Olot, Girona, Catalonia: a playful base for holidays with friends
Nestled at the edge of the Garrotxa volcanic field, Olot in Girona is the kind of town that makes a weekend feel like a mini-retreat with your favorite crew. Think leafy plazas, artisan cafés, and easy access to dramatic landscapes that beg to be explored on foot or by bike. In Catalonia, Olot sits at the heart of a region where nature and culture meet, and I never miss a chance to plan a trip that blends outdoor thrills with sunset drinks and a little friendly competition. For travelers searching for the ideal home base, Olot and the surrounding towns offer vacation rentals that suit all kinds of groups—whether you’re after a chic apartment, a cozy country house, or a mobile-friendly glamping setup for the ultimate group photo roll.
Where to stay: vacation rentals and mobile accommodations in Olot and the Garrotxa
When you’re planning a trip with friends, the right place to stay can set the tone for a week of memorable moments. Olot and the Garrotxa region have a generous mix of vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and flexible mobile accommodations that are perfect for social travelers who want space to spread out and doors open to the outdoors. Whether you crave a stylish city apartment with a private terrace or a family-friendly cottage surrounded by pines, you’ll find options that blend comfort with easy access to the dramatic landscapes of Catalonia.
Vacation rentals Olot: apartments, houses, and boutique stays
In Olot you’ll find everything from bright city-center apartments with modern kitchens to rustic stone houses that whisper of weekend barbecues and long conversations under the stars. Look for properties that offer:
- Multiple bedrooms to fit friends who love to crash in a cozy lounge after a day of adventures
- Outdoor spaces—balconies, gardens, or terraces perfect for brunch or post-hike cocktails
- Fully equipped kitchens for spontaneous group meals and tapas nights
- Easy parking or private entrances for privacy and ease
A well-located vacation rental in Olot means you’re minutes from the town’s markets, cafes, and the scenic routes into the Garrotxa parks. For longer stays, consider a home with a little extra living space so your crew can split movie nights from early-morning trail runs without stepping on each other’s toes.
Holiday rentals near La Garrotxa: stay with a view
If you’re chasing dramatic landscapes and fewer crowds, expand your search to holiday rentals near the Garrotxa volcanic zone. The area is peppered with charming rural houses and small hamlets where you’ll feel completely immersed in nature. Expect quiet lanes, stone walls, and close proximity to volcanic craters, lava flows, and lush beech forests. A stay in this part of Catalonia often means waking up to birdsong, stepping out onto a sun-warmed patio, and planning a day of lava trail walks with friends.
Mobile accommodations: glamping, yurts, and mobile homes around Olot
Mobile accommodations around Olot are the dream for groups who want to lean into the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Glamping setups, yurts, tiny houses, and well-equipped mobile homes let you keep the team together while soaking up nature. Options span from forest-edge glamping with private fire pits to hillside domes with panoramic views. The Garrotxa region is particularly friendly to campers and glampers, with sites that offer shared facilities, clean bathrooms, and scenic hiking trails right outside your door.
- Glamping near the Volcanic Zone: dome tents, canvas suites, and wooden yurts with heaters for cooler nights
- Eco-friendly mobile homes with decks, small kitchens, and cozy interiors
- Family- and friend-friendly campsites offering swimming pools, barbecue areas, and outdoor social spaces
If you’re planning a longer stay or a big group, look for properties or sites that offer group lounge areas, outdoor grills, and convenient parking. The benefit of mobile accommodations is not just a unique stay—it's the chance to wake up to fresh air, sip coffee with your best friends, and set off on adventures together without logistical tangles.
Top experiences in Olot and the Garrotxa: nature, culture, and shared memories
Olot and its surroundings are designed for active travelers who want a mix of outdoor workouts, scenic strolls, and cultural discoveries. Here are the experiences you’ll want to slot into your itinerary with friends:
- Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa: Explore a landscape forged by ancient lava flows, with well-marked hiking paths, lava tubes, and viewpoints that reward climbers and casual walkers alike.
- La Fageda d'en Jordà: A fairy-tale beech forest that creates magical light and dreamy photo opportunities. A gentle hike here is the perfect warm-up for a day of exploring nearby towns.
- Santa Pau: This medieval village is a postcard: cobblestone streets, stone houses, and a central square where you can stop for a coffee or a shared plate of regional specialties.
- Volcà de Santa Margarida: A classic volcanic cone with a scenic route that’s manageable for a mixed-ability group, ending with a panorama that makes you feel on top of the world.
- Besalú: A short drive away, this medieval town offers iconic arches, stone bridges, and a labyrinth of narrow lanes perfect for a fun afternoon of exploring and snapping candid group photos.
- Water activities at Banyoles Lake: Kayaking, paddleboarding, or a leisurely lakeside picnic with a view—great for a day when energy levels vary but the mood stays high.
A day-by-day vibe: suggested active itineraries
For a long weekend, here’s a flexible template to keep the energy high without burning out:
- Day 1: Arrive in Olot, settle into your vacation rental, stroll the town center, and enjoy a tapas crawl. Sunset at a lookout point with a group photo session and a casual dinner at a local bistro.
- Day 2: Garrotxa Nature Day — morning hike in the volcano park, a lazy lunch near Santa Pau, and an afternoon visit to La Fageda d'en Jordà. Chill evening with a barbecue or a kitchen party in your rental.
- Day 3: Besalú day trip — medieval bridges, craft shops, and a riverfront lunch. Return to Olot for a relaxed night out or a quiet night in with games and playlists that bond the group.
- Day 4: Water and wind — choose a lake activity at Banyoles and a last scenic drive through smaller villages, stopping for coffee and a souvenir or two before departure.
Food, drinks, and social scenes in the Olot area
Catalan cuisine shines in this region, with rustic flavors and ingredients that echo the landscapes you’ve just explored. Look for family-owned restaurants where you can share cataplanas, grilled vegetables, roasted meats, and cheeses from local dairies. Don’t miss the chance to pair your meals with the region’s white and red wines or a refreshing granizado on a sunny terrace. For a post-adventure wind-down, seek out spots with outdoor seating or rooftops that give you a chance to swap travel stories while the lights come on over Olot.
If you’re traveling with a crew who loves social nightlife, you’ll find lively bars around the town center offering craft beers, vermouth tastings, and small plates designed for sharing. In the Garrotxa, many venues also host seasonal events, live music, and markets where local producers showcase honey, cheese, olive oil, and seasonal jams—perfect for a collaborative souvenir haul.
Practical planning: seasons, transport, and packing for Olot
Olot’s climate invites year-round adventure, with distinct seasons that shape what you can do and how you should pack. Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures ideal for hiking and long lunches outdoors. Summer is perfect for lake activities and forest walks, while winter offers crisp mornings and the crunch of leaves underfoot—great for scenic strolls and cozy evenings indoors.
- Best seasons for hiking: spring and autumn when trails are less crowded and the scenery is at its most vibrant.
- Transport tips: the area is well-connected by regional trains and buses. If you’re aiming to maximize group time, consider renting a van or a spacious minibus and reducing reliance on multiple cars.
- Packing notes: comfortable walking shoes, a lightweight rain jacket, layers for temperature changes, and a portable charger for long days outdoors.
- Safety and comfort: always have a plan for meals and hydration, particularly if you’re chasing a full day of outdoor activities with a large group.
Local experiences that elevate a trip with friends
The Garrotxa region rewards social travelers with shared moments that become lasting memories. Consider experiences like guided forest hikes that highlight the geology of the lava flows, cooking workshops featuring regional products, or a late-afternoon horseback ride along quiet lanes. You’ll also find pottery studios, small galleries, and artisan shops in Olot and nearby villages where you can meet craftspeople and bring home something special for the group.
If you’re a foodie crew, arrange a market tour that ends with a cooking session back at your rental. Fresh vegetables, cheeses, olive oil, and honey from nearby producers make for a weekend of playful tasting menus that your friends will talk about for ages.
Find your ideal stay with searchandstay.com
When you’re ready to lock in a home base, searchandstay.com is a fantastic resource to discover vacation rentals in Olot, Girona, and the surrounding Garrotxa countryside. The platform curates options across the area—from central Olot apartments to rural houses near Santa Pau and the lava fields. It’s easy to filter by the size of your group, budget range, preferred amenities, and the kind of stay you want (vacation rental, holiday rental, or mobile accommodation). By using searchandstay.com, you can compare multiple properties side by side, read real traveler reviews, and find a place that suits your vibe—whether you’re chasing a chic urban apartment or a nature-infused glamping experience.
For a trip focused on groups of friends, look for properties that mention “family and friends,” “group-friendly,” or “large living spaces.” Check for features like outdoor seating areas, shared kitchens, and easy access to walking trails or bike routes. And if you’re drawn to the idea of mobile accommodations, use searchandstay.com filters to locate glamping sites near Olot, yurts with wood stoves, or tiny-house communities that welcome groups.
The Garrotxa area rewards curiosity and flexibility. Whether you’re booking a stylish Olot apartment, a rustic cottage near La Garrotxa park, or a luxurious glamping setup under the Catalan night sky, the right home base is a keystone to a holiday that blends adventure with relaxation. Start your search, compare options, and reserve a place that puts your crew close to the best trails, towns, and tastings in this Catalan corner of Spain.
Ready to plan your Olot escape?
If you’re mapping out a weekend or a longer break with friends, consider the value of a flexible base that’s close to nature but not far from cultural charm. Olot, Girona, and Catalonia’s Garrotxa region offer a diversified canvas for group travel—great hiking, striking scenery, medieval towns, and plenty of opportunities to share meals and stories. Whether you want a polished apartment in town or a nature-forward stay in a glampsite, Olot makes it easy to coordinate a chic, active, and sociable getaway.
To explore a range of accommodations in the area, head to searchandstay.com and filter by dates, group size, and preferred vibe. It’s the simplest way to find a vacation rental that fits your crew and your weekend agenda, all in one place. Olot and the Garrotxa region await—with sunlit trails, lava landscapes, and a social scene that’s built for friends to thrive together.