Discover the Costa Brava beyond its coastal villages
Coastal towns always capture the interest of most visitors. And it’s true they have good reason to: coves, beaches, leisure, activities of all kinds… Even so, there are villages in the interior of the Costa Brava that are an absolute must-see: authentic, charming, free of crowds, inhabited by locals all year round and set among postcard-perfect landscapes.
In this area we find landscapes reminiscent of Tuscany: wheat fields, bales of straw, fields washed in an intense yellow colour, medieval villages, and more. If you want to round off your stay at Hotel Aromar in a special way, don’t hesitate to take a trip to some of these 10 charming villages of the Costa Brava:
1. Peratallada
It’s impossible to think of charming medieval villages in Catalonia without Peratallada coming to mind. It is possibly the village that most resembles Tuscany: with its stone streets, its castle and its climbing plants adorning walls and windows.
2. Monells
This village’s square concentrates much of its beauty. The church of Sant Genís is one of its most emblematic buildings. It is Gothic in style and has been preserved since medieval times. It was the setting for the film “Spanish Affair 2” (“8 apellidos catalanes”).
3. Madremanya
What do you think its name means? Well, it comes from the Latin expression “Mater Magna”, meaning “Great Mother”. The earliest known records of the village date back to 1035. The Parish Church of Sant Esteve presides over the views of the town.
4. Corçà
Taking a stroll through Corçà is synonymous with enjoying a medieval village of singular beauty. The Hermitage of Santa Cristina and the Chapel of Sant Sebastià are paradigmatic examples. This village also includes the hamlets of Casavells, Cassà de Pelràs and Matajudaica.
5. La Pera
This village lies in the valley that bears the same name. The passage of time has been no obstacle to preserving the medieval charm of its streets. The Castle of Púbol, just over a kilometre from the village, is the great attraction of the area. It is known for having been the residence of Gala, Dalí’s wife and muse, and where she was buried in 1982 in an underground mausoleum designed by the painter.
6. Púbol
Púbol is a medieval town that breathes an authentic rural spirit. Are you a lover of sporting activities? In this area you can enjoy hiking and cycle tourism. Of course, its castle is the most emblematic building.
7. Ullastret
It preserves archaeological sites from the Iberian era; in fact it is one of the best and most important in Catalonia. It sits on a gentle rise and is surrounded by walls, an unmistakable symbol of its medieval character.
8. Cruïlles
The Church of Santa Eulàlia, the River Daró, the hermitage of the Mare de Déu de l’Esperança, the tower commemorating the old castle of Cruïlles and the Monastery of Sant Miquel are its most appealing highlights.
9. Palau Sator
This is an eminently medieval village: its architecture provides irrefutable proof. The great Torre de les Hores (Tower of the Hours) stands out within its walled and slightly sloping enclosure.
10. La Bisbal d’Empordà
The town retains its medieval essence and structure: the remains of the walls, the 11th-century castle-palace, the 18th-century old bridge, the Portal de la Riera and the 18th-century Baroque church of Santa María make up a unique town.
Which village do you like best?
