Discover your perfect stay in Massanes.
Discover the most iconic attractions in Massanes
Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Massanes
In Masanys, the top-rated hotel is Hotel Masanys, a boutique property nestled in the historic town center. This beautifully restored building blends traditional Catalan architecture with modern comforts, featuring stone walls, wooden beams, and locally crafted furnishings.
For travelers seeking authenticity, consider staying at a family-run guesthouse near Santa Maria de la Assumpció Church, offering cozy rooms, homemade breakfasts, and warm local hospitality. Many guests praise the quiet neighborhood, proximity to the old town square, and easy access to hiking trails in the Serra del Pradet Mountains.
The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and personalized recommendations for exploring nearby attractions like the Girona River and Roman ruins. A perfect base for those wanting to experience authentic Catalonia with comfort and charm.
The best area for accommodation in Masanys is the Old Town (Vila Vella), located just steps from the Town Hall and Santa Maria de la Assumpció Church.
This historic district offers a charming, pedestrian-friendly environment with narrow cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings, and a peaceful atmosphere. Most hotels and guesthouses here are housed in renovated convents or noble residences, preserving original stonework and timber ceilings.
Staying in Vila Vella allows you to walk to all major sights, including the weekly market (Mercat Setmanal) and the Renaissance bell tower. It’s also ideal for evening strolls, where you can enjoy local tapas and live folk music at small taverns. The area is safe, quiet, and perfect for travelers who value culture, history, and authenticity.
Don’t miss attending the Festa de la Mare de Déu, held annually in July, a vibrant celebration combining religious processions, traditional music, folk dancing, and colorful costumes—offering deep insight into Catalan identity.
Visit the Masanys Archaeological Museum, which showcases artifacts from Celtic-Roman times through the Middle Ages, including pottery, coins, and inscribed stones that reveal the region’s layered history.
Participate in a Catalan language guided tour to uncover hidden stories behind the town’s churches, fountains, and ancient gateways. These tours often include storytelling, local legends, and insights into how language shapes community pride.
You’ll also find workshops on traditional weaving and ceramic art offered seasonally—perfect for hands-on cultural immersion.
Yes, Masanys is highly suitable for families. The town features a well-maintained children’s park (Parc Infantil) near Santa Maria de la Assumpció Church, complete with slides, swings, and shaded play areas.
Many guesthouses offer spacious family rooms and provide baby cots, high chairs, and kid-friendly amenities. Several farms nearby host hands-on farm experiences, where kids can feed goats, collect eggs, and learn about organic farming.
The Girona River Path is flat and safe for strollers, ideal for gentle afternoon walks with scenic views of birds and wildflowers. Families can also join weekend market days, where children enjoy face painting, craft stalls, and fresh local treats like honey cakes and fruit juices.
With its low crime rate, welcoming locals, and child-friendly pace, Masanys offers a safe, enriching environment for family travel.
Must-try dishes in Masanys include:
Cargol a la Catalana: Tender snails stewed in garlic, herbs, and tomato sauce—a regional specialty.
Escudella i Carn d’Olla: A hearty Catalan pot-au-feu with pork, vegetables, and pasta, symbolizing rural abundance.
Tumbet: A baked vegetable medley of eggplant, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil.
These dishes are commonly served at family-run restaurants and weekly farmers' markets, where you can sample fresh bread, cheeses, and cured meats.
Pair your meal with a glass of Cava, Spain’s famous sparkling wine, produced in nearby vineyards. Locals take pride in their culinary traditions, making dining in Masanys a flavorful journey into Catalan heritage.
While Masanys is a small town without a train station, transportation is surprisingly convenient.
Regular bus services (Línia 120) connect Masanys to Girona City, just 30 km away, with frequent departures throughout the day. From Girona, you can access high-speed trains to Barcelona in under an hour.
Within the town, most attractions are within walking distance—especially in the Old Town (Vila Vella). For longer excursions, rent a bicycle from one of the local shops and ride along the scenic Girona River Greenway, perfect for families and nature lovers.
Car rental is also available nearby, ideal for exploring surrounding villages, mountain trails, and wineries. Overall, Masanys offers flexible, eco-friendly options for seamless travel.
The best time to visit Masanys is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October).
Spring brings mild temperatures (15–22°C) and blooming landscapes around the Serra del Pradet Mountains, making it ideal for hiking and photography. Autumn is perfect for grape harvests and wine tastings at nearby Cava cellars.
July and August are busy due to the Festa de la Mare de Déu, offering lively festivals and cultural events—but expect higher crowds and prices.
Winter months are cooler and wetter, but the town feels even cozier, with warm cafés and festive decorations. Ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and a slower pace. Choose based on your preference: vibrant celebrations or peaceful countryside retreats.
Top photo spots in Masanys include:
Santa Maria de la Assumpció Church: Its Gothic spire and stained-glass windows create dramatic silhouettes, especially at golden hour.
Old Town cobblestone alleys: Narrow streets lined with century-old stone houses, flower baskets, and rustic shutters—perfect for romantic, cinematic shots.
Girona River Promenade: A serene riverside path with willow trees, stone bridges, and reflections—ideal for mirror-like compositions.
Plaça del Mercat: The weekly market bursts with color—fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and bustling activity, great for candid street photography.
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight and crowds. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the town’s intimate scale and rich textures.
Absolutely. Masanys is a dream destination for couples seeking intimacy and connection.
Take a quiet evening walk through the Old Town’s lantern-lit alleys, hand-in-hand beneath arches and over ancient stone bridges.
Dine at La Terrassa del Masanys, a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the church and river, paired with Catalan cuisine and a bottle of Cava.
Book a private guided tour to discover hidden carvings and secret stories behind the town’s oldest buildings—perfect for sparking conversation and deepening your bond.
Rent a tandem bicycle and cycle slowly along the Girona River, stopping at a bridge to watch the sunset together. These moments, simple yet profound, make Masanys a true romantic escape.
The highlight festival is the Festa de la Mare de Déu, held every July, featuring a grand procession of the Virgin Mary statue through the streets, accompanied by traditional music, dance, and fireworks.
Another must-attend event is the Festa de la Taula (Harvest Festival) in October, celebrating local agriculture with food stalls, artisan markets, and tasting sessions of seasonal products like honey cakes (Pastís de Maig) and fresh olive oil.
These festivals reflect Masanys’ deep-rooted traditions, community spirit, and love for Catalan culture. You’ll witness authentic rituals, hear folk songs in Catalan, and feel welcomed as part of the village celebration—making them unforgettable experiences.
Massanes is a charming town in the Girona Province of Catalonia, Spain, known for its medieval architecture and tranquil rural landscapes. Steeped in Catalan culture, it offers a perfect escape from city life, surrounded by green hills and forests.
The Church of Santa Maria (Església de Santa Maria) is a must-visit, showcasing medieval Catalan architecture. The town's cobbled streets and traditional stone houses are equally captivating. Nearby, the Gavarres Natural Park (Parc Natural de les Gavarres) is ideal for hiking and cycling.
Massanes' cuisine reflects Catalan traditions. Try Escudella i carn d'olla (meat stew) and Pa amb tomàquet (tomato bread). Local restaurants pride themselves on fresh ingredients, especially game meat and homemade sausages, paired with regional wines.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Massanes, just 30 minutes from Girona. Public buses are available but infrequent—check schedules in advance. The town is walkable, while rural areas are best explored by car or bike.
The best times to visit are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), with mild weather and fewer crowds. Avoid summer heat and winter chill.
The official languages are Catalan and Spanish; English is less common. Mobile coverage is reliable in town but spotty in rural areas. Cash is preferred, though some places accept cards. For emergencies, dial 112; the nearest hospital is in Girona.