Tag Archives: Garrotxa

Garrotxa

Costa Brava Hot Air Balloon

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Soaring over extinct volcanoes

Everyone should go up in a hot air balloon at least once in their lifetime. Let us at Charming Villas Catalonia help you plan your Costa Brava hot air balloon trip.

The Catalan Pyrenees
The snow capped Pyrenees

If you are looking for unique activities while in the Costa Brava there can be few better than taking a Hot Air Balloon ride. There’s various balloon companies to choose from in the Girona province. For us, flying over the extinct volcanic region Garrotxa sounded exciting. The interesting mix of volcanoes, oak forest and medieval villages plus the stunning snow capped Pyrenees in the distance was a winner for us.

Extinct volcanoes
The extinct volcanoes Croscat and Santa Margarita in the Garrotxa region.

Costa Brava hot air balloon companies

We flew with Vol de Coloms who have great modern installations between Olot and Santa Pau. Another local company who fly over the Emporda region, closer to the Costa Brava are Globus Emporda.

It is early morning and there’s a sweet feeling of anticipation as the balloons are being prepared. Adrenaline starts to surge once you are asked to get into the basket. You lift silently up into the clouds and are quickly welcomed by some spectacular bird’s eye views of the surrounding landscape.

Mas de la Roureda
Mas de La Roureda, one of Charming Villas properties

Typically a flight lasts for 1.5 hours and although the wind can never be guaranteed, a common landing zone is around the picturesque medieval village of Besalu. Whilst airborne everybody is offered a glass of Cava and a type of local biscuit. With so many interesting things to look at this was an experience never to forget.

Upon returning to the installations close to Santa Pau everyone is treated to a typical Catalan breakfast of Pa amb tomaquet, cheeses, cured meats and wine. If you only take one Hot Air Balloon ride in your life make it over the Garrotxa region with Vol de Coloms.

Planning a hot air balloon excursion

At Charming Villas Catalonia we are based locally and offer a free concierge service to all our clients. We know the area very well and take great pleasure in sharing our favorite places with our clients. Apart from hot air balloon trips we can help plan a whole host of other local activities. We can help plan day trip itineraries and give you suggestions of some off the beaten track restaurants. Lunch on a pier with fishermen? No problem, we can arrange that!

Luxury vacation homes Girona

Browse our selection of upmarket and hand picked vacation homes on the Costa Brava and Girona. Let us help you with the villa selection process – we know all our homes intimately.

Pont de Llierca

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The Romanic bridge, Pont de Llierca

The “Pont de Llierca” is a beautiful three meter wide Romanic bridge which spans the river Llierca. The date of construction is unknown but the earliest mention is in the 14th century where Sheppard’s were charged a fee to cross with their livestock.

Pont de Llierca
The 14th century bridge crossing the river Llierca

The bridge is located just off the GIV-5231 between Montagut and Saderness in the region of La Garrotxa.

Pont de Llierca
Taken from the underside of the bridge

The Llierca has some deep pools which are often used by locals and holiday makers for swimming during the summer months.

Charming Villas Catalonia

At Charming villas Catalonia we offer our clients a varied selection of high standard Barcelona vacation rentals. From Barcelona beachfront apartments to large farmhouses close to Barcelona.

Locally based we offer a free concierge service to all of our clients. Our goal is to make sure that our clients make the most out of their time while in Catalonia. We can help plan fun day-trips to the Costa Brava and all kinds of activities and extra services. From tables at the number one restaurant in Spain, El Celler de Can Roca to dining on a pier with fishermen. Let us know how we can help plan the perfect vacation and we will do the rest.