Exploring the medieval towns and villages of Costa Brava
Costa Brava has an extensive and fascinating history, the most interesting age being medieval times when towns and villages sprung up all along the coast. Today you’ll find ancient monasteries, independent earldoms, castles, Romanesque and Gothic churches and a whole lot more.
We recommend you hire yourself a car and follow the tour below. Give yourself a good day and be sure to stop at one of the many authentic tapas bars for lunch:
Where to start…
Leave Girona and take the C-66 towards La Bisbal d’Empordà. When you come to ordils turn off along the GIV-6701. You’ll pass the beautiful village of Sant Martí Vell which has a late Gothic spire – Madremanya. Also look out for Monells and Cruïlles. Get back onto the C-66 and go to La Bisbal and Corçà. At La Bisbal you’ll discover a fantastic castle in the centre of the tow. Also, look out for the Main Square and old Jewish quarter, which are also well worth a look. If you get time also be sure to visit the three surrounding villages of Monells, Cruïlles and Corçà as they are also just as quaintWhen you get to Monells look out for the porticoed square, which is stunning. Whatever you do, make sure you check out 11th-12th-century Romanesque donjon in Cruïlles.
From La Bisbal re join the C-66 towards Palafrugell, turning off after a short distance onto the GI-644 towards Peratallada. When you arrive at Peratallada you’ll discover a very typically (for the area) medieval fortified village. Turn back along the same road and drive on to Ullastret, well known for the nearby Iberian settlement. Also be sure to check out the villages of Palau-sator, Sant Julià and Sant Feliu de Boada, even if you just to drive through them – well worth a look. It will probably be almost lunch time by now so we recommend you head to Pals, which has to be one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Catalonia. Here you’ll discover a delightful long beach where you can walk off a fantastic meal before the next step of the journey.
Now join the C-31 and head for the market town of Torroella de Montgrí. Here you will discover some impressive remains of medieval ramparts and defence towers. If you’re lucky you may catch part of the grand international music festival held here every summer.
Then take the C-31 towards Verges. Just after leaving Torroella you’ll find the medieval village of Ullà with an impressive 18th-century church. The next stop is Bellcaire d’Empordà with its 13th-century castle and Romanesque church of Sant Joan – be sure to get out the car and explore here.
Your next stop is along the C-260 to Castelló d’Empúries. There are loads of things worth looking at here however, the best part has to be the Castelló d’Empúries. This is the huge 13th-century Gothic church of Santa Maria.
And uf you’ve still got enough room on your camera…
Head along the C-252 to Peralada, a town with a vast historic centre that is definitely worth a peek. Then head back to Figueres and take the N-260 to Besalú, another important medieval town which is well worth a visit and is also a good starting point for the medieval towns and villages in Garrotxa County.