Discover Les Planes D'hostoles

Les Planes D'hostoles is shaped by a volcanic landscape, a variety of routes and a rich local life. The basalt formations tell the story of how the area was formed; historic buildings, public art and recurring festivals offer insights into its culture. This makes for a varied picture when choosing your destination, combining nature, outdoor activities and local history.

Volcanic Landscapes and Trails

The town sits on a large basalt flow ejected by the Traiter volcano 45,000 years ago. In places, the Brugent River cuts into the basalt layer, creating striking prismatic columns. The Traiter volcano is designated a nature reserve. The 1982 law protecting the La Garrotxa volcanic zone designated the northern part of Les Planes D'hostoles as a natural park.

The former Carrilet railway line towards Olot has been converted into a Via Verda, suitable for walking and cycling. The section between Les Planes and Olot offers volcanic landscapes as well as glimpses of their fauna and flora. The Itinerari el Far offers a different perspective: it passes the Xuriguera oak, considered the tallest sessile oak in Catalonia, and reaches the El Far sanctuary. From there, the view extends across the Sau and Susqueda valleys, the Hostoles Valley, Serra de Finestres, Rocacorba, the plain of Gironès and the sea.

The walks also vary considerably in length and time required. The Ruta a Sant Pere Sacosta is a moderately challenging 8.7-kilometre walk with an estimated duration of three hours and 35 minutes. At three kilometres and around 30 minutes, the Ruta pel nucli antic de les Planes is an easy, shorter option through the old town. The footpath from the town centre to Cogolls is four kilometres long, has a moderate elevation gain and takes about 50 minutes.

Townscape, Architecture and Art

Several historic lanes in the old town pass buildings and door lintels that tell the story of the area's past. The parish church of Sant Cristòfol has been documented since the 12th century. After being destroyed during the Civil War of 1936–1939, it was rebuilt and consecrated in 1946. A will by the farmer Vilmaud, dated 986, is the basis for classifying the church of Sant Cristòfol in Cogolls as the oldest church in the Hostoles Valley.

The Ruta Modernista leads to the schools, inaugurated in 1918 under the direction of architect Joan Roca i Pinet. The Hotel Can Garay, completed in 1906, is also on this route. The Ruta d’art urbà offers a different view of the town: its murals are located at several points in the town centre, including on a street, at the central children's playground and on Carrer Tarragona.

Festivals and Practical Information

Local traditions include the Marieta figure from the Jonquer neighbourhood. Introduced in May 1986, it has paraded through the neighbourhood every year during the Sant Isidre festivities around 15 May ever since. The Capgrossos made their first appearance on Corpus Christi in 1947 and have accompanied the giant figures ever since. Jordi and Núria dance in Plaça Nova during the Festa Major and at Santa Espina on the fourth weekend of September. A popular local aplec is also held every year at the Capella de Sant Grau i ermita de Sant Pelegrí.

The Fira del Joc i Productes de la Terra takes place as part of the Santa Espina festivities on the penultimate Saturday in September. It features construction games, oversized games and brainteasers, as well as board and role-playing games, craft workshops and family performances. La Parada del Jonquer is a shady park with wooden tables, a covered area, a boules court, toilets and water.

During the summer season, from 24 June to 11 September, advance reservations are required to visit the Les Planes gorges because access is restricted. Check the official reservation system before your visit. This will allow you to take this seasonal access requirement into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Quart, Cassà De La Selva, Guils De Cerdanya, Forallac, Espolla, Foixà, Ogassa, Campllong

For the full destination overview: Girona.