The province of Girona is home to some of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia, from perfectly preserved medieval complexes to small fishing villages. Its landscape diversity and rich history make this territory an ideal destination for those looking to discover charming villages in an authentic setting.
Many of the most beautiful villages in Girona are located less than an hour from Girona city, making it easy to plan day trips. Staying in the city center at Hotel Carlemany offers a strategic location to combine visits to medieval and fishing villages with the cultural and gastronomic offerings of the city.
Most beautiful medieval villages in Girona
Girona is particularly known for its medieval stone villages, cobbled streets, and arcaded squares that seem frozen in time. These villages allow visitors to travel back in history and experience the essence of the region just a short distance from the city.
From Hotel Carlemany, we suggest a Top 7 of the most beautiful medieval villages in Girona, an ideal selection for planning day trips during your stay.
1. Besalú (35 km – 35 minutes from Girona)
Besalú is one of Catalonia’s most emblematic medieval sites. Its Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River and Jewish heritage make it a must-visit for those wanting to explore the history of the Girona province.
2. Monells, Cruïlles and Palau-Sator (30–40 km – 35/40 minutes)
These small medieval villages in the Baix Empordà retain pure medieval charm. Monells is known for its arcaded square, Cruïlles for its Romanesque tower, and Palau-Sator for its rural atmosphere. They are ideal for a relaxed inland route.
3. Peratallada (45 km – 45 minutes)
Considered one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Girona, Peratallada stands out for its perfectly preserved historic center, fortified walls, and romantic atmosphere. Walking through its streets feels like traveling back centuries. It also offers charming restaurants, small vermouth bars, and artisanal shops.
4. Pals (43 km – 45 minutes)
Perched on a hill overlooking the Empordà, Pals combines historical heritage with Mediterranean scenery. It is one of the most charming villages in the Girona province. The municipality is divided between the medieval core of Pals, the Masos de Pals, and the Pals Beach area, allowing visitors to combine history, nature, and sea in a single trip.
5. Castellfollit de la Roca (50 km – 45 minutes)
Castellfollit de la Roca, perched on a spectacular basalt cliff, offers one of the most unique views in the province. It is a perfect stop combined with a visit to the Garrotxa region.
6. Begur (60 km – 1 hour)
With its hilltop castle and proximity to Costa Brava coves, Begur combines medieval history and maritime scenery. It is ideal for those wanting to combine heritage and sea in one trip. The municipality is divided into zones that include some of Catalonia’s most impressive coves, such as Aiguablava and Sa Tuna, as well as viewpoints over the sea, excellent restaurants, colonial-style architecture, and small boutique shops.
7. Tossa de Mar (90 km – 1 h 20 min)
Although slightly farther away, Tossa de Mar is worth a visit for its walled old town by the sea, one of the most impressive on the Costa Brava.
Most beautiful fishing villages in Girona
The most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava preserve the essence of traditional fishing villages, with white houses facing the sea, small turquoise coves, and a strong maritime tradition. Towns such as Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu, and Cadaqués combine heritage, Mediterranean cuisine, and unique landscapes in the Girona area.
Here are the 4 must-visit Costa Brava villages recommended from Hotel Carlemany for easy day trips during your stay.
1. Calella de Palafrugell (55 km – 1 hour from Girona)
Calella de Palafrugell is one of the most emblematic Costa Brava villages and one of the most photographed villages in Girona. Its white houses by the sea, small turquoise coves, and charming atmosphere make it a must-visit.
2. Llafranc (56 km – 1 hour)
Located next to Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc offers an elegant and relaxed setting, with a fantastic seaside promenade and panoramic views from the Sant Sebastià lighthouse.
3. Tamariu (60 km – 1 hour)
A small fishing village surrounded by nature, Tamariu stands out for its sheltered cove with a diving platform and its family-friendly atmosphere. It is one of the most authentic fishing villages on the Costa Brava.
4. Cadaqués (75 km – 1 h 20 min)
Cadaqués is one of the most internationally renowned villages in the Girona province, associated with Salvador Dalí and the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Its natural surroundings, white streets, and Mediterranean light make it a unique destination on the Costa Brava.
Sports and activities in Girona’s villages
The villages of Girona stand out not only for their medieval heritage or maritime tradition but also for their surrounding natural environment. Here you can combine culture and landscape with outdoor activities all year round.
Cycling in Girona
The surroundings of many Girona villages are ideal for cycling routes. From the city center, numerous routes lead to the Empordà, the Costa Brava, or the inland countryside, with quiet secondary roads and varied landscapes.
Hotel Carlemany is a bike-friendly hotel in Girona, offering secure bike storage, route recommendations, maintenance space, and a basic workshop. Additionally, it partners with Eat Sleep Cycle for bike rentals.
Golf near Girona
The surroundings of Girona’s villages feature several prestigious golf courses less than an hour from the hotel, making Girona city an excellent base for golf getaways. From Hotel Carlemany, you can easily access different courses located inland and along the Costa Brava.
Sports on the Costa Brava and inland
On the Costa Brava and in the interior of Girona, a wide variety of outdoor sports can be practiced, including:
- Canyoning in the Garrotxa gorges and rivers
- Scuba diving and snorkeling around the Medes Islands
- Water sports such as kayaking, paddle surfing, and sailing
- Via ferrata and hiking in mountain areas
- Trail running and mountain routes in the Girona Pyrenees
This combination makes the Girona province an ideal destination for active travelers seeking sports and nature in a privileged environment.
Where to stay to visit Girona’s most beautiful villages
If you want to discover Girona’s most charming villages while enjoying a historic city with all services, staying in Girona is an excellent choice.
Hotel Carlemany, located in the city center, allows you to combine visits to medieval and fishing villages with Girona’s gastronomic and cultural offerings. Its location makes day trips across the province easy, by car or bike, offering convenience and direct connection to the main attractions of the region.
