The 17 most beautiful villages in Catalonia

Are you planning a stay between sea and mountains? Then discover the 17 most beautiful villages in Catalonia!

Would you like to discover the most beautiful villages in Catalonia? Located northeast of Spain, it is a historic region of the country. It is also a self-governing community, a territory with its own and particular culture. This Catalan country also continues in France, on a large part of the Pyrenees-Orientales .

In this beautiful region blend unique heritage and grandiose landscapes, between sea and mountains of the Pyrenees. Here is a small tour of those to visit during your stay between France and Spain.

1. Tossa de Mar

Famous for its white houses and numerous beaches, Tossa de Mar is the typical Catalan village of the Mediterranean. Situated by the sea, it offers stunning views, with blue waters below, white houses and trees in the background. Travellers will also enjoy its well-preserved heritage, like its walls of the Vila Vella.

2. Besalú

Located close to the Garrotxa volcanic park, Besalù is known as the cradle of Catalan culture. Besalú is famous for its beautiful historical and architectural ensemble. Among the must-sees is his Benedictine abbey founded in 977 or his ancient Jewish baths.

Besalù is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia. A sunset on the commune, with its bridge in the foreground, will be enough to convince you!

3. Miravet

Nestled on the right bank of the Ebro, the city of Miravet offers a picturesque landscape, with the imposing silhouette of the Templar castle that dominates it. But Miravet is not one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia only for its unmissable castle.

The town marvelously mixes the Arab influences of its Old Town with the more recent constructions. With the Ebre below, it all forms a postcard decor that we don’t get tired of.

4. Banyoles

Animated City of the Province of Girona Banyoles is rich in an exciting architectural and historical heritage. It also contains treasures and preneanderthal remains, which you can discover in particular in its Museum of Comarcal Archaeology of Banyoles.

The commune is also known for its lake. The latter is the largest natural lake in Catalonia and the Iberian Peninsula. The surrounding landscapes are thus of all beauty, and are obviously worth a visit.

5. Cadaqués

Cadaqués is from these places that leave no one indifferent. This beautiful fishing village in fascinating history can only seduce travellers by its authentic, bohemian, but sophisticated atmosphere. Or is it the modern architecture, produced by Indianos, that will delight you?

Or its typical Mediterranean landscapes? You can also leave in the footsteps of Salvador Dalí ! In any case, you will enjoy losing yourself in its historic old town, labyrinth of paved alleys and white houses.

6. Calella de Palafrugell

A former fishing village, Calella de Palafrugell has preserved its architecture and its charm of time. Along the narrow streets, we discover its old houses decorated with porches and arches. But the village, one of the most beautiful in Catalonia, is also renowned for the preservation of its beaches. So take the time during your stay to discover the multiple coves that cut off its coast.

7. Eus

Located at the foot of the Pyrenees, Eus is one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia, but also in France! Located on the hill for centuries, the village is in the heart of a plain bathed in sun all year round.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, calm and tranquility reign in its narrow and pedestrian streets. Treasure of the Catalan country, this village is ideally discovered in the spring when orchards are in bloom.

8. Peratallada

Located in the heart of Empordà, this village of extraordinary beauty has preserved all its feudal aspect. Through its narrow and winding streets, we discover the facades of greenery, walls and old houses. This most beautiful village in Catalonia is finally known for its gastronomy. Its streets are filled with many restaurants offering a beautiful palette of Catalan dishes!

9. Sitges

Surrounded by the hills to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Sitges has long been enclaved. Cosmopolite, the city is known for its varied historical and architectural heritage. Enriched with magnificent buildings and buildings at each time, Sitges will not fail to surprise you.

Take the time to lose yourself in its streets, to discover its places and monuments. After your long walks, you can swim in the delicious bay on the edge of which the most beautiful village of Catalonia has settled.

10. Rupit i Pruit

Blotti in the hills, this small village is a medieval jewel. You will admire its tortuous alleys, its suspended bridge, its old houses and its carved lintels.

But the town also houses a small natural wonder, which is essential in the region: the impressive Salt de Sallent waterfall. A charming hike in the hills will allow you to discover it!

11. Taüll

Located in the Vall de Boí, Taüll is a mountain village typical of the Catalan Pyrenees. He is famous for the frescoes of his two churches. These real roman gems are now exhibited at the National Art Museum of Catalonia to Barcelona .

But you can still admire the two beautiful religious buildings. You will also enjoy the tranquillity and sublime mountain landscapes that surround this village.

12. Pals

Sis between sea and mountain, Pals is from these typical Catalan villages. The ochre shade of its stones is everywhere. When the sun comes to reflect it, a soft and peaceful atmosphere then fills the streets.

Some will then prefer to rest in the shade of trees or in the shade of typical houses. Others will enjoy the beautiful nearby beach. But all of them are in the evening to walk in its narrow and picturesque streets!

13. Castellfollit de la Roca

This exceptional village is located in the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of the Garrotxa. Visitors are looking for the spectacular scenery it offers. It is indeed built on a narrow basaltic cliff. We admire houses built just on the cliffside!

Surprising, authentic and preserved, it is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia. And it is obviously the ideal starting point to discover this beautiful mountainous region.

14. Castelnou

Castelnou is not only one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia, but also one of the cultural and historical highlands. Dominating the Aspres from its rocky piton, it is even considered one of the most beautiful French villages.

It comes to admire its old buildings, houses, walls or churches, where the old stones reign as master. But Castelnou is also rich in an exceptional terroir. Travellers will thus appreciate its local market and its wines.

15. Siurana

Nestled at the top of a plateau, the small village of Siurana is bordered on its sides by cliffs overlooking the valley of the river of the same name. From this exceptional site, you will enjoy an incredible view of the Priorat lands and the bass lake. Its alleys, organized around a beautiful church in red tones, will not fail to seduce you too!

16. Ametlla de Mar

Known as Cala which means "crick", this village is one of the most beautiful in Catalonia. A typical fishing and coastal village, it will delight lovers of swimming and stuffing. Here you can relax your feet in the water, in a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.

In the North and in the South there is a sublime coast, enamelled with coves and dream beaches, which travelers will not tire of discovering.

17. Arties

Located at the confluence of the Garonne and the Rio Valarties, this charming mountain village can only delight its visitors. In addition to the beautiful mountain landscapes around it, we discover an untouched and exciting heritage.

Travellers will also enjoy the old bicycles, placed all over the village. These are decorated with gardeners of different flowers. They participated in making this village one of the most blooming Pyrenees!