Castellfollit de la Roca

Coordinates: 42.2191890000, 2.5499130000 (map)

Mother Nature took her time creating this particular masterpiece. 217 000 years ago, a volcano eruption brought a wave of basalt lava from the south to the region, while 25 000 years ago, another wave rolled from the north. The rivers Fluvià and Turonell suddenly had masses of volcanic matter between them, which they have been dutifully filing down ever since. The result: a kilometre-long narrow rock with a vertical drop of 50 meters. When the time came for people to inhabit the area, the location was found to be perfect due to being easily defendable. A village called Castellfollit de la Roca has appeared on the world map.

Today, Castellfollit de la Roca is tiny, but it's not even the smallest town in Catalonia — according to the 2016 census, it has a population of 970 people. Most of the employed residents have jobs elsewhere as opportunities for growth and industrial expansion within the town borders are limited. Those who are not employed pass the time in the gardens at the foot of the rock or gaze into the distance at its top.

Castellfollit de la Roca is found right in the middle of the Garrotxa natural park (Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa) so it gets its fair share of visitors touring the picturesque surroundings of the area. Most tourists begin exploring Castellfollit de la Roca from its eastern part, the square Plaça de Josep Pla, a fantastic vantage point with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding forests and the mountains.

A church standing nearby is Iglesia de Sant Salvador dating back to the 13th century. Not much has changed since then: the church looks fairly modern and acts not only as a place of worship but as a cultural centre with a local history museum and a photo gallery as well. Also here, the cardboard giants Roc (380 cm tall, 35 kg) and Barbara (362 cm tall, 33 kg) patiently await their next appearance at the festa mayor of the village. They have been "living" in Castellfollit de la Roca since 1966.

Climbing to the top of the church belltower will allow you to add another stunning view to the ones already seen from the square below — two rows of houses huddled together tightly, as if afraid to fall into the abyss. Castellfollit de la Roca has two bars and two restaurants, one of which – Can Llorenç – stands right on the edge, so terrace lunches are a thrill. Indulge in meat dishes, especially charcoal-grilled, but don't expect too much variety (or freshness) from the fish offerings on the menu.

An unhurried walk around town takes about an hour and a half. Getting lost is a challenge but the route is well-marked nonetheless. The rock has nothing to offer to lovers of museums unless you come across the deli shop Museu de l'Embotit, which is well worth a stop for fantastic cured meats produced in the Garrotxa region.

Castellfollit de la Roca is 120 km away from Barcelona and makes a wonderful day trip for when you have already explored Monserrat, Reus, Girona and Colonia Güell.