During our post-Christmas excursion through Catalunya, we were fortunate to have the time to take a leisurely tour of several pueblos con encanto, charming villages dating from the Middle Ages, all beautifully well-preserved.
From our base at the newly redecorated Parador high atop the Sau reservoir outside of Vic, we recently took a memorable day trip to tiny Tavertet and slightly larger Rupit. Both are two of the most photographed, highly picturesque hilltop villages in the Barcelona province, reminiscent of the Luberon hill towns of Provence, but less manicured, far more rustic and happily, are minus the tourist hordes.
Tavertet is found well off the beaten tourist path, nestled at the end of a 13-kilometer, narrow, winding road through a forest and craggy limestone outcrops. But this a detour well worth the trouble-to discover a hidden village of remarkable beauty, tranquility and with breathtaking views. The village is so well preserved that everything looks brand new. Although the majority of the homes date from the 17th-18th centuries, the new dwellings, getaway homes for the wealthy of Barcelona, have been built following the traditional style of stone and slate so as to blend perfectly with the ancient houses. The immaculately kept town, with only 40 full time residents, consists of two main streets, a Romanesque church, a rebost (village store, bar and local hangout), one gastronomic restaurant, Faves Comptades, a few traditional inns to feed the weekend day-trippers, one cute B&B, and a few cottages to rent. Following the path from the church leading away from the town, you’ll come to a magnificent but dizzying viewpoint at the edge of the rocky cliffs of Tavertet, with indescribable views across the valley to the Sau reservoir. This hamlet is very worthy of your discovery.
Equally pretty Rupit, with its 340 inhabitants, has been well discovered, and known as one of the most beautiful villages in all of Catalunya, but it remains remarkably unspoiled. After driving the meandering road from Vic through rugged grazing lands, you will reach the 1 km. detour to the town but must leave your car in the lot in the “new” town and walk to the medieval side. Entrance to the village is via a suspension footbridge across the brook that divides the town. With its ruggedly steep streets, ancient stone houses, some dating from the 16th century and all with hanging balconies bedecked with geraniums and dried flowers at each door, medieval Rupit is as picturesque as they come. This makes for a fine stop at lunch hour, as the friendly Hostal Estrella on the main square serves rich and hearty mountain cuisine at very low prices.
Contact us about preparing a custom package for you to explore this delightful area of Catalunya.
From our base at the newly redecorated Parador high atop the Sau reservoir outside of Vic, we recently took a memorable day trip to tiny Tavertet and slightly larger Rupit. Both are two of the most photographed, highly picturesque hilltop villages in the Barcelona province, reminiscent of the Luberon hill towns of Provence, but less manicured, far more rustic and happily, are minus the tourist hordes. Tavertet is found well off the beaten tourist path, nestled at the end of a 13-kilometer, narrow, winding road through a forest and craggy limestone outcrops. But this a detour well worth the trouble-to discover a hidden village of remarkable beauty, tranquility and with breathtaking views. The village is so well preserved that everything looks brand new. Although the majority of the homes date from the 17th-18th centuries, the new dwellings, getaway homes for the wealthy of Barcelona, have been built following the traditional style of stone and slate so as to blend perfectly with the ancient houses. The immaculately kept town, with only 40 full time residents, consists of two main streets, a Romanesque church, a rebost (village store, bar and local hangout), one gastronomic restaurant, Faves Comptades, a few traditional inns to feed the weekend day-trippers, one cute B&B, and a few cottages to rent. Following the path from the church leading away from the town, you’ll come to a magnificent but dizzying viewpoint at the edge of the rocky cliffs of Tavertet, with indescribable views across the valley to the Sau reservoir. This hamlet is very worthy of your discovery.
Equally pretty Rupit, with its 340 inhabitants, has been well discovered, and known as one of the most beautiful villages in all of Catalunya, but it remains remarkably unspoiled. After driving the meandering road from Vic through rugged grazing lands, you will reach the 1 km. detour to the town but must leave your car in the lot in the “new” town and walk to the medieval side. Entrance to the village is via a suspension footbridge across the brook that divides the town. With its ruggedly steep streets, ancient stone houses, some dating from the 16th century and all with hanging balconies bedecked with geraniums and dried flowers at each door, medieval Rupit is as picturesque as they come. This makes for a fine stop at lunch hour, as the friendly Hostal Estrella on the main square serves rich and hearty mountain cuisine at very low prices.
Contact us about preparing a custom package for you to explore this delightful area of Catalunya.
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