Charming villages to get lost in

In our country we have places postcardBut we also have scattered throughout our country different towns that seem to have sprung from the pages of a fairy tale, the kind we were told as children and imagined with dragons, princesses, fairies, brave spirits, and other characters living adventures. They are the charming towns.

Beget

Located at an altitude of approximately 541 meters at the source of the Llierca River in the Alta Garrotxa region, Beget belongs to the municipality of Camprodon. Its cobbled streets and medieval bridges, likely dating from the 14th century, allow visitors to step back in time. The village has also been declared a cultural asset of national interest in the category of Historic Site.

What can you visit?

• The church of Sant Cristòfol with its four-story Lombard-style bell tower. The church houses the Romanesque carving of the Majesty of Beget, one of the most important works of Catalan Romanesque sculpture.
• The Clock Tower.
• On the outskirts of the village, the 17th and 18th century hermitage of Remei, also known as the little chapel.
• Its surroundings and its proximity to the GR 11 make it ideal for hiking.
• visitcamprodon.cat

Montclar

This village in Berguedà consists of about twenty stone houses and the parish church, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. It was abandoned for years until 1964, when only two houses remained inhabited. A group from the Catalan Excursionist Center bought and renovated some of the houses to restore them. Now, with just over 130 inhabitants, it maintains the charm and hidden corners that make it special.

What can you visit?

- The Church of Santa Cruz. Of Romanesque origin, it consists of a nave, a semicircular apse, and a gabled roof. It has undergone several modifications with Baroque and Neoclassical elements. It preserves two 18th-century altarpieces (Saint Martin and Our Lady of the Rosary) and a 19th-century Neoclassical altarpiece (Saint Isidore).

- La Balsa. A circular area enclosed by a wall, except for the access stairs leading to the town square. It was formerly filled with rainwater and water from the Font del Rector spring.

- El Pla de les Encinas. In this area, where there is a group of centuries-old holm oaks surrounded by fields, the Three Kings Fair is held every year. Ideal for walking or cycling.

montclar.cat

Montsonís

The narrow streets and stone houses make this village in the Noguera region—part of the municipality of Foradada—a little treasure, perched atop a hill overlooking Montsec. Crowned by a 15th-century castle, open to visitors, it was an important stronghold during the Middle Ages.

What can you visit?

- The Sanctuary of the Virgin and the Salgar Caves. Reached by a 3 km hike from the village, passing through the Salgar Gorge.

- If you follow the Trail Lo Bunker hiking and running route, you'll find several art installations resulting from the Land Art competition.

- The Sant Urbà viewpoint. Located next to the 11th-century Romanesque church of the same name.

montsonis.org

Prades Prades is known as Vila Roja (Red Town) because of the red stone used to build its medieval walls and main historical buildings. In the main square, you'll find the renowned Font de Prades, a Renaissance-style fountain and one of the oldest in Catalonia. If you visit the town, be sure to try a dish made with its potatoes, grown at an altitude of over 1,000 meters and with their own Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). What can you visit? - The Prades Mountains Astronomical Park, a must-see for discovering the secrets of the stars and the night sky. - The Abellera Hermitage, dating back to 1570. Located 2 km from the town, it's perched on a rocky outcrop over 1,000 meters high, overlooking the Brugent River valley. The Prades Mountains area offers various excursions, such as to Roca Foradada, a spectacular natural formation. Rupit

Its medieval old town, the 16th and 17th-century stone houses, its famous suspension bridge that connects the two sides of the village to cross the Rupit stream, and its location in the Collsacabra Natural Park make this village a marvel. It's worth getting lost in its cobbled streets, like the legendary Carrer del Fossar, and letting yourself be guided by corners that transport the visitor to another era.

What can you visit?

- The Church of Sant Miquel de Rupit and its impressive Baroque altarpiece. You can climb the bell tower if you visit on a weekend or holiday.

- Take a trip to the Salto de Sallent waterfall, an impressive cascade with a free fall of more than 100 meters.

- The 11th-century Church of Sant Joan de Fàbregues. It is located at an altitude of 810 meters, right at the top of the Salt de Sallent waterfall.

rupitpruit.cat

Siurana

Situated at an altitude of 737 meters, atop a dizzying limestone cliff, it is a true natural viewpoint overlooking the reservoir and river below. This village in the Priorat region, within the municipality of Cornudella de Montsant, was the last Muslim stronghold in Catalonia, conquered by the Christians in 1153. Visitors will discover it by wandering through its streets, steeped in legends of princesses, such as the one told about the cliff known as the Moorish Queen's Leap.

What can you visit?

- The Church of Santa Maria, at the very end of the Siurana cliff. It is a Romanesque church from the 12th and 13th centuries from which you can enjoy a sunset.

- You can take one of the guided tours offered to discover the town's Muslim heritage and the remains of its 9th-century Arab castle.

- Rock climbing enthusiasts are in luck: the cliffs surrounding the town are a popular meeting point for fans of this sport.

turismesiurana.org

Taúl

In the heart of the Boí Valley, we find this charming village framed by breathtaking Pyrenean scenery. Located in the Sant Martí River valley, the village comprises two hamlets separated by this stream, around which various routes begin, offering opportunities to enjoy the stunning high mountain landscapes of the area.

What can you visit?

- The 12th-century Romanesque churches of Santa María and Sant Climent, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

- The Santeta and Cuirilles viewpoints, located just a few kilometers from the village, offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

- A short distance away, ski enthusiasts can enjoy the slopes at the Boí Taüll ski resort.

valldeboi.cat

Holy Peace This medieval treasure lies within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Its main square, with its arcades and stone houses, is particularly noteworthy. The 13th-century Baronial Castle overlooks the old town. If you visit, be sure to try the famous Santa Pau beans, a renowned delicacy in our cuisine. What can you visit? - Thirteen volcanoes are located within its municipal boundaries, the most prominent being Croscat. - Stroll through the Jordà Beech Forest, which extends across the municipalities of Santa Pau, Olot, and Les Preses. - Within the town itself, don't miss the 15th-century Church of Santa Maria and the Portal del Mar, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

visitsantapau.com

Artías This village, with fewer than 500 inhabitants, sits at an altitude of 1,143 meters, at the confluence of the Valarties and Garona rivers in the Vall d'Aran. It belongs to the municipality of Naut Aran and boasts breathtaking views of the 2,833-meter-high Montardo peak. Try the olla aranesa (a traditional Aranese stew) and return for the Sant Joan festival, when they celebrate the Festa de eth Taro. What can you visit? - The Church of Santa Maria de Arties, an 11th- and 12th-century church with a Romanesque bell gable. Inside, you'll find a 15th-century Gothic altarpiece depicting various biblical scenes with the Virgin Mary. - Discover outstanding Renaissance buildings, such as Casa Paulet.

- Enjoy hiking on trails that will take you to special places like the glacial lakes of Mar, Tòrt de Rius, or Restanca.

nautaran.org

Calella de Palafrugell

"A prodigiously beautiful town—especially when seen from the sea." That's how Josep Pla described Calella de Palafrugell. From the Baix Empordà region, it retains the old-world charm of a fishing village. Therefore, you should stroll through the historic center of Port Bo i les Voltes, an arcaded street with grand arches facing the sea, and try Es Niu, one of Palafrugell's traditional dishes that combines cod tripe, hard-boiled egg, fish, and potato. In the past, it was only available during Lent.

What can you visit?

- The Cap Roig Botanical Garden, with more than 800 plant species, idyllic corners, and magnificent views.

- The late 19th-century Church of Sant Pere, where you can admire the iconic clock in its bell tower.

- Take a stroll along the Canadell promenade and discover Casa Rocamora, located on rocky terrain; Casa Verdaguer, from the late 19th century; and Casa Sagrera, with its neoclassical style.

palafrugell.cat

Castellar de n'Hug

This village in Berguedà, perched at an altitude of 1,450 meters, lies within the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. With a medieval layout, its center formed around the castle and the church of Santa Maria. Its steep streets wind their way between stone buildings. You've probably heard of it because it has hosted the International Pointing Dog Competition since 1962.

What can you visit?

- The church of Sant Joan de Cornudell (documented since 938 and situated on an imposing cliff) and Sant Vicenç de Russo (isolated from the town center, halfway between Castellar de n'Hug and La Pobla de Lillet).

- You can visit the Clot del Moro chalet. Check the museuciment.cat website to make a reservation.

- The Shepherd's Museum, dedicated to this profession and housing antique tools, animal ornaments, and shepherds' implements.

ajcastellardenhug.cat

Wall Cobblestone alleyways and stone houses lend a special charm to this small village in the Bages region, nestled within the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park, from where you can take many excursions to enjoy the surrounding area. A culinary tip: try the Mura chickpeas, small and very flavorful, and the pink tomato, a local specialty. What can you visit? - The Garganta del Padre (Father's Gorge). Spring and autumn are when the waterfall and pool are most impressive. It can be reached by following the marked trail along the Riera de Nespres. - The Mura Cave, an underground gallery over 160 meters deep with stalagmites, stalactites, and feathery crystallizations of aragonite, a unique mineral found in Catalonia.

- The Romanesque church of Sant Martí. The tympanum of the entrance door to the temple stands out.

mura.cat

Masts

One of the most charismatic towns on the Costa Brava, Pals boasts a walled enclosure, one of the best preserved. Nestled between wetlands and rice paddies, don't miss the chance to stroll through the town's cobbled streets with their stone vaults, horseshoe arches, and Romanesque doorways.

What can you visit?

- The Clock Tower, located in the highest part of the old town, its origins lie in the castle of Pals.

- You can take the Rice Route with the Whistle, a tourist train that offers a guided tour of the old rice mill of Pals.

- The Josep Pla Viewpoint, from where you can see Montgrí and the Medes Islands. The writer would bring his guests and show them the magnificent views of the Empordà.

visitpals.com

Peratallada The castle-palace, towers, and walls bear witness to the medieval influence on this village in the Baix Empordà region, perched atop a sandstone rock. Part of the municipality of Vulpellac, Fonteta e Peratallada, its charming streets, adorned with floral details on the balconies, beckon visitors. Don't miss the Herb Fair, celebrated this year on April 26th. What to see? - Plaça de les Voltes, with its unique arcades leading to alleyways and beautifully preserved stone houses. - The Romanesque church of Sant Esteve de Peratallada. Inside, it preserves a Gothic tomb from 1348.

- The Keep, a landmark of the town. It has a rectangular floor plan and is crowned with square battlements.

visitperatallada.cat