Top 5 Caves around Les Preses

The Les Preses area, located within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, is known for its unique volcanic landscape. You'll find distinctive underground experiences such as volcanic formations, historical crevices, and rock-carved religious sites, rather than traditional limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites.

Visitors often explore the Oratory of Mare de Déu de les Olletes, a religious site carved into rock, and the Bandoleros' Mine, a historical crevice once used by bandits. Another intriguing spot is Baumes de Caixurma, a system of labyrinthine galleries formed between large rock blocks.

Yes, the region offers significant historical and cultural sites. The Oratory of Mare de Déu de les Olletes is a 17th-century religious site carved into rock, housing a Baroque image of the Virgin Mary. The Bandoleros' Mine is a historical crevice that served as a hiding place for bandits due to its strategic location near the old Camino Real.

The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is characterized by around 40 inactive volcanoes and over 20 basaltic lava flows. The 'caves' here are often volcanic formations, rock shelters, or geological features like the labyrinthine galleries of Baumes de Caixurma, which are Eocene materials of bluish-gray shale marl.

Many of the sites are accessible for families, though some require a moderate level of fitness. The Oratory of Mare de Déu de les Olletes is generally considered an intermediate visit. For sites like Baumes de Caixurma, which involve labyrinthine galleries and narrow cracks, it's important to consider the challenging difficulty and the presence of protected wildlife.

The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the outdoor trails leading to these sites. Summer can be warm, while winter provides a quieter experience, though some paths might be damp. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.

Yes, many of these sites are integrated into the extensive network of hiking trails within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. You can find various routes for MTB Trails around Les Preses, Road Cycling Routes around Les Preses, and Cycling around Les Preses that pass by or near these unique geological and historical formations.

Generally, no specific permits are required for visiting the publicly accessible cave-like sites or hiking trails within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. However, for sensitive areas like Baumes de Caixurma, which host protected invertebrates and bats, it's advised not to enter certain sections to minimize impact on wildlife.

Given the varied terrain and the nature of these sites, comfortable hiking shoes with good grip are recommended. Layers of clothing are advisable as temperatures can change. For exploring crevices or darker areas, a headlamp or flashlight can be useful. Always bring water and any personal necessities.

The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park generally welcomes dogs on trails, but specific rules may apply to certain protected areas or inside structures. While exploring the outdoor approaches to sites like the Oratory of Mare de Déu de les Olletes or Bandoleros' Mine, dogs are usually permitted on leash. For sensitive natural monuments like Baumes de Caixurma, it's best to keep dogs out of the narrow, delicate interior sections to protect the ecosystem.

Parking is typically available in or near the towns and villages that serve as access points to the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, including Les Preses. Specific parking areas are often designated near trailheads leading to popular sites. It's advisable to check local signage for the most convenient parking for your chosen destination.