The small town in Catalonia that is home to one of the best gardens in Europe and has one of the most impressive hiking trails

Although the autonomous community of Catalonia has one of the most breathtaking coastlines in Spain, as perfectly exemplified by the Costa Brava, the truth is that inland there are also authentic gems far from the Mediterranean. In the south of the province of Girona, almost bordering Barcelona, lies one of the most incredible rural tourism destinations on the Iberian Peninsula, none other than the beautiful village of Arbúcies.

This town in the La Selva region is one of the area's great wonders. In addition to boasting a sublime architectural heritage , it also boasts natural sites of immense beauty, making it an ideal place for a weekend getaway. From an incredible castle to gardens and fascinating hiking trails, every corner of this town is filled with charm.

Arbúcies, a rural paradise between Girona and Barcelona

Before reaching the town of Arbúcies, 14 kilometers away, you should make a brief stop to admire one of the area's greatest relics: Montsoriu Castle. This fortress, built on a hill in the Montseny Natural Park, was constructed around the year 1000 and consists of three walled enclosures, giving the town a special splendor. In fact, it is considered the finest Gothic fort in all of Catalonia and should therefore be included on your itinerary.

Once in the town's historic center, tourists can delight in the Romanesque churches (and even earlier ones), such as Sant Mateu de Joanet, Sant Cristòfol de Vehinat de Cerdens, Pere Desplà, and Santa María de Vehinat de Lliors, four impressive temples that demonstrate the town's importance. The streetscape also features other treasures such as the Plaza de la Villa and modernist houses.

Bucolic gardens and a trekking paradise

In the heart of the town are the wonderful Jardines del Roquer, a fascinating space dating back to the 19th century and belonging to the family that gives it its name. In addition to boasting a sublime mansion, it boasts a magnificent setting filled with magnolias, trees from all five continents, and many other species. This green space looks like something out of an Impressionist painting, but it's actually located in this Girona municipality.

Furthermore, in the surrounding area of Arbúcies, you can explore exciting hiking trails like the one that leads to Montsoriu Castle, a route of just nine kilometers that runs through some of the most impressive landscapes in the entire region. All of this makes the town a paradise for rural tourism lovers.