SANTAPAU

The tourist capital of the Garrotxa region has at its heart a fortified medieval enclave with a well restored baronial castle The centre of the village is closed to traffic, so it is best to park outside and walk in through the original gateway, Portal Nou. Placa Major, the main square, is as attractive as any in Catalonia, with wooden balconies, stone arcades and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria. The castle, first built in the 14th century, is in the neighboring square, Placeta dels Balls.

A short walk from here is the Mirador Portal del Mar, giving panoramic views over the Garrotxa valleys and a distant glimpse of the sea. Santa Pau is an excellent base for exploring this volcanic region you can follow numerous well-marked footpaths, hire a mountain bike or a horse, take a ride in a horsedrawn carriage or fly over the volcanoes in a helicopter or a balloon.