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The best museums in Barcelona
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Holidays
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Exploring the Catalan province is the best way to discover a different side of the region, beyond the hustle and bustle of the capital. This selection of destinations showcases some of the best villages in Barcelona, a visit to which would be an essential part of any route to catch a glimpse of the true essence of the area.
Here is a collection of charming villages in the territory, which boast enormous historical value, surprising natural landscapes, and a unique identity well worth getting to know.
If you don't know what to see in Barcelona and are looking for ideas, take note of these municipalities. They will bring you closer to Catalan tradition, and you can choose them according to the type of trip you have in mind.
Holidays
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By Lucía Muñoz
All-terrain writer specialising in tourism, fashion and trends. A curious soul, traveller, reader and sports enthusiast, keen to discover every corner of the world.
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| NAME | AREA | IDEAL FOR | HIGHLIGHTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| SITGES | Costa del Garraf | Beach and atmosphere | Old town and beaches |
| CARDONA | Bages region | History | Castle and Salt Mountain |
| RUPIT I PRUIT | Osona | Nature | Medieval village and hiking |
| MURA | Bages region | Unplugging | Natural surroundings and tranquillity |
| TOSSA DEL MAR | Costa Brava | Sea and heritage | Walls by the Mediterranean |
| CASTELLAR DE N'HUG | Berguedà | Mountains | Source of the Llobregat river |
| CALDES DE MONTBUI | Vallès Oriental | Relaxation | Spas and thermal waters |
| SANT POL DE MAR | Costa del Maresme | Coastal getaway | Seafaring atmosphere |
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Sitges is one of the most popular destinations on the Catalan coast and one of the most beautiful villages near Barcelona. Its combination of beaches, modernist architecture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere make it an essential visit.
Strolling through its white streets by the sea allows you to discover historic buildings, small squares full of life, and multiple restaurants with views of the Mediterranean. Furthermore, it has a wide cultural offering thanks to its museums and festivals.
The Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, located on the promenade, is one of the most recognisable symbols of the municipality and one of the most photographed places on the Catalan coast.
If you visit Sitges during high season, it is advisable to arrive early to find parking and be able to enjoy the old town with greater peace of mind.
The highlight of Sitges is the combination of historical heritage, cultural atmosphere, and high-quality beaches. Its proximity to Barcelona makes it easy to visit on a day trip, without needing to plan too much.
📍 Location: Costa del Garraf, south of Barcelona.
Considered one of the most impressive historical villages in Catalonia, Cardona has an imposing castle that dominates the landscape from the top of a hill, which offers some of the best views in the entire region.
The old town preserves narrow streets, charming squares, and various medieval buildings that transport you to another era. Its historical importance is linked to the strategic role it played for centuries.
Another of its great attractions is the Salt Mountain, a unique geological phenomenon that can be visited via guided tours through old mining galleries.
The visit to the castle and the salt mountain can easily take up a full morning or afternoon.
Its spectacular medieval castle and the unique Salt Mountain make Cardona one of the most original destinations in the province.
📍 Location: Bages region.
Considered one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia, Rupit i Pruit stands out for its extraordinary state of preservation and its privileged natural setting.
The stone houses, wooden balconies, and cobbled streets create an atmosphere that seems frozen in time. Accessing the village via its famous suspension bridge already promises a very special experience.
Several hiking routes start from here, leading to natural viewpoints and well-known places such as the Salt de Sallent, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Catalonia.
Wear comfortable footwear, as much of the charm of Rupit is discovered by walking.
Its exceptional medieval ensemble and the possibility of combining heritage and nature make it one of the most highly recommended rural getaways in Barcelona.
📍 Location: Osona region.
Mura is a village that will surprise you with its tranquillity and authenticity. It is located within the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park and, for me, offers one of the best settings in Catalonia to switch off.
Its narrow, cobbled streets are surrounded by old stone houses that are perfectly integrated into the landscape. The whole municipality conveys a sense of calm that is difficult to find in other busier destinations.
The area also has trails and routes that allow you to discover forests, natural springs, and spectacular rock formations.
It is an excellent option for those looking for rural tourism near Barcelona.
It stands out for the harmony between traditional architecture and nature. It is considered by the locals of Barcelona themselves to be one of the most authentic villages in the province.
📍 Location: Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park.
Although it belongs to the province of Girona, Tossa de Mar can be included as an excursion from Barcelona on wider routes through Catalonia.
Its main attraction is the Vila Vella, a medieval walled city located next to the sea that offers a unique image in the entire Mediterranean.
Walking along its walls allows you to enjoy magnificent views of the nearby coves and beaches. Furthermore, its gastronomic offering based on fresh fish is one of the great attractions of the area.
During the summer, it is advisable to book accommodation and restaurants in advance due to high demand.
The combination of medieval heritage and coastal setting makes Tossa de Mar an essential visit for any traveller who is in Barcelona and its surroundings.
📍 Location: Costa Brava.
Located in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, Castellar de n'Hug is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the province.
Its stone buildings and slate roofs preserve the traditional appearance of Pyrenean villages. The natural environment offers numerous possibilities for hiking throughout the year.
Very close by are the famous Fonts del Llobregat, where one of the most important rivers in Catalonia originates.
The visit is especially recommended during the autumn due to the colours the forests in the area acquire.
The source of the Llobregat river and its spectacular Pyrenean landscape make this village one of the most attractive destinations for nature lovers and those seeking to switch off.
📍 Location: Berguedà region.
Caldes de Montbui is one of the most important thermal villages in Spain. Its thermal waters have been known since Roman times and continue to be one of its main attractions.
Strolling through the historic centre, it is possible to contemplate thermal springs, old washhouses, and archaeological remains linked to the use of these waters.
The range of spas allows you to enjoy wellness experiences during any time of the year.
Furthermore, its proximity to Barcelona facilitates a quick getaway to relax without needing to make long journeys.
Its unique thermal heritage, featuring its iconic Font del Lleó —from which mineral-medicinal water flows at about 74°C—, makes it the ideal destination in the province to enjoy a wellness and relaxation getaway.
📍 Location: Vallès Oriental.
A small municipality that preserves the essence of the old fishing villages of the Mediterranean; its white houses, small beaches, and quiet atmosphere make Sant Pol de Mar a very pleasant destination.
Unlike other more crowded locations, here it is still possible to enjoy a leisurely pace and a strong seafaring identity. Its beaches are ideal for families and for those looking for a more relaxed environment than other parts of the Catalan coast.
The local gastronomy, especially dishes prepared with fish and seafood, is another of the great attractions of the municipality.
Its authenticity, the charm of its town centre, and its quiet beaches make it one of the most pleasant coastal villages in the province.
📍 Location: Costa del Maresme.
📍 To help you plan your route easily and without any setbacks, you can consult this map with points of interest.
If I had to recommend just one destination, Rupit i Pruit would, for me, be the best option, standing out as one of the most famous medieval villages in all of Catalonia. Its extraordinary preservation, the natural environment that surrounds it, and the experience of walking through its medieval streets make it one of the most special villages in Catalonia.
Some reasons to include it in your route:
- It preserves one of the best-preserved medieval ensembles in Catalonia.
- It combines historical heritage and nature in a single visit.
- It offers access to hiking routes and spectacular landscapes.
Alternative: If you prefer a getaway by the sea with a lively atmosphere and a wide range of leisure and gastronomy, Sitges is probably the best alternative.
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