Top 7 Caves around Garrotxa
Best caves around Garrotxa are found within a region known for its volcanic landscape, offering unique underground formations. This area, part of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, features over 40 inactive volcanoes and more than 20 lava flows, making it a significant volcanic zone on the Iberian Peninsula. The geological processes here have created distinctive natural features, including lava tubes and various cave systems. Exploring these sites provides insight into the region's volcanic past and its natural history.
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Last updated: April 28, 2026
Baumes de Caixurma
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Located south of Castellfollit de la Roca, within the municipality of …
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Oratory of Mare de Déu de les Olletes
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Garrell's Tomb
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Bandoleros' Mine
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Bauma Rest
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Tips from the Community
The bridge at the end leading back to Castellfollit de la Roca is in danger of collapsing and is not accessible.
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In these Baumas and cavities, a certain number of protected cave-dwelling invertebrates and Bats live. It is advisable not to ENTER some of these Baumas and ensure that our passage through the area causes the least possible impact.🙋
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Here outside the Baumas... perfect place to regain strength and appreciate a pure and unique landscape
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It is an artificial cave 15 meters long built with a hammer and escarpment. Personally it is what I liked the most with all those drawings engraved on the stone. At the entrance to the cave there is a commemorative plaque where it says the following: En aquest lloc va començar tot. «Here are buried my fantasies and my illusions». I really liked it because after visiting the place and watching the documentary, it became clear to me that Garrell invested many hours here, with a lot of enthusiasm and passion.
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The Baumes de Caixurma are a complex system of labyrinthine galleries and narrow cracks that run between large blocks. Located south of Castellfollit de la Roca, within the municipality of Montagut and Oix. These are blocks of bluish-gray shale marl. According to the cartography of the Geological Institute of Catalonia, they are Eocene materials from the Lutetian. The entrances to the baumes, with an approximate length of 400m, are hidden by the dense vegetation
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The Baumes de Caixurma are a complex system of labyrinthine galleries and narrow cracks that run between large blocks. Located south of Castellfollit de la Roca, within the municipality of Montagut and Oix. These are blocks of bluish-gray shale marl. According to the cartography of the Geological Institute of Catalonia, they are Eocene materials from the Lutetian. The entrances to the baumes, with an approximate length of 400m, are hidden by the dense vegetation
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The constructions are part of the work carried out by Josep Pujuila, who in addition to Garrell was known as 'Tarzán de Arguelager' and who was born in this municipality at the end of the 30s of the last century. this is the cave that is part of the enclosure created by this character over the years. A few hundred meters further on you can see another construction, the orchard.
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It is a small oratory 5 meters high, 8 meters deep and 4 meters wide, dug into the rock and closed by a gate. It houses a Baroque alabaster image of the Virgin Mary, about 50 cm. height, a copy of the original, which is preserved in the town's parish church. Next to it and rising above the road are the remains of the building where the objects needed for the worship of the chapel were kept. Its origin can be traced back to the beginning of the 17th century, when, according to traditional references, an image of the Virgin Mary was found in a small depression in the ground, that is, in a "pot", which has given its name to the oratory This hole is a few steps away, on a support of the cliff, which has been retouched in order to be able to put a fence. When the image from this corner was moved to the chapel, one of the Virgin Mary of Núria was placed in its place. pot-shaped cavities found around
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of caves can I explore in the Garrotxa region?
The Garrotxa region, known for its volcanic landscape, offers unique underground formations. You can explore natural lava tubes, such as the Túnel del Croscat, which provides insight into the region's volcanic past. There are also complex systems of natural rock formations like the Baumes de Caixurma, and historical sites like the Bandoleros' Mine, a natural crevice used as a hideout.
Are there any family-friendly cave experiences in Garrotxa?
Yes, the Túnel del Croscat, a lava tube formed by the Croscat volcano, is particularly well-suited for families and children. It offers a short and safe section to explore, providing a tangible experience of the region's volcanic geology.
What historical significance do the caves in Garrotxa hold?
Many sites in Garrotxa have historical connections. For example, the Bandoleros' Mine is a natural crevice that gained notoriety as a hideout for bandits due to its strategic location near the old Camino Real. Additionally, the Oratory of Mare de Déu de les Olletes is a rock-cut chapel with origins tracing back to the 17th century.
What geological features are unique to the Garrotxa caves?
The Garrotxa region is characterized by its volcanic origins, with over 40 inactive volcanoes and 20 lava flows. This has resulted in distinctive geological features such as lava tubes, like the Túnel del Croscat, and formations like the Baumes de Caixurma, which are complex networks of galleries winding between large blocks of Eocene lutitic marl.
What outdoor activities can I combine with visiting the caves?
The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park offers numerous outdoor activities. You can find extensive hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the region, often passing by these geological sites. For specific hiking routes, explore the Hiking around Garrotxa guide. There are also options for gravel biking.
Are there any unique man-made cave structures in the area?
Yes, Garrell's Tomb is an artificial cave, 15 meters long, built by Josep Pujuila, also known as 'Tarzán de Arguelager'. It features intricate drawings engraved on the stone and is part of a larger enclosure created by him.
What is the best time of year to visit the caves in Garrotxa?
The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures for exploring both the caves and the surrounding hiking trails, which are characterized by lush forests. Summer can be warm, while winter offers a different, often quieter, experience.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots near the caves?
Many of the caves are situated within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, which is rich in scenic beauty. While exploring sites like Bauma Rest, you can find perfect spots to appreciate the pure and unique landscape of the region.
What should I wear for cave exploration in Garrotxa?
For cave exploration in Garrotxa, it's advisable to wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking or hiking. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended, as surfaces inside and around the caves can be uneven or damp. A light jacket might be useful as temperatures inside caves can be cooler than outside.
Where can I find cafes or restaurants near the Garrotxa caves?
The Garrotxa region has several towns and villages, such as Olot, Santa Pau, and Castellfollit de la Roca, which offer various dining options. These are often located near popular trailheads and attractions within the Volcanic Zone Natural Park, making it convenient to find refreshments before or after your cave visits.
What makes the Garrotxa region's 'caves' distinct from other cave systems?
The 'caves' of Garrotxa are distinct due to their geological origins. Unlike typical limestone cave systems, many formations here are volcanic, such as lava tubes, or are natural rock shelters and crevices formed within the region's unique volcanic and Eocene marl landscapes. This offers a different perspective on underground exploration.
Can I find easy hiking trails that include cave visits?
Yes, the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park offers a range of hiking difficulties. You can find easy trails, such as those mentioned in the Easy hikes around Garrotxa guide, which may incorporate visits to some of the more accessible cave sites or volcanic features like the Túnel del Croscat.
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