Historic Village Walks with Girona Explorers in Besalú

Besalú, set in Girona province of northeastern Spain, offers a rare glimpse into medieval Catalonia with its remarkably preserved architecture and compact village charm. Girona Explorers specializes in guiding visitors through this historic town, famed especially for its Romanesque stone bridge that spans the Fluvià River. This free tour not only reveals Besalú’s architectural highlights but also immerses visitors in the village’s layered stories across centuries. The walk starts at the bridge, whose uneven stones and defensive towers evoke the strategic importance it held in the Middle Ages. From here, Girona Explorers leads the way through narrow cobbled streets that thread past faded stone façades to the Jewish Quarter, a well-preserved area distinguished by hidden archways and medieval street grids. This quarter recalls the rich cultural diversity that once flourished here before the expulsion of Jews in the late 15th century. Along the route, local tales surface alongside visits to artisan shops offering Ratafia, a traditional Catalan liqueur made from herbs and nuts that embodies the region’s culinary heritage. The tour culminates at an elevated viewpoint where Roman ruins come into view amid sweeping panoramas of the surrounding hills and the winding river below. Girona Explorers stands out by blending historical insight with an appreciation of Besalú’s natural setting. Their intimate knowledge invites travelers to connect authentically with this Catalan village, making the walk much more than sightseeing—it's a way to step back into a quieter, slower-paced era amidst outdoor beauty. For visitors seeking cultural context and fresh air in equal measure, Girona Explorers’ free tour offers a uniquely accessible introduction to one of Girona’s standout historical destinations.