Barcelona has a wide range of leisure activities and places to visit throughout the year because this city lacks nothing in terms of entertainment. But if you are looking for a getaway and get away from the crowds, this article is for you.
We have selected a series of villages, some on the Costa Brava and others a little further inland, which are at most 2 hours by car from Barcelona and which do not lack Catalan essence.
Pals (Girona).
Located in the Baix Empordà, is this town that rises on the top of Puig Aspré. The first writings that speak of Pals date from the ninth century. Getting lost in the old town walking through its cobbled streets while contemplating the stone balconies and the Romanesque tower of the twelfth century is undoubtedly to be transported to medieval times.
What to visit?
We recommend you to enjoy the views of the Medes Islands from the viewpoint of Josep Pla, walk through the rice fields and the dunes of the municipality and enjoy the sun and sand on the beach of Pals.
How long does it take to get there?
1 h 41 min
How far away is it?
129.9 km from Barcelona
Peratallada (Girona).
Some people consider Peratallada the little sister of Pals. Peratallada is a medieval village full of old houses, with cobbled streets, a castle that looks like something out of a fairy tale and facades and balconies full of flowers. Have your camera ready to capture each of its beautiful corners!
What to visit?
You can start at the Portal de la Virgen, which was once one of the main entrances to the town. Then we suggest you visit the moat that surrounds the wall and that was excavated by hand in the rock and that reaches, in some of its sections, up to eight meters deep. Another remarkable place is the Plaza de Las Vueltas which is characterized by its construction of vaults and arches. And among other key points, in addition to the Castle, do not miss the Torre de las Horas (old “public clock”) and the Circular Tower.
How long does it take to get there?
1 h 42 min
How far away is it?
131.3 km from Barcelona
Mura (Barcelona).
In the middle of the Natural Park of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac we find this sparsely populated village that retains all its medieval charm and which is a pleasure to stroll through its steep, centuries-old and photogenic streets.
What to visit?
You can start the tour in the street of La Coma and, from here, go discovering the territory. Near the central square you will find the viewpoint of Mura from which you can see the whole town and the surrounding countryside. Other obligatory stops are the Romanesque church of San Martín, the Camil Antonietti walk and the Font de l’Era, one of the seventy fountains that are distributed throughout the village. You can not leave without doing the route of the vats, a walk through old vats at the foot of the vineyard.
How long does it take to get there?
1 h 14 min
How far away is it?
56.5 km from Barcelona
Rupit (Barcelona).
Rupit is a beautiful medieval village located at the foot of some cliffs called Cingles de Tavertet and belonging to the municipality of Osona.
With a history dating back to the 9th century, Rupit attracts visitors eager to take a trip back in time. Here, being transported to a distant era is very easy as you walk through the narrow streets of the old town where you can appreciate the magic of the old stone-built farmhouses dating from the 16th and 16th centuries.
What to visit?
If you want to feel the adrenaline rush, crossing the suspension bridge at the entrance of the town will be one of the experiences you will enjoy the most. The bridge moves, so it should be crossed in small groups. Among other places, you will also be surprised to see the Church of Sant Miquel for its baroque style, the Fossar (old cemetery) and the remains of the castle of the Cardona family. And do not miss the Salt de Sallent, a waterfall of more than 90 meters high.
How long does it take to get there?
1 h 43 min
How far away is it?
107.1 km from Barcelona
Cadaqués (Girona).
It could not be missing in this list because of its great charm. It is a town located in the heart of the Costa Brava and has been a great inspiration for many artists for its boats on the shore of the beach, its white houses and its seafaring past.
What to visit?
A nice way to get to know Cadaqués is to go up to the Parish Church of Santa Maria so that, after contemplating the splendid bay, you can get lost walking down the elevated streets of the old town. A visit to the Salvador Dalí House-Museum (in Portlligat) and the Cap de Creus Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in Catalonia, is a must.
How long does it take to get there?
2 h
How far away is it?
171 km from Barcelona
Monells (Girona).
This village belongs to the municipal district of Cruïlles, Monells and Sant Sadurní de l’Heura and is crossed by the Rissec river, which divides the village into two districts. It stands out for its architectural beauty, showing a clear medieval personality.
What to visit?
As a result of the movie “8 Catalan surnames” Monells became better known. Its director chose this town as the setting for filming several scenes. In the film appears, for example, the Plaza Jaume I and some bars and arcades of the village. Another square to know, although somewhat smaller than the previous one but with the same charm, is the Plaza del Aceite. As a typical medieval street, we highlight the Calle de los Arcos, a narrow stretch where we can see the windows of the houses made of stone.
How long does it take to get there?
1 h 31 min
How far away is it?
93.12 km from Barcelona
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