If you’re considering a day trip from Girona that combines history, nature, and laid-back scenery, this Besalú, Banyoles Lake & Garrotxa Volcanoes small group tour might just be a great pick. It’s a well-reviewed experience that promises a taste of medieval towns, volcanic landscapes, and Catalonia’s natural beauty—all within a manageable 8-hour window.
What we really like about this tour? First, the small group format means more personalized attention from your guide and a more relaxed pace—something we always favor. Second, the diverse stops — from medieval Besalú to volcanic craters — give you a well-rounded snapshot of this unique part of Spain.
Of course, no trip is perfect. The main consideration here is the lunch not included in the price, so you’ll want to factor in a bit of extra planning or some flexibility for a meal. But overall, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, scenic views, and a bit of gentle hiking, all wrapped in a manageable day trip.
Pau was a warm and extremely knowledgeable guide. The volcano and villages we visited were beautiful and very interesting- it's a worthwhile trip out of Girona.
Great trip. Claudia was very knowledgeable and it felt like nothing was too much trouble. Very nice sights and lots of interesting points.
The volcano part is a climb,and not really worth it…but the villages and lunch was well worth it..give it a try
- Key Points
- What’s Included and What’s Not
- The Itinerary in Detail
- Starting Point at Plaça de Sant Feliu
- Besalú and Its Medieval Charm
- The Basaltic Cliffs of Can Gussinye
- Santa Margarida Volcano & Crater Church
- Lunch at Can Xel
- Garrotxa Volcanic Zone & Santa Pau
- Banyoles Lake & Optional Boat Ride
- What the Reviews Say
- How Does the Price Stack Up?
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
- More Tour Reviews in Girona
Key Points
- Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and fewer crowds.
- Diverse highlights, including medieval towns, volcanic craters, and lakes.
- Expert local guides provide insightful stories and context.
- Flexible itinerary with options for sightseeing or relaxing.
- Price point is reasonable given the variety of sites visited and included bottled water.
- Group size maxes out at 7 travelers, making it intimate but still social.
What’s Included and What’s Not
This tour provides a local guide who is knowledgeable about the area’s history, which makes a difference when visiting places like Besalú or Santa Pau. Bottled water is also included, helping you stay refreshed as you walk through ancient streets and volcanic landscapes.
However, lunch isn’t included, so plan ahead—there’s a recommended stop at Restaurant Can Xel where you can taste local specialties, or bring your own snacks.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Girona.
The Itinerary in Detail
Starting Point at Plaça de Sant Feliu
You’ll kick off your day early at 9 a.m. right in central Girona, gathering with your small group for a smooth start. The tour’s structure is designed for ease, with round-trip transfers so you don’t have to worry about logistics. From the moment you leave Girona, you’ll notice how the landscape begins to unfold into striking rural scenery.
Besalú and Its Medieval Charm
The first major stop is Besalú, often considered one of Spain’s most beautiful medieval towns. You’ll take a guided walk through its medieval and Jewish quarters, soaking in the atmosphere of cobbled streets, stone buildings, and ancient walls. The highlight here is the famous Medieval Bridge, which many reviewers mention as a real highlight—an iconic snapshot of Catalonian history and architecture.
We had an awesome guide Claudia who was very knowledgeable about our places and towns . Very informative about the deep history of Catalonia . She chose a great place for lunch.
Fantastic tour and tour guide Claudia gave us so much information about the areas we visited and at the meal which was fantastic she gave us her recommendation of fidua oppose to paella which was amazing. Highly recommend this tour mountain volcano and church well worth the visit trek in not to bad. San Paulu is a very interesting place to visit I would like to see the castle renovation at some time. Belsalu banyoles also very interesting
We spent a lovely day with Quim and a nice driver. I’m sorry I forgot her name. My 20 year old son and I were in a group with one other traveler from the states. Instructions and pre-tour communication was very straightforward. The day was spent following the itinerary listed. The weather was warm and the hike was a bit tough in some parts but completely manageable. We had an excellent lunch with nice portions. We were picked up and dropped off at the bottom on the cathedral steps. My son and I both enjoyed the day.
One reviewer, Liam, mentioned how Claudia, the guide, shared plenty of interesting details about the area’s history, making the visit both enjoyable and educational. The relaxed pace means plenty of time to wander or snap photos, especially at the Puente de Besalú.
The Basaltic Cliffs of Can Gussinye
Next, a quick stop at Can Gussinye offers a chance to marvel at houses perched atop basaltic cliffs. This spot is great for capturing photos and taking in the rugged beauty of the volcanic landscape. It’s a brief stop—just enough time to appreciate the scenery without feeling rushed.
Santa Margarida Volcano & Crater Church
A highlight for many travelers is the guided walk to Santa Margarida volcano, where you’ll see the church nestled inside the crater. It’s a striking sight—an active volcano with a little church inside, which has a peaceful vibe that makes the walk feel special. Reviews emphasize how much information the guides shared here, adding depth to the experience. Expect about an hour exploring this area.
Lunch at Can Xel
Midday, you get a break for lunch at Restaurant Can Xel, a local spot known for regional specialties. Since lunch isn’t included, this is a good opportunity to try some local flavors or relax and recharge before the afternoon. Many travelers comment positively on the food and the relaxed atmosphere, making it a nice pause in the day.
An excellent small group tour. With the relatively small car we could get into the heart of the sights. Very colourful program, small towns from the middle ages, landscape, excellent place provided for lunch.
We had a wonderful time. We visited several places, all of which were unique and beautiful. Our guides, Julia and Alex, were fantastic. They were knowledgeable, provided a safe & fun experience, and we never felt rushed to move on to the next thing. The trip included a variety of activities – hiking, walking through the medieval towns, learning a lot about the area's history & culture, eating local food, opportunities to shop (if desired), and relaxing by a beautiful lake. The trip does involve a lot of walking & it's not all on flat ground so that's something to keep in mind when considering if it's right for you.
Besalu was fascinating, and Banyoles beautiful. Our guide, Gérard, was enthusiastic, entertaining – and incredibly knowledgeable!
Garrotxa Volcanic Zone & Santa Pau
After lunch, you’ll explore the small medieval village of Santa Pau, set amidst volcanic cones. A walking tour here highlights the stone houses, the church, and the castle—another chance to soak in the medieval vibe. The volcanic landscape of the Garrotxa Natural Park is breathtaking, with lush greenery contrasting sharply against the volcanic terrain.
Banyoles Lake & Optional Boat Ride
In the late afternoon, the tour takes you to Banyoles Lake, the largest in Catalonia. You can enjoy a walk along the lake’s banks, taking in the peaceful waters and scenic views. If you prefer a more relaxed activity, you can opt to sail on an ecological boat called La Tirona—tickets aren’t included, but it’s a lovely way to wind down.
Travelers mention how beautiful and serene the lake is, and some appreciate the relaxed pace here, especially after a day of walking and sightseeing.
What the Reviews Say
Most reviews praise the guides, with Liam noting how Claudia shared ample information about the visits, and Gerard bringing enthusiasm and energy, which kept the group engaged. Reviewers also love the scenic views and the variety of sites covered—”small towns from the middle ages, landscape, and excellent places for lunch” as Erzsebet put it.
Having a capable driver as well as capable guide made for an enjoyable excursion. My husband and I especially liked that there were only five of us on the tour which made it easy to enjoy the company of the three other travelers.
The whole trip was exceptional. Loved Bessalu, Santa Pau, walking the reserve and Lake Banyoles. Our guide Eduardo was knowledgeable and informative. A wonderful day.
We liked going to Besalu, especially in the cool and quiet part of the morning. We also enjoyed getting out to the volcano and seeing views of Catalonia. Found the history and political movements very interesting.
Some mention how the small group size makes the experience more personal and flexible. One traveler appreciated that even when traveling solo, the guide kept the experience engaging. The overall rating of 4.9 from 43 reviews and a 5-star rating from many indicates that most participants found this day to be worthwhile and enjoyable.
How Does the Price Stack Up?
At around $171, this tour offers a good deal considering the number of locations visited and the guided experience. The inclusion of bottled water and round-trip transport from Girona is helpful, especially since it saves you the effort of planning logistics. The main added expense would be lunch or optional boat rides, so budget accordingly.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This trip is ideal if you’re interested in Catalonia’s historical towns and volcanic landscapes but prefer not to do a self-guided day of research and driving. It’s especially good for those who enjoy gentle walks, scenic views, and learning from passionate guides.
It’s not geared toward travelers seeking intense hikes or museum visits, but rather a well-rounded day immersed in natural beauty and medieval charm.
From beginning to end our day was perfect. My husband and I were the only people on the tour (it’s out of season) but Alex didn’t cancel of which we were grateful. Basically, we had a private tour with Alex safely delivering us from stop to stop and Eduardo providing historical facts and information ranging from architectural styles to the Spanish Revolution; we learnt so much. Besalu was beautiful and we arrived well before bus loads of tourists. The walk up the volcano and into the crater to view the chapel was the perfect preparation for lunch which was prepared with plentiful and tasty local produce. Each town had its own charm and plenty of photo opportunities. If you want to ge…
Loved the climb to the top then bottom of the volcano. Great tour with Eduardo. Banyoles Lake was amazing!
Our young guide Gerard was terrific – enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and quite a talker. My wife Rachel and I had a excellent time and the separate driver/owner allowed Gerard to concentrate on us as we were the only people on the tour. The lunch was excellent. The volcano tour was a nice little hike but the highlights were really the small villages and towns – Basalu, Castellfollit de la Roca, Banyoles Lake.
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the gentle walking pace and scenic stops mean it could work for older children or teens who enjoy history and nature—just remember to bring snacks and be prepared for some walking.
Final Thoughts
This small-group tour from Girona offers a nicely balanced day exploring some of Catalonia’s most captivating sites. The combination of medieval towns, volcanic landscapes, and lakes keeps the experience engaging without feeling rushed. The guides and intimate group size add a layer of warmth and insight that large tours often lack.
If you’re after a day that marries history, natural beauty, and a relaxed pace, this trip checks all those boxes. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who appreciate storytelling and scenic views, and who want to avoid the hassle of organizing transport or navigating on their own.
While the absence of included lunch might require some extra planning, many travelers find the experience well worth the cost. Just bring your curiosity and a camera — you’ll be glad you did.
Besalu,Banyoles Lake & Garrotxa Volcanoes Small Group from Girona
"Pau was a warm and extremely knowledgeable guide. The volcano and villages we visited were beautiful and very interesting- it's a worthwhile trip o..."
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking through towns and volcanic sites, so it might be challenging for those with mobility concerns. Some stops involve gentle walking, but check with the provider if you have specific needs.
What time does the tour start and end?
It begins at 9:00 am from Plaça de Sant Feliu in Girona and typically lasts around 8 hours, ending back at the starting point.
Are children welcome on this tour?
The tour doesn’t specify age restrictions, but since it involves walking and some outdoor activities, older children who enjoy history and nature may find it suitable. Always good to check with the provider if traveling with young kids.
How many people are in each group?
The group size is capped at 7 travelers, which allows for personalized attention and flexibility during the day.
Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from central Girona are part of the package, making it convenient and hassle-free.
Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and water are recommended. Since lunch isn’t included, bring snacks or plan to dine at the stop at Can Xel.
Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, there's free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience, which is handy if your plans are uncertain.
What’s the main highlight of this tour?
Most travelers agree it’s the chance to see beautifully preserved medieval towns and volcanic landscapes, coupled with the insight from passionate guides who bring these sites to life.
