This park is at the top of the Volcà de Montascopa and is worth stopping in before climbing back down into Olot. It has a watchtower which children will love and magnificent views of the other major dormant volcanos surrounding Olot.

Top of the Volcà de Montascopa
www.turismeolot.com/en_86_i.htm

Google map: tinyurl.com/ylhmmbk

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This convent stands at the top of the Volcà de Montascopa and even though you can't go inside it it does offer spectacular views of Olot and on a good day the Pyrenees. The convent itself is a simple and rather plain building.

On top of the Volcà de Montascopa

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The most famous dormant volcano in Olot is the Volcà de Montascopa.
Fortunately it is the volcano which is the easiest to climb. You can even have a picnic in its extinct crater!

Follow the signs from Carrer Major

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8oj9ky

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The cathedral of Sant Esteve is known for housing the unusual painting of Christ Bearing the Cross by El Greco. This imposing building houses a magnificent baroque altarpiece by El Roser and some sculptures by Ramón Amadeu. The church is a suitable starting point for the walk to the summit of the volcà de Montascopa high above Olot

Carrer de Sant Esteve.

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An art museum which loses out to the Museu Dalí but a good museum because it is free to visit with your ticket to the Museu Dalí (and you may as well as get your money's worth). It has some informative pieces showing the beauty and talent of the 'Olot' school of painters. When I went one floor was closed because of refurbishment but the upper floor was open.

Rambla 2, 17600 Figueres
www.museuemporda.org/

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8sev6q

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The museu Dalí is not obligatory to visit in Figueres but even you're not an art-lover its worth a visit.
The best parts of the museum are:
Mae West room, the tomb of Dalí, a copy of Dalí's most famous work -
The Persistance of memory (you will recognise it when you see it).
Allow a good two to three hours to see everything. It is child-friendly.
Even if you're unwilling to pay the high entrance fee you can get some appreciation of Dalí's eccentricity by looking at the 'eggs' on the outside of the museum.

Plaça Dalí
Entrance fee is 7-8 euros
www.salvador-dali.org/museus/figueres/en_index.html

Gala-Salvador Dalí Square, 5
E-17600 Figueres

Google map: tinyurl.com/ybxxoyd

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Sant Pere rarely gets visited as most visitors bypass it on their way to the Museu Dalí which is next to the church. But this is a shame as Sant Pere is a handsome building with a representation of the dying Jesus in the arms of the Virgin Mary which moved me to tears.

Carrer Sant Pere

Google map: tinyurl.com/ydcyn5r

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Las Ramblas is the pedestrianised main street of Figueres. It's a pleasant place to stop and rest and chat to the locals. At the southern end of Las Ramblas is a statue of the second most famous son of Figueres - Narcís Montargis who invented the submarine

Just follow the road from Figueres train station and you will reach Las Ramblas in ten minutes or so.

Google map: tinyurl.com/yelzwm6

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Es Castellar is a high headland dominating the Llança skyline and towering above the marina. From the top there are superb views of the coast going towards France and down towards Cap de Creus - Spain's easternmost point.

From Llança train station follow the road all way down to the marina and El Port beach. The path up to the top of Es Castellar is just off the marina.

Google map: tinyurl.com/yegg73p

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El Port beach is the main beach of Llança but it is rarely crowded even in summer. It's a pleasant beach to lie out on and relax in safety.The sea is calm thanks to the marina opposite the beach.

Llança is 35km north of Girona and easily reached by train from Barcelona (via Girona and Figueres)

Google map: tinyurl.com/yegg73p

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Sant Vicenç is a fine example of a Benedictine monastery which was partly demolished. Like Sant Pere you can't always get inside but the exterior is pretty enough with a rotund chapel containing the altar.

Praça de Sant Vicenç

Google map: tinyurl.com/ye66gdq

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Sant Pere church is a Romanesque jewel with outstanding architecture and peace. You can't always get inside but the exterior is pretty enough with carvings and windows.

Praça de Sant Pere

Google map: tinyurl.com/ye66gdq

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Below the fortified bridge are the remains of the Jewish synagogue and
mikvah (ritual bath). The mikvah is behind a locked gate and can be seen only at certain times with a guide - ask at tourist information for times). The ruins are clearly marked and helpful signs show you where each room would have been. From the ruins there are good views of the fortified bridge and river Fluvía.
There is an easy walk which leads from the ruins and goes alongside the river to just past the fortified bridge.

The synagogue/mikvah is well signposted from the praça de libretat.

Google map: tinyurl.com/ye66gdq

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The Praça de Libertat is the heart of activity in Besalú especially on Tuesdays when it is market day.
The market sells excellent quality goods at low prices. Around the praça are numerous shops and cafés.
There are the obligatory souvenir shop/newsagents on the corner of the square selling T shirts with Besalú written on them and other items with Besalú all over them.

The square is only a 10 min walk from the Teisa bus stop on the main road through Besalú - it is well signposted.

Google map: tinyurl.com/ye66gdq

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The fortified romanesque 11th century bridge spans the river Fluvía and makes for an impressive entrance to Besalú on top of its hill. It's unique because it retains its central tollhouse and portcullis for that medieval feel. It is also the only curving medieval bridge in Spain. Children will love it for the portcullis and watchtower.

Besalú is 40km west of Girona and the buses to Olot from Girona all stop at Besalú.

Google map: tinyurl.com/ye66gdq

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Santa María is built in the neo-gothic style with a rose window and intricate façade with ornate carvings - the one of the Virgin Mary above the door is especially beautiful. The terrace outside the church has excellent views of the beach and the town below.

Santa María is just a 10 min walk from Portbou train station from where there are frequent connections to Barcelona (via Girona and Figueres) and to Toulouse (via Perpignan) in France.

Google map: tinyurl.com/ybs7xt6

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Superb one to one tuition from artist and ceramicist Colin Bloom. His veggie food is delicious, the setting picturesque and rates are very reasonable. I loved the trips into Barcelona to the art museums. Recommended.

Vilafranca direct train 40 minutes to Barcelona.
0034 938 980 324
colinblm@gmail.com

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Vamos Cycling is run by a wonderful British couple and is based in the stunning Alpujarras mountains on the edge of the Sierra Nevada. You stay in their beautifully converted home in the small and enchanting town of Cadiar in the heart of the Alpujarras. Gary (a fanatical cyclist) takes you out on guided rides up some impressive climbs and his wife Sarah cooks up a storm back at base. I went as a beginner and loved every minute but plenty to challenge road cyclists of all levels - La Vuelta passes through here. Awesome climbs, amazing food and if you fancy a day out of the saddle then Granada and the unmissable Alhambra are an easy day trip away.

www.vamoscycling.com
Calle Alfareria, 2
Cádiar 18440
Granada Spain
Telephone: 0034 958 850470

Google map: tinyurl.com/ye5fqj2

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The arcaded plaça major is the heart of Banyoles with good cafés and restuarants around it. It is quite shady in the summer with trees standing in the middle of the square.
It's also a good starting point for walks exploring the old town walls, St Stephens monastery and the narrow twisty labyrinth which is old Banyoles.

The plaça major is a 25 min walk from the Estany but the regular buses from Girona drops you off nearer to the square at just a 10 min walk away - just ask for the Passeig Indústria stop outside the Teisa ticket office. The square is well signposted from there.

Google map: tinyurl.com/yen76bk

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The Santa María church in the hamlet of Porqueres is a 12th century Romanesque jewel with a solid brick ceiling and nave. The four arched entrance is inspired by the Moors.

Porqueres is 3km west of Banyoles facing the town across the Estany. It only takes 25 mins to walk to Porqueres from the tourist office on Passeig Darder - just follow the signs to Porqueres and eglesia de Santa María.

Google map: tinyurl.com/yekma2d

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