The Most Beautiful Medieval Villages In Catalunya Spain

Anyone who has stepped outside of the Catalan capital Barcelona for any length of time will know that Catalonia is home to stunning scenery, complete with perfect sea views and epic natural landscapes. Nestled between the Mediterranean sea and the Pyrenees, the scenery of Catalonia is just as rich and diverse. We’ve compiled a list of the most stunning villages to visit for indulging in natural Catalan beauty.

Besalú

Without a doubt one of the most well-preserved ancient towns in Catalunya, Besalú was an important cross-roads during the Middle Ages. One of its remarkable features is the 12th-century Romanesque bridge which crosses the river Fluvià. The town’s narrow brick roads create a distinctively romantic feel and there are a number of quaint terraces on which to soak up the atmosphere.

Rupit

Peratallada

The name of this jaw dropping town is rumored to derive from the Catalan words for ‘carved rock’, and no doubt refers to the way most of the ancient houses were carved out of the stone from the local moat. Home to a number of artists’ shops as well as some excellent restaurants, this small town has plenty to explore and is a perfect blend of old and new.

Santa Pau

This quaint Catalan town is an enclave of tranquility in the midst of the Garotxa volcanic region of Catalunya. Home to stunning medieval architecture and picture perfect old squares, Santa Pau is also renowned for its cutting edge gastronomy, with many coming from afar to eat in some of its most popular restaurants.

Castellfollit de la Roca

One of the most unique settings in Catalunya, Castellfolit de la Roca is perched atop a basalt crag which was formed by an eruption of lava from the local volcanoes in the Garotxa natural park. The town itself is tiny, stretching just one kilometre across the top of the 5o metre high crag, but guarantees some of the best views and a one-of-a-kind experience.

Cadaqués

Where land meets sea, Cadaqués is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking towns along the Catalan coast. This charming town is home to a number of museums and cultural sites for those who like to mix a little learning into their enjoyment. Frequently visited by the likes of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, the town is steeped in artistic history just waiting to be explored.

Siurana

Not as well known as some of the other villages, Siurana is a diamond in the rough and one of Catalunya’s best kept secrets. Situated on the top of a cliff, the town looks down over the Siurana reservoir and in the distance, the Prades mountains. Small and peaceful, the town is home to beautifully preserved medieval stone houses, the jewel on the crown being the church of Santa Maria.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.