10 Beautiful Villages in Catalonia & Medieval Towns Near Barcelona

One of Catalunya’s most picturesque villages, Besalú, is a must-visit destination in northern Catalunya. Located inland from the dramatic Costa Brava coastline, Besalú was the capital of an independent county in the 10th and 11th centuries that stretched as far west as the town of Cerdanya before Barcelona took control in 1111 AD. It boasts an incredible legacy of Jewish and Catholic heritage – including three Romanesque churches. Besalú’s Jewish community flourished during the Middle Ages before disappearing in the 15th century. Most beautiful of all is the fantastic view of the village across the crooked medieval fortified bridge that crosses the “Fluvià” river. The Plaça de la Llibertat has some lovely cafes with outdoor terraces – our favorite restaurant is Pont Vell, where you can enjoy local delicacies like fideuà (pasta in squid ink) and drink a glass of Empordà, the nearest wine region to Besalú.

More than a sleepy hamlet, Monells is an incredibly charming destination: a tiny village with a big heart. Its star attraction is the glorious Plaça de Jaume I, which boasts just one little cafe that puts tables under the arches in the summer months – the perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitif. Monells is also ideally positioned to explore the nearby Empordà wine region of northern Catalunya; the principal grapes are Grenache and Carignan, and the wine is potent and strongly flavored. Also, drive outside the village, as beyond Monells are delightful country roads through lush forest, dotted with more unspoiled hamlets and Romanesque chapels to explore.

Pals is a touchingly cute village with immediate charm: a chocolate-box hideaway that houses a spectacular Romanesque Church with a Gothic interior, multiple little squares, and, best of all, is close enough to the rugged Costa Brava for day excursions to the seaside. Its main monument is the 15-meter Torre de les Hores (Clock Tower), dating from the 11th–12th centuries. The village dates back to at least the 5th century – the real reason to come here is to wander around the uneven lanes and explore all this fascinating village’s medieval nooks and crannies. From the Mirador del Pedro, you can see across the coastal plains to the sea. A few good restaurants are dotted around; wine-wise, you’re once again in the Empordà region, home to sturdy, strongly flavored reds.

Peratallada attracts hordes of international visitors in the summer, and it’s not difficult to see why. It has also become a favorite day trip for Catalans, drawn by excellent restaurants, splendid architecture, a luxury hotel, and many charming cafes perfect for people-watching. The village derives its name from the Catalan for “Carved stone,” a fitting title as Peratallada is full of pretty stone houses.

The first settlement dates back to the Bronze Age, although its most prominent landmark, an imposing castle that has now been turned into a luxury hotel, dates back to the 11th century. Trendy boutiques and restaurants have supplemented its narrow streets and pretty squares in recent years.

Close to the fascinating small city of Figueras, renowned for being the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, is the equally beguiling village of Perelada. In medieval times, the village was home to the Frankish Counts, who controlled this region in Catalunya until the Count of Barcelona reclaimed it. Today, Perelada is best known for its enchanting castle and long winemaking tradition. Wine production at the Castillo de Perelada dates back to at least the 14th century, while Miguel Mateu acquired the estate in 1923 and set about reviving its historic wine culture. Today, Perelada produces both Cava and still wines, including its celebrated Finca Garbet.

Another famous landmark is the Castell-Palau dels Rocabertí. The family’s original castle was destroyed in 1285, after which they built a new fortress outside the town walls and altered it over the following centuries. With its round towers, the castle has a slightly French air and boasts an excellent restaurant and a Casino! But the rest of the village merits a leisurely tour, with several medieval churches, convents, and pleasantly winding lanes.

Located deep in the spectacular Collsacabra countryside. You’ll encounter Rupit, a splendid old village set amid rugged countryside – the mountains are a sight to behold. Of course, such majesty attracts plenty of appreciative visitors, who come in droves to cross the legendary suspension bridge – constructed in the 1940s – that grants access to the village. You’ll discover plenty of quaint old 17th-century houses, baroque churches, and tucked-away squares. Be sure to wander along Carrer del Fossar, which climbs the hill along the village’s spine toward the highest point. Those with ravenous appetites won’t find many great dining options in Rupit. However, the town of Vic is not far away and boasts a good selection of restaurants

One of La Garrotxa’s lesser-known villages, Santa Pau nonetheless merits a closer look. It sits in the middle of the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de La Garrotxa, a spectacular natural park of lush vegetation and unusual beauty. Volcanic eruptions occurred here about 350,000 years ago – the most recent was about 11,500 years ago, and today, there are about 40 volcanic cones in the park, which stretch up to 160m high. The village itself is quite charming, tiny but perched picturesquely on a rocky outcrop, containing a lovely square, the Romanesque church Santa Maria, and an ancient baronial castle.

Moreover, the upside of its lack of fame is that even in the high summer season, the number of other visitors is manageable – bliss indeed!

One of our favorite Catalan villages, Scala Dei, is something of a Mecca for wine lovers. Situated in the Priorat region, it is famous for its power – and expense! – old-vine Grenache wines. Priorat’s steep, terraced vineyards are renowned for their unique Llicorella soils, which are remarkably infertile and high in quartz and slate, creating ideal conditions for low-yielding, highly concentrated fruit!

Scala Dei lies at the foot of the Montsant range, which is also the name of the wine region that almost surrounds the Priorat vineyards. Although small, Scala Dei makes for a fascinating day excursion, with its pretty Romanesque church, medieval setting, and the famous wine producer of the same name, now owned by Cava house Codorníu. But the most celebrated architectural triumph is the Cartoixa convent, located just outside the village. Its Basilica, made of red sandstone, is stunning, as are the monks’ former residences.

If you want stunning views, you’ve come to the right place; Siurana sits atop a rocky escarpment, offering breathtaking vistas of the Prades Mountains and the surrounding valley floor. The hamlet has a rich history; the castle of Siurana was one of the last two Muslim bastions to fall to the reconquering Christians in Catalunya. Today, it lies in ruins above this pretty, microscopic village inhabited by just a few people. Hikers will especially love Siurana, as walking trails depart in several directions from the village, letting you enjoy the stunning landscape on your own. The local wine, Priorat, will be available on tap; for some tasty local dishes, we’d head to the nearby village of Cornudella de Montsant, about 9 km away.

Ok, so Girona isn’t a village by any stretch of the imagination, but it still merits inclusion for its beautiful architecture and important Jewish heritage. Northern Catalunya’s largest city, Girona, boasts an impressive medieval center that climbs a hill above the river Onyar and is well worth a visit. Visitors can often lose track of time in the old town’s narrow streets before finally reaching the fine Baroque cathedral, which has the widest Gothic nave in the world. The city’s greatest fame comes from the perfectly preserved Jewish quarter, known as the Call, on Carrer de la Forca.

Until 1436, Girona was home to one of Catalunya’s largest medieval Jewish communities; the Museu d’Història dels Jueus de Girona offers a fascinating look at medieval Jewish life and culture. After your cultural exploration, head to one of the cafes under the arcades on Rambla de la Llibertat; it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere and sip Cava.