Catalonia is mostly famous for the city of Barcelona, but there are a lot more beautiful places to be found beyond it. From whitewashed fishing villages along the Costa Brava to hilltop towns surrounded by vineyards and forests, Catalonia offers an incredible variety of villages within just a short drive from Barcelona. Many of these have preserved their historic character, making them perfect destinations for travellers looking to experience authentic Catalan charm. In this guide, I’ll share the 15 most beautiful villages in Catalonia so you can truly get to know this amazing region of Spain, whether you’re planning a road trip, a longer Catalonia itinerary, or just a few day trips from Barcelona.
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1. Pals
Pals is often considered one of the most picturesque and photogenic villages in Catalonia and is a perfect base for exploring the Costa Brava. It is perched on a hill in the Baix Empordà region and it’s one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Catalonia. Walking through its narrow cobbled streets, it feels like you’re stepping back in time. You can expect old stone houses, gothic windows, and arched gateways that create an atmospheric setting. It’s nice to just stroll around the village. Definitely pass through Carrer Mayor and Plaça Major, and you will encounter El Portal de la Vila, the medieval gate, which is incredible. One of the other highlights of Pals is the Torre de les Hores, a Romanesque tower that offers beautiful 360-degree views over the village and the surrounding countryside. You pay a small entrance fee to go up and I can definitely recommend it. Close to this tower, you will find the charming church of Pals, Iglesia de San Pere.
Since Pals is just 10 minutes away from the Costa Brava, this village can get crowded, especially during the high season, so it’s best to book your stay ahead.
2. Peratallada
Peratallada is just a 10 minute drive from Pals and they can easily be combined for a nice day trip if you’re staying on the Costa Brava. Like Pals, this is another very well-preserved medieval village and definitely worth a visit. Peratallada is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets with incredibly beautiful arches, small plazas and old watchtowers. It almost feels like an open-air museum. Don’t miss the beautiful castle at Plaça del Castell, although you can’t enter it since it’s private property. Another must-see is Plaça de les Voltes, a beautiful square with stone arches. The 12th century church of Sant Esteve is located just outside the walls of the historic center, but it’s also worth a short visit. You can find it at the end of a beautiful tree-lined promenade.
I recommend getting up early to enjoy the tranquility of Peratallada, because like Pals, this village is not exactly a hidden gem in Catalonia. If you prefer staying in Peratallada, don’t wait too long to reserve your stay, because accommodation is likely to sell our quickly in high season.
3. Begur
When heading towards the beaches of the Costa Brava from Pals or Peratallada, you will find the village of Begur. This charming village is often included in Costa Brava itineraries. It’s built against a hill with the medieval castle on top. You can stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy the cute little shops, before settling down on a nice terrace with a drink.
Climbing up to the castle is definitely worth it too for incredible views over the Costa Brava coastline. The castle itself is not well preserved sadly. From the Mirador Monument Carmen Amaya you also have a nice view of Begur and its castle.
Some of the Costa Brava’s most beautiful beaches lie close to Begur, but the village is not situated on the coast directly. When I go there with my family, we always combine a visit to Begur with a hike along the coastal path Camí de Ronda to discover the beautiful coves. I can totally recommend the part of the path that passes Aiguablava, Sa Tuna, and Sa Riera. These coves are just gorgeous with their crystal-clear water, fishing boats and the dramatic rocky cliffs.
4. Mura
Looking for hidden gems in Catalonia? Mura is one of the most peaceful villages in this region. It’s hidden in the hills of the Natural Park of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac and is therefore surrounded by forests and rugged landscapes. Mura’s narrow streets climb gently up the hillside, lined with beautifully restored stone houses. Most of the year it’s incredibly tranquil and it’s nice to stroll through the village and have a look around. The surrounding nature also offers great hiking opportunities.
It’s good to know that at the end of the year Mura attracts a lot more visitors compared to the rest of the year. This is because the Catalan tradition Caga Tío (a wooden log that brings presents to Catalan children) is very visible in Mura. The whole village is filled with different Caga Tíos and it’s fun for kids to go and discover all of them.
5. Siurana
One of my absolute favorite villages in Catalonia is Siurana, which is built dramatically on a cliff at 737 meters (2,418 ft) above sea level. Few villages in Catalonia have a setting as dramatic as this one. To get to Siurana, you have to drive up a winding mountain road for quite a while, which isn’t much fun for those of you that get carsick. But once you reach the top, it’s absolutely worth it. The views of the Siurana Reservoir (Embalse de Siurana) and the surrounding mountains are absolutely spectacular. Take your time to wander through the narrow stone streets, admire the medieval church, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. You can also visit the Siurana reservoir below and walk across the dam for a different perspective of the area.
If you prefer not to drive to Siurana yourself, you can also book a guided Siurana tour from the Costa Dorada.
6. Calella de Palafrugell
With its whitewashed houses, small sandy coves with turquoise water and fishing boats on the beach, Calella de Palafrugell is one of the most charming coastal villages on the Costa Brava and in the whole region of Catalonia. Despite its popularity, the village has managed to retain much of its traditional character. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some seafood on a lovely terrace with sea views. And while you are there, you can also hike a short bit of the Camí de Ronda toward Llafranc, which gives you incredible views of the Costa Brava.
This is one of the most popular coastal villages in Catalonia, so it’s worth checking accommodation in advance.
7. Besalú
The inland of Catalonia has some amazing medieval villages on offer and Besalú is probably the most famous one. Walking through its cobblestone streets truly feels like traveling back in time. The village is entered via a spectacular 12th-century stone bridge that gives you incredible views of Besalú.
Besalú is a lovely village to stroll around through the narrow lanes and if you want to take a break, you could stop for a drink at Plaça de la Llibertat. This is the charming central square which is also known as plaça Major. Despite being a popular day trip destination from Barcelona, Besalú is still a place worth visiting and you will for sure be amazed by its beauty.
8. Cadaqués
Located on the coast near the Cap de Creus Natural Park, you find Cadaqués. This former fishing village is truly one of the most iconic villages on the Costa Brava. The whitewashed houses clustered around the bay give the village a distinct Mediterranean character. You can have a nice stroll along the sea and sit down for a drink at one of the beach bars. For some incredible views of the town, I’d recommend walking toward Platja del Ros along Avinguda Victor Rahola. You probably can’t stop taking photos of Cadaqués.
Artists have long been drawn to Cadaqués, most famously Salvador Dalí, who lived nearby. In Port Lligat you can visit the house he lived in, which now has been turned into a museum. Today Cadaqués still has a relaxed artsy atmosphere with lots of art galleries and art shops.
The village is an all-time favorite destination for visitors and in summer it can get crowded. If you can, come outside of the high season, but if not, try to come here early in the morning or late in the afternoon. For the same reason in summer, accommodation here books out quickly, so it’s worth checking in advance.
9. Arties
Located in the Val d’Aran region in the Catalan Pyrenees, at an altitude of 1,143 metres (about 3,749 ft), Arties is a charming Pyrenean village known for its stone architecture and Romanesque churches. The surrounding mountains and the two rivers that cross the town create a stunning natural setting throughout the year. In summer, lots of hikers come to explore the valley and the village of Arties. Arties is situated just north of the only National Park in Catalonia, Aigüestortes i Estany de San Maurici, which is definitely worth a visit if you are a nature lover like me. And if you’re a fan of skiing, Arties is only a short drive away from one of the main ski areas in Catalonia, Baqueira Beret.
10. Rupit
Another beautiful town in Catalonia is Rupit. Rupit looks like something straight out of a fairytale if you ask me. You can reach the village by crossing a wooden suspension bridge and after this the stone houses and narrow streets await. The dramatic cliffside setting gives the village an unforgettable charm, which you can see well if you walk down a path a little away from the town.
Nearby waterfalls and scenic viewpoints make Rupit an excellent destination for nature lovers. The Sau reservoir for instance is beautiful and I can totally recommend the hike to the Salt de Sallent waterfall.
In the area around Rupit you can find another charming Catalonian village that is worth visiting: Tavertet, which is just about fifteen minutes away by car.
11. Queralbs
Located high in the Spanish Pyrenees at an altitude of 1,236 metres (4,055 ft), Queralbs is a beautiful mountain village where you’ll find traditional stone houses with wooden doors and old shutters. It’s surrounded by forests and peaks and therefore a great place to visit if you love nature. Walking around the town you will notice that it has lots of narrow alleys and stairs going up the hill, making the visit somewhat of a workout. You will be rewarded with incredible viewpoints though.
The village is the gateway to Vall de Núria, a spectacular valley that can be reached by a scenic mountain railway. Vall de Núria is great for hiking in summer and skiing in winter and therefore a popular weekend destination among people living in Barcelona.
12. Bellver de Cerdanya
Another mountain village worth mentioning is Bellver de Cerdanya. Bellver de Cerdanya is a charming village located in the Spanish Pyrenees. It combines mountain scenery with medieval charm. The historic center still preserves parts of its old walls and narrow streets and it has a lovely old square with beautiful arches, Plaça Major. From Plaça Portal, heading up Pujada de Joan Alay you find the old entrance to the town and there are some nice shops with local produce around.
Thanks to its location near the beautiful Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, Bellver de Cerdanya is a great base for exploring the Spanish Pyrenees.
13. Castellfollit de la Roca
The next one on the list of most beautiful villages in Catalonia is probably one of the most unusual villages in Catalonia. Castellfollit de la Roca sits dramatically on top of a narrow cliff formed by ancient lava flows. From a distance, the row of houses perched along the edge of the cliff creates one of the most breathtaking sights in the region.
Castellfollit de la Roca is small but absolutely beautiful and the narrow, quiet streets are perfect for a short stroll. From the village you can enjoy the natural surroundings. For this I recommend walking to the viewpoint at Plaça de Josep Pla, from where you have incredible views of La Garrotxa. If you want you can enter the Església Vella, where you can climb the clock tower for different angled views.
The best view of the village and the river below is a little out of town though. You can head towards the wooden bridge, also called the Passarella, via Carrer de la Font.
The location of Castellfollit de la Roca is great for exploring the Garrotxa Volcanic Area Nature Reserve, where you’ll find an amazing volcanic landscape.
14. Monells
Monells is a small but incredibly picturesque village in the Baix Empordà region. It also deserves a spot on the list of most beautiful villages in Catalonia. When you walk around Monells it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Its pretty medieval main square, Plaça Jaume I (also called Plaça Major), is surrounded by stone arches and historic buildings. It’s a lovely place to have lunch or stop for a coffee. The beautiful arched passageways that lead up to the main square are incredible. Don’t miss Plaça de l’Oli when visiting Monells, there you can probably find the most beautiful passageways of the village. Església de Sant Genís de Monells is another highlight, right on the edge of town. Monells is not far from Peratallada so you could combine these villages if you’d like or enjoy some time on the Costa Brava.
15. Prades
Last but not least, the village of Prades is both peaceful and charming and deserves a visit when you are in Catalonia. It is sometimes called the “Red Village” because of its distinctive sandstone buildings. It has a beautiful central square (Plaça Major) where you can enjoy some relaxation time on a terrace with a coffee. The arches that surround the square and the gothic Església Parroquial de Santa Maria church give the village a grand feel. We visited this place in December and it was quite cold and all festive for the holidays, which was a lovely sight. Prades makes a great base for exploring both Serra de Montsant and Muntanyes de Prades. The previously mentioned village Siurana cannot be missed and also the Monastery of Poblet (Monestir de Poblet) is worth a visit. And if you like nature, the surrounding mountains offer excellent opportunities for hiking and climbing.
Combine several villages in Catalonia
If you want to visit several of these villages, the best way is to plan a road trip through Catalonia. This allows you to combine coastal villages, medieval towns, and mountain destinations at your own pace.
Compare rental car prices here to start your trip
Final thoughts on the most beautiful villages in Catalonia
Whether you’re exploring the Costa Brava, visiting inland Catalonia, or heading into the Spanish Pyrenees, these 15 villages showcase some of the most beautiful corners of Catalonia. Each has its own character and story, but all share the timeless charm that makes the region so special. I hope you get the chance to explore them, whether you’re planning a Catalonia itinerary, a scenic road trip through the region, or looking for the best day trips from Barcelona.
