10 Activities
The Catalan Countryside Is Calling You
Starts from
Barcelona
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
10
Duration
12 hours
Length
54 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Barcelona
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
12 hours
Length
54 mi
Darcy Tuscano
Travel Expert
- Walk across a suspension bridge to enter an ancient hamlet.
- Explore a 1,000-year-old village hidden high in the mountains.
- Discover a Roman temple from the 2nd century.
- Learn about medieval art and view a stunning exhibit.
While most people are familiar with the city of Barcelona and the attractions surrounding it, the Catalan countryside has many incredible gems just waiting to be explored.
If you're ready to get off the beaten path and see a true slice of what makes this region so special, this route is just for you. You'll explore the ancient Roman city of Vic, drive through the most amazing mountain passes, discover the tiny village of Rupit filled with cobblestoned alleys and end your day in Besalu with its medieval buildings and famous Romanesque bridge.
While this route can be completed any month of the year, the countryside of Catalonia can be very wet and chilly in the winter months, and it may not be quite as enjoyable. Pack for the season!
If you're ready to get off the beaten path and see a true slice of what makes this region so special, this route is just for you. You'll explore the ancient Roman city of Vic, drive through the most amazing mountain passes, discover the tiny village of Rupit filled with cobblestoned alleys and end your day in Besalu with its medieval buildings and famous Romanesque bridge.
While this route can be completed any month of the year, the countryside of Catalonia can be very wet and chilly in the winter months, and it may not be quite as enjoyable. Pack for the season!
Categories
While most people are familiar with the city of Barcelona and the attractions surrounding it, the Catalan countryside has many incredible gems just waiting to be explored.
If you're ready to get off the beaten path and see a true slice of what makes this region so special, this route is just for you. You'll explore the ancient Roman city of Vic, drive through the most amazing mountain passes, discover the tiny village of Rupit filled with cobblestoned alleys and end your day in Besalu with its medieval buildings and famous Romanesque bridge.
While this route can be completed any month of the year, the countryside of Catalonia can be very wet and chilly in the winter months, and it may not be quite as enjoyable. Pack for the season!
If you're ready to get off the beaten path and see a true slice of what makes this region so special, this route is just for you. You'll explore the ancient Roman city of Vic, drive through the most amazing mountain passes, discover the tiny village of Rupit filled with cobblestoned alleys and end your day in Besalu with its medieval buildings and famous Romanesque bridge.
While this route can be completed any month of the year, the countryside of Catalonia can be very wet and chilly in the winter months, and it may not be quite as enjoyable. Pack for the season!
Darcy Tuscano
Travel Expert
- Walk across a suspension bridge to enter an ancient hamlet.
- Explore a 1,000-year-old village hidden high in the mountains.
- Discover a Roman temple from the 2nd century.
- Learn about medieval art and view a stunning exhibit.
Day Itinerary
10 Activities
Day 1
54 mi1 mi
Exploring the Catalan Countryside on the Way to Girona
This gorgeous road trip will take you through the heart of Catalonia as you explore the ancient Roman city of Vic, the tiny mountain pueblo of Rupit and finally, the gorgeous Romanesque town of Besalu with its famous medieval bridge spanning the Fluvià river.
Get your camera out and your walking shoes on as you get ready to explore some of the best treasures of Catalonia.
Get your camera out and your walking shoes on as you get ready to explore some of the best treasures of Catalonia.
10:005 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
You'll park here for your time exploring Vic.
0.5 mi
10 min
10:151 hr 30 min
Museu d’Art Medieval (MEV)
Sights
Open Details
Start your day off in the Catalan city of Vic with an informative visit to MEV, the Museum of Medieval Art. Here, you'll have the chance to learn more about the Catalan and Romanesque period with a fine arts display of paintings and sculptures.
To make the most of your experience at MEV, be sure to check out their mobile app, which enables the visitor to find out more about the exhibits and their creators.
The neighbourhood surrounding the MEV and The Temple of Vic is delightful for wandering around the narrow ancient streets as you explore this ancient Catalan city.
To make the most of your experience at MEV, be sure to check out their mobile app, which enables the visitor to find out more about the exhibits and their creators.
The neighbourhood surrounding the MEV and The Temple of Vic is delightful for wandering around the narrow ancient streets as you explore this ancient Catalan city.
0.1 mi
5 min
12:0045 min
Roman Temple of Vic
Sights
Open Details
Vic, capital of the region of Osona, was once called Auso in Roman times. The Roman Temple of Vic stands on an ancient site built in the 2nd century AD. While the current structure is restored and much more modern, it was rebuilt from the ancient foundation.
Today, you can feel a part of the Roman past as you take a glimpse inside and marvel at the Corinthian columns and porticos.
If you happen upon the Temple of Vic, declared a historical artistic monument since 1931, outside of opening hours, don't worry as it is still a magnificent structure to view and admire.
Having explored the temple, get back to the car park to pick up your vehicle.
Today, you can feel a part of the Roman past as you take a glimpse inside and marvel at the Corinthian columns and porticos.
If you happen upon the Temple of Vic, declared a historical artistic monument since 1931, outside of opening hours, don't worry as it is still a magnificent structure to view and admire.
Having explored the temple, get back to the car park to pick up your vehicle.
21.5 mi
50 min
13:355 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
This lot is where you should park for exploring Rupit by foot. After parking, you'll cross over a suspension bridge (Pont Penjat) by foot to enter the village of Rupit.
0.2 mi
5 min
13:451 hr 30 min
Hostal Estrella
Lodging
Open Details
Welcome to Rupit, a beautiful and charming medieval mountain village. You'll be delighted with your lunch at Hostal Estrella today as you dine in their cozy salon.
The hotel and restaurant, which has been run by four generations of the Dorca Peix family, is of outstanding quality and hospitality.
Book your table online and enjoy your meal of Catalan cuisine made with local and seasonal products with a bottle of Spanish wine from their large selection.
The hotel and restaurant, which has been run by four generations of the Dorca Peix family, is of outstanding quality and hospitality.
Book your table online and enjoy your meal of Catalan cuisine made with local and seasonal products with a bottle of Spanish wine from their large selection.
0.1 mi
5 min
15:301 hr
Rupit
Sights
Open Details
After lunch, it's time to explore the tiny but impressive hamlet of Rupit, located deep in the Catalonia countryside. This 1,000- year-old medieval stone village in the middle of the Collsacabra is surrounded by exquisite natural sites, rivers and waterfalls.
Take your time to discover its ancient cobblestoned streets and alleys and take your time to admire the views as you walk along its lush riverside with mountains looming in the distance. The corner of El Fossar is the most photographed location of the village, with its cobbled stairs and old stone buildings.
After that, return to the car park via the suspension bridge and head to Besalú.
Take your time to discover its ancient cobblestoned streets and alleys and take your time to admire the views as you walk along its lush riverside with mountains looming in the distance. The corner of El Fossar is the most photographed location of the village, with its cobbled stairs and old stone buildings.
After that, return to the car park via the suspension bridge and head to Besalú.
32.8 mi
1 hr 10 min
17:455 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
First crossing over the main vehicle bridge of the C-66z, you'll park here in this car lot and cross the ancient Pont de Besalú via foot to enter the town.
This lot provides you with some perfect photo opportunities!
The office of tourism is conveniently located across the street if you'd like to pop in for a map or ask any questions.
The office of tourism is conveniently located across the street if you'd like to pop in for a map or ask any questions.
0.2 mi
5 min
18:0045 min
Besalú Bridge
Sights
Open Details
In the Middle Ages, Besalú was the capital of the county and today is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Catalonia.
After crossing the perfectly preserved Romanesque bridge, you'll have time to find those perfect shots as you admire the scenery surrounding you and the Fluvià river running under the bridge. Take your time wandering through the streets of the old town before heading to the restaurant for dinner.
After crossing the perfectly preserved Romanesque bridge, you'll have time to find those perfect shots as you admire the scenery surrounding you and the Fluvià river running under the bridge. Take your time wandering through the streets of the old town before heading to the restaurant for dinner.
0.6 mi
15 min
19:0045 min
Rebost del Comtat de Besalú
Museum
Open Details
This delightful small museum, located right in the town center, is a gem and best of all, it's entirely free! Have a look around to see the historical collection of items from Catalonia in times gone by.
You'll also have a chance to buy some local items such as dried sausages and local cheeses.
You'll also have a chance to buy some local items such as dried sausages and local cheeses.
0.1 mi
5 min
20:001 hr 30 min
La Roda Groga
Pizza Place
Open Details
This reliable family-run restaurant, located very near the Besalú bridge, is an excellent option for a pizza tonight. In addition, they also have a nice selection of craft beers available.
After dinner, return to the car park and collect your car to drive to Girona, your final destination. Once there, if you've got the energy, you can explore the old historic city centre and sample a cocktail at one of the many restaurants dotting the small alleyways and cobblestoned streets.
After dinner, return to the car park and collect your car to drive to Girona, your final destination. Once there, if you've got the energy, you can explore the old historic city centre and sample a cocktail at one of the many restaurants dotting the small alleyways and cobblestoned streets.