Today should be a really lovely day of discovery in La Garrotxa Natural Park.

The idea is loosely to drive a 100km circuit from your hotel and back again, combining scenic driving, relaxed walking and life in typical Catalan towns and villages. You simply set off in either direction and see how things go - there's no need to pack too much in as this is definitely somewhere that rewards slow travel.

Your first stop could be the stone village of Santa Pau. From here a 4km trail leads up through beech forest into one of the extinct volcanic craters that the park is known for. A small chapel has been tucked away up here since the Middle Ages.

Next up is Banyoles, where you can go for a stroll around the huge lake where cormorants sunbathe and local families gather for picnics. Beyond that is Besalú, a picture-perfect example of a Catalan town with its iconic medieval bridge. Closer to home is Castellfollit, dramatically perched on its ridge above two rivers. If time allows you can call into Olot, the largest of Garrotxa's towns with another chapel in another volcanic crater.

Another restful evening awaits at La Rectoria.