Sunday, October 19, 2025

From Barcelona to the Twelfth century by minibus


Besalú, Rupit and Tavertet by minibus

In the event you’re spending just a few days in Barcelona and really feel like swapping the town noise for one thing quieter and extra historic, a day journey to the villages of Besalú, Rupit and Tavertet is a good choice. You may hire a minibus and take your group on a relaxed journey by medieval streets, stone homes and a few gorgeous pure surroundings.

The entire route could be finished in a day. In the event you’re already in Girona, it’s even simpler.

Comfy minibus excursions make visiting distant medieval websites simple, with knowledgeable guides sharing fascinating historic context alongside the best way.

What makes this route particular?

  • Besalú is understood for its spectacular Twelfth-century bridge and well-preserved Jewish quarter. Strolling by its slim streets looks like moving into one other time.
  • Rupit is a small village constructed right into a hillside, filled with stone homes and picket balconies. It’s quiet, scenic, and nice for a gradual stroll.
  • Tavertet affords extensive views over cliffs and forests. It’s the spot for nature lovers and an ideal place to take a break earlier than heading again.

Issues to know

  • A minibus rent from Barcelona makes the entire journey simple. No want to fret about public transport or parking.
  • It’s a full-day journey, so go away early to take advantage of it.
  • Put on comfy sneakers — all three villages have cobblestone streets.
  • Convey water, snacks, and possibly a jacket, relying on the season. The climate can change rapidly within the hills.

That is a type of quiet days that stays with you: good views, good firm, and a glimpse of life at a slower tempo.

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The easiest way to get round is by automobile

Take a look at this web site to hire a automobile and go at your personal tempo.

Tips on how to transfer your group from Barcelona?

Listed below are three transportation choices, relying in your group measurement and funds.

By automobile 

In the event you’re a small group of max 4-5 folks, renting a automobile affords flexibility and luxury. On condition that some roads between Besalú, Rupit, and Tavertet go by mountainous areas, I’d advocate having an skilled driver acquainted with rural and mountainous terrain.

Minibus with driver 

Hiring a minibus in Barcelona with a driver from the realm is an opulent alternative. This selection permits everybody within the group to chill out, nap, or take within the views with out worrying about driving on winding roads. Your solely activity is to benefit from the day journey to the fullest.

Public bus

Another choice is to take public buses. Whereas it’s not probably the most comfy different, it has its allure. Nevertheless, it requires good planning to match schedules. In the event you try to go to all three cities in in the future, it may be price staying in a single day in Girona and taking the bus with Teisa from there. Be aware that there is no such thing as a direct bus connection from Besalú to Rupit. 

Map of your bus tour beginning in Barcelona

Right here’s a map of the route. We advocate beginning early, and go away Barcelona round 8:30 am, dedicating about two hours to Besalú and Rupit, and roughly 40 minutes in Tavertet to benefit from the panoramic views. Together with journey time, at the present time journey takes roughly eight hours.

barceloma map with route traced
Pack comfy strolling sneakers – many medieval websites have uneven stone paths and staircases to discover.

Besalú: A medieval city in Catalonia

Besalú is a medieval city within the La Garrotxa area, well-known for its well-preserved Romanesque bridge, Jewish quarter, and slim streets steeped in historical past.

Upon arrival, you’ll see a Twelfth-century stone bridge crossing the Fluvià River, welcoming you to the city. Throughout the bridge, you’ll discover a community of cobblestone streets good for a leisurely stroll. Don’t miss visiting the Jewish quarter and the stays of the Twelfth-century mikveh (ritual tub), one of many few in Europe, in addition to the Romanesque Church of Sant Pere.

If you wish to take advantage of your go to, think about reserving a personal tour, good for teams. With an unique information for 2 hours, you’ll discover the details of curiosity, together with the Jewish quarter.

Medieval town of Besalú
Small group excursions enable entry to hidden gems like the superbly preserved village of Besalu

Tips on how to get to Besalú from Barcelona?

To achieve Besalú from Barcelona, take the AP-7 freeway towards Girona after which proceed on the C-66, following the indicators to Besalú. The drive is about 1.5 hours.

Parking for automobiles and minibus

Besalú has a number of parking areas for automobiles and minibus outdoors the historic middle, as car entry is restricted within the outdated city. Probably the most generally used parking is at Plaza Sant Pere, a brief stroll from the bridge and city middle.

Rupit: A clifftop village

After Besalú, the subsequent cease is Rupit, a small medieval city recognized for its clifftop location, hanging bridges, and exquisite mountainous environment.

In Rupit, you’ll have free time to discover its steep, cobbled streets. You’ll want to cross the picket hanging bridge and go to the Baroque Church of Sant Miquel, in addition to the artisan retailers promoting native crafts. 

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Tips on how to get to Rupit from Besalú? 

To achieve Rupit from Besalú, take the C-66 to the C-63 intersection, which is able to lead you to the C-153 towards Rupit. The drive takes about one hour.

Parking for the minibus in Rupit

There’s ample parking on the entrance to Rupit for each automobiles and minibuses. Though it’s paid parking, it’s the most suitable choice because it gives direct entry to the city on foot and avoids driving by the slim streets of the middle.

A Catalan lunch in Rupit

If the steep streets of Rupit whet your urge for food, what higher technique to fulfill it than by stopping for lunch? The dishes right here function sport meats and contemporary produce from native gardens.

Two beneficial eating places are Hostal Estrella (Plaça del Bisbe Font, 1), the place you’ll be able to strive dishes like onion soup, beef tenderloin, and rib-eye steak, and Restaurante Albert (Sant Joan de Fàbregues, 4), a spacious place supreme for teams and followers of Catalan delicacies.

Don’t neglect your digital camera! The mountain views from medieval fort ruins like Rupit are breathtaking.

Tavertet: a lookout over the Sau Reservoir

The ultimate cease is Tavertet, a small village perched atop a cliff with gorgeous views of the Sau Reservoir. It’s the right place to wrap up the tour with a panoramic view of the reservoir and surrounding hills. Don’t miss the Eleventh-century Romanesque Church of Sant Cristòfol.

Tips on how to Get to Tavertet from Rupit?

To achieve Tavertet from Rupit, observe the C-153 till you attain the native highway resulting in Tavertet. This scenic drive takes about 25 minutes.

Parking the minibus in Tavertet

Tavertet has a number of parking areas on the city’s entrance appropriate for automobiles and minibuses. From these parking tons, you’ll be able to simply discover the city on foot.

Panoramic view of the cliffs of Tavertet and Sau Reservoir
Panoramic view of the cliffs of Tavertet and Sau Reservoir

After a day immersed in medieval Catalan life, it’s time to ask your minibus driver to take the group again to the twenty first century and head again to Barcelona. With contemporary air in your lungs and pictures of the Catalan countryside in your thoughts, you may end up rethinking what huge metropolis life actually means to you—and possibly even think about shifting to a quieter place in the future.

Disclosure: This weblog put up might comprise affiliate hyperlinks, which signifies that I’ll obtain a fee for any purchases made by the hyperlinks. Your belief is vital to us, and we be sure that all services or products we advocate meet or exceed our editorial requirements.

Final Up to date on April 6, 2025

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