TOURISM IN THE COSTA BRAVA

Peratallada and Pals

Enjoy a 1-day excursion through medieval towns in Catalonia. In the heart of the Empordà and a few kilometers from the best coves and beaches of the Costa Brava, Peratallada and Pals emerge for many, the two most beautiful towns in Catalonia, either due to their medieval charm.

Peratallada. According to various references, the first origins of Peratallada were possibly Chalcolithic, later with a better knowledge of archaeological remains, we can mention that the Roman culture was established by what is now the town and its geographical environment. The first written data that we have about the place refer to the Castle of Peratallada from the 10th century, at that time, belonging to the Peratallada lineage and the first building that has reference to the place, around which the population grew. Below we recommend the 9 places to visit in Peratallada. We started!

1. Isglésia de Sant Esteve - old temple that is a medieval architectural gem from the late 12th century, in Romanesque style.
2. Portal de la Virgen - is a better-preserved access door to the fortified complex that surrounds the town center. Formerly here there was a drawbridge.
3. Plaza dels Esquiladors - this square owes its name to the sheep shearers who used to meet every year in this place.
4. Calle de la Roca - here you can see the rock on which the town sits, which has been cut to shape the streets and hence its name Peratallada (carved stone).
5. Plaza del Castell - it is the most beautiful square to visit in Peratallada, from here you can see the main entrance to the palace of the Castle of Peratallada in Gothic style, although it is currently private property.
6. Plaza de les Voltes - old social epicenter of the town.
7. Torre del Homenaje - this tower was built in the 11th and 12th centuries, next to the wall that surrounds it, both are the most important elements that are preserved from the old castle of Peratallada, built on a rock.
8. Calle Mayor - Here you can find the best handicraft and accessories stores, and you will also have to try the delicious Gelat Artesà ice creams.
9. Another of the best things to do in Peratallada is to eat good rice from Pals a la Cazuela, be it fish, meat or mixed. Other typical dishes to taste are Fesols de Santa Pau with sausages, meats and potatoes from Olot.

Just eight kilometers from Peratallada we are going to visit Pals. Located in the Baix Empordà region, Pals has become one of the most admired towns on the Costa Brava, and it is essential to visit it for at least one day.

The name of Pals comes from Palús beat, swampy land. At the top of a hill planted in living rock, the Romanesque tower of Les Hores dominates the medieval precinct of Pals. At its feet, the town clings to the hillside surrounded by the wall. Inside, the maze of streets and alleys house Gothic houses, with Renaissance windows, and delicious corners restored with care.

Crossing the arch at the entrance to its walled enclosure, you will immediately realize that Peratallada is a medieval town with great charm, and that it preserves great harmony in its rural architecture, and invites you to lose yourself among its alleys, towers and walls. . It is a fairly touristy town where there are restaurants and artisan shops.

As you stroll, you will find the Plaza Mayor, the Visigothic tombs, the church, the castle, the Les Hores tower, the wall and the Josep Pla viewpoint, from where you can contemplate the beauty of the Empordà plain dominated by the Montgrí massif with the Medes Islands in the background. Pals is a magical place, the cradle of popular experiences and legends that never leave visitors indifferent.