Barcelona is one of the most touristic cities in Europe. However, nowadays more and more travelers – from abroad as well – want to get to know the beautiful villages near Barcelona. We, who have been living in Catalonia for more than a decade, love to go out on weekends in search of beautiful medieval villages , mountain villages or fishing villages. Still, after many years exploring this area, we keep discovering villages in Catalonia that we fall in love with. Here comes our selection of the 40 most beautiful villages in Catalonia. Normally in this type of articles we present the places in alphabetical order, but here we have decided to start with the most distant municipalities and end with the villages closest to the Catalan capital. Will you join us?
Montgarri – an abandoned village in Val d’Aran
Distance from Barcelona: 302 km
How to get there by public transport: you can get to Vielha, the capital of the Val d’Aran, by bus of the ALSA company, but from there you can only get to Montgarri by private transport.
We start our route in the Aran Valley, one of the most charming valleys of the whole Pyrenees chain. Here you will find one of the most curious villages in Catalonia, the village of Montgarri. It is an uninhabited village with only one intact building, the Sanctuary of Montgarri from the 16th century. The rest of the village is made up of houses in a state of ruin; abandoned houses where the last inhabitants of the area used to live. Most of these people left the village in the 1960s because of the difficult living conditions, especially during the winter, when the village was cut off from civilization by heavy snowfalls. The sanctuary and the mountains form an ensemble that looks like a painting.
Bagergue – another jewel of the Aran Valley
Distance from Barcelona: 294 km
How to get there by public transport: Vielha is easy to reach by bus from Barcelona and from there you should take the local bus that runs through the villages of the valley
Many small villages in the Aran Valley could qualify to be in this list of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia. We have decided to include Bagergue, one of these localities that has best achieved its authenticity. A real mountain village with a traditional air, far from the big hotels and ski resorts in the area. The municipality has several beautiful monuments such as the Church of Sant Feliu or the Sanctuary of Santa Margarita
Taüll and the other villages of the Boí Valley
Distance from Barcelona: 263 km
How to get there by public transport: quite complicated (car recommended for touring the villages), bus company ALSA to Pont de Suert and then intercity bus.
When you arrive at Taüll or any of the medieval villages of the Boí Valley, you will feel as if you were breathing an air from centuries ago. These beautiful medieval villages of Catalonia are not located so close to Barcelona, but it is worth a trip here when you visit the city. The group of Romanesque churches found in this picturesque valley of the Pyrenees has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The most famous church is Sant Climent de Taüll where you can see a projection of the image of Christ in Majesty, the most emblematic work of Catalan Romanesque. However, it is worth visiting all the churches in the valley with a combined ticket.
Os de Civís – the most hidden village in Catalonia
Distance from Barcelona: 196 km
How to get there by public transport: only by car and you will have to cross Andorra!
Undoubtedly one of the most unique villages in Catalonia is the small town of Os de Civís. This municipality is located in a quite hidden corner and, in fact, to access the village you should cross Andorra first. In this mountain village of less than 100 inhabitants you will be able to contemplate the traditional architecture of the houses built of stone and slate. The backdrop for Os de Civís is also unbeatable with the high peaks of the Pyrenees.
Horta de Sant Joan – photogenic village in the Terra Alta region
Distance from Barcelona: 194 km
How to get there by public transport: quite a long trip, first you will have to get to Tortosa by train and from there take a bus of the HIFE company
Near the border with Aragon in the Natural Park Els Ports is located Horta de Sant Joan, another of the villages of Catalonia that has a great medieval heritage. Its Gothic and Renaissance buildings inspired Pablo Picasso and today you can visit Centro Picasso D’Horta dedicated to the painter from Malaga. Other places of interest are the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, Gothic style and Plaza Mayor de Horta de Sant Joan, surrounded by Renaissance houses. The environment of the village is wonderful and you can take beautiful panoramic photos of the town.
Les Cases d’Alcanar – the last coastal village before crossing to Castellón
Distance from Barcelona: 193 km
How to get there by public transport: you should arrive by train or bus to Tarragona and from there there there are buses to Les Cases d’Alcanar
Les Cases d’Alcanar is a coastal village – the last one before crossing into the province of Castellón. Strolling among the colorful fishermen’s houses you will enjoy the tranquility of an old fishing village. In the village you should try the local gastronomy, as the paellas cooked with the rice grown in the Ebro Delta are really excellent. Near Les Cases d’Alcanar you will also find several beautiful coves to enjoy a day at the beach.
Cadaqués – for many people the most beautiful village in Catalonia
Distance from Barcelona: 171 km
How to get there by public transport: direct bus company Sarfa
From any list of the most beautiful villages of Catalonia can not be missing Cadaqués. This picturesque village on the Costa Brava with its white houses and small boats has inspired many artists. It is one of the most visited villages in Catalonia, especially in summer when the nearby coves also invite you to take a swim. In this free tour of Cadaqués you will get to know the main places of interest. Apart from getting lost in the streets of the town, it is a must to visit Salvador Dalí’s house in Portlligat and the lighthouse of Cap de Creus that will make you feel like at the end of the world. Visiting Cadaqués and the beaches nearby is one of the most complete weekend getaways to do in Catalonia.
Miravet – one of the most picturesque castles you will ever see
Distance from Barcelona: 161 km
How to get there by public transport: it is difficult, you have to take a medium distance train to Mora la Nova and from there we are not aware of any public transport (the only alternative is a cab).
On the banks of the Ebro river is located Miravet, another of the most photogenic villages of Catalonia. The 12th century Templar castle rises above the medieval old town where the steep narrow streets will lead you to the Old Church at the highest point. The reflection of the village with the castle in the river is an indelible image of anyone who has seen it, we recommend standing on the river bank at sunset to see the sun go down behind the medieval village. The views are also extraordinary from up at the castle.
La Vilella Baixa – the charms of Priorat
Distance from Barcelona: 151 km
How to get there by public transport: complicated, you can get to Falset by bus and from there take another bus to the village, but none of these buses run every day
The Priorat area has some of the most charming villages near Barcelona. One of the most representative is La Vilella Baixa, whose houses are stacked on different levels at the foot of the Sierra de Montsant. The most remarkable monuments of the town are a stone bridge over the Montsant river and the Church of San Juan Bautista.
Tivissa – one of the jewels of Tarragona
Distance from Barcelona: 150 km
How to get there by public transport: direct bus of the company Hife
Perched on a picturesque hill, the village of Tivissa on the Ribera del Ebro is another of Catalonia’s charming villages that few people know about. Apart from marveling at the breathtaking view of the village from the road, it is worth entering the village through one of its medieval gates to stroll through its historic center and finally reach the square on top of everything where stands the majestic church of Santiago Arcipestral combining various styles of architecture.
Beget – tiny village near the Pyrenees
Distance from Barcelona: 149 km
How to get there by public transport: very complicated, the bus company Teisa can take you to the village La Tal, but from there we do not know that there is public transport to follow.
Another village away from the tourist routes, Beget is also one of the beautiful medieval villages of Catalonia. After reaching the small village by a winding road, you will be struck by the majestic Romanesque church, the Sant Cristòfor, which rises in the central square of the village. It is a very small village that can be visited in half an hour, but its cobbled streets and clean mountain air will make you stay for a while.
Prades – the red village
Distance from Barcelona: 147 km
How to get there by public transport: direct bus of the company Plana.
Another charming mountain village in the province of Tarragona is Prades, known as the red village for its reddish stone that can be seen in many buildings. The main square is beautiful with its porticoes, the Gothic church of Santa Maria and its Renaissance style fountain. There is little more pleasant on a Sunday afternoon than to sit on a terrace in this square and watch the locals slowly flowing by.
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Siurana – the most photogenic village near Barcelona
Distance from Barcelona: 147 km
How to get there by public transport: bus of the company Plana to Cornudella de Monstant, then you have to take a cab or make the pleasant (quite steep) 5 km hike on foot.
Sitting on top of a gigantic limestone rock, Siurana, one of the jewels to see in the province of Tarragona. It is also called Siurana de Prades not to be confused with another homonymous village in Girona. Siurana is one of the most photogenic villages near Barcelona. The panoramic views with the small Romanesque church, the green color of the Siurana reservoir and the open valley with huge rock walls, are unforgettable, at least I will never forget the moment I saw them for the first time. The small village also has the ruins of a small Arab castle which was the last one to be reconquered in Catalonia.
Balaguer – colorful houses and a lot of history
Distance from Barcelona: 147 km
How to get there by public transport: Renfe train to Lérida and FGC train to Balaguer.
The villages of the province of Lérida perhaps remain in the background behind the well-known tourist places of Girona and Tarragona, but these lands also hide surprises to discover. Balaguer, is clearly divided into two parts by the river Segre and in fact the walk along the river is the main attraction of the town with the fantastic panoramic view of the reflection of its historic buildings. It is worth looking for the beautiful Mercadal square with its porticoes and climb up to the gothic Collegiate Church of Santa Maria.
Peralada – a castle and its famous international festival
Distance from Barcelona: 147 km
How to get there by public transport: Figueres can be easily reached by train or bus, but from there you will have to use private transport
Its majestic castle and the Peralada International Festival held there have made Peralada one of the most desirable towns near Barcelona during the winter months. However, the town is interesting for other reasons, too. The proximity of the Costa Brava, the medieval aspect of the village and the wine tradition of the appellation of origin
Empordà-Costa Brava are all reasons to visit the town.
Bellver de Cerdanya – the jewel of the Cerdanya region
Distance from Barcelona: 143 km
How to get there by public transport: take the train or bus to Puicerdà and from there there there are buses to Bellver
La Cerdanya (Cerdanya) is a particularly picturesque region where you will find many of the beautiful villages of Catalonia. Bellver de Cerdanya is undoubtedly one of the most striking. Set on a hill with the mountain peaks in the background, it is one of the most photogenic municipalities in the area. It is a very traditional village where many fairs and local festivals are held.
Saldes and Gósol – the Pedraforca’s villages
Distance from Barcelona: 139-147 km
How to get there by public transport: you should take an ALSA bus from Barcelona to Berga and from there continue on the Berga-Gósol bus that stops in Saldes, too.
On both sides of the Pedraforca Massif, one of the mountains we love the most, are two charming mountain villages, Saldes and Gósol. Both villages have a rural air and are perfect to enjoy a few days walking in this particular mountain. If you dare, you can also make the ascent to Pedraforca, one of the most beautiful excursions to do in Catalonia.
Castellar d’en Hug – the village of the Llobregat Springs
Distance from Barcelona: 137 km
How to get there by public transport: it is a very slow journey, as you will first have to take a train to Manresa and then from there a bus of the company Alsina Graells to Castellar d’en Hug.
Castellar de’n Hug is one of the pretty villages of Berguedà with a picturesque old town with beautiful houses of wood and stone. However, the main attraction of the town is that here you can visit the sources of the Llobregat River, one of the most important rivers in Catalonia. Visiting these fountains is an exciting thing for those who live in Barcelona and frequently see the Llobregat Delta – the place where the river meets the Mediterranean.
Penelles – the graffiti village
Distance from Barcelona: 135 km
How to get there by public transport: you can take an ALSA bus to Tarrega (it is the bus that goes to Vielha) and continue on another ALSA bus to the village
Until a few years ago, apart from its neighbors, nobody knew the small village of Penelles in the province of Lleida. However, since 2016, this village in Catalonia is one of the most popular destinations among urban art lovers, as more than 100 murals decorate the walls of the houses in this municipality. Taking a route in search of graffiti in Penelles is a very fun plan.
Besalú – the most beautiful medieval village of Catalonia
Distance from Barcelona: 131 km
How to get there by public transport: direct bus company Teisa (the same that also passes through Castellfollit de la Roca).
As if it had come out of a fairy tale, Besalú is a dream place and also one of the most touristic medieval villages in Catalonia. Even before entering the village you can appreciate its beauty, just look at the monumental stone bridge that leads to the medieval Besalú.
We recommend you to go down to the shore to marvel at the reflection of the bridge in the river. If you visit Besalú at the weekend, from our own experience we advise you to go at sunset when the Sunday groups have already left and the light is also better. If you feel like getting to know the best of the town on an interesting guided tour, we recommend this free tour of Besalú.
Pals – another medieval jewel near the Costa Brava
Distance from Barcelona: 130 km
How to get there by public transport: direct bus of the company Moventis. You also have the option to go from Barcelona to Pals on a day trip.
Pals is located not far from the coast and in fact is in a perfect position to combine your visit with a day at the beach on the Costa Brava. It is one of the most beautiful villages that is relatively close to Barcelona. Its old town with cobbled streets and medieval houses are in perfect condition and will transport you back in time. Pals is so perfect that it has become one of the most touristic villages in Catalonia (full of gift stores) and we recommend you to visit it during the week when it is not full of Sunday tourists. If you want to get to know the essence of Pals, you could consider this free tour of Pals.
Peratallada – medieval village in the shadow of Pals
Distance from Barcelona: 130 km
How to get there by public transport: Moventis bus to La Bisbal d’Empordà and then intercity bus to Peratallada.
We could call Peratallada the younger and less known brother of Pals, as this other beautiful medieval village of Catalonia is very close to its much more famous and touristic neighbor. However, if you are in the Empordà region, be sure to visit this picturesque village with its narrow cobbled streets, pretty squares and churches and its small castle. The part of the village that has managed to retain its original appearance well is located between medieval walls and perhaps from the road can be unnoticed. For a first contact with the town, we recommend this free tour of Peratallada.
Begur – our favorite village on the Costa Brava
Distance from Barcelona: 130 km
How to get there by public transport: direct bus of the company Moventis.
Among the beautiful villages near Barcelona few transmit such a marked colonial air as the pretty village of Begur on the Costa Brava. Apart from visiting the dreamy beaches near Begur, it is worth taking the time to visit the village dominated by its small medieval fortress. Walking through the streets you will see many examples of the Indian houses built by those who returned from the colonies. Strolling among these white houses with porches, palm trees and colorful murals is a real pleasure. You can also visit Begur on an excursion through the medieval villages of the Costa Brava.
If you are looking for more information about some of the most beautiful towns and villages in Catalonia, take a look at these posts:
10 things TO SEE in BESALÚ
20 essential things TO SEE in GIRONA
20 magical places TO SEE in PALS
15 essential things TO SEE in PERATALLADA
The best things TO SEE in SIURANA de PRADES
The essential TO SEE in RUPIT and TAVERTET
Camprodón – the most beautiful medieval bridge in Catalonia
Distance from Barcelona: 128 km
How to get there by public transport: direct bus of the company Teisa.
In a valley of the Pyrenees lies Camprodón, a magical and much photographed place because of its stone bridge over the river Ter. This medieval Catalan village with a rich architectural heritage is also known for being the birthplace of composer Isaac Albéniz (there is a museum dedicated to the master here).
Guimerà – another of the medieval villages near Barcelona
Distance from Barcelona: 127 km
How to get there by public transport: the company Monbus has two direct buses between Barcelona and Guimerà (one on weekends)
The province of Lleida has many medieval villages, Guimerà is one of the most representative. Walking through the winding streets of the old town to the ruins of the 12th century Guimerà Castle, you will literally feel like you have been transported back to the Middle Ages. From the castle, you can also enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Corb Valley. Other notable monuments in the town are the Gothic church of Santa Maria and the Chapel of Sant Esteve.
Queralbs – the gateway to Vall de Nuria
Distance from Barcelona: 126 km
How to get there by public transport: from Barcelona you should take a suburban train to Ribes de Freser and from there continue by rack railway (a mythical mountain train) to Queralbs
Queralbs is mainly a hiking destination. It is the municipality that represents the gateway to the Vall de Nuria, the most easily accessible valley in the Pyrenees from Barcelona. Beyond being a place of passage to Nuria, Queralbs is also a beautiful medieval mountain village with picturesque corners such as the Romanesque church of Sant Jaume. If you want to visit the Nuria Valley on an organized tour, you might consider this excursion to the Pyrenees from Barcelona.
Calella de Palafrugell – the most authentic village of the Costa Brava
Distance from Barcelona: 124 km
How to get there by public transport: direct bus from the company Moventis. You also have the option to go from Barcelona to Calella de Palafrugell on a day trip.
One of the most beautiful villages of the Costa Brava is the village of Calella de Palafrugell (not to be confused with Calella much closer to Barcelona). We are talking about an authentic fishing village that despite tourism manages to maintain its charm and relative tranquility. In this colorful village stand out the vaulted porches that fishermen used to use as shelter and today are always occupied by people having a drink in the shade overlooking the sea.
Banyoles – on the shores of the largest lake in Catalonia
Distance from Barcelona: 123 km
How to get there by public transport: the easiest way is to take a train to Girona and from there continue by bus to the town
According to legends, a dragon is still alive at the bottom of the lake in the town of Banyoles. Banyoles, the most important town in the Pla de l’Estany region, undoubtedly attracts visitors mainly for having the largest lake and one of the most beautiful natural sites to see in Catalonia. Beyond strolling along the shore of the lake, in Banyoles you can also visit a beautiful old town with its walls and several churches, stop at the charming Plaza Mayor or visit interesting archaeological remains of the area in the Pia Almoina.
Monells – a little touristic medieval jewel of Ampordán
Distance from Barcelona: 123 km
How to get there by public transport: bus company Moventis to La Bisbal d’Empordà and then intercity bus to Monells.
Monells is the least touristic of the known triumvirate of the villages of Ampordà, since much more people visit Pals or Peratallada. Nevertheless, Monells is perhaps our favorite medieval village in this part of Catalonia. In winter it is a village that looks abandoned, but as soon as the sun comes out the terraces of its main square, the charming Plaça de Jaume I, are always filled with locals and hikers. The square is surrounded by arcades on one side and narrow streets on the other. Every time we stroll through its streets, this village fills us with peace, don’t miss it!
Santa Pau – medieval jewel of the Garrotxa region
Distance from Barcelona: 121 km
How to get there by public transport: Olot can be reached by Teisa bus from Barcelona, but from Barcelona you will need a private means of transport
Santa Pau is another of the beautiful medieval villages of Catalonia that you should visit. Located in the beautiful region of La Garrotxa, a volcanic area with unique landscapes. Santa Pau was built around an ancient castle and walking between the walls of its stone houses will still make you feel in a medieval village. It has a small, but charming Plaça Major with beautiful porticoes.
Castellfollit de la Roca – the best panoramic view of the villages of Catalonia
Distance from Barcelona: 119 km
How to get there by public transport: direct bus company Teisa.
There are places that at first sight do not even seem real. Seeing the small village of Castelfollit de la Roca located on top of an impressive 50-meter basalt wall will leave you speechless. Two rivers (the Toronell and the Fluvià) have eroded the mountain formed by lava flows to create this huge vertical wall. It is also worth going into the village perched on top of the rock to discover its jewels, especially the church of San Salvador that dominates the view.
Montblanc – one of the most atmospheric medieval villages in Barcelona
Distance from Barcelona: 115 km
How to get there by public transport: medium-distance train
Famous for its medieval festival, the walled village of Montblanc cannot be missing from our list of the most beautiful villages near Barcelona. Enclosed within imposing walls, walking through its streets you will feel in a real medieval village. During the Medieval Week, which is celebrated around April 23rd, the people of the village dress up in period costumes and recreate a real medieval spectacle.
Rupit i Pruit – a dream medieval village a stone’s throw from the capital
Distance from Barcelona: 109 km
How to get there by public transport: Sagalés bus company to Vic and then bus of the same company to Rupit.
The jewel of the Osona region, the village of Rupit i Pruit (many refer to the village by the name of Rupit) is located just a hundred kilometers from the city of Barcelona. A place that transports any visitor to distant times, but for being one of the most beautiful near Barcelona, is another place that is filled every Sunday with tourists. We recommend visiting this medieval village of Catalonia another day when you can enjoy the cobbled streets, its beautiful church and castle in tranquility. It is worth walking the trail to the nearby Salto de Sallent which can be spectacular when the waterfall has enough water. It is also possible to book excursions from Barcelona to Vic and Rupit.
Tavertet – a tiny mountain town with unbeatable views
Distance from Barcelona: 105 km
How to get there by public transport: it is difficult, you have to take a train to Manlleu and from there take a cab, because we do not know that there is public transport.
Much less known than the village of Rupit i Purit, Tavertet is another charming village in the Osona region. In the village there are only four streets and some nice stone houses, but little else. For us the main charm of the village is its location, a nice short walk will take you to a viewpoint from where you can enjoy amazing views of the Sau reservoir and the surrounding mountains.
Montfalcó Murallat – enclosed by medieval walls
Distance from Barcelona: 100 km
How to get there by public transport: ATM Leida bus to Cervera and then intercity bus.
Very little known and touristic, but for us one of the most beautiful medieval villages of Catalonia is Montfalcó Murallat, a tiny walled village where very few inhabitants live. The village sits on a hill and when you enter the village through the only gate, you will feel like you are in a fairy tale.
Cardona – the most spectacular castle to see in Catalonia
Distance from Barcelona: 90 km
How to get there by public transport: direct bus company ALSA.
If there is one among the charming villages near Barcelona that we recommend above all for a single building, that is the village of Cardona, because on the hill of the village you can contemplate the largest medieval fortification of Catalonia, the Castle of Cardona. With elements of Romanesque and Gothic, this castle with an unbeatable location today houses a parador and you will hardly find a place more steeped in history to sleep. If you want to visit Cardona on an organized tour you can do it from Barcelona on this excursion that combines Cardona with Montserrat.
Tamarit – the most photogenic castle in Catalonia
Distance from Barcelona: 88 km
How to get there by public transport: by train from Altafulla and from there by local bus or walking
Although it officially belongs to the city of Tarragona, Tamarit is a small town on the Costa Dorada that deserves a separate mention. This small fishing village has one of the most beautiful castles we have seen. The castle of Tamarit, in Romanesque style, is located on the coast and in its surroundings you can enjoy magnificent beaches of golden sand. All this with the image of the castle as a backdrop, a real blast!
Tossa de Mar – the perfect excursion to the sea near Barcelona
Distance from Barcelona: 87 km
How to get there by public transport: local train to Blanes and intercity bus from Blanes station. You can also visit Tossa de Mar from Barcelona on a day trip.
Tossa de Mar is one of the most charming villages in Catalonia and is also very close to Barcelona. The castle in front of the sea dominates the landscape of this small village on the Costa Brava. Nothing to do with the bustle of its neighboring town Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar is a quiet place even in summer. It is worth walking along the promenade and climbing to the top of the walled enclosure of the old town. Near Tossa de Mar (direction Sant Feliu Guixols) you will also find some of the most beautiful coves and beaches of the Costa Brava.
Mura – a great discovery in the vicinity of Barcelona
Distance from Barcelona: 57 km
How to get there by public transport: although this beautiful village is close to Barcelona, it is not easily accessible by public transport, you have to go by suburban train to Manresa and take an intercity bus to Mura.
Not long ago we discovered Mura, this charming village that is really a stone’s throw from Barcelona. In the middle of the natural park Sant Llorenc del Munt i l’Obac we found this beautiful village far from the tourist routes. It is another village where it will seem that time has stopped or at least that it moves very slowly. The medieval quarter is very well preserved and the unevenness between the parts of the village will allow you to have very different views from different points of the village.
Sitges – one of Catalonia’s most glamorous villages
Distance from Barcelona: 42 km
How to get there by public transport: local trains
Among the beautiful villages of Catalonia, Sitges is the one that is closer to Barcelona than any other. In the past it was a quiet seaside village with an important modernist heritage, today it is a very lively town, full of cultural events. The church of Sant Bartolomé dominates the view of the promenade where you will find some of the most beautiful urban beaches in Catalonia (the beach of San Sebastian has won many awards).
Sitges shows you very different faces on a weekday when its streets breathe tranquility or on weekends when it is crowded with people strolling along its promenade and its seductive streets. The Sitges Carnival is famous all over Spain, but many people visit Sitges for the Fantastic Film Festival as well. If you want to know more about Sitges, here you can book a guided tour to learn its secrets.
