The Most Beautiful Medieval Villages In Catalunya, Spain

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.

This delightful medieval town is located by the shores of the river Rupit and offers both stunning natural scenery, including picturesque waterfalls and peaceful countryside walks, as well as the charm of medieval stone buildings in the Old Town. Wind your way up the ancient streets and stop off in the many independent shops and local restaurants to really get the most of this Catalan treasure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.