Off the beaten path: Espluga de Francoli in Catalonia, Spain
There are many reasons to visit Spain.
Catalonia in Spain is one of them . It's famous for its exceptional cuisine, unique architecture and vibrant culture. The province is home to several popular cities, such as Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona.
However, there are several off the beaten path towns in Catalonia worth visiting as well, and LâEspluga de Francoli is one of them.
In this post I explain why Espluga de Francoli is worth visiting.
What is LâEspluga de Francoli
One of the hidden gems in Catalonia, Spain, is the small and picturesque medieval town of L'Espluga de Francoli. Although it is off the beaten path, this old architectural gem is definitely worth a visit due to its authentic medieval atmosphere.
Walking through the streets, you will feel as though you have been transported back in time.
I believe itâs more interesting to visit LâEspluga alone. First, itâs located off the beaten path, and getting to there is a 2-hour adventure in itself.
And when you get there and see this amazing authentic town, itâs older architecture in many parts not touched by tourism yet, and walk on the winding alley seeing no one, you feel you just got touched by something Special? The greatness of History and Human Civilization comes to mind!
And I am pretty sure that this feeling gets intensified because youâre out there alone, slightly vulnerable and away from other tourist, all set to enjoy all the feelings that overwhelm you to the fullest! Iâm sure visiting with someone could be fun as well, but do you understand what I meant?
And then, after you got to enjoy the feeling of the old times, you go to the center of the town to enjoy the cozy perks of the Civilization, like several small shops and cafes, restaurants and museums, and it's such a great combination!
And afterward, if you still have time and energy left - there are many wonderful hikes, and great bike routs around Espluga!
Architecture of L'Espluga de Francoli
Espluga is a gem to a lover of an older architecture! ! The winding medieval streets and beautiful old buildings are such a unique sight to see and they ooze authenticity!
BTW, if you like old architecture, check out my post about different types of old buildings in Europe.
In Espluga, you will also see examples of Romanesque architecture in The Church of Sant Miquel. More about this church is later on in this post.
Where is Espluga located
LâEspluga de Francoli, a commune in the Province of Tarragona , Catalonia , Spain , is located halfway between Tarragona and Lleida. You could easily miss this town if you didnât know where to look. So, you need to check the map to find it.
Where is Catalonia in Spain.
Catalonia, or Catalunya (Catalan), or Cataluña (Spanish), an unique region with its own unique language (Catalan,) is the northeastern province of Spain. Its capital is Barcelona. Here is the map of Catalonia.
Espluga is on the important Cistercian Route in Europe
The Cistercian Route in Spain is a network of monasteries, churches, and abbeys that were founded by the Cistercian order of monks. The route stretches from the north of Spain to the south, and includes some of the most beautiful and well-preserved medieval architecture in Europe. The Cistercian Route is a great way to experience the Spanish countryside and learn about the history of the Cistercian order.
L'Espluga de Francoli is located In the middle of the Cistercian Route, which includes the monasteries of Poblet, Santes Creus, Vallbona de les Monges. Cistercian monastery of Poblet, one of the largest in Spain, was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1991. It is only 4 km away from LâEspluga.
History of LâEspluga de Francoli
How the town got its name
It is believed that the town got its name from the Latin word âesplugaâ, meaning âcaveâ or âpitâ. Espluga is situated on a hilltop in the midst of vineyards and is surrounded by mountains.
LâEspluga de Francoli was founded in the 11th century and is closely associated with the Berguera family, a Catalan noble family who owned the land until the 20th century.
Cats of Espluga
But donât you worryâeven if you won't see many 2-legged inhabitants while walking the alleys, you will see plenty of friendly 4-legged ones! And they even might generously let you pet them!
Cats are pretty relaxed out there â the food is good and the views from their day-beds are amazing! :)
If you like cats, you should visit Montenegro, there are so many of them, and they're a part of attraction.
Look at the middle of this pic. Do you see this catâs day-bed? Wouldnât you like to nap there overlooking such a wonderful view of the mountains yourself? :) Such lucky cats!
What to do in LâEspluga de Francoli
From its medieval allies, an interesting castle to its beautiful churches, there's plenty to explore in L'Espluga.
Below is the map of tourist attractions in L'Espluga de Francoli.
Tourist map or mapa turistic in Catalan
Where to eat in L'Espluga de francoli
Art Restaurant
Art Restaurant offers delicious seasonal contemporary Catalan cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients that seamlessly blend tradition and creativity. Itâs located in a renovated old rural charming farmhouse in the outskirts of L'Espluga de FrancolĂ, about 100m from Celler del Poble.
Address CamĂ Clos, s/n, 43440 L'Espluga de FrancolĂ, Tarragona
GAS GARAGE RESTAURANT in L'Espluga de FrancolĂ (Tarragona)
The restaurant offers signature pizzas, made by hand in their workshop using best quality flour and extra virgin olive oil from their own harvest. This results in delicious pizzas! They also offer burgers, pastas, and other dishes
ADDRESS Av. Catalunya, 16 43440 l'Espluga de FrancolĂ (Tarragona)
The Ocell FrancolĂ Rural Family Hotel and restaurant.
The restaurant serves traditional Catalan cuisine with some new trends. All made with the high-quality products of the Tarragona region. Some most popular dishes are: âthe snails from the inn, the wild boar stew, the pig's trotters, the trout with walnuts, natural grilled meat and the typical seasonal calçotada'.
43440 - L'Espluga de FrancolĂ (Conca de BarberĂ ) Tarragona - Spain
Where to stay in L'Espluga de francoli
Here are a few lodging options:
There are some (though not many) individual options for an overnight stay in LâEspluga, and there is also a huge resort at the outskirts of the town, MAS DE MORA. Or you could go to Espluga for a day- trip from Barcelona (2 hour's trip). Staying overnight is preferable, as you will have time to explore nearby monasteries as well!
A rural stay: MAS DE MORA (RURAL ACCOMMODATION)
address: CamĂ Mas de Mora
ESPASA MANOR HOUSE (MASOVERIA)
The Ocell FrancolĂ Rural Family Hotel and restaurant.
43440 - L'Espluga de FrancolĂ (Conca de BarberĂ ) Tarragona - Spain
boutique villa stay: Villa Engracia
Budget stay in a hostel:
HOSTAL DEL SENGLAR
FONDA LES SETET FONTS
Pictures of old doors in Espluga
How can I get to L'espluga de Francoli?
Transportation options ( you can drive, take a bus or a train). Train is 10 euro one way, 18 euros return ticket.
You can rent a car and the drive will be around 1.5 hours and gasoline will costs you around $20-35 one way.
Public transportation to Espluga
You can get to L'Espluga De FrancolĂ by Bus or Train
There is Renfe CercanĂas train from BARCELONA SAINTS towards LLEIDA and the price will be around $11 one way, or a round-trip ticket (my recommendation!) for $20. You would need to buy a separate ticket to get to Barcelona Saints first. These are the lines and routes that have stops nearby -Train: R13, R14 You can't buy a Renfe CercanĂas train ticket online. You can only buy it at the train station on the day of travel, but you can check the schedule here. https://www.renfe.com/es/en
Important! Don't get alarmed at the train station when you won't find a ticket machine, or anyone to sell you a ticket, and you didn't buy a round ticket! While in general, it's more expensive to pay for the ticket, once you already on Renfe CercanĂas train ( a train that travels in the nearest to some big city area. Cerca in Spanish means - close by. But, in case when a town is so small that it doesn't have it's own ticket machine, the train conductor will sell you one for the regular price.
What bus stations are close to L'Espluga de FrancolĂ?
The nearest stops to L'Espluga:
Av. Catalunya - Ctra. T-700, L'Espluga De FrancolĂ
Pl. Del Centenari
Bus: L1664
Check the BUS schedule here.
Towns nearby
Nearby towns are Montblanc and VimbodĂ i Poblet and both are really worth visiting! You would be able to combine 2 towns total on your 1-day itinerary from Barcelona, but not all 3. Most people would choose Montblanc as an addition to visiting l'Espluga on the same day, coming from Barcelona. You can build a trail for yourself to Poblet monastery.
In conclusion - whether you're looking to explore Catalonia's medieval architecture, its history, hike around the town or sample the town's delicious food and wine, L'Espluga de Francoli is the perfect place to visit for you!
I hope my guide will be helpful for planning your visit!
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