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Empordà Medieval Villages Private Day Trip

Travel back to the Middle Ages as you explore the enchanting villages of the Empordà. Wander through cobbled streets, ancient castles and hidden squares where time seems to stand still, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Catalonia’s most charming countryside.

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A cobbled square between golden-stone medieval houses in a Baix Empordà villageBarcelona in Context · 1 / 3

A medieval stone manor with a garden lawn in the Baix Empordà — A cobbled square between golden-stone medieval houses in a Baix Empordà villageBarcelona in Context · 1 / 3

Duration: 9 h
Location: Catalunya
Includes: Official Guide of Catalonia (private) · Fully customised itinerary

Escape the city and discover the timeless beauty of the Empordà, one of Catalonia’s most captivating regions, renowned for its perfectly preserved medieval villages, rolling countryside and rich cultural heritage. This unforgettable journey takes you through a landscape where history, architecture and local traditions have remained remarkably unchanged for centuries.

Visit some of the region’s most picturesque villages, such as Pals, Peratallada, Monells or Madremanya (depending on the itinerary), each offering its own unique character and fascinating history. Wander through labyrinths of cobbled streets, admire fortified walls, Romanesque churches, elegant stone mansions and charming squares that transport you back to medieval Catalonia.

Discover the impressive defensive towers and Gothic architecture of Pals, climb to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Empordà plain, or lose yourself in the beautifully preserved streets of Peratallada, often considered one of Spain’s finest medieval villages. In Monells, admire its elegant arcaded square, famous for its timeless atmosphere and as a filming location for international productions.

Throughout the day, your guide will reveal the stories of medieval nobles, knights, merchants and artisans who once shaped life in these thriving communities. Learn how the villages flourished through agriculture, trade and craftsmanship while preserving their unique architectural heritage.

The tour also introduces you to the region’s rich gastronomy and traditions. Depending on the itinerary, you’ll have free time to enjoy local cafés, browse artisan shops or taste regional specialities, including the excellent wines, olive oil and traditional Catalan cuisine for which the Empordà is renowned.

Surrounded by vineyards, forests and gentle hills stretching towards the Mediterranean, the Empordà offers a peaceful contrast to Barcelona’s vibrant energy, making this excursion a perfect blend of history, culture, nature and authentic local life.

Ideal for history lovers, photographers and travellers seeking to experience the authentic soul of Catalonia, this tour reveals some of the country’s most beautiful villages—places where every stone, square and alleyway tells a story spanning hundreds of years.

Peratallada, its rock-cut moat and fortified core
Pals and the Torre de les Hores above the rice fields
The arcaded square of Monells
The golden-stone lanes and Romanesque churches of the Baix Empordà
A relaxed country lunch in the Empordà

Questions, answered

Which villages will we visit?

The classic route takes in Peratallada, Pals and Monells, the best-preserved medieval villages of the Baix Empordà. Because the trip is private, we can adjust the selection — adding Madremanya, Cruïlles, Ullastret or La Bisbal d’Empordà — to your interests and the season.

Why is Peratallada special?

Peratallada’s name means “carved stone”, and it is literal: its defensive moat and much of the village are cut into the living rock. Its fortified core around the castle and church makes it one of the most complete medieval ensembles in Catalonia.

How far is the Empordà from Barcelona?

The Baix Empordà is about a hundred and twenty kilometres north-east of Barcelona, a little over an hour and a half by road. As a private day trip it begins and ends in Barcelona, with transport arranged to suit your group.

Is a lot of walking involved?

The villages are small and walkable, though their cobbled lanes and gentle slopes call for comfortable shoes. The pace is relaxed and the private format lets us adapt the walking to your group, with plenty of pauses.