24 April 2026

Medieval Bridges and Hidden Corners: A Day Trip to Besalú from Camping Les Medes

Looking for a timeless escape that’s easy to reach from the coast? A day trip to Besalú from Camping Les Medes puts you among stone bridges, arcaded squares, and quiet medieval lanes in under an hour’s drive. At just 56 km away, this Catalan gem is one of the region’s most important medieval ensembles and the perfect inland counterpoint to your Costa Brava stay.

In this guide, you’ll learn what to see in Besalú, where to take the most compelling photos at El Pont Vell, how to organize a simple walking route, and how to pair your outing with other nearby highlights. You’ll also find practical tips for making the most of your base at Camping Les Medes before and after your excursion.

Key facts at a glance

Distance from Camping Les Medes to Besalú: 56 km
Signature sight: El Pont Vell, the Romanesque fortified bridge over the River Fluvià
Don’t miss: The arcaded Plaça Major (Plaça de la Llibertat), the Romanesque church of Sant Pere (10th century), and Casa Cornellà, a rare secular Romanesque building
Best for: Photographers, history lovers, relaxed explorers

Why Besalú deserves a day trip

Besalú is a showpiece of medieval Catalonia. The town’s layout and buildings form an exceptionally well-preserved ensemble that invites slow wandering and detail-spotting. Its Romanesque bridge, El Pont Vell, sets the tone even before you reach the old core: towers, stone arches, and defensive elements tell centuries of stories as you cross the Fluvià into town.

Inside, the Plaça Major (also known as Plaça de la Llibertat) charms with classic porticoes and historic façades that frame daily life. Nearby, Sant Pere, a three-naved Romanesque church dating to the 10th century, anchors the town’s sacred heritage. And for architecture enthusiasts, Casa Cornellà stands out as a rare example of an original secular Romanesque residence.

Taken together, these highlights make Besalú a compact, walkable museum of open-air medieval design—rich in textures, angles, and moments that reward curious eyes and cameras.

How far is Besalú from Camping Les Medes?

Answer: Besalú is 56 km from Camping Les Medes. It’s an easy inland day trip from the coast.

Tip: Use your preferred sat-nav or map app for the simplest route. Travel times vary by season and traffic, so allow a little flexibility if you’re planning golden-hour photography.

What to photograph at El Pont Vell (and how)

The Romanesque fortified bridge

El Pont Vell is Besalú’s emblem—the bridge that spans the River Fluvià with a profile as photogenic as it is historic. Look for fortified towers and the bridge’s distinctive, angled approach. Its dramatic silhouette has made it a classic spot for postcards and album covers alike.

Frame the bridge’s central tower head-on from the riverbank for a timeless composition.
Include water reflections on calm days for symmetry.
Capture the stone textures and worn steps to convey age and craftsmanship.

Note: The bridge suffered damage during the Spanish Civil War and was later restored—one reason its current form is both storied and striking.

Best vantage points

Downstream bank: Wider context shots with the bridge, towers, and old town beyond.
Mid-span tower area: Intimate architectural details—arches, parapets, and stonework.
Upstream side streets: Layered views that peek through arches and frame the bridge with alleys.

Photography tip: Golden hour softens stone tones and adds depth to relief details. Blue hour turns the bridge into a cool-toned graphic shape against the river.

A simple walking route through Besalú’s medieval core

Start at El Pont Vell: Cross slowly, stopping for river and town shots.
Enter the old town: Pause at small lanes and thresholds—this is where “hidden corners” live.
Plaça Major (Plaça de la Llibertat): Enjoy the arcaded square—a great spot to rest, people-watch, and photograph arches and façades.
Sant Pere (10th century): Appreciate the church’s Romanesque sobriety and proportion.
Casa Cornellà: Seek out this rare secular Romanesque building for a different architectural note.
Loop back via side streets: Take a less-traveled lane back to the bridge for a new perspective.

This circuit can be taken at a leisurely pace with ample time for photos and café stops.

Pair your day trip with nearby highlights

Make the most of your inland excursion by combining Besalú with another stop—either on the way or as a separate outing on a different day:

Banyoles (44 km): Celebrated for its beautiful lake and a pretty medieval centre—walk, cycle, or simply sit waterside at sunset.
Girona (40 km): A historic city with a standout cathedral, a preserved Jewish quarter (El Call), colourful houses on the Onyar, unique bridges, and panoramic walls.
Figueres (42 km): Home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, the Toy Museum, and the vast Castell de Sant Ferran.

Closer to the coast for another day:

Sant Martí d’Empúries (21 km): A coastal hamlet with a pretty church and seaside path; near the famed Empúries ruins.

Practical planning from your base at Camping Les Medes

Easy base, flexible days

Open all year: Camping Les Medes welcomes you in every season.
Close to sea and town: About 800 m from the beach and 2 km from the centre of L’Estartit—perfect for mixing inland culture and coastal downtime.
EV drivers: An on-site electric vehicle charging point makes it simple to top up before or after your trip.
Parking: A free, outdoor, unguarded car park sits less than 50 m from the entrance.

Relax and refuel when you return

Pools: Two outdoor pools (one for children, one for adults) typically run from 1 May to 15 September (weather permitting). The indoor heated pool is open 15 September to 15 June, kept at around 28 °C and measures 11.5 × 4 m.
Wellness: A sauna and professional massage (year-round, additional fee) help you unwind after a day on your feet.
Eat & sip: The restaurant (01 April–31 October) offers set menus and à la carte, plus take-away. The year-round snack bar–pizzeria has a large terrace, indoor seating, a library corner, and billiards.
Stock up: The on-site shop is open year-round with freshly baked bread, daily newspapers, and essentials.

Family-friendly touches

Kids’ activities: In July and August, supervised water and land activities for children aged 4+ take place mainly in the Bona Festa room and the Vessana Mini-club.
Sports: From 08:00 to 23:00, use the quick tennis court (book at reception), multi-sports court, beach-volleyball court, and green rest area with benches.

FAQ: Planning a day trip to Besalú

How far is Besalú from Camping Les Medes? 56 km.
Is it suitable for a half-day or full-day? Most visitors comfortably cover the highlights in a half-day; photographers and architecture fans may prefer a full day.
What’s the best photo spot? El Pont Vell—especially from the riverbanks for full-bridge compositions.
What other day trips are nearby? Banyoles (44 km), Girona (40 km), Figueres (42 km), and Sant Martí d’Empúries (21 km) are all excellent options.

Practical takeaways and tips

Start at the bridge for lighting and crowd-free shots.
Take time in the arcaded square for architectural symmetry and candid moments.
Seek side lanes for hidden corners and layered compositions.
If you’re driving an EV, charge at the campsite before/after your trip.
Plan a second inland day for Banyoles, Girona, or Figueres—each offers a distinct vibe and pace.
Back at base, cool off in summer in the outdoor pools or warm up in cooler months in the indoor heated pool and sauna.

Conclusion: From coast to centuries—seamlessly

A day trip to Besalú from Camping Les Medes delivers a rich change of scene: from the beaches of L’Estartit to stone arches over the Fluvià, and from sunlit terraces to Romanesque calm. With reliable facilities and year-round comfort at your base, you can roam inland knowing a relaxing swim, sauna, or family-friendly evening awaits on your return.

Ready to explore Besalú and beyond? Book your pitch or bungalow at Camping Les Medes, and ask our reception team for up-to-date tips to tailor your perfect inland day.