Sant Joan Les Fonts

When planning a hotel stay in Sant Joan Les Fonts, you can shape your visit around specific themes: paths through basalt and water landscapes, and evidence of medieval architecture and industrial history, offer different ways to explore the area.

Paths through basalt and water

The Ruta de les 3 colades i les cingleres de basalt is walking route no. 16 in the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa. It offers a short option of 20 minutes and a longer option of 1 hour and 45 minutes. These walking times are estimates and may vary depending on walking conditions.

The route passes through the basalt cliff area, including Boscarró and the Cingles de Fontfreda. The cliffs were formed as lava flows from different volcanoes cooled. The landscape also includes riverside woodland with species of particular botanical value.

The Ruta fonts i verlets offers a different focus: this path, created by the municipality of Sant Joan les Fonts, is part of the Itinerànnia network of trails. Water accompanies the route for almost its entire length; it also passes numerous springs, as well as restored canals and irrigation channels.

A municipal notice dated August 12, 2026, reported the full reopening of the Ruta de les Tres Colades following inspection and repair work. Check the current trail status before setting out.

Molí Fondo and industrial history

Molí Fondo, on the banks of the Riu Fluvià, is a former industrial paper mill documented since 1723. Up to three superimposed lava flows can be seen at Molí Fondo. The site’s industrial history is also significant: Torraspapel’s industrial operations were based there until a new production facility opened a few metres away in 1966.

A municipal visitor notice dated August 12, 2026, reported that access to Molí Fondo was closed due to damage caused by winter storms. Check access before your visit.

Medieval buildings and layers of history

The Monestir de Sant Joan les Fonts is a medieval Benedictine monastery dating from the 12th century; its history goes back to around 958. Its surviving Romanesque church has a basilica plan and three naves.

The Estada Juvinyà is a medieval fortified house and was the residence of the Juvinyà knightly family. Its main façade reflects several construction phases: the tower dates from the 12th century, while the rest of the residence was added in the 14th century. Today, the Estada houses the Garrotxa’s first interpretation centre; check the current opening arrangements before visiting.

The Pont de Sant Joan les Fonts is a medieval bridge built from volcanic rock in the 12th century. A large central arch and two side arches define its shape. In the Middle Ages, the bridge served as a strategic crossing and a transport link between the Pyrenees and the Catalan coast.

The Fàbrica La Sebastiana is another part of the area’s industrial history: it operated as a textile factory until 1974. It adds another historic industry to the paper-making history of Molí Fondo.

Discover more destinations: Arbúcies, Valveralla, Espinavessa, Anglès, Riudellots De La Selva, Susqueda, Sant Julià De Ramis, Regencós.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.