6 villages with Christmas charm

If you are thinking of ending the year by unwinding from everything and what you feel like doing is filling your lungs with fresh air, stretching your legs a little and immersing yourself in winter landscapes …, go for it! Now is the time to plan the perfect getaway and visit some of the most charming villages in the regions of Barcelona.

1. Rupit, a village full of contrasts

In Osona, in the Sau valley and Collsacabra plateau area, lies Rupit, one of the most beautiful villages in the regions of Barcelona. Declared a National Historic/Artistic Site, this medieval village will steal your heart with its bridge hanging over the stream, its balconies overflowing with plants, the steep cliffs where the Romanesque church of Sant Joan de Fàbregues stands and the Sallent waterfall, some 100 metres high. 

2. Calaf – hidden treasures

The village of Calaf is also full of charm. The church of Sant Jaume and its towering bell tower, the 11th century castle, the stately houses, the narrow streets of the old town, the traditional market, the Main Square ... There are so many beautiful things to see in the capital of the shepherds in the nativity scene that you will not be able to see them all! A great village to enjoy at a slow and leisurely pace, with enough time to discover its hidden treasures.

3. Bagà, a medieval paradise

Bagà is the perfect counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holidays, as there are plenty of places to roam about. On Galceran de Pinós Square, for instance, you will love the porch, while in the old palace at the top you will be amazed by the murals in the rooms. However, if you are looking for true calm, head to the outskirts of the historic capital of the Berguedà region. On Carrer de la Vinya, you will find the Cadí-Moixeró interpretation centre, where you can get all the information you need to make the most of Catalonia’s second largest nature park.

4. Castellar de n'Hug – fresh air and clear water

Another tourist attraction in the Berguedà region is Castellar de n'Hug. Best known for being the stunning source of the Llobregat River, near the village you will also enjoy visiting the Creueta pass, as its 1,888 metres above sea level provide great views of all of Central Catalonia and the Pyrenees. A municipality where fresh air shares the limelight with clear water and which will allure you as soon as you set foot there. Just wait and see!

5. Mura – a journey into the past

Travelling back in time is one of the great pleasures of strolling through Mura’s medieval centre. In this village in the Bages region, time seems to have stood still a thousand years ago! The church of Sant Martí, the castle, the peacock aviary, the flour mills, the chapel of Sant Antoni, the Puig de la Balma farmhouse, etc. will take you to a world with a Romanesque touch. So, come on! What are you waiting for?

6. Gósol – landscapes for hikers

Gósol is another perfect village to enjoy the calm of nature. Located within the Cadí-Moixeró Nature Park, you do not have to go far to enjoy uniquely beautiful and wild landscapes! However, if you like walking, there are many trails you may be interested in. The Pedraforca 360º hiking circuit, for instance, starts in the town’s centre and allows you to explore the most impressive points of this iconic massif. The Camí dels Bons Homes (Way of Good Men), which is highly recommended, follows the paths used by the Cathars to escape the Inquisition during the 13th and 14th centuries. 


More information:

Bagà
Castellar de n'Hug
Rupit
Calaf
Mura
Gósol