Olot travel guide and discussion

Imagine lying in bed with nothing but glass above you. Beyond that glass isn't a city street or a hotel terrace, but a living Catalan landscape: swaying grass, trees, night moths, and a canopy of stars. You see everything happening outside, yet you remain invisible to the world. You are a goldfish in an aquarium, but the concept is inverted: instead of a glass box inside a room, it’s a glass room inside nature. This isn't just a metaphor; it’s a precise description of the experience at Les Cols Pavellons—one of the most extraordinary hotels in not only Spain, but all of Europe. Located on an ancient farm in Girona, its five glass pavilions are designed to make the wall between you and the outside world vanish. Literally. · *The Architecture of Invisibility** Les Cols Pavellons is a project by RCR Arquitectes, winners of the 2017 Pritzker Prize—the "Nobel Prize" of architecture. Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem, and Ramon Vilalta didn't just build a structure in the traditional sense; they created five autonomous pavilions, each a glass capsule seamlessly integrated into the landscape. Here, glass acts as a mediator rather than just a material: it invites in the light, sounds, scents, and vistas, while keeping you hidden. The effect is visceral: you can watch a hedgehog scurry through the grass, witness the sky transform at sunset, or hear the rhythm of rain on the glass roof above—all while remaining protected, sheltered, and unreachable. This isn’t a "room with a view"; the room itself becomes part of the view. The interior is a study in absolute minimalism: stone, volcanic ash, steel, and black concrete. There isn't a single superfluous object or accidental detail. Every surface that isn't a window is a rich texture: the coarse stone floor, the cool steel of the door handles, the frosted glass of the shower. It feels as though Japanese aesthetics were transplanted onto Catalan soil—and flourished. · *Why You Should Spend a Night Here** · *A Sensation Unlike Any Other.** You can stay in hotels with views of the sea, mountains, or cities, but "living inside the landscape" in a glass capsule is a singular experience. Les Cols Pavellons isn't just a stay; it’s an immersive installation where you become part of the art, and the art becomes part of you. · *A Japanese Onsen Under the Stars.** Each pavilion features its own private outdoor bath (onsen) filled with hot water. Soaking there while gazing at the sky is magical. In Catalonia, the stars are exceptionally bright due to the lack of light pollution and the crisp mountain air. Floating in the silence as steam rises into the cool night air is a moment you'll remember for years. · *Two Michelin Stars Next Door.** The Les Cols restaurant, located in the farm's original building, boasts two Michelin stars. The chef offers a menu inspired by Catalan traditions and ingredients from their own garden. Breakfast is a curated ritual rather than a buffet: freshly baked bread, local cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, and fruit from the orchard. Every element is intentional and locally sourced. · *Total Seclusion.** The pavilions are spaced far enough apart to ensure complete privacy. Each has its own territory, entrance, and bath. You could spend your entire stay without seeing another soul, except for the person delivering your breakfast. This isn't a hotel of corridors and elevators; it’s five distinct worlds. · *A Connection to History.** Les Cols is an ancient farmhouse that has belonged to the same family for generations. Rather than tearing it down, the architects integrated the modern structures into the heritage site, preserving stone walls, old courtyards, and fountains. The glass pavilions don't clash with the farm; they complement it, allowing the past and future to coexist beautifully. · *The Experience Through the Day** · *Daytime.** The sun floods the pavilion with light, making the glass nearly invisible. It feels as though you’re lying directly on the grass, protected by only a thin veil. Shadows from tree branches dance across the walls like a living clock. The air inside is crisp and fresh; the ventilation is so subtle you forget you’re in a glass enclosure. · *Evening.** The sky shifts from gold to rose to a deep, velvety blue. You settle into the ritual: the onsen, a light dinner, and profound silence. Eventually, the boundary between glass and air dissolves; everything becomes transparent, and you feel as though you have too. · *Nighttime.** The stars are right above you, and the silence is almost tactile. You might hear an owl in the distance or the rustle of grass nearby. Tucked into a warm bed, the entire world surrounds you, yet remains at a distance. You are simultaneously an observer and part of the scene—both the audience and the actor. · *Morning.** You wake to natural light rather than an alarm. Outside, dew clings to the grass, mist hangs over the trees, and the first birds begin to sing. Breakfast arrives quietly in a wooden box: bread, butter, honey, and fruit. You eat slowly, watching the world wake up alongside you. · *Pros and Cons** · *Pros:** · A unique immersion in nature through glass—a one-of-a-kind experience in Spain. · Pritzker Prize-winning architecture—you are literally living inside a work of art. · Complete privacy and silence—no visual contact between pavilions. · A private outdoor onsen for every guest. · A two-Michelin-starred restaurant on-site. · Warm minimalism: stone, steel, and glass create a soulful, rather than sterile, atmosphere. · *Cons:** · The minimalism isn't for everyone: if you prefer plush decor and cozy clutter, it may feel too ascetic. · Glass walls are a psychological challenge: even knowing you're hidden, "living in the open" can feel unsettling for the first few nights. · Remote location: situated on the outskirts of Girona, there are no nearby shops or entertainment; everything requires planning. · Price: A night starts at €350–450 or more, especially during peak season. · Less impact in overcast weather: On rainy days, the magic of the glass can fade as mist and clouds make the interior feel more enclosed. Les Cols Pavellons isn't a hotel you choose to be near attractions. It *is* the attraction. You come for a single night, but you leave with a feeling that lingers far longer than any photograph.

Spain's Mediterranean Coast Tour - Girona (Greater Region) Seriously! If you want to chill out and enjoy the beautiful scenery in Olot, Catalonia, you can't miss El Fortí Del Volcà Montsacopa! 🤩 Although the road is really a bit complicated before you get to the foot of the volcano, expect to get lost or the terrain is a little challenging ~ In order to withstand the climb to the top, you really need to save energy before going up the mountain. Don't underestimate the power of the volcano🔥 When you reach the top, you can also walk around the crater📸, and you can even walk crazy through the center of the volcano. It's so exciting! Friends who like to explore will definitely feel super ~~ There are also some ancient observation towers at the top, great for taking pictures, looking at the whole city of Olot, the surrounding mountains plus the beautiful scenery of the volcano. Come here is perfect for those who want to have close contact with nature, hikers or veterans to challenge 💪 ~ Remember to prepare your equipment, climb the mountain to see the beautiful scenery, the trip is not easy but definitely worth it!

Mediterranean Coast Tour in Spain ~ Girona Region If you want to witness the magnificent wonders shaped by nature's forces, the Montsacopa Volcano in Olot is an absolute must-visit spot! 🔥 It's incredibly easy to reach too! A simple hike up a small hill and a walk along the left-hand path will lead you to the ancient volcanic crater. There are plenty of signs and explanations on-site to help you learn about volcanic landscapes and gain new knowledge effortlessly. For a panoramic view of the entire area, take an extra 5-minute walk to the nearby castle. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Olot city, along with the volcanic rocks left behind from eruptions millions of years ago. It's the perfect spot for snapping photos that are sure to rack up the likes! 📸 Why wait? September is the most pleasant season in Catalonia, making it ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers to explore. If you're planning a self-guided trip to experience the charm of the Mediterranean coast, this destination will not disappoint!

Spain Mediterranean Coast Tour - Girona (Greater Region) Just visited the most beautiful Torres de Sant Francesc tower in Olot, which was an ancient surveillance facility and has now been transformed into a super cool photo-taking observation deck! As long as you are willing to walk up a few steep stairs🚶, you will definitely give you a "worth the price" of beauty ~ unbeatable panoramic view of Olot and the surrounding beautiful peaks, including the super beautiful Montacopa volcano winged crater and St. Francis Church, great for photography📸! When you reach the top floor of the tower, there is also a bar where you can easily sit and chill, have a drink 🍹, looking at the beautiful scenery is really healing! Want to come to Catalonia in autumn (September), here is sincerely recommended, history and nature all at once! Address: 17800 Olot, Girona, Spain Location: Torres de Sant Francesc, Olot Why not bookmark your Spain itinerary? 🔥 #September Good Places 2025 #Catalonia

Spain's Mediterranean Coast Tour - Girona (Greater Region) Casa Solà Morales is a renowned landmark in the city of Lagarocha😍 and is definitely a must-visit for taking pictures! This Baroque building, originally designed by Italian Francisco Briller in the late 18th century, to the early 20th century when the explosion of modernism, architect Luis Domenech Montanel completely renovated Unfortunately, because it is a private building, you can't visit inside🥲, but it's worth taking pictures at the door to feel the majesty and art of the building! When you come to Catalonia in September, there are really many exciting places to visit. Friends who plan to take a historical route should not miss this attraction 📍La Casa Solà Morales Address: Passeig de l'Escultor Miquel Blay, 38, 17800 Olot, Girona, Spain #September Good Places 2025

Spanish Mediterranean Coast Trip ~ Girona (Region) A 400-year-old house in the heart of Olot. It's remarkably well-preserved, allowing you to glimpse the Trincheria family's lifestyle. Admission is free and open on Mondays! It's the only museum in Olot open that day. Everything inside is beautiful: the murals, paintings, furniture, decorative items, and most importantly, the massive nativity scene, a wonder that will captivate children and adults alike. It's a perfect choice for a Monday afternoon visit to this beautiful town. #SeptemberDestinations2025 #Catalonia

A Journey Along Spain's Mediterranean Coast ~ Girona (Region) Taking advantage of our location in Olot, just a 5-minute walk from the Saints Museum, you'll find this museum well worth a visit. Situated on the third floor of a historic building, it is perfectly structured for an enjoyable tour, with well-explained and high-quality content. The museum's main attractions include collections from the Olot School of Landscape Painting, works by other Catalan artists, sculptures, and a series of modernist posters. Admission is €3.

Spanish Mediterranean Coast Tour ~ Girona (Region) Admission is free, so you can explore at your own pace and stop at your favorite spots. Perhaps it would be nice to update it a bit and make it more interactive with more screens and buttons, especially for younger visitors. The statue of the saint is magnificent, with beautifully crafted lines and contours. We loved it! It's a shame we went on a holiday, so the workshop where the saints were made was closed, so we couldn't see them in action. #SeptemberGoodPlaces2025 #Catalonia

Spain's Mediterranean Coast Tour ~ Girona (Region) Olot still retains some interesting monuments, such as the 18th-century parish church of Sant'Esteve, which houses the Baroque altarpiece of El Rose; the Mare de Déu del Tura sanctuary, built in the late 18th century; the El Carme Monastery; and the old hospice, now home to the Regional Museum, which houses an excellent collection of modernist paintings. The town also boasts many aristocratic mansions, such as those of Solà-Morales, Vayreda, Trinxeria, Bolòs, and Ventós. From Olot, you can also visit the nearby La Garrotxa volcanic area, a declared nature reserve. #SeptemberDestinations2025 #Catalonia

Spanish Mediterranean Coast Tour ~ Girona (Region) It is located between the Fluvia and Torronel rivers. Its churches and houses cling to the top of spectacular basalt rock walls, which has become one of the most widely used images of the region. The old part of the village dates back to the Middle Ages and consists of squares, narrow streets and shady corners. The Josep Pla Square viewpoint is located on the edge of the cliff and offers a magnificent view. Its most striking and beautiful place is the Sant Salvador Church, which dates back to the 13th century, and the most important thing is the natural environment of the village. An outing to the Cós Sanctuary is highly recommended. Castellfollit is adjacent to the Garrotxa Volcanic Area Nature Reserve, a protected area with beautiful scenery. #4月好去处2025 #西班牙旅行 #CATALONIA

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