Top 10 Medieval Movie Towns in Girona | Cinematic Travel Guide

Start your Girona film-town itinerary with Besalú for a crisp opening day. The narrow streets, the medieval bridge, and the preserved Jewish quarter place you in this movie frame from the first step. Besalú sits in the baix area, and a short walk along the stone lanes reveals courtyards and arches of the nave that feel carved from a period piece. Most monuments here offer paid access, so plan 2–3 hours and leave room for a riverside coffee before moving on.

Next, cadaqués invites a coast‑and‑stone contrast. The cliff‑side lanes wind between white facades and tiny chapels, with baroque touches on church facades and arcades. The port offers bright light na stránke summer, making a pleasant walk toward a fine lookout. From cadaqués you can drive to Figueres for a paid visit to the múzeá of dalí, linking coastal medieval textures with surrealist art.

In Girona itself, the Barri Vell packs several cinematic set pieces. Walk along the Onyar river and cross the bridges to reach the nave and cloister of the Cathedral, then wander the ancient Jewish quarter to feel how the city lives inside its walls. The light changes as you descend toward the river, and the facades along Plaça de Sant Feliu glow in summer evenings. Many enclosures are paid attractions, but the exterior scenes alone offer ample material for photographers and writers. there, you feel the heart of the town and the energy that keeps this route alive.

From Girona, branch out to Pals and Peratallada for fortified silhouettes. Pals sits on a gentle hill in the baix area, with a cohesive nave of stone houses and walk routes that lead to the plaza. Peratallada preserves a medieval square and castle towers that glow under late light. The cobbles are ideal for slow shoots, and the town centers provide paid visits to some interior rooms, yielding a few cinematic moments without crowds.

Don’t miss Castellfollit de la Roca for a dramatic cliff viewpoint. The town sits atop a basalt ridge, with a tiny nave church and a walk through narrow lanes that tumble toward the gorge. Nearby, a short drive connects you to Castellar de la Roca and other medieval leftovers in the baix area, where the landscape itself becomes a movie backdrop you can shoot with spare equipment or phone cameras.

Round out the circuit with a dalí‑inspired finale in Figueres or cadaqués. In Figueres, the Dalí Theatre‑Museum dominates the day with a unique interior that makes a strong contrast to medieval façades elsewhere. In cadaqués, narrow lanes spill toward the sea, offering a final shot list that fits into a compact plan. The route can be completed in summer with comfortable pacing and plenty of time for múzeá and cafés along the way. Maps and photos are provided under by-sa to encourage responsible sharing.

Top 10 Medieval Movie Towns in Girona Cinematic Travel Guide; 6 Palau-Sator Baix Empordà

Recommendation: start your itinerary at 6 Palau-Sator Baix Empordà to feel the traditional pulse of the province, then stroll to the other towns. There you’ll find compact centers built around centuries of heritage, with churches, markets, and walls that invite slow, comfortable time, perfect for visitors and locals alike.

1. Besalú

   Besalú, located in the province of Girona, captivates with a 12th-century bridge crossing the Fluvià and a historic Jewish quarter. The oldest lanes wind toward the church of Sant Pere and well-preserved houses, offering stunning views over the river valley. There are shops selling traditional crafts, and the whole area feels like a short, cinematic snapshot of medieval life for every tourist strolling through. There, you sense the heritage counts in every corner, a true example of historical continuity.

2. Pals

   Pals sits on a hillside in Baix Empordà, where intact stone houses and a fortified line create a living postcard. The 9th–12th century layout centers on the Plaça de l’Església, with a church and narrow lanes perfect for a slow stroll. Visitor-friendly cafés and shops line the way, and the surrounding nature delivers calm views toward the coastline. It’s an important stop for those who want a concise taste of medieval town life with a traditional rhythm.

3. Palau-Sator

   Palau-Sator, in Baix Empordà, feels like a compact fortress village with a walled hilltop core and a small castle-imiquity. The 12th–century walls frame a square where churches and traditional houses cluster, making it ideal for short, cinematic walks. Nearby boada adds a quiet detour for a short time of strolling, while local shops offer crafts and regional bites. This citys character serves as a cool (and compact) anchor for a day’s itinerary.

4. Monells

   Monells is a tiny, cinematic village in Baix Empordà, famed for its single square lined with arcades and stone houses. The medieval layout feels timeless, with a church at one end and a network of narrow lanes that invite you to linger. For a tourist short stop, Monells delivers authentic heritage in a way that’s easy to absorb, with views toward green hills and a sense of time slowing down.

5. Peratallada

   Peratallada sits between Baix Empordà towns with a castle keep and turreted walls that survive from the 12th century. The entire village reads like a well-preserved set, with shops tucked along stone passages and a central square that hosts small markets. Walking time passes quickly here, but the sense of historical depth remains strong, making it a standout example of traditional architecture and heritage.

6. Castelló d’Empúries

   

   Castelló d’Empúries, on the Alt Empordà coast, combines riverfront calm with a fortified core around the church of Santa Maria. The medieval streets bend toward the old port, and the views from the walls toward the sea are striking. The town’s heritage is well preserved, with clear examples of how a coastal town evolved through time while keeping its identity intact for visitors to explore.

7. La Bisbal d’Empordà

   La Bisbal d’Empordà remains a ceramics hub, where shops display the region’s ceramic traditions alongside other crafts. Its historic center weaves between a castle site and winding lanes, with a strong sense of time in every corner. For tourists who want a quick cultural fix, the town offers a short, dense dose of heritage and a bustle of modern craft stores that honor a centuries-old craft.

8. Torroella de Montgrí

   Torroella de Montgrí sits along the Ter river in Baix Empordà, with a medieval core that climbs toward the Montgrí hill. The old quarter, a church, and the castle ruin are easy to reach on foot, and the riverfront provides refreshing views. It’s a good place to combine heritage with a natural backdrop, making a compact, time-efficient stop that still feels meaningful.

9. Sant Feliu de Guíxols

   Sant Feliu de Guíxols blends a coastal vibe with a medieval heart, where the old church and watchtower overlook the harbor. The town’s lanes invite a relaxed stroll, and the seafront views complement the stone textures of the core quarter. For the curious traveler, the mix of nature, sea, and historic architecture makes for a short but memorable visit.

10. Calonge

    Calonge features a hilltop castle with two towers, overlooking the Baix Empordà coastline. The older district wraps around the castle, offering a clear sense of how a medieval town adapted to time and trade. Shops and eateries on the cobbles give a practical, traditional experience for a brief, enjoyable stop that rounds out the day with strong, cool contrasts between sea breeze and stone.

Practical Cinematic Itinerary Across Girona’s Medieval Towns

Begin na adrese castellfollit, arriving before sunrise to capture the massif cliff rising from the Fluvià valley. Park near the bridge access and walk the porticoed lane toward the church; the early light softens basalt textures and frames the town above, revealing its history in every stone and the surrounding príroda. From the viewpoint overlooking the cliff edge you can shoot three angles in 20 minutes. Plan a 15-minute detour to photograph a line of traditional residences along the cliff path.

From Castellfollit drive 25–30 minutes to Besalú, a town admired for its roman bridge and a romanesque cluster of houses, where centuries of history are visible in every arc.

In Besalú set aside 90 minutes: walk the bridge, explore the medieval quarter with its roman architecture and porticoed arches, peek into a former residence where legends linger.

Continue to Peratallada, about 20–25 minutes, where two church towers flank a maze of cobbled lanes and a preserved roman fortress, with romanesque windows catching the sun.

Monells follows in about 20 minutes; this charming town keeps arcaded streets, stone façades, and a central square ideal for cinematic shots.

Then head to Pals, 20–30 minutes away, perched above the plain with an altitude and a viewpoint toward the coastal plain.

Finish back in Girona’s medieval town for a sunset sequence along the city walls and the cathedral, ending with legends spoken by local guides.

Notes: This route through Girona’s towns is published with a by-sa license, reflecting field notes by konig and fellow writers.

1-Day Route: Besalú, Pals, Peratallada, Monells, and Palau-Sator

Begin at 9:00 in Besalú, the best-preserved medieval town in the region, where the 11th-century bridge spans the Fluvià and the streets wind along the cliff beneath the Montgrí massif. Look for the agulló motif on a doorway and imagine how the town can become a crossroads of history. Plan about three hours here to cross the bridge, explore the Jewish quarter, visit the church of Sant Vicenç, and climb to the fortress viewpoint. There, you’ll sense the heritage of stone craft, and the day can become a memory you carry along the route.

From Besalú, drive about 40 minutes toward Pals, a hilltop town with narrow lanes and whitewashed walls. In Pals, allocate about 75 minutes to walk the medieval walls, visit Sant Pere Church, and enjoy the central square. The overlook toward the Mediterranean offers a perfect photo angle. Try the local cuisine, with seafood from nearby fishing villages pairing with rustic vegetables from the plain. The town is located on a gentle crest, and you can feel three historical styles in the façades.

Next, reach Peratallada, about 20 minutes away. Peratallada remains one of the best-preserved towns, with steep, cobbled streets, two-story houses, and a castle that guards the square. The monument here reflects Romanesque, Gothic, and Catalan styles, making the walk a study in history. Allow about 60 minutes to stroll the lanes, peek into small shops, and climb old walls for a view over the fields.

Then Monells welcomes you with a quintessential film-set vibe; the town center circles a single square, arched arcades, and white stone corners. It’s a favorite for shoots, so you can imagine scenes as you wander. Allocate about 45 minutes here and look for heritage details in every corner; when crowds thin at midday, there’s little disturbance, and you enjoy a calm atmosphere.

Finally, Palau-Sator ends the loop. This small fortified hamlet sits on a low rise amid vineyards and olive groves, with a circular street plan and a hilltop church. The monument here and the surrounding nature showcase heritage in a concise package. Savor the cuisine of the region, lingering on a cafe terrace, and take a short loop around the walls for views toward the Montgrí range and the coast. This stop helps you reflect on the route and ties together the day’s history.

Besalú in Frame: Key Angles – Stone Bridge, Medieval Quarter, and Synagogue Corners

Start at the Stone Bridge at dawn; youll see the water mirror the arches and the towers, a clear first frame for any visit in this area.

• Stone Bridge

  The multi-arch span preserves centuries of passing traffic; the oldest stones anchor the west end where the guard towers presided over trade. For a film-friendly shot, stand near the river bend and frame the bridge’s curve with the town walls in the background. If you count the arches, you’ll notice a rhythm that has held through centuries. agulló stone markers hint at the craft that built this bridge, and you can read them as you walk. The counts shown on plaques reflect eight arches. Note when you cross, the city unfolds. When the light shifts, the landscapes around the bridge yield new moods; you can shoot twice and still find a fresh frame. If you need a quick break, grab ice-cream from a nearby stall and watch local life move through the passing crowd. This moment is ideal for a calm tourist pause, after which you’ll cross and feel the weight of history.

• Medieval Quarter

  Walls rise close, and the texture stays authentic. The quarter preserves a traditional street plan with narrow lanes, a small nave opening onto a square, and stone lintels that carry centuries of habit. For a longer walk than peratallada, follow the route toward the old city gate and loop back along the canal. They emphasize agulló details on doorways, and you can sample local eating options that pair cheese with regional wine. This area offers an ideal setting for slow photography and for absorbing the sounds of footsteps on old stones. A visitor can trace how people lived and traded here, through courtyards and covered passages that preserve a lived history.

• Synagogue Corners

  Besalú’s Jewish quarter centers on corners where the synagogue once stood, with preserved stones that speak of a presided community long before the modern tourist gaze. Through these lanes you walk past small courtyards that feel like private rooms, and you glimpse the oldest examples of medieval Jewish life in the region. For the visitor, this is a place to reflect on tradition and to follow routes that kept the trade routes alive–arabian merchants, passing scholars, and local families all left their mark. When you exit, goodbye to crowds and hello to quiet corners where history breathes through every step.

Pals and Peratallada: Cobblestones, Turrets, and Plaza Framing Tips

Begin at Santa Maria de Pals square at dawn to catch warm light on cobblestones and timber balconies–the catalan setting invites a strong, tourist-friendly shot that feels authentic from the first frame. That area rewards quick moves from close textures to wide vistas, so plan to loop between street corners and the plaza in a single visit.

Pals sits within a walled, compact area where roman and visigothic echoes mix with medieval architecture. The town’s impressive silhouettes arise from a tall turret, a small castelló on the crest, and stone houses that line the narrow lanes. Different angles reveal how the same stonework shifts in the summer sun, creating patterns that feel both historic and cinematic. The scene offers plenty of interest for a full day of exploration or a compact, movie-style mini shoot.

Peratallada complements Pals with a larger sense of space around its plaza. A large, granite-built street network leads to arches that frame the central square, while a castelló-like lookout rises above the rooftops. The walled enclosure forms a natural stage, perfect for establishing shots that feel timeless. In the plaza, shutters and doors reveal that name in carved letters, a telltale sign for visitors and locals alike. Editors will appreciate the quiet, sunlit corners that recall classic baroque and medieval architecture, with subtle visigothic hints in doorways and window tracery.

If you’re planning a day trip from Barcelona, aim for a summer itinerary that starts early and continues through late afternoon; both towns stay lively as tourist crowds shift, offering opportunities to capture people-watching scenes alongside architectural details. The area is also rich in hidden gardens tucked behind pillared arches, where you can frame calm interiors that contrast with the bustling plazas seen from the main streets. For museum-curious travelers, nearby museums provide context about that period and its architectural examples, enriching a visit that blends outdoor framing with interior notes.

Monells and Palau-Sator: Intimate Streets and Quiet Courtyards for Close-Ups

Begin your shoot with a 20-minute walk from Monells’ gate toward the three cobbled squares, where intimate streets and quiet courtyards invite close-ups.

These lanes were admired for baroque and medieval facades, built with local stone, with Mediterranean light filtering through arches. In summer the walls glow with panoramic light, offering something like a perfect setting for close-ups, and you will enjoy the texture of such surfaces.

Palau-Sator centers on a single square surrounded by quiet courtyards and a small chapel; century-old walls and three entrances frame the lanes. Once you wander the lanes, the volcanic clay roofs catch light in a fascinating way, adding mood that feels like a movie set.

Plan a breakfast stop in Monells before you shoot; a pastry and coffee reset the eye for stone and shade. Follow the road toward Palau-Sator to catch a view that shifts with the sun, and use doors and arches as framing. I recommend a low-angle pass along the squares to reveal textures. A visitor will notice something new with every turn; a konig lens yields crisp close-ups, while boada can point out hidden courtyards. Fishing for light and texture along the façades adds an extra layer of poetry for such scenes.

Practical Travel Tips: Parking, Transit, Lighting, and Crowd Timing

Park in the municipal lot by the wall, located near the coastal gate, and walk five minutes to the Empúries museum and town center. The lot is clearly signed with posted time limits; plan for market days when signs may change. The entire town is compact, so an afternoon stroll reveals notable sights and the coastal ambience that defines this costa region.

Use the central bus stop to reach Figueres, Girona, or nearby coastal towns; published times appear on the shelter and online, with typical headways every 30–40 minutes during daytime. Buy tickets at machines or on board; if you miss a connection, buffer your schedule by 15 minutes.

Evening lighting along the wall and coastal paths remains reliable until late; carry a compact flashlight for a post-sunset stroll and keep to marked routes for safety. Rely on street lamps and storefront lighting, but still watch for dim corners near the museum grounds and residences.

To minimize crowds, visit the museum at opening time or after 16:00, and avoid weekends if possible during peak season. A tip from local ‘jorge’ is to stroll Baix’s side streets for a cool alternative route and a chance to sample local cuisine in quiet settings. Pair your visit with a bite at a harbor-side cafe to enrich the experience; always check the published time for exhibits or guided tours so you don’t miss a highlight.