Starting out
Leave Girona from the north exit, and take the C-66 towards La Bisbal d'Empordà. At Bordils turn off along the GIV-6701, passing the charming, peaceful village of Sant Martí Vell with a curious late Gothic spire; Madremanya, another delightful monumental site; Monells and Cruïlles. Back on the nearby C-66, we come to La Bisbal and Corçà. La Bisbal boasts a castle in the centre of the town, porticoed houses, Main Square and old Jewish quarter. Together with the three surrounding villages of Monells, Cruïlles and Corçà, this is an attractive route. Monells and Cruïlles are both 2 km from La Bisbal, the same distance that separates Monells and Corçà. The porticoed square is the main point of interest in Monells. However, by far the most interesting feature of the three villages is the 11th-12th-century Romanesque donjon in Cruïlles.
From La Bisbal, take the C-66 towards Palafrugell, turning off shortly onto the GI-644 towards Peratallada. This is a typically medieval fortified village. Turn back along the same road and drive on to Ullastret, well known for the nearby Iberian settlement. Palau-sator, Sant Julià and Sant Feliu de Boada, three villages that also stand out for his medieval patrimony. We are now very close to Pals. The most outstanding medieval towns in Catalonia to a very long beach a couple of kilometres distance.
Take the C-31 to the market town of Torroella de Montgrí, with its remains of medieval ramparts and defence towers. There is a big international music festival held here every summer. Take the C-31 towards Verges and just after leaving Torroella we find the medieval village of Ullà with its 18th-century church. Shortly after Ullà there is the GI-632 turnoff to Bellcaire d’Empordà with its 13th-century castle and Romanesque church of Sant Joan. Further on the same road is Albons, go back onto the C-31 and head towards Figueres, and from there take the C-260 to Castelló d’Empúries. There are many interesting places to see here, however, the real treasure of Castelló d'Empúries is the huge 13th-century Gothic church of Santa Maria. Go back towards Figueres, skirting the town in order to take the C-252 to Peralada.
Carrying on along the route:
This town was originally the seat of the counts of Peralada and in the summer months is host to the most important international music festival in Catalonia. Peralada town has a large historic centre that invites leisurely inspection. Go back to Figueres and take the N-260 to Besalú, an important medieval town which is well worth a leisurely visit and is also a good starting point for the medieval towns and villages in Garrotxa County.
Cobblestone’s driveway.
Just before Besalú take the GIV-5234 up to
Beuda, of exceptional interest are the
Romanesque church of Sant Domènec de Palera and church of
Sant Feliu de Beuda, with a valuable
baptismal font. The route now takes us down to Banyoles and along the GI-524 to
Santa Pau. Drive on to Olot and first take the C-152 and then the GIP 5272 to
Hostalets d'en Bas in the centre of the Vall d'en Bas. Turn back and take the road to
Sant Feliu de Pallerols, Les Planes d'Hostoles and on to
Amer. Take the road to Anglès, with one of the most outstanding Gothic quarters in Catalonia. From
Anglès we go back to
Girona and end the route.