History
The Iberian Peninsula, cutting deeply into the Mediterranean and nearly touching North Africa, has been influenced by a long history. In addition to migration from northern Europe, the Mediterranean Sea made the peninsula easily accessible from the eastern Mediterranean and North Africa, and it also brought Greek and Roman influences. These influences, along with excellent fishing and rich land, have given Spain a diverse history.
Costa Brava is located in Catalonia, a semi-autonomous region of Spain. Here you will find Greek, Visigoth, Roman, and more modern influences.
We've noticed that Google Maps also features many historical landmarks. Check those while you're out exploring.
Museo de Arqueología de Catalunya Empúries Greek and Roman City Ruins
Distance 20 km Drive time 23min
Largely outside excavated areas with artifacts indoors as well. Clear visual and written descriptions in multiple languages, as well as an excellent audio tour on your phone, are included with the entrance fee.
Citadel of Roses
Distance 48 km Drive 45 min
The Citadel is an ancient fort surrounding the city, founded by a Greek Colony to protect it from attacks. You can explore the enclosed field freely, which features traces of the Hellenistic and Visigothic periods. The medieval part includes a monastery and remains of various military buildings, extending into the modern era.
You can visit this campus freely or with guides who will detail each area of the site and the museum. For a small fee, you can add on the museum and exhibit halls.
During the summer, the Citadel hosts concerts and outdoor films.
https://www.roses.net/blog/en/citadel-the-oldest-culture-of-roses.htm
Photo credit: Citdel of Roses
Medieval Towns
There are many great medieval villages to explore in the area. Here are our top three nearby towns. Review their Calendars to see who has events while you're visiting.
1. Peratallada Add a Michelin recognized restaurant. Fairs and festivals. Events. Other nearby towns.
2. Pals Also check out their "Cittaslow," movement, rice patties, and the wetlands.
3. Begur has a medieval village and the remains of the castle offers a spectacular view worth checking out. Make Begur a medieval and cove day. Map
Farther away but worth the drive:
Girona, large old city and the set of several movies and films, Game of Thrones for one.
One of the best Medieval cities in Spain with over 2000 years of history and a beautiful Romanesque bridge.
Consider Beget and Castelfollit de roca
Get more recommendations for these two Garrotxa Region towns.
You could combine Besalu, Castelfollit, and Beget into a long driving Medieval day. Or drop Beget and add a winery, a hike, or drive into Olot to see the volcanic craters
The Museums of Banyoles
Distance 46 km Drive time 51 min
Banyoles offers a collection of history and museums.
The Darder museum is a century-old collection that originates from the natural history collection of the veterinarian and taxidermist Francesc Darder i Llimona. As well as information about the lake basin, its hydrology and its biodiversity.
Additional nearby sites include the Regional Archaeological Museum, the Neolithic Village of La Draga, the Roman Villa of Vilauba and the Monastery of Sant Esteve de Banyoles, which features cultural, paleontological, and archaeological materials of the region.
https://www.museusdebanyoles.cat/
Photo Credit: Darder Museum