Alta Garrotxa, Protected natural area in Catalonia, Spain
Alta Garrotxa is a protected natural area in the eastern pre-Pyrenees of Catalonia covering around 32,000 hectares. The terrain features limestone formations with deep valleys and steep cliffs that create the area's distinctive mountain landscape.
The region experienced significant population decline during the 1950s as residents migrated away due to industrialization in surrounding valleys. The collapse of coal mining activities marked a turning point that transformed these mountain communities.
Traditional villages and old farmhouses dot the landscape, showing how people have lived here for generations. Walking through these settlements today reveals the rhythm of rural mountain life that shaped this region.
Access to popular locations like Sadernes requires using designated parking facilities, as vehicle restrictions are enforced during peak visitor periods. Arriving early in the day or visiting outside main seasons helps ensure better conditions for exploring the terrain.
The name Garrotxes comes from Catalan terms meaning rough lands with difficult tracks, reflecting the challenging nature of these mountains. This ancient descriptor still accurately captures what visitors experience when navigating the terrain today.
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