Barcelona: Tour Besalú and paella in Tossa de Mar

Explore Catalonia’s Historic Villages: Besalú and Tossa de Mar with Paella

This tour offers a memorable day exploring two of Catalonia’s most captivating villages for $340 per person. It lasts about 9 hours, making it an ideal choice for travelers eager to discover medieval architecture, coastal scenery, and authentic local cuisine. The experience is led by a tour guide-driver, with a small group of up to 15 participants, ensuring personalized attention.

The tour begins in Barcelona and takes you to the well-preserved medieval village of Besalú, famous for its 11th-century fortified bridge and ancient Jewish Quarter. After soaking in the history, the journey continues to Tossa de Mar, where a seafront paella is served, followed by time to explore the Vila Vella castle and walled town with breathtaking sea views.

Keep in mind, the tour involves some walking on cobblestone streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended. While the focus is on history and cuisine, the tour does not include soft drinks or appetizers beyond the main meal, so plan accordingly. This experience suits those interested in Catalan culture, medieval architecture, and seaside dining, offering a well-paced, informative day.

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Key Points

• Visits to Besalú and Tossa de Mar, two of Catalonia’s most scenic villages
• Cross the 11th-century fortified bridge in Besalú, an iconic historical structure
• Enjoy authentic Mediterranean paella overlooking the sea in Tossa de Mar
• Explore Tossa’s Vila Vella, the only remaining fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast
• Includes pickup and drop-off from Barcelona, with a guide-driver overseeing the trip
• Small group size ensures a more intimate experience

The Charm of Besalú’s Medieval Architecture and Jewish Heritage

The day kicks off early in Barcelona, where a vehicle gathers the group for the drive to Besalú, a town celebrated for its remarkably preserved medieval streets. Upon arrival, the famous medieval bridge immediately captures attention. This 11th-century structure spans the river, offering perfect photo opportunities and a sense of stepping back in time.

Walking through Besalú’s cobblestone streets, visitors encounter medieval buildings, quaint shops, and historic sites like the Jewish ritual bath from the 12th century—one of the few remaining in Europe. The Plaza Mayor features the church of Sant Vicenç and other medieval structures, presenting a vivid picture of past centuries. The guided walk allows for exploring the Jewish Quarter, adding depth to the town’s historical significance.

From Besalú’s Bridges to The Coastal Town of Tossa de Mar

After soaking in the history of Besalú, the tour vehicle takes guests toward the coast, arriving in Tossa de Mar. This town is renowned for its beautiful beaches and its Vila Vella, the only complete medieval fortified town still standing on the Catalan coast. The walk through narrow cobblestone streets reveals small stores and cafes, perfect for browsing at leisure.

The castle walls offer spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea. The mix of history and seaside charm makes Tossa de Mar a captivating destination, seamlessly combining medieval architecture with coastal scenery. The town’s casual, lively atmosphere invites visitors to relax and absorb the local ambiance.

Authentic Paella by the Sea in Tossa de Mar

A highlight of this tour is the lunch of authentic Mediterranean paella. The seafront restaurant provides a delicious meal with fresh seafood, served overlooking the waves crashing below. The paella is prepared in the traditional style, perfect for sharing among the group. This relaxing break offers a well-earned pause after the morning’s sightseeing, allowing for informal conversations and enjoyment of Catalan cuisine.

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Discovering Tossa de Mar’s Walled Town and Castle

Post-lunch, the focus shifts to exploring Vila Vella, the medieval walled town with its restored castle. Walking along the castle walls, visitors enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the town’s picturesque beaches. The castle provides insights into Catalonia’s coastal defenses from centuries past.

Tossa’s narrow streets are lined with local shops and cafes, offering opportunities to browse handcrafted goods and sample seafood specialties. The town’s vibrant yet historic atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for leisurely exploration and memorable photos.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour begins with pickup from Barcelona, with the guide contacting participants to arrange the exact meeting point. All transportation is via a vehicle suited to the group size, ensuring comfort throughout the day. The small group of up to 15 helps maintain an intimate, personalized experience.

The 9-hour itinerary includes guided visits, lunch, and free time in Tossa de Mar. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, as well as a professional guide-driver covering multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Arabic. An audio guide in French, Portuguese, Italian, and German enhances the experience for diverse participants.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The activity includes all transportation, small group size, guide-driver, and lunch with paella. It excludes soft drinks and unspecified appetizers, so travelers may want to bring additional beverages or snacks. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended for the cobbled streets and scenic views.

Booking is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, and the option to reserve now and pay later allows travelers to plan without immediate commitment.

How This Tour Differs from Similar Experiences

Compared to other Costa Brava or Barcelona day trips, this tour emphasizes two distinct villages—one medieval and historic, the other seaside and lively—creating a balanced discovery of cultural heritage and coastal beauty. The guided walk through Besalú and exploration of Tossa’s castle and walled town give visitors rich, layered insights into the region’s history, architecture, and local life.

The small group setting ensures a more tailored experience, and the seafront paella lunch adds a memorable culinary touch that many similar tours might not include. The tour’s overall value lies in combining history, scenery, and cuisine in a single day, making it suitable for those wanting a comprehensive Catalan experience.

Final Thoughts on the Besalú and Tossa de Mar Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded day exploring Catalonia’s medieval past and coastal charm. The guided walks and historic sites in Besalú introduce travelers to the region’s Jewish heritage and medieval architecture, while the lunch and castle exploration in Tossa de Mar provide relaxing seaside views and historic insights.

The price of $340 reflects the inclusion of transportation, guided commentary, and a traditional lunch, making it a convenient and enriching option for those eager to see two iconic villages in one day. While physically active due to walking on cobblestone streets, the tour remains accessible and engaging for most visitors.

If you enjoy history, architecture, and authentic Spanish cuisine, this experience is likely to leave a lasting impression. It balances cultural discovery with leisure, making it a strong choice for a full-day adventure from Barcelona.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
The price covers pickup and drop-off, a guide-driver, transportation vehicle, lunch with paella, and small group size.

Are there any additional costs?
Soft drinks and appetizers are not included, so guests may want to bring extra beverages.

Is prior booking necessary?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended to guarantee availability, especially as spots are limited to 15 participants.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, camera, and weather-appropriate clothing are advised, due to walking on cobblestone streets and outdoor exploration.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What languages are available?
The tour is led in English, Spanish, and Arabic, with an audio guide in French, Portuguese, Italian, and German.

Do I need to be physically fit?
Some walking on cobblestone streets is involved, so moderate mobility is recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the walk and exploration are suitable for most ages, but consider walking distances and cobbled streets.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour is designed as a small group experience with set stops; customization options are not specified.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Barcelona, with the guide contacting guests to arrange pickup.

This detailed review captures the essence of the Barcelona: Tour Besalú and Paella in Tossa de Mar, providing potential travelers with clear, practical insights into what to expect from this well-rounded Catalan adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby