Explore Catalonia’s medieval gems and stunning landscapes on a private tour of Besalú, Castellfollit, and Santa Pau. Discover history and nature intertwined.
Explore Catalonia’s medieval gems and stunning landscapes on a private tour of Besalú, Castellfollit, and Santa Pau. Discover history and nature intertwined.
- Besalu - Besalú is one of the most stunning and well-preserved medieval towns in Catalonia, situated in the province of Girona. Renowned for its iconic 12th-century Romanesque bridge that gracefully spans the Fluvià River, Besalú provides visitors with a sense of traveling back in time. The town’s narrow stone streets, ancient houses, and historic…
- Besalu - Besalú is one of the most stunning and well-preserved medieval towns in Catalonia, situated in the province of Girona. Renowned for its iconic 12th-century Romanesque bridge that gracefully spans the Fluvià River, Besalú provides visitors with a sense of traveling back in time. The town’s narrow stone streets, ancient houses, and historic squares create a remarkably intact medieval center. Highlights include the Jewish Quarter with its 12th-century mikveh (ritual bath), one of the best-preserved in Europe.
- Monestir de Sant Pere de Besalu - The Monastery of Sant Pere de Besalú, established in the 10th century, stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in this beautifully preserved medieval town. Its elegant Romanesque architecture, marked by clean lines, robust stonework, and a harmonious layout, reflects the artistic and spiritual significance the monastery once held in the region. The church’s impressive façade and sculpted capitals welcome visitors into a space rich with history. Inside, the simple yet majestic nave creates a serene atmosphere that invites reflection. One of its unique features is the elevated presbytery, designed to house an underground crypt—an unusual element in Catalan Romanesque architecture. Surrounded by the narrow streets and stone buildings of Besalú’s old quarter, Sant Pere is not just a monument but a glimpse into the town’s monastic past, offering a peaceful contrast to the lively medieval bridge and main square. It is a must-visit for anyone exploring Besalú.
- Besalú Bridge - The Besalú Bridge, or Pont Vell, is the most iconic symbol of this medieval town and one of the finest examples of medieval civil engineering in Catalonia. Originally constructed in the 12th century and restored multiple times after floods, the bridge spans the Fluvià River with a striking, irregular shape that follows the natural course of the water. Its seven arches, fortified gateway tower, and stone walkway instantly transport visitors back to the Middle Ages. The defensive tower, once used to control access to the town, still rises proudly above the bridge, offering a perfect spot for photographs and panoramic views of the river and old quarter. Walking across the Besalú Bridge is a highlight of any visit: the texture of the ancient stones, the gentle curve of the arches, and the silhouette of Besalú’s historic center create a uniquely atmospheric experience. At sunset, when the warm light hits the stonework, the bridge becomes one of the most magical and photographed places.
- Castellfollit de la Roca - Castellfollit de la Roca is one of Catalonia’s most striking and dramatic villages, perched atop a narrow basalt cliff nearly 1 km long and over 50 meters high. Formed by ancient volcanic lava flows, this dark basalt wall creates a spectacular natural balcony overlooking the confluence of the Fluvià and Toronell rivers. The village itself is small and atmospheric, with narrow medieval streets, stone houses built right to the edge of the precipice, and a church tower that seems to hover above the void. The viewpoint at the end of the old town offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding valley and rugged landscapes of the Garrotxa region. Castellfollit de la Roca is not only visually impressive but also rich in heritage and volcanic geology, making it a perfect stop for photographers, nature lovers, and travelers exploring the volcanic area of Girona.
- Santa Pau - Santa Pau is a beautifully preserved medieval village nestled in the heart of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, one of Catalonia’s most unique landscapes. Surrounded by lush forests, volcanic cones, and fertile farmland, Santa Pau feels like a quiet, timeless retreat where nature and history blend seamlessly. At the center of the village stands the impressive Castle of Santa Pau, overlooking a charming porticoed main square (Plaça Major) with stone arches, old houses, and narrow cobblestone streets that invite slow wandering. The surrounding countryside is dotted with ancient volcanoes—like Santa Margarida and Croscat—making Santa Pau a perfect base for hiking and exploring volcanic terrain. Peaceful, authentic, and scenic, Santa Pau offers visitors a blend of medieval charm, rural traditions, and some of Catalonia’s most remarkable natural surroundings.

- Hotel Pick-Up in Barcelona
- Hotel Drop-Off in Barcelona
- Private transportation
- Driver Guide
- Walking Guided Private Tour in Besalú, Castellfollit de la Roca, and Santa Pau
- Hotel Pick-Up in Barcelona
- Hotel Drop-Off in Barcelona
- Private transportation
- Driver Guide
- Walking Guided Private Tour in Besalú, Castellfollit de la Roca, and Santa Pau
- Food and Drinks
- Gratuities
- Food and Drinks
- Gratuities
The tour starts in Besalú, a beautifully preserved medieval gem in Catalonia. Crossing its iconic 12th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River is like stepping back in time. Stroll through the narrow stone streets, discover the evocative Jewish Quarter with its ancient mikveh, and admire the historic monasteries and squares that showcase…
The tour starts in Besalú, a beautifully preserved medieval gem in Catalonia. Crossing its iconic 12th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River is like stepping back in time. Stroll through the narrow stone streets, discover the evocative Jewish Quarter with its ancient mikveh, and admire the historic monasteries and squares that showcase centuries of cultural heritage. Besalú sets an ideal tone for a journey into history.
Next, visit the dramatic landscape of Castellfollit de la Roca, perched on a stunning basalt cliff formed by ancient lava flows. This small village appears to be suspended in the air, offering breathtaking views of the rivers and valleys below. A visit here is as much about natural beauty as it is about history.
The tour concludes at the tranquil village of Santa Pau, nestled in the heart of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Its perfectly preserved medieval core is dominated by the castle and the charming porticoed square.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.