Catalan Christmas has traditions all of its own: the caga tió, a log that children beat with sticks until it "poops" presents, turró nougat and neules wafers after lunch, nativity fairs and living nativity scenes that turn whole villages into Bethlehem. This short route takes you through Osona and the Girona area: the Mercat Medieval in Vic, Girona's old quarter, the bridge at Besalú and two of the best-known living nativities, Brunyola and Bàscara, which are only staged from late December.
It is 3 nights and about 320 km, within the 300 km a day included on 3 to 6 day rentals with Segimon Rental. It fits the early-December long weekend (Constitution Day and the Immaculate Conception), when the Mercat Medieval in Vic is usually held; that weekend generally falls in low season (3-day minimum), but check the booking calendar and book early. Christmas dates are high season, with a 7-day minimum: then you can add our Garrotxa route or the Montseny and Osona route.
Route plan
Route map
Tap a day or a stop to see it on the map, or press "Follow the route" to travel it stage by stage.
Approximate line between stops, not a navigation itinerary. Check road conditions and restrictions for large vehicles before you set off.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Pick-up and Vic
Collect the motorhome between 16:00 and 19:00 in Les Franqueses del Vallès; the C-17 takes you to Vic in about 40 minutes. Over the December long weekend the Mercat Medieval usually fills the Plaça Major and the streets of the centre with more than 400 artisans, and entry is free. It gets very busy, so park on the outskirts and walk in. Have Vic's famous cured sausage, llonganissa, for dinner and sleep at an authorised area or a campsite nearby.
Day 2 · Vic, Brunyola and Girona
In the morning, Vic cathedral with its murals by Josep Maria Sert, and another wander round the market before the crowds. For a picture-postcard village, Rupit is about 45 minutes away on a winding road; explore it on foot from the car parks outside. Then the C-25 takes you towards Girona. At Christmas, Brunyola, 20 minutes from Girona, stages one of the best-known living nativities on set days; check its programme. End the day in Girona among the lights and festive atmosphere of the centre.
Day 3 · Banyoles, Besalú and Bàscara
A slow morning in Girona: the Jewish quarter, the cathedral steps and the houses along the Onyar. Then Banyoles lake, good for a flat walk around the shore, and Besalú, with its fortified medieval bridge over the Fluvià; leave the motorhome in the car parks at the entrance. If you are travelling between Christmas and early January, finish at dusk in Bàscara, whose living nativity has been performed since 1973 in the old village and along the river, on set days. From here it is roughly 1 h 15 back on day 4 to return the motorhome between 9:00 and 12:00.
Where to sleep
Osona and the Girona area have year-round campsites and municipal motorhome areas, although some campsites close in winter, so confirm they are open. Demand rises over the December long weekend: book ahead. Park4Night and Campercontact show facilities and recent reviews.
Wild camping is generally not permitted in Catalonia. Parking wherever any vehicle may park is legal in Spain (DGT instruction 08/V-74), as long as you do not put out the awning, chairs or levelling ramps and do not empty any water. More advice in our guide to motorhome travel in winter.
Where to sleep with a motorhome in Catalonia
Practical tips
- Living nativities are only performed on specific days and times, usually between Christmas and early January; over the early-December weekend they have normally not started yet. Check each one's official programme before fixing your itinerary.
- The living nativity at Corbera de Llobregat, running for more than 60 years, is one of the oldest in Catalonia: another good option near Barcelona if you travel at Christmas.
- For the Fira de Santa Llúcia, the Christmas fair by Barcelona cathedral, take the train from Granollers: do not drive the motorhome into Barcelona.
- December nights on the Plana de Vic are among the coldest in Catalonia, with frequent fog and frost. The V66 has Truma Combi 4 heating with EisEx and a heated grey-water tank; drive carefully if there is ice.
- Vic, Girona and Besalú have narrow old centres: always park outside and walk in.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Mercat Medieval in Vic?
Usually over the early-December long weekend (Constitution Day and the Immaculate Conception, around 6 to 8 December). Check the exact dates on Vic town council's official programme.
When can you see the living nativities in Bàscara and Brunyola?
On set days around Christmas and into early January, usually in the late afternoon or evening. Each edition publishes its own calendar, so check it before you set off.
Can you do this route over a long weekend?
Yes. Three nights, with pick-up on the first afternoon and return on the fourth morning, fit the December long weekend, which is usually low season with a 3-day minimum. At Christmas the minimum is 7 days.
Is it too cold to sleep in a motorhome in December?
It can freeze at night in Osona, but the V66's Truma heating and insulation keep the inside comfortable. Set off with full gas and warm clothes for the visits.
