Besalu is a beautiful medieval town in northern Catalonia, not far from the French border, and within an hour by car from the Mediterranean coast. Besalu villa rentals are found in a location that offers sumptuous natural landscapes, rich history and a host of outdoor pursuits.
Besalu was a town with monumental importance during the Middle Ages, and the are are a number of remnants that can be seen to this day. Perhaps the most significant structure is the town’s Romanesque bridge, which dates to the 1100s and features a gated defensive tower. Other landmarks worth visiting close to Besalu holiday cottages are the mikveh, a restored medieval Jewish bathhouse, the 11th Century church of Sant Pere, as well as the charming arcaded streets of the old town.
The moderate slopes in the surrounding Garrocha region are perfectly suited outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking, There a network of more than a dozen trails that can be easily reached from holiday accommodation in Besalu. Along these you’ll be able to visit historic landmarks such as hermitages and monasteries, while some routes will lead you through the Garrocha Volcanic Zone, which is preserved as a Natural Park.
At the Garrocha Volcanic Zone, a short drive from Besalu, you’ll encounter what is considered to be on of the best examples of a volcanic landscape in Europe. Here you can visit the extinct Santa Margarita Volcano, which features a small Romanesque church in its crater. The Fluvia river, which runs through Besalu can also be found in the park, as can the ancient Tosca Forest.
Besalu self-catering cottage rentals are just over half an hour from the city of Girona, known for its extensive old town. Here you’ll find one of the last remaining Jewish quarters in Spain, as well as a host of sights dating to the middle ages, such as the collegiate church of Sant Feliu. Meanwhile an hour by car will take you to the Costa Brava, and the seaside town of Roses, which offers a lovely sandy beach.
If you visit a Besalu holiday villa any time between April and October, you’ll be able to expect warm, sunny weather, with especially high temperatures in mid-summer. Winters here are relatively cool, due to the high elevation, with snowfall common on some of the taller peaks.
Besalu is little more than half an hour from Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), which can be reached by flights from UK cities such as Birmingham (BHX), East Midlands (EMA), London-Stansted (STN) via low-cost airline Ryanair.
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