From volcano to sea: discovering the Carrilet Greenway
Some routes invite you to walk. Others, to cycle at a leisurely pace. And then there are those that offer something more: the feeling that you’re passing through completely different landscapes in a single journey. The Carrilet Greenway, in Girona, is one of them.
This spectacular route links the volcanic heart of La Garrotxa with the waters of the Mediterranean, following the old railway line of the ‘carrilet’, the narrow-gauge train that for decades connected Olot with Girona and Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Today, converted into a greenway, it offers nearly 100 kilometres of gentle, accessible terrain through forests, valleys, medieval villages and peaceful rural stretches.
A perfect route for both hikers and cycling enthusiasts.
A journey through volcanoes, forests and the sea
The magic of the Carrilet Greenway lies in its enormous variety of landscapes. The route begins in Olot, surrounded by the volcanoes and beech forests of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, one of Catalonia’s most stunning natural environments.
From there, the route descends gently along the old railway line. There are hardly any steep gradients, making this greenway an ideal choice for a leisurely experience and suitable for practically any level of fitness.
As we progress, the landscape changes constantly:
- Tracks surrounded by vegetation and tunnels of trees.
- Farmland and charming little villages.
- Historic bridges and restored old stations.
- Sections alongside the River Ter.
- The Mediterranean atmosphere that gradually emerges as we approach the Costa Brava.
It is precisely this transition from the mountainous interior to the sea that makes this route so special.
From Olot to Girona: nature in its purest form
The first section, known as Carrilet I, connects Olot with Girona over a distance of some 57 kilometres.
Here, the green and lush landscapes typical of La Garrotxa and La Selva predominate. The route passes through towns such as Les Preses, Sant Feliu de Pallerols and Amer, where the tranquil atmosphere of the old railway towns still lingers.
One of the great attractions of this part of the route is the feeling of being able to switch off. The route winds through forests and rural areas with very little traffic and plenty of spots to stop and rest, take photos or simply enjoy the surroundings.
For hikers, this section allows the route to be divided into several manageable stages. And for cycling enthusiasts, it offers a very rewarding experience thanks to the firm, compact surface and the gentle downhill gradient.
Girona, the perfect meeting point
Reaching Girona is one of the most special moments of the journey. The city acts as a link between the inland region and the Mediterranean, and is well worth a leisurely stop.
Its historic centre, the colourful houses overlooking the River Onyar and its cobbled streets make a visit the perfect complement to the route.
Furthermore, Girona has established itself as one of Europe’s top cycling destinations, so everything is specially geared towards those exploring the area on two wheels.
On the way to the Costa Brava
The second section, Carrilet II, continues from Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, alongside the Mediterranean. It is approximately 40 additional kilometres of almost entirely flat terrain.
Here the landscape changes completely. Mediterranean pine forests, open fields and typical villages of the Baix Empordà come into view. The atmosphere becomes warmer, brighter and filled with that scent of the sea that heralds the end of the journey.
Llagostera, Santa Cristina d’Aro and Castell d’Aro are just some of the towns you’ll pass through on this final stretch of the journey.
And then comes the grand finale: Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Finishing the route with a view of the Mediterranean after setting off from a volcanic inland area is a feeling that is hard to forget.
An ideal greenway to enjoy at a leisurely pace
The Carrilet Greenway is one of those routes that allows you to tailor the experience to suit everyone.
Some people cycle the whole route over a weekend. Others prefer to walk short sections and take their time enjoying each village and each landscape.
Thanks to its comfortable and safe route, it is also a superb option for families or for those looking to get started in hiking or long-distance cycle touring.
Furthermore, along the entire route there are facilities, rest areas and a wide range of dining options where you can discover the cuisine of Girona.
The right kit makes all the difference
Although this is an accessible greenway, covering many kilometres always requires you to be well equipped.
Comfortable, breathable footwear with good cushioning is essential for enjoying the experience, especially if you’re alternating between sections of compact earth, gravel or long days of walking.
On routes as varied as the Carrilet, where you move from damp mountain areas to Mediterranean landscapes, having versatile gear suited to any terrain helps you enjoy the journey in complete comfort.
Because ultimately, on routes like this, it’s not just about reaching your destination. It’s about enjoying every kilometre of the journey.