Located just 30 minutes drive from Girona airport, to the north of Banyoles, is the striking town of Besalu. The town is situated inland, approximately 35 minutes drive to the Mediterranean coastline at L'Escala, famous for its roman ruins.
History & Architecture
Besalu was an important town in Roman times; when the Moors were expelled from this corner of Spain in the ninth century it was one of the first independent counties that arose. The town prospered, as it had done in Romans times and remained a place of importance well into the fourteenth century.
In appearance the town remains almost completely medieval, boasting some monuments quite out of proportion to its current humble status. Important monuments worth a visit include the Mikva, a twelfth-century Jewish bathhouse, the Romanesque church of Santa Vicenç (1018) and the ruins of Romanesque Santa María, on a rise overlooking the village. The 11 century Hospital, the late 12 century monastery of San Pedro and the church and monsatery of Sant Pere are all outstanding examples of the history of Besalu.
Beaches The may fine beaches and coves of the Costa Brava are within 30 minutes to one hours drive.
Market There is a weekly market on Tuesdays for local produce and gifts and check out the selection of locally produced sausages.
Leisure & Recreation Besalu is perfect for walkers, cyclists and runners, with close to seemingly endless woodland, mountains and hillsides; the surrounding countryside is unspoilt and spectacular.
Excursions The volcanic zone of Garrotxa offers spectacular scenery and woodland. Visit Figueres for the Dali exhibition and the wonderful city of Girona, another city of historical interest, plus excellent shopping facilities.
Cuisine The gastronomy of Catalonia is rich and varied. Principally it is the typical Mediterranean diet of fish and seafood with fresh vegetables, olives and olive oil rice and pasta.
There are many fine local restaurants serving excellent rustic meals, as well as more sophisticated cusine to satisfy the more refined palate.
Climate Besalu has a temperate climate, with fairly mild winters, although rain is not uncommon; complimented by glorious spring and autumn months. The summers are always warm.
The region is very beautifull and stunning.
We stayed in Sales de LLierca and this village is surrounded with mountains and forests.
And nearby you have all the famous cities and villages, like Besalù, Olot, Gerona, Banyoles, Barcelona, the coast and lots of more.
Costa Brava reviews
We were about an hour away from the coast.
the coast was not very populated in the period of the year (half september)and very clean water and very stunning views.
This was perfect forus, Quiet, in the hills with Figures and Girona around the corner when you want a change. Not great if you want loads of restaurants on your doorstep as its too remote for that.
Un endroit idéal pour les randonneurs. Agréable aussi pour se perdre dans les petits villages. Dommage qu'il soit parfois difficile de trouver un magasin ouvert.
Garrotxa is geen stad maar een natuurreservaat. Prachtig , gieren arenden , watervallen ,stromen en ook een leuk dorpje Besalu. Ietwat toeristisch maar wel ontzettend mooi en gezellig. Je moet wel de moeite nemen er te voet in te gaan. Leuke restaurants. Aanrader is Mas Cucut in Queixas.
Costa Brava reviews
Roses is zelfs in mei druk en ietwat vervallen. De overige rondom Roses liggende kusten zijn ronduit mooi en geschikt voor alle sporten of zonaanbidders. Ook de rotskusten zijn prachtig voor rustzoekers.
De Garrotxa ligt aan de zuidelijke voet van de pyrineeën. Het vulkaan gebergte kan je wat hoogteverschillen vergelijken met de Belgische Ardennen. De vruchtbare vulkaanbodem zorgt voor een mooi groen bomentapijt in het warme Spanje. Door de semi-snelweg ernaartoe is de streek zeer vlot te bereiken vanuit Figueres en Girona. Wij zijn dan ook een aantal keren naar de kust afgezakt wat neerkomt op een autorit van een uurtje. Ook Barcelona is goed te doen (1u30 met de wagen).