Santa Pau

The Catalan Pyrenees


With its tangle of slender cobbled lanes leading past flower-filled corners and pottery workshops to the attractive colonnaded Plaça Major, medieval Santa Pau is arguably La Garrotxa's most ravishing village. A 13th-century castle looms over the main square.

Santa Pau is 10km southeast of Olot, and several good hikes start nearby.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Catalan Pyrenees attractions

1. Museu de la Garrotxa

4.92 MILES

On the 3rd floor of a grand former hospice building, this smart, modern museum unpacks the evolution of La Garrotxa's industry, history, culture, art and…

2. Museu dels Volcans

5.05 MILES

In the middle of verdant Parc Nou (a botanical garden of Olot-area flora), this schoolroom-like museum has detailed displays on volcanoes, tremors,…

3. Castellfollit de la Roca

5.29 MILES

Aside from the hills, one of La Garrotxa's most remarkable geological sights is the town of Castellfollit de la Roca (10km northeast of Olot), teetering…

4. Sant Joan les Fonts

5.68 MILES

Some 6km northeast of Olot, Sant Joan les Fonts has some lovely forest just beyond the village centre. From the Oficina de Turisme, you can pick up…

5. Monestir de Sant Joan les Fonts

5.82 MILES

Dating to the 12th century, this broad Romanesque riverside monastery is squirrelled away at the northern end of Sant Joan les Fonts, 6km northeast of…

6. Micromundi

7.48 MILES

Prepare to squint with increasing intensity as you enter this peculiar 2000-item museum. Peer through a magnifying glass at jewellery, figurines and tiny…

7. Monestir de Sant Pere

7.5 MILES

This Romanesque monastery dates from the 11th century and has an unusual ambulatory (walkway) with floral-motif capitals behind the altar.

8. Església de Sant Vicenç

7.52 MILES

The Romanesque Església de Sant Vicenç dates to the 10th century, though it has a few Gothic flourishes. It's normally closed, but you can peek in by…

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