Explore Costa Brava's Medieval Villages, Barcelona

Spain's Costa Brava is dotted with charming and historic medieval villages, making it an ideal region to enjoy a little exploring from one town to another. On this tour, you'll visit several of the most beautiful and interesting villages, where your guide will help you understand the history and cultural importance of the area. Enjoy strolling through Gothic quarters, inhaling the sea breeze, and admiring castles and towers.

This day trip from Barcelona explores several of Costa Brava's most idyllic medieval villages. Your first stop is the seaside fishing townlet of Calella de Palafrugell, where time stands still. You'll walk down to the small beach at Port Bo, where fishing boats come and go. Renovated whitewashed cottages dot the coast, but you'll also notice Indiano-Colonial-style homes, once built for those who emigrated to the Americas and returned with small fortunes. Most of those who emigrated went to Cuba, which is why this town is known for its melancholic Havaneres music. Each July, travelers can join in singing these songs with the locals. 

Next, enjoy a 15-minute walk along the coastal path to quaint Llafranc, where a small sandy cove, seaside promenade, and terraced restaurants await. The scenery alone is worth the walk, with beautiful surrounding hills and the cliffside Sant Sebastià lighthouse.

After enjoying Llafranc, you'll head to another fishing village, Begur, where you can savor views over the coast and Baix Empordà plains from atop a castle. Stroll through the town's narrow streets and small squares while admiring more Indiano-Colonial-style homes.

Next, head to the town of Pals, where you'll enjoy lunch featuring the area's world-famous rice dishes. After lunch, you can explore Pals with its beautiful Gothic quarter known as Pedro, home to the Church of Sant Pere and medieval towers. On the way back to Barcelona, you'll make two last stops, one in Peratallada, a hillside village with some of the region's best medieval architecture: narrow, winding streets, old stone buildings, historic walls, a moat, and, of course, the Peratallada Castle. Then visit La Bisbal d'Empordà to view the town's traditional pottery.