In the region of La Garrotxa hides, shy and oblivious to the gaze of tourists, a beautiful medieval town with a unique peculiarity: it is surrounded by volcanoes and lava flows fossilized over time. This jewel of Catalonia is called Santa Pau, a mass of charming cobblestone streets where time passes slowly, recipes remain traditional and life has a different rhythm.
What to see in Santa Pau, Girona
The arrival in Santa Pau is very promising, because it begins in the Plaza del Mirador, with panoramic views of the town and its stone mansions, with the green hill as a backdrop and the old walled enclosure in the center, standing out over the horizon of the town with the church bell tower.
The Plaza Mayor is reached by crossing a river through some stairs, arriving at this corner full of arcaded galleries, where the market from the Middle Ages is held and where the 15th century Parish with Gothic and Baroque style is also located. Next to it is the Castle of Santa Pau, an 800-year-old fortress that was the seed of the town: houses were built around it that today make up the town.
The entire town is full of charming corners, stone arches and the beautiful Portal de la Vila Vella, with incredible views of the entire surroundings. Along the way, don't be afraid to get lost in its alleys full of flowery balconies, because the true magic of Santa Pau lies in its small details.
Where to eat cheap and delicious in Santa Pau, Girona
The official dish of Santa Pau is fesolsa type of very special tiny beans, which only grow in these volcanic terrains. We can try it at Cal Sastre, one of the two restaurants in the historic center of the town, where they serve them stewed with sausage or in salad format, depending on the season.
What to do near Santa Pau, Girona
There is a hiking route that leaves from Fageda dén Jordà, five minutes from Santa Pau. There you can leave the car and explore the Garrotxca Volcanic Zone Natural Park. You will pass through La Fageda, the Croscat volcano and Santa Margarida. The latter has a hermitage in the middle of its crater, surrounded by orange forests in autumn.
