Why These 12 Catalonia Towns Should Be on Your Travel List

1. Cadaqués: Coastal Charm

Cadaqués is a coastal town in Girona, Catalonia, about 2 hours’ drive from Barcelona. It sits on the Costa Brava coastline, specifically on the easternmost part of the Cap de Creus peninsula.

The town is known for its rocky cliffs, stunning beaches like Playa Grande, clear Mediterranean waters, and beautiful landscapes like Cap de Creus Natural Park. We explored Cap de Creus by bike during our visit, which was an incredible experience. Afterward, we enjoyed delicious ice cream at JOIA, known for its unique flavors.

Cadaqués was also home to the famous artist Salvador Dalí, whose influence is still visible today. You may also fall in love with Cadaqués for its delectable dishes. Local restaurants serve up the most delicious seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. We recommend La Sirena, which is famous for its seafood paella and beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Both locals and visitors adore this restaurant and the experience it provides.

2. Besalú: Medieval Beauty

Besalú is a town in the county of Garrotxa, in the province of Girona, Catalonia. The town perfectly represents its medieval history and its influence on its architecture, featuring the Romanesque bridge that spans the Fluvià River, The Church of Sant Pere, and its Jewish Baths. 

When it comes to food, you’ll be amazed by the local flavors and recipes. At El Vell Pont, in the heart of the town, you can enjoy authentic Catalan dishes prepared using sourced ingredients.

This restaurant is loved for its genuine flavors, rich history, and warm hospitality. It is perfect for following an exploration of the town and the surrounding villages through a small group walking tour. These tours guide you through the best sports and streets of the towns while sharing fascinating stories behind each architectural masterpiece.

Besalú offers more than ‘A TRIP’! It provides an opportunity to relish the Spanish countryside. Surrounded by several neighboring villages, it offers an ideal opportunity to explore the rural landscapes of Catalonia.

3. Rupit: Rustic Village 

Step into another era in Rupit, a medieval town in Catalonia, Spain, only 98 km from Barcelona. Rupit is filled with stone houses, cobblestone streets, and the Pont Penjat wooden bridge.

It preserved ancient buildings, like the Church of Sant Miquel with its Baroque altarpiece, crowned by the remains of the 13th-century castle Castell de Rupit. 

Rupit is home to the Museu Etnològic de Ripollès, a museum that shows how people in traditional Catalan villages used to live. The town is also surrounded by forests, cliffs, and one of the mountain ranges in Spain, Collsacabra, an ideal spot for simple and enjoyable hikes.

When it’s time to refuel, you won’t be disappointed either. Rupit is the ideal place to try Catalan Cuisine, with many restaurants that attract both locals and visitors alike. Hostal Estrella is one to highlight specifically. It’s a family-run restaurant founded in 1946, serving a local, tasty meal in a medieval stone building. It perfectly complements your experience in Rupit.

4. Calella de Palafrugell: Seaside Views

If you are after rocky coves, sandy beaches with crystal clear water, and fish restaurants with the best food and a sea view, the ancient fisher village Calella de Palafrugell might become your top choice. 

Calella de Palafrugell is a beach town near Barcelona. It is located within the province of Girona on the Costa Brava and is famous for its golden sand beaches, like El Canadell Beach and La Platgeta. These aren’t only good for catching a tan or having a refreshing swim but also an excellent spot for snorkeling. All the sealife is around the rocks. 

This tiny village is also graced by fishermen’s houses and whitewashed villas, which explains why the restaurant serves the tastiest and freshest fish and seafood out of all the coastal towns in Costa Brava. 

We particularly recommend the Xabec Restaurant. It’s known for its fresh seafood, local cuisine, friendly staff, fair prices, and amazing atmosphere.

Another must-see attraction in Calella is the Cap Roig Botanic Garden (Jardíns de Cap Roig), which sits on a cliff overlooking the sea. The garden is filled with various plants, flowers, and even sculptures, making it a perfect spot to unwind and get inspired.

We loved visiting this garden; it was actually our favorite. There is a vast variety of plants, all very well taken care of, and the views are amazing. It took us around two and a half hours to visit, and every moment was enjoyable.

5. Tossa de Mar: History by the Sea

Tossa de Mar is famous for its rich history, medieval streets, beaches, sea views, and ancient castle and walls. Actually, the romantic drama film Pandora and the Flying Dutchman was filmed in Tossa de Mar, in 1951. We are sure it looked a bit different then, but the town preserved its medieval charm very well, making it a popular tourist destination and one of the best places to live in Spain by the sea.

A standout feature of this town is the historic Castillo de Tossa de Mar, a castle dating back to the 12th century. This well-preserved fortress, surrounded by medieval walls enclosing the old town, stands as a testament to its rich history while also offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

In Tossa de Mar, restaurants are set in medieval streets and historic buildings. La Cuina De Can Simon, a Michelin-starred restaurant, reflects its artistic and fishing family roots, serving dishes with fresh local ingredients. Their menu includes daily catches from the fish auction and mountain-inspired dishes from inland Costa Brava.

6. Miravet: River and Castle 

Miravet is a historical village in the province of Tarragona, Catalonia, situated along the Ebro River.  This town is characterized by its medieval architecture and 12th-century Templar castle dominating the skyline. It provides panoramic views of the surroundings and the flowing river below.

The Ebro River shapes the town’s identity, and your trip wouldn’t be complete without enjoying this riverside atmosphere. You can take kayaking tours on the river or just have a leisurely walk around the area.

You cannot miss exploring the castle itself, which has historical significance. Miravet Castle was built on top of an old Andalusian fortress, drawing inspiration from French Cistercian monasteries. Later, its architecture and features influenced other regional military structures (fortifications). 

When you are done exploring, you can indulge in some delicious local food. Miravet is home to a selection of riverside restaurants. They serve an array of dishes from the region, highlighting the use of fresh and obtained ingredients.

One such restaurant is Molí de Xim, where you can find traditional dishes, like la clotxa, made with tomatoes, onion, garlic, bread, and sardines. Miravet also produces 40% of the cherries in Catalonia, with the most diverse cherry varieties globally. You can also find tasty, sweet Vermouth wine here.

7. Santa Pau: Volcano Village 

Santa Pau is definitely worth a visit if you’re seeking natural beauty and tasty food. Its proximity to volcanoes adds a special touch to both the surroundings and the local culinary scene, making it an unforgettable destination for everyone.

Santa Pau is another beautiful Catalonian village near the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. It is known for its preserved volcanic features. Visit in spring to enjoy its green landscapes. 

The pleasant weather and natural surroundings provide a good opportunity to explore the volcanic landscape surrounded by blooming flowers and other stunning sights!

After a day of exploration, don’t forget to try some Mediterranean cuisine at one of Santa Pau’s renowned restaurants, Restaurant Can Xel. They are known for their unique dishes made with ingredients grown in the region.

8. Pals: Medieval Atmosphere

Pals preserved its medieval architecture with narrow, cobblestone streets, stone buildings, squares, and landscapes that resembled the Middle Ages.

One of these landscapes includes The Tower of the Hours (Torre de les Hores), a medieval tower in Pals, dating back to the 11th century. This historical point is also a good picture opportunity of the panoramic views of the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. 

9. Mura: Untouched Nature 

Mura is a village in the province of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. While it does not have direct access to beaches, it is surrounded by mountains and forests, making it the ideal destination for nature lovers and those who prefer outdoor activities, leisurely walks, and easy hikes.  

Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt I l’Obac (Natural Park) is only an hour’s walk from Mura, and it’s absolutely stunning. You can find red-tinged rocks and cliffs, towering crags, black pine and oak trees, and many living creatures (wildlife) here. It’s an easy trail, even for a dog walk!

Mura also holds historical importance, dating back to Roman times. Over the centuries, it evolved into a medieval village, and the Romanesque church of Sant Martí, constructed in the 11th century, stands as a testament to this period. This period shaped its identity. While it’s been long since then, the village has maintained its medieval vibe, with narrow streets and stone houses, attracting most tourists and locals here.

10. Siurana: Cliffside Village 

Siurana is a village built on a rocky ridge overlooking the Siurana Reservoir in Catalonia, Spain. It offers a fairy-tale setting with superior views from every corner. While demanding hikes with steep cliffs might be involved, it is well worth it!

Its history dates back to the Moorish times. One standout site is the Romanesque Santa Maria Church. It has served as a place of worship and religious activity for centuries. It survived several historical events, including the Reconquista in 1153, and showcases Romanesque architectural elements, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and design of that period.

When we visited, we learned you cannot drive or park in the village. There’s a paid parking area where you can leave your car, and after a short walk, you can reach the village. It’s also suitable for motorhomes.

If you are after traditional food, you won’t stay hungry either. There are several restaurants to pick from, most serving in cobblestone houses. Restaurant Siurana and Terrassa Montsant are our favorites. Try them out!

11. Peratallada: Stone-Carved Fantasy

Peratallada is in the Baix Empordà region of Catalonia, Spain. Its history dates back to Roman times, and its medieval core is extremely well-preserved. The name Peratallada actually means carved stone in English. This represents the town being built on top of a huge rock carved to give it height, leading to its modern name. 

An important landmark is the castle of Peratallada, dating back to the 11th century. Actually, Peratallada is close to other towns we covered above, like Pals and some sandy Costa Brava beaches.

Peratallada is a must-see, and numerous cultural events occur in Peratallada throughout the year, such as the annual Medieval Fair, known as Feira Medieval de Peratallada, held on the first weekend of October.

Moreover, you can indulge in a gastronomic experience featuring local cuisine at high-rated restaurants like Restaurant D.O. Candelaria.

12. Sitges: Beaches and Art

Sitges is a coastal town in Catalonia, Spain. It has 17 beaches, various museums and galleries, notable historical landmarks, and one of Spain’s most attractive European carnivals and wine festivals.

If you are after the best beaches of Sitges, Playa de la Ribera is a loved choice. It has a wide, 260-meter-long sandy beach in the heart of Paseo de la Ribera. If you aren’t very shy, Sitges, Playa Balmins offers a more relaxed, nudist-friendly atmosphere.

For art lovers, Sitges is a visual playground. The Cau Ferrat and Museu Maricel showcase Catalan art, and the town’s streets are adorned with sculptures and street art. Art is everywhere you look!

The historic town center is characterized by narrow streets and preserved medieval landmarks. One such notable landmark is the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, which features Catalan Gothic and Baroque elements.

The region is renowned for its vineyards, and you can explore local wines in Sitges cozy bars and restaurants. Being a traditional Catalan fisherman’s town, you can’t miss out on the seafood they serve. We highly recommend Komokieras.