![\"Spain,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/spain-catalonia-pyrenees-province-of-girona-mountain-village-of-beget-bridge-and-romanesque-6770020..jpeg\" "\\"Spain,")
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The village has been described as so untouched that it feels ‘frozen in time’ (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
Spain<\/a> has long been one of the Brits’ favourite holiday destinations<\/a>, with millions heading there every year for sunshine, food and culture. But in recent years, many of the country\u2019s most popular regions have faced growing frustration over overtourism<\/a>, leading to protests and demands for tighter controls. Large cities<\/a> and famous islands often bear the brunt of huge visitor numbers, and some locals say their communities have reached breaking point.<\/p>\n Yet away from the hotspots and coastal resorts, there are still places in Spain<\/a> that not only welcome visitors<\/a> but rely on them. Across the country, dozens of small towns<\/a> and villages<\/a> are desperate for tourism to return, offering a quieter, slower and more authentic experience than the busy beaches or packed city streets. And according to many, these lesser-known destinations are the best way to see a different side of Spain<\/a>.<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Expats in Spain: Properties could see a price surge \u2013 \u2018bubble warning’ <\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Spain needs us! Brexiteer warns over \u2018vindictive\u2019 attitude <\/a><\/p>\n The village is home to the 12th-century Iglesia de Sant Crist\u00f2fol (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n Experts at National Geographic<\/a> recently highlighted several of these remote places, praising them for their heritage, culture and warm hospitality.<\/p>\n One of the villages<\/a> featured was described as so untouched that it feels \u201cfrozen in time\u201d, with locals eager for more tourists<\/a> to discover it.<\/p>\n And nestled deep in the Catalonian Pyrenees<\/a>, this tiny settlement has become a favourite among those looking for peaceful walks and mountain scenery.<\/p>\n That village is Beget, a honey-coloured medieval gem once so isolated it wasn\u2019t accessible by car until the 1960s and didn\u2019t have mobile phone service until 2023.<\/p>\n *** Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here<\/a> to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***<\/strong><\/p>\n The village has two medieval bridges and traditional stone houses (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n Experts describe it as a treasure of Catalan culture<\/a>, complete with cobblestone streets, stone bridges and stunning natural surroundings.<\/p>\n One local restaurant owner called it \u201ca treasure with cobblestone streets, stone bridges, and an impressive natural setting,\u201d capturing exactly why visitors fall in love with the area.<\/p>\n Beget is home to the 12th-century Iglesia de Sant Crist\u00f2fol, one of the region\u2019s most important Romanesque churches.<\/p>\n Surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes, it has also become a starting point for hikers taking the Cam\u00ed de Nord, a historic trail that winds through the oak forests of Alta Garrotxa.<\/p>\n The route follows part of the journey taken by Spanish exiles fleeing to France<\/a> during the Civil War, giving today\u2019s walkers<\/a> a chance to explore both nature and history.<\/p>\n Those who have visited Beget, describe it as peaceful and calming (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n According to tourism officials, Beget is considered one of the most charming villages<\/a> in Catalonia<\/a> and remains virtually untouched by time.<\/p>\n The entire settlement has been declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest, and it has received the \u201cCharming Villages\u201d distinction from the Catalan Tourism Agency, an honour awarded to just 14 places across the region.<\/p>\n What makes Beget even more appealing is its atmosphere. Visitors describe it as peaceful and calming, with quiet lanes and views that haven\u2019t changed for generations.<\/p>\n![\"Medieval](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/medieval-village-of-beget-girona-catalonia-spain-6770044.jpg\" "\\"Medieval")
<\/p>\n![\"Beget\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/beget-6770052.jpg\" "\\"Beget\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Older](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/older-couple-taking-selfie-with-smartphone-outside-two-elderly-tourists-enjoying-summer-6770053.jpg\" "\\"Older")
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