Besalu & Medieval Towns Tour Review 2025: Is It Worth It?

So, you’re in Barcelona, and frankly, you’ve seen a lot of Gaudí’s work and stuff. You sort of feel like getting out of the big city for a day, right? I mean, I get it. We were looking for a little break from the urban scene, a way to see some of the Catalan countryside without the headache of renting a car. The Besalú and three medieval towns trip seemed, you know, just about perfect on paper. Honestly, spending a day hopping between stone villages frozen in time sounded like a really good change of pace. We basically wanted to see if it lived up to the pictures, and, well, let me tell you about how it actually all went down.

A Stress-Free Start: Hotel Pick-Up and the Small Group Vibe

Honestly, the day started out pretty great. A super comfortable van, you know, just pulled up right outside our hotel, which was a huge plus. It’s actually a big deal not having to find a meeting point in a city you don’t know very well, especially in the morning. Anyway, we got in, and it was immediately clear that this “small group” thing was for real. There were, like, only eight of us in total, so it didn’t feel crowded at all. In fact, our guide introduced himself and pretty much knew all our names in about five minutes. The vibe was just very relaxed from the get-go. As a matter of fact, it felt less like a formal tour and more like a road trip with a new friend who just happened to know a ton about the area’s history.

First Stop: A Glimpse into Catalonia’s Past

So, our first real stop after leaving Barcelona behind was this little place called Rupit. I mean, wow. You literally walk over a wooden suspension bridge to get into the main part of the village, and it’s almost like you’ve gone back a few hundred years. The buildings are all made of this really old-looking stone, from like the 16th and 17th centuries, you know. It’s so quiet, too; the main thing you hear is just the sound of your own footsteps on the cobblestones. Our guide gave us some time to just wander around on our own, which was honestly really appreciated. We basically peeked into some little artisan shops and just soaked up the peaceful feeling of the place. It’s the kind of spot that is very, very hard to find on your own, I think.

The Main Event: Falling for Besalú’s Timeless Charm

Alright, so then we made our way to Besalú, and honestly, this place is the real star of the show. The first thing you see is this incredible Romanesque bridge from the 12th century, with a sort of gatehouse in the middle. I mean, it’s just one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen; a seriously impressive piece of old-world building skill. You walk across it and you’re right in the heart of this perfectly kept medieval town. We spent a good amount of time here. Our guide showed us the old Jewish quarter and the site of an ancient Jewish bath, a mikveh, which was apparently one of the few found in Spain. To be honest, you could really feel the weight of past times in those narrow, winding streets. There was enough time for us to have a proper lunch and just kind of get lost on our own, which was really nice. It’s just a place with a very special kind of atmosphere.

What to Eat and What to Buy: A Little Advice

Okay, so let’s talk about food. When you are in these little towns, you should definitely try the local stuff. In Besalú, we found a great little spot for lunch that had a ‘menu del dia’, or menu of the day. For instance, I had this amazing local sausage called botifarra with white beans, which was absolutely delicious. As a matter of fact, it’s a pretty classic Catalan dish. For souvenirs, I would honestly skip the generic stuff. Instead, you might want to look for local crafts and foods. We saw some beautiful handmade ceramics and locally produced honey and cheeses that seemed like a much better thing to take home. Basically, try to eat and shop where you see local folks gathering; that’s usually a good sign.

Is This Medieval Day Trip Right for You?

So, at the end of the day, you need to decide if this tour fits what you’re looking for. To be honest, if you are a person who loves history, amazing views, and getting away from crowds, then yes, this is absolutely for you. Photographers, for example, will be in heaven with all the old stone, cute doorways, and stuff. It’s also great if you just want an easy, all-planned-out day where you don’t have to think about logistics at all. On the other hand, if you have trouble with mobility, you might find it a little tough. I mean, there are a lot of cobblestones and some uneven paths, you know? Similarly, if you like to spend a whole day in just one location, this tour might feel a little fast for you, as it moves between a few different spots. It’s really about getting a beautiful taste of the region in a single, well-managed day.

“Frankly, the feeling of walking across that ancient bridge in Besalú is something you just don’t forget. It’s almost like the city’s noise completely fades away, and for a little while, you’re in a different world entirely. Just a really special experience.”

Key Takeaways from the Tour

The Convenience Factor: Honestly, the hotel pick-up is a major benefit, making the morning totally stress-free.
Small Group Advantage: You actually get a more personal experience and can ask your guide questions easily.
Amazing Scenery: You know, the drive itself through the Catalan countryside is just beautiful.
Historic Immersion: The chosen towns, particularly Besalú, feel incredibly authentic and well-preserved.
Practical Pacing: You see a lot, but still, you have free time in the main spots to wander at your own speed.

Read our full review: Besalu Medieval Towns Tour Full Review and Details

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