Besalú
Besalú, Spain
A medieval town entered over a fortified stone bridge across the Fluvià river, with a Romanesque core and a former Jewish quarter. Leave the car by the river and walk in; mornings are calmest.
Besalú was the capital of the county of the same name in the early Middle Ages, until it passed to the County of Barcelona in 1111. Its landmark is the medieval bridge over the Fluvià, dating from the 12th century and later rebuilt, with seven uneven arches, two towers and a gateway at its midpoint. In the former Jewish quarter you can see one of the rare surviving Romanesque mikvahs in Spain, from the 11th or 12th century, and the remains of a synagogue. The Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere has a three-aisled church consecrated in 1003. The Plaça Major has arcaded buildings from the 16th century. The town has been protected as a historic-artistic site since 1966.
The town is small, and a walk round takes about one to two hours. The bridge is a good place to start. The morning is usually quieter than midday.
- Nearest town
- Besalú, Spain
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.1990, 2.6970
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Fang AventuraCampsite10 km from BesalúWi-Fi
- Can Banal-camping i allotjamentCampsite11 km from BesalúWi-Fi
- Area Municipal Santa PauMotorhome stopover12 km from Besalú · 25 pitchesMotorhomes
- les TriesCampsite15 km from BesalúTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Càmping Les Preses NaturaCampsite20 km from BesalúTentsShowersToilets
- La SolaneCampsite25 km from BesalúTentsShowersToilets
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Besalú?
Besalú is in Besalú, Spain, at GPS 42.1990, 2.6970. It is about 11 km from Banyoles.
Can you camp near Besalú?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Besalú, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 40 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Besalú?
Places worth a stop nearby: Castellfollit de la Roca (12 km), Santa Margarida volcano (15 km), Dalí Theatre-Museum (23 km) and Girona Old Town (26 km).
When is the best time to visit Besalú?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)