Catalonia's Hidden Geological and Medieval Heritage Sites Attract Visitors

In the Girona province, the small village of Estanyol in the municipality of Bescanó is centered around a volcanic crater measuring about 1,200‑1,250 metres in diameter. With a population of 197, the community blends agriculture with a unique geological formation that shapes local drainage, land use and biodiversity.

Further north in the Alt Empordà, the medieval towns of Sant Llorenç de la Muga and Albanyà, each with fewer than 500 residents, preserve ancient walls, towers and a historic parish church dating back to the 10th century. The valley’s clear night skies have become a popular spot for stargazing, while the surrounding forests host wildlife such as deer and boar.