Famous for its Mediterranean coastal cities, there is also a treasure trove of medieval towns near Barcelona, in Catalonia Spain. Driving from one small medieval village to the next, we chose various combinations to make multiple Barcelona day trips.
Each of these small medieval towns near Barcelona Spain holds something special and unique. Often, it feels as if time stood still. If you have more than one day, we recommend a multi-night adventure that lets you explore these medieval towns in Catalonia in more detail.
Or, if you are based in the region, do them as separate trips.
Catalonia covers the northeast corner of Spain. Costa Brava includes only four of the coastal comarques (regions) in Catalonia. A long inhabited area dating back to palaeolithic times, most of the villages we visited were built in the 11th to 14th centuries. They are charming and some of the most beautiful places in Spain.
Our exploration of the medieval towns near Barcelona actually started about 120 km northeast of Barcelona in Palamós where we had a long-term home exchange complete with a vehicle swap. It gave us a perfect base to discover so many beautiful villages in Spain, both beach and medieval towns. We spread our visits out over several days.
Itineraries to medieval towns near Barcelona
We visited nine charming medieval towns in Catalonia Spain, most built in the 11 – 14th centuries. We did this over a few days. For us, we were living in the region so our days were non-sequential, but one could easily make this a day or overnight trip. The towns include:
- Pals
- Palafrugell
- Torrent
- Sant Julià De Boada
- Fontclara
- Palau Sator
- Peratallada
- La Bisbal d’Emporda
- Figueres
Pals
The village of Pals is a maze of quaint, narrow cobblestone streets and alleys surrounding a well-preserved medieval church, stone buildings, detailed archways, and flowering vines. Located on a hillside, it offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Pals is the third stop on our map (below), yet it is my personal favourite of the medieval towns and villages we visited. Restored after a revolution in the 14th and 15th centuries, walking through the arch-covered streets, it’s as if time stopped.
Some consider Pals to be one of the best restored Gothic sites in this region of Spain. The images include:
- The 11th Century Torre de les Hores (Romanesque castle tower) is 15-meters tall
- Sant Pere Church appears to have withstood the test of time. The reality is that it was badly damaged in the revolution and restored in 1478 using stones taken from the castle.
- On a portion of the drive inland from Palamós to Pals, sunflowers are everywhere.
- The archways on the narrow cobbled streets are my favourite feature of this Gothic town.
- From the hillside looking out over the surrounding Empordà (comarque) countryside.
Palafrugell
Palafrugell is actually the first stop and often the only medieval town near Barcelona that many people visit.
For us, it was close to home and easy to visit. It’s the only coastal community in this itinerary. It’s a modern community, and there is a mix of the old and new as you walk down some of the streets.
For us, the three highlights were the main cathedral (Iglesias de Sant Marti), Museo del Corcho (Cork Museum), and the ruins of the old village Sant Sebastia de las Guarda.
The Cork Museum is housed in a former cork factory. Here we discovered the process from tree to fully processed and ready to use.
In Sant Sebastia de las Guarda, according to the signage, the oldest houses were attached to one another. The village had silos and kilns.
Torrent
The second stop on the map below is the small village of Torrent with its narrow streets, archways, and a sprinkling of the modern. It’s a town with a population of under 200 people. Here we saw a mix of the old and new as the modern house, car, and basketball hoop sit side by side.
Sant Julià De Boada
Next, we visited the Sant Julià De Boada hamlet, made up of six farmhouses and a Pre-Romanesque Church.
Fontclara
This medieval town near Barcelona is best known for its Romanesque church in Fonclara which dates from the 11th century. The monastery that once lived here is long gone.
Palau Sator
Palau Sator was another medieval town in Catalonia that stole my heart. A town with a population of fewer than 300, it is well maintained with hints of modern life. It’s a walled medieval city with a stereotypical appearing flag flying from one of its castle turrets. Narrow cobbled roads complete fantasy feel.
Homes in Palau Sator, with modern cars parked outside. When we got a glance into the windows, we could see modern interiors.
Peratallada
Finally, the stunning church in Peratallada:
La Bisbal d’Emporda
The medieval section of La Bisbal d’Emporda is similar to those shown above with stone buildings, narrow streets and cobblestone roads. We arrived on market day, and the town market takes place inside the old town. Afterwards, we headed to the castle.
Figueres
As a destination on Barcelona day trips, Figueres is a must-see. This town is as eclectic as its most famous former resident, Salvador Dali. No wonder he wanted to build the Dali Theatre and Museum here.
The town square is filled with charming outdoor restaurants, and throughout the town, we found interesting building decor. However, if you are looking only for medieval architecture, you will have to work a bit harder to find it in this town. It exists, but there is overwhelming modernism.
Map of medieval towns near Barcelona
We headed north of Barcelona to a series of small villages in Spain. If the map doesn’t show on this page, click here to see it on Google maps.
Practical information on Barcelona day trips to these medieval towns of Catalonia
- The primary language of the region is Catalan, although we found most people also spoke Castillian (Spanish).
- If you are basing yourself in the city, check out these backpacker hostels in Barcelona.
- Plan for at least two days to explore Catalonia rather than attempting the entire itinerary listed above as one of your day trips from Barcelona. To do it in a day, you will spend nearly 4.5 hours in the car, thus leaving only limited time in these beautiful Spanish towns. Aside from the medieval villages listed here, other Catalonia points of interest include stunning Mediterranean beaches, unusual dive and snorkel destinations, ruins, old Jewish quarters, and ceramic creations. There are so many interesting places to stay along the way.
- Better still, with limited time, I would let someone else do the driving and take one of these tours that pick up and drop off at Barcelona hotels:
→ Check prices and details on a Girona and Costa Brava Tour
→ Check prices and details on a Girona and Costa Brava Small Group Tour
- With only one day, if I were a fan of Salvador Dali, I would take this top-rated tour from Barcelona that visits the Dalí Museum-Theatre in Figueres and the coastal village in Cadaqués and other small towns.
- Don’t miss these free things to do in Barcelona, or other day trips from Barcelona.
Sarah
You’re letting the secrets out! Visiting Pals with my Catalan friends (some may say, pals… lol) was one of the best days I spent on my trip to Catalonia! It’s just beautiful there.
Jill
This area has been one that I’ve wanted to get to for some time. In fact, I would call it one of my “almost” visits because I almost book it and something happens to squelch our plans. My husband has a friend who lives in there and he’s been but I still haven’t. Need to rectify that. Beautiful area and beautiful photos!
Mary {The World Is A Book}
What a great mix of towns to visit for day trips. I always hear about day trips to Montserrat or Girona but not about these charming and unique towns. Love discovering places like these. That Dali Museum is quite a sight to see.
Travel Tuesday
Your post brought back some happy memories of our travels in that region of the world…
Anda
These towns look so beautiful. I didnt realise that there are so many medieveal towns in Catalonia. We’ve been in Barcelona several times over the years, but we never rented a car. I would assume you need a car in order to be able to do all these day trips in a timely manner. Well, maybe next time (if there will ever be one). My list of interests is getting longer and longer.
Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld
How stunning! I love the variety. And, that field of sunflowers is magical (I have a soft spot for sunflowers because they were my wedding flower 🙂 )
Sara
All of these towns look like they would offer a unique contrast to the architecture and feel of Barcelona. Definitely saving for later when we start planning a trip to Spain!
California Globetrotter
What a beautiful town! Although I would even visit simply for the sunflowers! Dali’s building is definitely quirky looking, which I guess is quite fitting haha
Ryan Biddulph
Hi Rhonda.
The Dali Museum seems intriguing. I recall reading how he had a fascinating way of looking at things. Makes sense giving his style. I don’t remember the exact specifics, but someone wanted a painting of his. He whipped one up in a few minutes, charged a pretty penny and the asking party got annoyed. Dali explained the big bucks were not for the 20 minute drawing, but the 35 years of pure devotion to artwork, hundreds of thousands of hours given to practice.
Ryan
beatravelling
You covered a lot of ground, meaning villages. Cute ones!
Carol
Rhonda I woudl so enjoy seeing the medieval towns. Love the photos and narrative.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
These towns look lovely. Were they crowded? Your photos make it look like there was no-one else around but I wonder if that isn’t just the angles. David and I have avoided Europe for the last few years because we don’t like crowds. We are headed there later this year so it will be interesting to see if it is any more tolerable than our last visit.
Rhonda Albom
The more popular ones, like Pals and Figueres, had small crowds. Some of the smaller ones were empty, just us. They are not really tourist attractions, but rather medieval towns that people live in today. It was nothing like Carcassone France – that was so crowded.
Bill
That looks some tour though I think I would want to take a little time visiting the places. The churches look really interesting
Rhonda Albom
We didn’t do it all in one day. We were living in the region, so we had plenty of opportunity to make day trips.
S
Catalonia is such a beautiful part of the world. I had a great time there when I was in Spain, and you are making me wish that I was back there. I had no idea there was so much medieval architecture there. And I would love to see Dali’s hometown!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – Writing this post, I made myself wish I was back there too.
Kay L. Davies
I love Spain, especially Barcelona because we took some time there, but I’ve never seen as much Spanish beauty as you have provided in this post. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful photos!
Kay
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Rhonda Albom
We love to get off the beaten track and explore new areas. Plus I am strangely attracted to anything medieval.
Brooke
Barcelona is one my favorite places in Spain, and I wish I had taken the opportunity to visit these towns in Catalonia while I was there! So much great history, architecture, and culture–I can see why you loved it.
Rhonda Albom
I also loved Barcelona, and can’t wait to go back someday.
Vibeke Johannessen
I have only visited Barcelona and seen the typical tourist places there, would love to visit medieval places around in Catalonia. I love visiting medieval places and castles. I love the pic of The 11th Century Torre de les Hores, looks so cool 😀 I hope I can see these towns, so great destination for pictures as well 😀
Rhonda Albom
I think we were lucky to have a home exchange right in the region. We were actually living in a 17th century home.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – amazing isn’t it … I just hope it all remains as it is … just delightful – cheers Hilary
LaiAriel Samangka
Wow, looking to all these medieval towns makes me feel like I was ambling around in the past and it brought back all the great memories way back home. I find them all beautiful at their own rights. Each of these towns are unique and shows so much history and culture. Also, I found the cobbled streets of Pals really amazing, and I would love to traipse my feet and just walk around.
Sandy N Vyjay
Looking at the pictures of these medieval towns one feels that one has indeed stepped back in time to another age. I found the cobbled streets of Pals really charming. One other place that I am drawn to is Figueres which seems so quirky which is also befitting being the city of Salvador Dali. The Dali museum is definitely a place we would love to visit some day.
stevebethere
I enjoyed the post Rhonda All my family used to go to this part of Spain each year we would stay at a resort called L’Estartit I loved it there and miss it, I been to Pals Barcelona and Figueres on trips
Thanks for making me smile Rhonda 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I am guessing these towns are exactly the way you remember them.
Perri
I didnt realise that there are so many medieveal towns in Catalonia. I would love to do a road trip and explore more of that area. Pals in particular looks beautiful! Thanks for bringing all these lovely places to my attention and for all the helpful info.
Rhonda Albom
There are even more, these are just the ones we explored and they all cover a small area.
Lotusleaf
Your photos capture the essence of the place. Lovely!
Lady Fi
I love those medieval towns – so picturesque!
Rhonda Albom
Agreed. I also love them when they get the creeping ivy covering parts of the old stones.
Photo Cache
Each one is worth exploring. Beautiful charming old towns.
Rhonda Albom
Very true, we couldn’t resist stopping at all of the villages and hamlets we knew about.
rupam { xhobdo }
Amazing place. Awesome pics.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
I really like the stones they use, particularly in the first city. I’d like in buildings that looked like that.
Rhonda Albom
We lived in a 17th century stone house in Spain for a bit (it was a home exchange). It is different, and it had no oven only an open fire.
Comedy Plus
All of them appeal to me. I know your love for travel. I love your photography and you write such wonderful articles. The does and dont’s if you will.
Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. ♥
Born27
Wow! everything about these place looks beautiful! I hope that i could visit this awesome place place someday. Thanks for sharing these stunning photos with us and i’m looking forward to read more from you!
MaryDPierce
What a stunning place to explore. You are living a homeschooler’s dream life! Thanks for sharing your experiences. And I’m especially glad I stumbled across your blog (I think I saw you on Twitter?). I’ll be back often. Cheers!
Beth
Yes, I would love to visit here. Way cool.
posh
Really makes you wonder what it was like many years ago.
Janis
really nice photos Rhonda
Tony Payne
Looks amazing. That is one of the great things about Europe, there are so many things to see in a small area, you don’t have to spend all day driving just to see one thing.
stevebethere
Beautiful place I went there when I was very young this brought back some memories, I am so glad your enjoying that part of Spain 🙂
Anna
I enjoyed it so much.. I wanna book a flight going there.. NOW! Ha ha! 🙂 Love the place!
Sigrid
I really like those gothic arches on the buildings, the architectural and civil engineering must have been exist in these times, these gorgeous buildings are from a really high technical value. I bet you have had such a great time in this beautiful ancient city!
Lynne
Wow! That likes like an amazing place.
Joyce
Cool photos!
Leslie
Beautiful place! I wish I can visit it one day too!