The province of Girona hides true treasures among its valleys and mountains. Beyond the well-known Costa Brava, the inland areas and the Pyrenees of Girona are home to villages with authentic charm, surrounded by nature, tradition, and heritage. Corners that invite you to disconnect and enjoy an unforgettable getaway.

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, with picture-perfect landscapes and plenty of authenticity, these mountain villages will steal your heart. And the best part? You’ll find campsites with all the comforts for a complete experience.

What to See in Girona: Charming Mountain Villages

1. Besalú, a Medieval Treasure

Besalú is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and emblematic villages in Girona. With its famous medieval bridge and ancient walls, this town looks like something out of a fairytale. Besides its history, Besalú is known for its tranquility and the authentic character of its squares and streets.

Things to do in the area: In Besalú, you can stroll through its old town, visit the Pont Vell, the Monastery of Sant Pere, and discover the town’s hidden corners.

Nearby campsites: Camping Esponellà, located in a stunning natural setting, is a great option for those who want to explore the area. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Besalú and 15 minutes from Banyoles.

2. Beget, Recognized as One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain

Beget is one of the most spectacular villages in the Ripollès region, standing out for its medieval architecture and the tranquility of its cobbled streets. Nestled in a mountain valley, Beget feels like a place frozen in time. It’s ideal for those seeking relaxation in an authentic environment surrounded by nature.

Things to do in the area: Wander through its cobbled streets, visit the Church of Santa Maria de Beget, and explore the surroundings with hiking or mountain biking routes.

Nearby campsites: Camping La Fageda, just an hour’s drive from Beget, located in a natural spot near Camprodon, is perfect for enjoying nature and resting outdoors.

3. Albanyà, a Mountain Paradise

Albanyà is a small village at the foot of the Alta Garrotxa mountain range. Its charm lies in the tranquility of its natural surroundings, as well as the climbing and hiking routes the area offers.

Things to do in the area: Explore the surroundings, such as the Alta Garrotxa Natural Park—ideal for those who want to disconnect in nature, with options like swimming in crystal-clear pools, hiking routes with spectacular views, and climbing Bassegoda, an emblematic mountain with incredible panoramas.

Nearby campsites: Camping Bassegoda Park, in Albanyà, is ideal for families, offering educational activities related to astronomy, nature, and sustainability. With bungalows, plots, and a privileged location.

4. Santa Pau, Between Beech Forests and Volcanoes

Santa Pau is one of the most picturesque villages in La Garrotxa. Its medieval core, castle, and stone houses transport you to another era. Plus, it’s located within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, right next to the Fageda d’en Jordà, one of the most beautiful forests in Catalonia.

Things to do in the area: Santa Pau and its surroundings are perfect for hiking, carriage rides, cycling routes, or tasting local products such as the famous Santa Pau beans.

Nearby campsites: Camping Ecològic Lava, a family-friendly and sustainable campsite with many activities in the heart of nature. With its commitment to ecotourism, the campsite offers experiences like volcano excursions and rural activities.

5. Camprodon, a Millennial Village at the Foot of the Pyrenees

In the Camprodon Valley, the village of Camprodon stands out for its natural beauty and historical heritage. With its stone bridges, mountain houses, and the tranquility of the valley, it envelops you in a unique atmosphere.

Things to do in the area: Hiking routes are highly recommended, as well as a visit to the Church of Sant Martí de Camprodon. Don’t miss the walk along the Ter River.

Nearby campsites: Camping Pirinenc, in Campdevànol, just a 30-minute drive from Camprodon. Located in a beautiful valley surrounded by a river, waterfalls, and stunning spots for excursions and swimming. Only 11 km from the Núria rack railway.

6. Sant Llorenç de la Muga: Walls, Bridges, and Rivers

This fortified village in inland Empordà is one of Girona’s best-kept secrets. The river runs through the town, creating pools and swimming spots, while its walls and cobbled streets breathe history.

Things to do in the area: The area has several river access points where you can enjoy pools and waterfalls in the valley. It’s worth visiting nearby villages to uncover hidden cultural gems, or even heading to Figueres (30 minutes by car).

Nearby campsites: Camping La Fradera, in Sant Llorenç de la Muga, right next to the river. Ideal if you’re looking for a family-friendly, peaceful setting where you can relax, listen to the murmur of the Muga River, go hiking, or enjoy cycling routes. Just half an hour away, you’ll also find Camping Albera, nestled in a lush cork oak forest in Capmany. Close to the mountains, the beach, and Figueres, it’s perfect for hiking, sunbathing, and enjoying the Empordà’s culture.

7. Castellfollit de la Roca, a Village Hanging Over Basalt

This iconic village in La Garrotxa impresses with its spectacular location atop a basalt cliff more than 50 meters high, formed by ancient lava flows. Its narrow alleyways and the views from the village viewpoint are simply unforgettable.

Things to do in the area: Walk through the old town and head to the viewpoint to enjoy the panoramic views over the Fluvià and Toronell valleys. You can also take hiking routes nearby, such as the Olot-Girona greenway, or explore the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

Nearby campsites: Camping Cabanyes entre Valls, in the Vall de Bianya (just 3 km from the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park). A place where nature, ecological values, comfort, and design combine to create an exciting and memorable adventure.

8. Espinelves, Medieval Charm in the Heart of Montseny

This village with cobbled streets, stone houses, and surrounded by chestnut and fir forests is one of the most beautiful in the Montseny area of Girona. Espinelves is famous for its Christmas Tree Fair and its calm, authentic atmosphere.

Things to do in the area: Stroll through the lush chestnut and beech forests, discover the Romanesque church of Sant Vicenç, get lost in the Montseny and Guilleries trails, and in autumn, enjoy the magical landscapes painted in ochre colors.

Nearby campsites: Camping Vall del Vidal, located on a 200-hectare estate with rivers, ponds, forests, and meadows. It is situated in Arbúcies, on the northern slope of Les Agudes, 500 meters above sea level, inside the natural park itself.

9. Vidrà, the Essence of the Greenest Inland Area

At the heart of the inland mountain ranges, Vidrà is pure nature. An authentic village, surrounded by beech and oak forests and streams. Ideal for routes such as the Seven Springs or Puigsacalm. Untouristy, Vidrà preserves the charm of rural life with plenty of peace and authenticity.

Things to do in the area: Follow the trails leading to places like Salt del Molí, a spectacular waterfall surrounded by untouched nature, or hike to Milany Castle with wide views over the valley. It’s also worth visiting the historic farmhouses and enjoying the silence of paths through beech and oak groves.

Nearby campsites: Camping Vidrà, just a few minutes from the village, surrounded by mountains and streams. Perfect for families or couples seeking a peaceful stay in nature, with direct access to hiking, MTB trails, and natural swimming spots.

10. Guils de Cerdanya, High-Mountain Silence and Valley Views

This small Cerdanya village, with views of the valley and very close to Puigcerdà, is a great starting point for summer hikes or skiing in winter. It offers tranquility, scenery, and proximity to services.

Things to do in the area: Visit the Romanesque church of Sant Esteve de Guils, walk along rural paths with views of Tossa d’Alp and the Cerdanya valley, or explore the Guils Fontanera forests, especially beautiful in autumn.

Nearby campsites: Camping Pirineus, located at 1,200 m, boasts wonderful views over the Cerdanya Valley. Equipped with all the services of a first-class campsite. During the winter season, more than ten ski resorts are within a 25 km radius.

Why Visit These Villages at Least Once?

Villages like Beget, Besalú, Camprodon, Castellfollit, or Santa Pau are part of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Spain” and often appear in prestigious guides such as National Geographic, Guía Repsol, and Time Out, which highlight their exceptional combination of medieval heritage, unspoiled nature, and rural tradition.

These places offer a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, ideal for disconnecting, hiking, enjoying cultural routes, and tasting local gastronomy. Visiting them means immersing yourself in the purest essence of inland Girona, a treasure you must discover at least once in your life.

Other Mountain Villages in Girona You’ll Love

If you enjoy wandering through charming villages, ancient stone, and breathtaking landscapes, here are more proposals you shouldn’t miss:

• Setcases – In the Camprodon Valley, this small village at the foot of the Pyrenees preserves all the charm of stone and mountain life. In winter, it’s the ideal base for skiing in Vallter 2000, and in summer, a starting point for high-mountain routes.
• Molló – With privileged views of the mountains and surrounded by meadows and forests, it’s perfect for enjoying nature and visiting Molló Parc, ideal for families. It’s also a crossing point of the transborder trail into France.
• Toses – Although it’s close to the border with Berguedà, it belongs to the Girona Cerdanya. A small and quiet village, surrounded by mountains, with a beautiful Romanesque church and plenty of calm.
• Queralbs – The natural gateway to the Núria sanctuary, Queralbs is a mountain village full of character, with cobbled streets and views of the cliffs. The Núria rack railway departs from here.
• Vilallonga de Ter – In the same valley as Camprodon, this village offers a very authentic rural atmosphere, with stone houses and an ideal environment for excursions, such as the route up to Taga.
• Llívia – Although it’s a Catalan enclave inside France, it belongs to the province of Girona. Its old town, castle, and the museum of the oldest pharmacy in Europe make it fascinating, along with the Cerdanya landscape surrounding it.
• Ogassa – A small village at the foot of Taga, with a mining past and very popular among hikers. A great place to connect with nature and enjoy routes with spectacular views.

The Magic of Girona’s Inland Villages: Nature, Calm, and Authentic Charm

The province of Girona hides a treasure behind every mountain curve: villages full of history, paths crossing centuries-old forests, crystal-clear streams, and a peace hard to find anywhere else. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a family adventure, the inland villages offer an authentic experience, with Catalonia’s rural essence more alive than ever.

Discover all the mountain campsites in Girona and plan your perfect escape: nature, comfort, and proximity to the region’s most charming villages.