to the region.
Smaller regional airport, about a 2.5–3.5 hour drive to Olot; limited international arrivals (seasonal).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Catalan-speaking communities with strong regional identity.
A mix of domestic and international visitors drawn to nature and culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular team sports in the region with local clubs and community leagues.
Popular due to the Garrotxa volcanic park and forest trails.
Road and mountain biking on scenic routes around Olot and the volcanic landscape.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Olot.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Olot eateries offer cheese, mushroom, and vegetable-forward plates; look for veggie tapas or ask for modifications; in some places, calçots and meat-free dishes are seasonally available.