Medieval Villages in Catalonia
The medieval villages of Catalonia are one of the best ways to discover the history, landscape and most authentic essence of the region. From the Costa Brava to inland Girona or the walls of Tarragona, Catalonia preserves some of the best-preserved medieval ensembles in Spain.
Cobbled streets, castles and squares with centuries of history make these destinations essential getaways. In this guide you will find the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia, selected for their charm, preservation and the experience they offer visitors, with practical information and a few secrets that few guides mention.
The 10 best medieval villages in Catalonia
- Besalú (Garrotxa, Girona) – the most emblematic
- Peratallada (Baix Empordà, Costa Brava) – the best preserved
- Pals (Baix Empordà, Costa Brava) – among rice fields and wineries
- Tossa de Mar (La Selva, Costa Brava) – the closest to Barcelona
- Rupit (Osona, near Barcelona) – the most beautiful in the world
- Santa Pau (Garrotxa, Girona) – in the heart of the volcanic area
- Peralada (Alt Empordà, Costa Brava) – history and vineyards
- Begur (Baix Empordà, Costa Brava) – medieval charm and sea
- Sant Martí d'Empúries (Alt Empordà) – small and charming by the sea
- Montblanc (Conca de Barberà, Tarragona) – the one from the legend of Saint George
1. Besalú (Garrotxa, Girona)
Besalú is one of the most impressive and most photographed medieval villages in Catalonia. Its most iconic image is the spectacular 12th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River, with its characteristic angular shape, unique in Europe. Crossing it is an unforgettable experience that makes Besalú one of the essential medieval villages in Girona.
Located in the region of La Garrotxa, in the province of Girona, Besalú stands out for its excellent state of preservation and great historical richness. If you are wondering what to see in Besalú, its old town offers some of the best-preserved medieval ensembles in Catalonia: Besalú Castle, the old Jewish quarter with the Miqvé (one of the best-preserved medieval ritual baths in Spain), the Romanesque church of Sant Pere and its cobbled streets full of history and legends.
Besalú is also one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain, especially during the Besalú Medieval Fair, held in autumn, which transforms the village into a true period setting.
Hotels near Besalú
Near Besalú, in Olot (about 20 minutes away), Hotel La Perla d’Olot is an excellent place to stay. It stands out for its family atmosphere, traditional cuisine restaurant and location, perfect for exploring both Besalú and the volcanic area of La Garrotxa.
Hotel La Perla d'Olot, located in the heart of Garrotxa, is a family-run establishment that combines a cozy atmosphere with modern facilities.
Ideal for exploring the volcanic nature and the springs of Olot, it offers services such as swimming pool, restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and parking. With comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, TV and terrace, the hotel is designed to guarantee a peaceful and pleasant stay for all its visitors, whether for family breaks or business stays.
2. Peratallada (Baix Empordà, Costa Brava)
Peratallada, in Girona, is one of the best-preserved medieval villages on the Costa Brava and, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful villages in Girona. Located in the Baix Empordà, in the municipality of Forallac, not far from the beaches and coves of the Costa Brava. It is surrounded by fields that in spring turn yellow with rapeseed and in summer with sunflowers, creating a very characteristic landscape of the Empordà.
Its name means “carved stone,” and perfectly defines its essence. If you are wondering what to see in Peratallada, its main attraction is its historic ensemble: Peratallada Castle, the walls and the spectacular moat carved directly into the rock surrounding the entire old town, one of the best preserved in Catalonia. From there, the best way to discover it is to wander aimlessly through its cobbled lanes, stone arches with bougainvillea and charming squares.
Peratallada also stands out for its gastronomic and artisan atmosphere. Very close to other medieval villages such as Pals, Monells and Palau-Sator, it is an essential stop on any Costa Brava route. Do not miss the muffins from Can Tuset, one of the most typical souvenirs, or the Gelat Artesà ice cream shop, with surprising flavours. The village also has excellent restaurants and hosts a medieval fair in summer.
Hotels in Peratallada
To visit Peratallada at a relaxed pace, we recommend Hotel Mas Rabiol. This former adults-only farmhouse, located just a few minutes from the village (it can even be reached on foot), has gardens, an outdoor pool and electric bike service (and bike room) to explore the Empordà. Its open-air breakfasts with local produce are one of the most memorable parts of the stay.
The Hotel Mas Rabiol is a charming rural hotel in Peratallada, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia, located in the heart of the Baix Empordà, very close to the coves and beaches of the Costa Brava. This 16th-century farmhouse, with its large stone walls, has been carefully restored preserving its original essence and structure, becoming a welcoming charming hotel on the Costa Brava.
The Hotel Mas Rabiol has 8 cosy rooms and character-filled common areas, including a dining room with a spectacular Empordà-style vaulted ceiling and a reading lounge with fireplace. Surrounded by a large 50,000 m² garden with swimming pool, it is an ideal place for a romantic getaway in nature, where you can enjoy the silence and tranquility of the Empordà.
Its location in Peratallada allows guests to discover a unique setting, with excellent restaurants, boutique shops and vermouth bars. The hotel is pet friendly and bike friendly, offering a bike room, bicycle storage, bike rental and cycling routes through the Baix Empordà, making it also a perfect destination for wine lovers thanks to the nearby wineries.
The Hotel Mas Rabiol is the perfect starting point to explore the Empordà at any time of the year, combining nature, history and tranquility in one of the most charming corners of Catalonia.
3. Pals (Baix Empordà, Costa Brava)
Pals is one of the most beautiful and visited medieval villages in Catalonia. Located in Baix Empordà, the municipality is divided into three areas: the medieval centre of Pals on top of a hill, the Masos de Pals and Platja de Pals.
The old town, located in the upper part, is one of the most charming medieval ensembles in Girona. Among the main things to see in Pals are its cobbled streets, the iconic Torre de les Hores, the remains of the walls and its viewpoints with views over the Empordà and the Medes Islands.
The surroundings are another of its major attractions: Pals is surrounded by rice fields, unique in Catalonia with denomination of origin (Pals rice), which in summer create very photogenic landscapes, especially with the Montgrí massif reflected in the water. In addition, the village is surrounded by some of the most renowned wineries of the DO Empordà, which also play a starring role in the wine festival: Vívid, in April.
Other beautiful villages near Pals are Peratallada, Monells and Palau-Sator, forming one of the most attractive medieval routes in the Empordà. Pals is also an excellent base for exploring them, especially with the family thanks to the tourist train “Xiulet de Pals,” a family excursion on the Costa Brava that tours these villages and the rice fields on a route lasting about 1 hour and 45 minutes. In July, do not miss the Nit de les Espelmes, which lights up the old town with candle displays and performing arts events.
Hotels near Pals
If you want to stay just a few minutes from the medieval centre of Pals and are travelling without children, Hotel Mas Roig is an excellent option. This former 16th-century farmhouse, converted into an adults-only hotel, offers a peaceful and charming natural setting.
For families, Hotel La Costa Golf & Beach Resort is a very complete hotel on the Costa Brava. Located opposite Platja de Pals and next to the golf course, it has large swimming pools, entertainment and services designed for travelling with children, such as babysitting service.
The Hotel Mas Roig is an exclusive hotel in Pals, in the heart of the Baix Empordà, just 5 minutes from the medieval village and very close to some of the best beaches on the Costa Brava, as well as the Montgrí Natural Park, the Medes Islands and the Baix Ter. This 16th-century farmhouse, formerly known as Es Portal Hotel & Restaurant Boutique, has been carefully restored and offers a unique setting among rice fields and sunflower fields in summer.
With only 9 rooms, Mas Roig is an adults-only boutique hotel, ideal for a peaceful getaway in nature. Its more than 10,000 m² of gardens, the outdoor pool with sun terrace and its relaxation-focused spaces create an intimate and tranquil atmosphere. Some rooms, such as the suite, feature a hydromassage bathtub, adding an extra level of comfort for a truly special stay.
The Hotel Mas Roig also stands out as a gastronomic hotel on the Costa Brava, with a restaurant offering Empordà cuisine with a subtle modern touch, based on local and seasonal products. A culinary experience that reflects the flavours and aromas of the region in a setting that invites guests to enjoy small gastronomic pleasures.
Its location, surrounded by nature and close to some of the best wineries in the Baix Empordà, makes it an ideal base for discovering the region, enjoying outdoor activities or exploring wine tourism. In addition, the hotel is pet friendly (with supplement) and offers an electric vehicle charging point.
Located in the heart of the Costa Brava, La Costa Golf & Beach Resort offers direct access to Golf de Pals and is just a few meters from an extensive dune beach. Its 120 rooms feature views of the pool or the golf course greens, ensuring comfort and relaxation.
With an outstanding gastronomic offer, facilities for conventions and special events, and a wide range of sports and leisure activities, this resort is the ideal destination in the Baix Empordà.
Facing the medieval castle of Santa Pau, in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in La Garrotxa, stands the Hotel Cal Sastre, a charming accommodation surrounded by history and volcanic nature. Its privileged location, within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, makes it an ideal base for discovering unique landscapes and exploring the old town of this medieval village.
The Cal Sastre occupies two 15th-century houses carefully restored, preserving the original architecture and creating an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. Its rooms, decorated with period furniture and an elegant style, combine historical character with modern comfort. All are exterior and offer views of the Santa Margarida volcano, the Puig de Mar volcano, the Sant Julià mountains or the castle, and some feature a bathtub in the room, perfect for a romantic getaway in La Garrotxa.
La Garrotxa is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor activities, offering options such as hiking among volcanoes, cycling routes, horse riding or hot air balloon flights. In addition, the hotel is located close to the Greenways, various natural pools and Lake Banyoles, expanding leisure possibilities throughout the year.
The experience is completed at the Cal Sastre Restaurant, where guests can enjoy authentic Garrotxa cuisine made with local and seasonal products. Highlights include the Santa Pau beans, a true gastronomic gem grown in the region’s volcanic soils. The Hotel Cal Sastre also features a unique swimming pool integrated into its stone façade, enhancing its distinctive character.
4. Tossa de Mar (La Selva, Costa Brava)
Located in the region of La Selva, Girona, Tossa de Mar is known as “the Pearl of the Costa Brava” and stands out for being the medieval village closest to Barcelona and the only one that preserves a fortified medieval town by the sea.
Its great icon is the Vila Vella, a 14th-century walled fortress perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean. Walking through its cobbled streets is like travelling back in time: here you will find Tossa de Mar Castle, the lighthouse and the Municipal Museum, with works by artists such as Marc Chagall, who described it as the “blue paradise.”
Among everything to see in Tossa de Mar, highlights include Platja Gran, just below the walls and one of the most iconic images of the Costa Brava, as well as Cala Pola. It is also worth visiting the Roman Villa of Els Ametllers, one of the most important Roman sites in the area. A perfect destination to combine medieval history, sea and culture.
Hotels near Tossa de Mar
If we think of charming hotels in Tossa de Mar, Hotel Boutique Casa Granados is one of the most special options. This exclusive adults-only boutique hotel, with only 8 rooms, stands out for its intimate and romantic atmosphere, its elegant gardens designed by Adam Martin, a saltwater outdoor pool and a carefully designed wellness area.
Casa Granados Boutique Hotel is perfectly located in a 200 years old mansion house in the village of Tossa de Mar. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and forests of pines and oaks, the hotel will offer you a warm welcoming.
Casa Granados Boutique Hotel is a unique and exclusive place, consisting of seven rooms that surround the swimming pool, designed by Adam Martí, and romantic gardens around. Inside these gardens there is a spa where you will be able to relax in the sauna or the treatments area.
5. Rupit (Osona, near Barcelona)
Rupit, in the region of Osona and in the heart of Collsacabra, is considered by the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) to be one of the most beautiful villages in the world thanks to its excellent state of preservation, medieval architecture and spectacular natural surroundings. This mountain village in Catalonia, part of the municipality of Rupit i Pruit, is also one of the most recommendable getaways near Barcelona.
The arrival itself is an experience, along a winding road through forests. Access to the historic centre is via its famous wooden suspension bridge over the Rupit River, one of its great icons. From there, the village unfolds all its charm with 16th- and 17th-century stone houses, cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies and corners such as carrer del Fossar or the main square.
Among the must-sees are the baroque church of Sant Miquel and, about 30–45 minutes on foot from the centre, the impressive Rupit Waterfall: Salt de Sallent, a waterfall over 115 metres high, one of the most spectacular in Catalonia. The Collsacabra area is ideal for hiking and cycling routes, and the visit can be completed with nearby places such as Tavertet, the Sau reservoir or the sanctuaries of El Far and La Salut.
The Rupit experience also includes its mountain gastronomy, with homemade dishes, cured meats and traditional sweets such as grandma’s coca. In midsummer, the festivity of Sant Llorenç is celebrated, coinciding with the famous summer meteor shower (the Perseids), an ideal time to enjoy the privileged natural surroundings of Collsacabra and a sky free from light pollution.
Hotels near Rupit
If you are looking for accommodation in Rupit, a good option is to stay in the surrounding area to combine the Collsacabra landscape with other natural areas such as La Garrotxa.
Approximately 1 hour away, in Sant Aniol de Finestres, Hotel Can Buch is a charming eco farmhouse, ideal for disconnecting in the heart of nature. It offers carefully designed rooms, a local plant-based restaurant, an outdoor pool and a wellness area with hammam, combining rural tradition and modern comfort.
Closer to Rupit, in Sant Julià de Vilatorta, Osona, Hotel Mas Albereda is a boutique hotel with rustic character and unique rooms. Its main attraction is its creative Catalan cuisine restaurant, led by chef Nandu Jubany, perfect for completing the getaway with a high-level gastronomic experience.
Can Buch is a rural farmhouse located in the Garrotxa, in the beautiful valley of Llémena, and restored in 2020 by artisans and natural materials.
The farmhouse is ecological and works 100% with renewable energies of the place.
We transport country life with all its traditions but with all the luxuries and comforts of the 21st century.
Plant-Based, ecological and local restaurant with an author’s menu where most of the products are made by us in the farmhouse.
The hotel consists of 12 different rooms each with high quality finishes.
The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a chillout, a reception, a dining room and a private indoor hot water pool (Hammam).
Hotel Mas Albereda, in Sant Julià de Vilatorta, is a historic farmhouse turned into a boutique hotel that combines rustic charm with modern amenities. It offers unique rooms and suites with jacuzzis, set in a rural location between the Montseny and the Pyrenees. Its restaurant, led by chef Nandu Jubany, stands out for its creative Catalan cuisine with local and seasonal products.
6. Santa Pau (Garrotxa, Girona)
Santa Pau is one of the most singular medieval towns in Catalonia, as it is the only one surrounded by volcanoes. Located in the heart of the Volcanic Zone Natural Park of La Garrotxa, Girona, it combines history, nature and landscape.
The village of Santa Pau preserves a perfectly maintained medieval centre, with cobbled streets, the arcaded main square, one of the most beautiful in Catalonia, and Santa Pau Castle as the main feature. This setting of volcanic stone and medieval architecture creates one of the most authentic scenes in inland Girona.
Among everything you can do in Santa Pau, the highlights are: walking through its old town, crossing the Portal de la Vila Vella, visiting Plaça Major and the Mirador Square, as well as the castle. In its natural surroundings, it is essential to visit the Santa Margarida volcano or venture into La Fageda d’en Jordà, one of the most special beech forests in Spain.
Its location also allows you to complete the visit with other charming villages in Catalonia such as Besalú or Castellfollit de la Roca.
Hotels in Santa Pau
If you want to stay in the very centre of Santa Pau and explore its medieval streets in complete peace, Hotel Cal Sastre is your hotel. Located in two carefully restored 15th-century stone houses, it offers rooms with views of the volcanoes or the castle, some with bathtubs in the room, ideal for a rural getaway in La Garrotxa, with a restaurant serving local cuisine made with local produce.
7. Peralada (Alt Empordà, Costa Brava)
Peralada is one of the towns with the most character and elegance in the Empordà. Located a few kilometres from the French border and near Roses and Figueres, it combines historical heritage, culture and wine tradition in the heart of inland Costa Brava.
What to see in Peralada? Without a doubt, the highlight is Peralada Castle, an imposing fortress with two towers surrounded by gardens with century-old trees. Inside are the Peralada Castle Museum, the Romanesque cloister of Sant Domènec and the prestigious Peralada winery, one of the most renowned in Catalonia. Walking through its cobbled streets and stone arches allows you to discover a carefully preserved medieval ensemble full of charm.
Peralada is also known for hosting the Castell de Peralada Festival, one of the most important classical music and opera festivals in Europe. Attending an open-air concert with the castle and vineyards as a backdrop is a unique experience on the Costa Brava.
Its location also makes it a perfect base for exploring other medieval villages of the Empordà and the surroundings of Cap de Creus. Completing the visit with a wine tasting at one of the area’s wineries is one of the great attractions of this getaway.
Hotels near Peralada
To stay near Peralada, there are two very charming hotels. About 15 minutes away, Hotel El Molí, in Pont de Molins, is a restored old mill turned into a fantastic rural hotel surrounded by nature next to the Muga River, ideal for disconnecting, with rooms with terraces, some with bathtubs or fireplaces.
On the other hand, Boutique Hotel Comtal Empúries, in Castelló d’Empúries, offers a more modern experience with rooms and suites with jacuzzi and a wellness area with spa, perfect for combining relaxation with proximity to the beaches of the Costa Brava.
The Hotel El Molí is a charming hotel in Pont de Molins, in the Alt Empordà (Girona), set in the heart of nature by the Muga River and surrounded by cornfields and olive groves, just a few minutes from the Costa Brava. This 17th-century building, restored by the Lladó family, has been transformed into a welcoming rural hotel with charm that combines history, tranquility and comfort in a unique setting.
Hotel Restaurant El Molí has 14 rooms distributed between the main farmhouse building and a newly built area. Its superior rooms stand out, all with private terraces and designed for relaxation, some featuring bathtubs in the room with river views and others with private fireplaces, ideal for a romantic getaway in nature. The farmhouse rooms, recently renovated, preserve their traditional character with all modern comforts.
Waking up at El Molí means listening to the murmur of the river and birdsong, in a setting that invites you to slow down and unwind. The hotel features an infinity outdoor pool, spacious common areas, a pétanque court, bike rental and garage, offering everything needed for a relaxing stay in the Alt Empordà.
The experience is completed with the El Molí restaurant, where seasonal dishes made with local products are served. At Hotel El Molí, every detail is designed to offer an authentic stay in one of the most charming rural hotels near the Costa Brava.
Boutique Hotel Comtal Empuries offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a garden and a terrace. The accommodation offers a restaurant and also has a bar and hot tub. The accommodation features a 24-hour reception, transfer to and from the airport, room service and free WiFi throughout the accommodation. There are buffet or continental breakfast options available at the hotel. Boutique Hotel Comtal Empuries offers a children's play area.
8. Begur (Baix Empordà, Costa Brava)
Begur, in the Baix Empordà, Girona, is one of the most charming villages on the Costa Brava, known for being home to some of the best beaches in Catalonia such as Aiguablava or Sa Tuna. However, beyond its coves, the village of Begur itself is a true gem worth discovering.
This beautiful town in Catalonia spreads around Begur Castle, located on top of a hill with panoramic views of the coast. Walking through its cobbled streets, you will discover an interesting contrast between its medieval past and its Indian heritage, visible in its elegant coloured houses built by those who emigrated to the Americas. This eclectic heritage, along with its shops, local products and restaurants serving local cuisine, brings to life one of the most attractive historic centres in the Empordà.
Among the highlights on the list of what to see and do in Begur, you should not miss the climb up to the castle, getting lost in its streets, discovering its Indian houses and heading down to its coves or walking the coastal path. In addition, its location makes it easy to visit other nearby medieval villages such as Pals, Peratallada, Monells or Palau-Sator, completing one of the most interesting routes of medieval villages in Girona.
Hotels in Begur
In the very centre of Begur you will find several very charming options. Hotel Spa Classic Begur is an ideal hotel for couples, with spa and rooms with jacuzzi; Hotel Indiana de Begur stands out for its rooftop terrace with outdoor jacuzzi, and El Petit Convent offers a quieter experience in a former stone house with Mediterranean style.
If you prefer to stay by the sea, in the coves of Begur you will find some of the most special hotels on the Costa Brava. In Aiguablava, Hotel Aigua Blava offers one of the best panoramic views over the Mediterranean and a landmark restaurant in the Empordà. In Sa Tuna, Hostal Sa Tuna lets you sleep practically on the cove itself, in an authentic setting full of seafaring charm.
The Hotel-Spa Classic Begur is a romantic hotel for couples located in the centre of Begur, one of the most charming villages on the Costa Brava, Girona, just over an hour from Barcelona. Set in the pedestrianised historic quarter, it is the perfect setting for a couple’s getaway surrounded by coves, gastronomy and heritage.
This elegant restored Indian house features 12 individually styled rooms, some with jacuzzi in the room and others with special touches for couples such as a tantra chair or motion bed, creating an intimate and unique experience.
In the basement, the former wine cellar has been transformed into an exclusive spa with a water and relaxation area. It includes a hydromassage pool, water features, Finnish sauna and contrast showers, offering the perfect atmosphere to unwind together.
The spa can be reserved for private use as a couple, becoming the ideal setting for a romantic getaway on the Costa Brava. Relaxing massages are also available, either in the spa area or in the privacy of your room.
The "Indiana de Begur" is born from our love for the Empordà. Its splendid landscape is tasted in sips of green and yellow contrasts, hypnotizing plains, blue and toasted capturing the coast.
Its people, its temperance, the natural warmth that they transmit and the products they make enrich the soul and the senses.
The gastronomic experience between vineyards, fields and boats is a collage of aromas and textures of an exquisite naturalness.
Our house Indiana dances to the rhythm of a piano of the last century with current lyrics. We want to be part of the incredible natural scenery, adding the comforts of the 21st century.
We believe that aroma, that just point of decadence, leads us to locate ourselves in the heart of the Empordà, in the center of a seaside town full of glamor, in a colonial house that awaits its guests with the illusion of sharing and offering them the maximum quality.
That is why we project a business that we are passionate about. At first we captured the environment and we ended up drawing a style of understanding life, to share it with you as hosts.
Our house is located in the center of Begur: near the Church, the Town Hall, surrounded by picturesque little shops, terraces and small charming restaurants.
From our terrace Chill-Out we have the best views of the Castle of Begur, which rises above the village whitewashed and mottled Mediterranean colors, wrapped in pine forests and holm oaks. Begur is surrounded by coves that range from emerald to turquoise, seen from small fishing villages, rocks and sand.
Just a few meters from Begur's historical medieval centre, nestled between Indian houses, castles and cobbled, flower-lined streets, you will find this typical rustic house which has been perfectly renovated and beautifully decorated. At this three star hotel, our wish is to look after you and make you feel at home while you breathe in the unmistakeable, welcoming Mediterranean breeze from this rich region of the Empordà. Your stay here will be one of pure indulgence and relaxation under the silent moon and vibrant sun. We invite you to discover some of the finest, most romantic beaches in the Mediterranean such as Aiguafreda, or some of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Brava such as Ullastret, while it will be our pleasure to guide you on a culinary tour of the most exquisite cuisine in the area.
Our charming hotel on the Costa Brava offers ten tastefully renovated rooms for a restorative and comfortable rest. Brightness, practicality, serenity and views of the Indian and historical buildings in the medieval town, as well as the spectacular and wild landscapes of the Empordà.
Light. Silence. Class. These perfectly equipped rooms with serene décor offer you the true essence our historical listed building, but with all the technology and modern comforts of a contemporary relaxing hotel.
This is the only Hotel in Sa Tuna cove, a place caressed by nature in the heart of the Costa Brava. We have 5 double rooms each with a terrace from where you can have breakfast while admiring the amazing views. It will be pure pleasure for your senses. Contemplating the sunrise from your room will make your day become a series of relaxing sensations.
In the restaurant you will find mediterranean cuisine, a wide variety of tapas and the best paella with ingredients of our sea and our land, great variety of fish and sea food which comes on a daily from the nearest market.
Don’t miss our rice dishes!
Allow yourself the pleasure of tasting our food next to the Sa Tuna cove
The Hotel Aigua Blava is an exclusive accommodation in Begur, offering stunning sea views and direct access to Aiguablava Beach. Surrounded by crystal-clear coves and close to charming villages like Pals and Tamariu, it is the perfect destination to experience the essence of the Costa Brava with comfort and elegance.
9. Sant Martí d'Empúries (Alt Empordà, Costa Brava)
Sant Martí d’Empúries, in the Alt Empordà, is a medieval village near Roses, small but with enormous charm. Located by the sea, between L’Escala and the beaches of Empúries, it is one of the most discreet and authentic medieval centres on the Costa Brava.
It can easily be reached on foot from L’Escala along the coastal path, on a pleasant walk by the sea of about 20–30 minutes. During the route, you can already see the Ruins of Empúries, one of the most important archaeological sites on the Iberian Peninsula, with Greek and Roman remains on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Although it is small and can be explored quickly, it is worth wandering through its cobbled streets without haste, enjoying its small squares and sitting in one of its restaurants to taste its gastronomy. Very close by, in L’Escala, do not miss typical products such as the famous anchovies of L’Escala, one of the great gastronomic hallmarks of the area.
Hotels near Sant Martí d'Empúries
As Sant Martí d’Empúries can be visited quickly, the ideal option is to stay in L’Escala to combine sea and heritage. In Cala Montgó, Hotel Can Miquel offers a privileged Mediterranean setting just a few minutes away, perfect for discovering this charming medieval village and enjoying one of the best areas of the Costa Brava.
The Hotel Can Miquel is located on the Cala Montgó beach, just 4 km from the center of L'Escala, in Alt Empordà. Cala Montgó is a clear example of the authentic Costa Brava, with the Montgrí Massif abruptly ending in a cliff framing a fine sand beach.
The hotel has 37 double rooms, 4 of them disabled-friendly and 2 with a garden, all of them recently renovated. All our rooms are doubles that can be converted into triples, bright, with a full bathroom and have a terrace with views of the pool and the mountains that are part of the Montgrí massif or the garden area. The superior rooms are doubles that can be converted into family rooms, with capacity for up to 4 people, more spacious and bright.
Its facilities include a private pool, a heated pool (not covered), two tennis courts, a garden area, a closed garage exclusively for clients, a restaurant with a terrace facing the beach and an open-air grilled meat restaurant. right in front of the sea. A place to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the Costa Brava.
10. Montblanc (Conca de Barberà, Tarragona)
Montblanc is the great benchmark among the medieval villages of Tarragona and the most monumental medieval ensemble in Catalonia. Its 3 km of 14th-century walls, with towers, barbicans and monumental gates, are among the best preserved in southern Europe.
Among all the things to see in Montblanc, highlights include the Basilica of Santa Maria, the church of Sant Miquel and several Gothic mansions that form an extraordinary heritage ensemble. The village is also linked to the legend of Saint George: according to tradition, it was here that the knight killed the dragon. Every 23 April, the Saint George Medieval Fair turns Montblanc into one of the most spectacular medieval settings in Spain.
The region is also a land of great wines and the starting point of the Cistercian Route, which connects the monasteries of Poblet (just 10 km away), Santes Creus and Vallbona de les Monges, all three declared World Heritage Sites.
Hotels near Montblanc
To complete the visit to Montblanc with a relaxing getaway, Hotel & Spa Can Josep, located in Bot, Terra Alta, approximately 40 minutes away, is an excellent option. This cosy hotel stands out for its spa with views of the vineyards and mountains, as well as its gourmet restaurant serving local cuisine. Ideal for combining the visit to one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia with a disconnection experience.
The Hotel & Spa Can Josep is a small hotel located in the heart of the Terra Alta. Family-run and close, it deploys its professionalism to ensure that Guests - Friends are at home. Also enjoy the facilities of the Hotel.
At Hotel Can Josep we will offer you the information of the region you need to enjoy your surroundings.
We have a restaurant where you can enjoy the cuisine of the Terra Alta, as well as the seafood of each season.
In the restaurant we have two rooms: a room with panoramic views of the Serra de Pandols and the Ports and another smaller room that is called La Biblioteca for lunches or dinners for business or family.
You can also make business meetings and conventions with the accommodation included.
Free covered garage for motorbikes and bicicles.
As you have seen, the medieval villages of Catalonia bring together some of the most beautiful and best-preserved historic ensembles in Spain. From the Costa Brava to inland Girona or Tarragona, these medieval villages combine history with unique landscapes.
If you want to keep exploring, do not miss our guide to the most beautiful villages in Girona, where you will find other charming corners of Catalonia.
