Dragonflies in Catalonia
Dragons, damsels, and other wildlife in north-east Spain

Saturday 11 - Saturday 18 June 2011 (8 days)

Join us on our second dragonfly trip to the Iberian Peninsula with Mike Lockwood, President of the highly active Catalan Dragonfly Study Group. We hope to see around 35-40 species, as well as a wealth of orchids, raptors and butterflies - and volcanoes! - in this highly varied north-eastern corner of Catalonia.

In all, 69 species of dragonfly have been recorded in Catalonia and this week's trip will be dedicated to finding the maximum species richness in the pre-Pyrenean area of La Garrotxa, in the environs of La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

The main habitats are grouped around the valley of the river Fluvià, the only major undammed river in Catalonia.

Aside from the dragonflies, we'll be taking a least a day out to visit a higher upland area, where our target will be the flower-rich montane meadows graced by gentians and orchids, as well as a number of drier limestone meadows with a wealth of heaths, ringlets, fritillaries and blue butterflies. And at some stage, we also hope to gaze skywards to spot passing Griffon Vultures, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, Honey Buzzards and Black Kites, amongst the raptors, and elsewhere Bonelli's, Subalpine and Sardinian Warblers, Cirl and Rock Buntings, Firecrest, Red-backed and Woodchat Shrikes, Alpine Swift and Crag Martin.

Accommodation: We stay in a modern medium quality hotel in Olot, with some dinners in local restaurants.

Principal Leader: Mike Lockwood

Numbers: Max. 12 clients

Outline Itinerary
Day 1We take a scheduled flight London-Barcelona and transfer to our hotel Olot and, if time permits, will have a chance for a walk to the nearby wood of La Moixina for our first dragonflies and butterflies.
Days 2-7Seven nights Olot
Day 8We return to Barcelona and, if time permits, will make a quick visit to the lagoons at Sils, just off the motorway.

Click here for a full, printable itinerary

Price: £ 1,545
Single supp.: £ 135
Deposit: £ 300 per person

The price per person includes return scheduled flight from London - Barcelona/Gerona, airport taxes, 8 nights' accommodation, all meals, transport and the services of the leaders.

The price excludes holiday insurance, drinks, and other personal expenses.

*For an ex-flight cost of the tour (Barcelona or Gerona/Barcelona or Gerona) please deduct £125 per person from the tour cost.

Catalonia map