Pals: a charming village on the Costa Brava

Its 3 charming village centres make Pals a unique village on the Costa Brava. The old centre of Pals, “el Pedro”, is on a hill situated a few kilometres from the coast. When you descend from the hill, you’ll pass through picturesque small houses, which are called “Masos de Pals” and are surrounded by green forests. On the bottom of the historical Pals, there’s a beautiful large beach called ¨Playa de Pals¨, where, on its boulevard, you’ll also find cheerful terraces.

Pals is a mixture of landscapes: you can linger by the sea or enjoy of the alluring green hills. If you want culture, entertainment and good gastronomy go to Pals’ beach.

Another option is the medieval centre of Pals. You’ll be surprised! During the summer months, Pals is very vivacious and busy, though there are never large queues of tourists. So that’s really fine! If you want a typical Spanish atmosphere in Pals, come on the 3rd of August to the Fiesta Mayor de Pals (Pals’ festivities).

When you hire a holiday home in Pals, you’re hiring a great place. Thanks to Pals’ situation, you’ll easily have a tour around the whole Costa Brava. Another possibility from Pals is to have a day trip to the world famous city of Barcelona, which is certainly a recommendation!

Aqua Brava Park – It’s a water park in Roses. Besides having a lovely and refreshing dive, you can also climb on a rock wall. And after having a relaxing tour in the “Rio Tranquilo” (Calm River), test your guts at the Bullet or at the Kamikaze. You’ll find a free bus service from these nearby villages: Roses, Santa Margarita and Empuriabrava. There’s also a paying bus to the Aqua Brava Park from l’Escala and l’Estartit.

Aquadiver– Water park nearby Playa de Aro. Aquadiver is a great water park where you can have nice and relaxing day. There’s a kids swimming pool, hydrotherapy pools, a golf course, a waterfall and soooo many zig zagging slides. And haven’t you had enough? There’s more… When you buy a ticket to Aquadiver, you usually get a 2×1 promotion to go to the biggest water park in Spain: Water World. During the summer season, there’s a free bus service from l’Estartit, Palamós, Calonge, S’Agaró and Sant Feliu de Guíxols.

Monday – Blanes, Cadaqués*, Olot, Torroella de Montgrí
Tuesday – Castelló d´Empúries*, Lloret de Mar, Girona, Palafrugell, Palamós, Verges, Figueres (fish, fruit and vegetables)
Wednesday – Banyoles, Begur, Sant Antoni de Calonge, Sant Pere Pescador

Thursday – Tossa de Mar, Calonge, l´Estartit, Figueres (clothes, poultry, fish, fruit and vegetables)

Friday – La Bisbal, Playa de Aro, Port de la Selva*
Saturday – Banyoles, Girona, Palafrugell, Figueres (fish, fruit and vegetables), Empuriabrava*, Vilamalla*
Sunday – Palafrugell, Sant Feliu de Guixols, Figueres (On the 1st Sunday of the month there’s a flea market), la Jongquera*, l´Escala*, Roses*
(*Relatively big markets).

Cycling

In Pals, you’ll have plenty of fun on your bicycle: there are from flat areas till green hills. Bringing your own bicycle from home is the most comfortable, of course, but you can also hire one in many places. The nearest place is Playa de Pals, but you can also go to the beautiful Bisbal de l’Empordà and hire a bike there. Usually, places that hire bikes are connected with organizations that offer bike trips and/or organize routes.

Besides off-road cycling in the surroundings of Pals, there are also roads that are made to have bikes safaris. Areas like the Baix Empordà, the Alt Empordà, the Gironès, the Pla de l’Estany, la Selva and la Garrotxa offer you amazing cycling routes.

Or pay a visit to the fantastic nature area of les Gavarres. You’ll explore through nearly 300km2 of forest surrounded by the Montgrí (a protected nature reserve) and the Mediterranean Sea. By the way, there’s also a very nice bicycle route from Sant Feliu de Guixols to Olot, passing through Girona.

Golf

Pals is an area full of golf courses:

• Empordà Golf Club – You’ll find it between Pals and Torroella de Montgri.
• Golf Platja de Pals – With many trees and bunkers, this is one of the most challenging golf courses on the Costa Brava.
• Golf Serres de Pals

Hiking and walking

In the area of el Baix Empordà, you can have walks of different levels and distances in its more than 370km.

Pals – Basses d’en Coll – Pals
An unimaginable trip through the rice fields, farms and mills. Let you be surprised by the varied landscape.

Pals – Quermany Gros – Pals
This is a relatively short route which is perfect for the whole family. You’ll discover Pals’ medieval nucleus. And don’t forget to charge your camera, because there’s an amazing view from the hill “Quermany Gros”.

Horse riding

Do you love speed, nature and animals? Then, you’ll certainly be impressed by a horse ride. In the neighbouring village, Begur, there’s a riding school where you can have a ride in the magnificent surroundings.

Water sports

The water world of Pals is a world apart. Diving and snorkelling are one of the best pastimes that you can try. Have you never dived or snorkelled? Then, this is the moment! Or practice other water sports on Pals’ beach or in the nearby villages, like: swimming, water skiing, pedals, canoes, wind surfing, sailing, sport fishing, paddle surfing, body boarding… Many visitors in Pals also hire a motor boat or try a catamaran cruise. And you can see people of all ages on the banana boat or on the fly-fish.

‘El Pedro’ the authentic side of Pals

At Pals’ medieval nucleus, you’ll find the church called “San Pedro” and, in front of it, a very calm and peaceful square. The church has been renovated many times over time, so it’s not strange that you see a mixture of Gothic, Roman and Baroque styles.

Some metres further, you’ll see the 11th century bell tower, Torre de les Hores, which you’ll hear once every hour. But Pals has more constructions from the medieval times, like for example the castle and its walls, which enclose the old nucleus. At the walls, you’ll also find 4 impressive towers called: Torre d’en Ramonet, Torre d’en Rom, Torre d’en Xinel and Torre de l’Hospital.

The old nucleus of Pals welcomes you at the entrance with ‘Ca la Pruna‘. This building is from the 15th century and keeps, in its museum, the secrets of an underwater archaeology. Next to it, there’s a place where there’s usually an exhibition.

After seeing the historical part of Pals, you should try the view point Josep Plà. There, you’ll see the whole area of l’Empordà and you’ll also enjoy an amazing view of the Medes Islands.

‘Masos de Pals’

Between Pals’ medieval centre and the beach, there’s a woody area called ‘Masos de Pals’. The village centre is composed by a group of country houses with remarkable architectural elements and the 18th century church of Masos de Pals.

‘Playa de Pals’

The beautiful and large beach of Pals is known as Playa de Pals, or in Catalan “Platja de Pals”. During the summer period, you’ll enjoy this huge space to sun bathe, because it won’t be completely full of people. On the other hand, you’ll find plenty of facilities on this beach and in the water.

Andorra

Andorra is famous as a winter sports resort and a place of tax-free shopping. But, during the summer months, the lack of snow allows to see the beauty of its nature. Smell the sweet aroma of the flowers in the green fields and from the wood in the forests –all together with the pine tree scents.

Barcelona

On the top three, there’s a visit to Barcelona. This international city certainly deserves your attention. Or, to be honest, it’s actually worth more than just one visit. If you’ve already been to Barcelona, you’ll agree with me. Have you never been to Barcelona? Then, a day-trip is ideal to have a first impression of the city.

– Barcelona Aquarium – A day immerse in the underwater animal world is always a great experience. You don’t see that much fish and water animals every day. Discover the undersea world as nobody else can in the 35 big aquariums.

– Barcelona Camp Nou Experience – The football team FC Barcelona is like the national team for many Catalans. That’s why FC Barcelona is still one of the bests. Come to places in the stadium where you can’t go usually. Feel the atmosphere from this enormous stadium and touch the grass from its famous field. Many local agencies organize trips from Pals to Barcelona. Besides this, you can also travel just to visit the city. For example, you can take the Hop On Hop Off bus, which takes you to the main high lights of Barcelona. On a beautiful summer day, a cycling or a Segway tour is also very recommendable. Do you want more? During a tapas tour, you’ll discover the Spanish amusement and the delicious tapas.

– Barcelona Experience – During Barcelona Experience, you’ll visit the Sagrada Familia, the Park Güell, the Casa Batlló, the Columbus monument, Montjuïc and many more interesting places. By the way, your guide will, at the same time, get you updated with the latest news of the city. And the good thing is that they will stop as near as possible to the main high lights and the guides will explain all the details. No, you won’t have to read dozens of books about Barcelona!

– Barcelona by Night – At midday, you’ll explore the city. While you wander through the small streets, look for a nice terrace to eat some delicious meal around 15:00. Have a break to recover and enjoy the Spanish gastronomy. After walking around a bit more in the city centre, in the evening, it’s time for the impressive fountains show. At the Palau Nacional, colourful fountains, which move to the rhythms of different types of music, are waiting for you.

– Barcelona Zoo– Barcelona’s zoo offers a very entertaining day for people from all ages. Every zoo is a bit different and, in this one, there are more than 450 felines, reptiles, different types of apes and water animals. Adults become kids again and kids… stay kids and enjoy the most beautiful and impressive animals in the world.

Boat trip to les Illes Medes (the Medes Islands)

What can be nicer than having a boat trip with the whole family or a group a friends, on a sunny day, to the Medes Islands nature reserve?

Dali’s triangle

Famous artists like Gaudía and Dalí have left many heritages in Spain. Get to know more about Salvador Dalí’s life and his curious master works.

– Theater – Dalí Museum (Figueres)
This striking and impressive building is the most important high light from Figueres. I also have to say that the building won’t go unnoticed. That’s just another reason to go inside of it. In the museum, you’ll find plenty of eccentric works of art. Don’t just look at the most common places, but also have a look at the ceiling and you’ll have nice surprises.

– Port Lligat (Cadaqués)
In a small hamlet near the water, there’s Dali’s original house. After a visit (that you’ll have to book in advance), you’ll understand better Dalí’s way of making art. But as you’ll see, it’s quite understandable that Dalí was a genious, if you consider the breath-taking landscapes of this area.

– Casa – Museo Castell Gala Dalí (Puból)
Wander through the castle and get inside Dalí’s world, with his amazing art and master pieces. And what about the garden? There’s a true inspiration source with many famous elephant sculptures.

Montserrat and Cremallera

Montserrat is a perfect combination for nature and culture lovers. The spiritual heart of Catalunya yearly attracts thousands of tourists. This is because of the Black Madonna (la Moreneta) and because of the boys choir that daily sings at 1PM at the Benedictine monastery. As I said before, Montserrat is also a magnet for nature lovers: the Montserrat National Nature Park has many entertaining and more or less intensive walking routes.

Rupit, el Far and Besalú

This tour to the inlandswill make you feel as if you went back to the past. You’ll pass from the inhabited to the uninhabited world, where amazing viewpoints are alternated with medieval villages, with their own history. At the beginning of the midday, you’ll go to the priest’s its restaurant, who waits for you with a relatively simple but substantial three meals menu. And as aperitif, he’ll prepare you delicious drops.

Buggies, Jeep Safari, Segway, Quads

Do you want to discover Pals on another way? Drive through the most impressive parts of Pals with a buggie, on a quad or with a Jeep. With more tact, you can also try the experience with a Segway. I have seen many people on a Segway on the airport or some police officers on the street, but the Segway X2 is just the best! With the Segway X2, it’s possible to have an excursion to, for example, Fontanilles, Llabià, Mirador, Toroella de Montgrí, Pedrigolet or Cau del Cuc (a 300.000 years old chasm). Do you prefer to ride on a circuit? No problem, there are many closed circuits to test you speed and agility skills.

Pals from the sky

The beauty of Pals and its surroundings are even nicer from in the air. Try hang gliding, jumping out of plane with a parachute or flying with a helicopter or air balloon and enjoy! During an impressive flight above the Costa Brava (Alt Empordà or Baix Empodrà), you’ll see the diversity of landscapes in which Pals and its surroundings are so rich in. Besides flying above Pals, you can also try an air balloon flight over the Pyrenees, Barcelona, Vic, Manresa, Lleida, Segarra or the Pla d’Urgell. It’s a moment you’ll never forget!

Skydive Empuriabravais the ideal place for you if you’ve got enough guts to try to jump out of a plane. Both beginners and experts can have a tandem jump or follow a course. You can easily reach this location by car, train or bus (it’s 500 m from the nearest bus stop).

Port Aventura

Are attractions never enough for you? Then Port Aventura is ideal for you! Have a day out with your family and/or friends. There’s also been thought about the kids! When in some attractions, kids couldn’t go on, because they weren’t tall enough (for security reasons), it wasn’t really nice for them. So that’s why Port Aventura, which has 6 themed areas, made a special place just for kids! Between all this fun and entertainment, you’ll find many restaurants, terraces and touristic shops.

In Pals’ surroundings, there are restaurants of all types:
El Pedró – At the old nucleus of Pals.
Sol Blanc – A traditional Catalan restaurant, on the road that goes to Torroella de Montgrí.
Mar Blau – Fish and meat, on Pals’ beach.
Sol i Mar – Next to Mar Blau, also on Pals’ beach.
Rotisseria Can Padres – Only opened in the summer months, on the road from the beach till the old nucleus of Pals.
Sa Punta – On the road that goes to the beach.
Mas Roig
Mas Salvi
Mas Pou – At Palau Sator

Semana Santa (Easter holidays)
This is the most important moment of Easter. Everywhere, you’ll find market stands to buy palm tree leaves. Boys carry long and big ones and girls graceful ones with all kinds of complicated designs. At home, people hang the leaves on their balconies to keep the evil out of the house. On Easter Sunday, the whole family comes together to eat all kind of delicious meals.San Juan, 23rd of June
Traditionally, people go to the beach to celebrate the arrival of the summer. And, of course, people stay there till the sun comes up with a bottle of cava. This big summer party is not possible without the bonfires and the noisy and colourful fire works.

– Bus and train
Buses and trains are relatively cheap ways of transport. The connection between the coastal villages is quite good. For those who love to do puzzles, you can try the websites from the bus companies Pujol and Sarfa. Or keep it simple: every bus station or tourist information office (Oficina de Turismo) has the updated bus schedules of the region. To and from Blanes, Figueres, Girona, Llançà and Portbou, there’s a direct train to, for example, the magnet of Spain: Barcelona. The updated train schedules and such are available in the train stations, the tourist information offices (Oficina de Turismo) and on the website of Renfe. Suggestion: If you want to travel more around Spain, the Renfe Spain Pass is profitable for you! This advantages pass can be used in six months since the purchase and serves for one month since the moment of the first use. There are different types of cards that allow you to travel 4, 5, 8, 10 or 12 times.-

TAXI
TCB +34 972 612 2225
CAPSUR, S.L. +34 619 303 852Taking a taxi is always practical when travelling short distances in the city centre or when you want to go back to your holiday home at night. Taking a taxi is relatively cheap; though take into account that at night, in the weekends or when you’re carrying suitcases, it’s a bit more expensive.Travel and stop with all freedom on unknown places on the Costa Brava. Scooters and motorbikes are amazing types of transport. They’re also the best way to avoid traffic jams. Special motorbike clothing is not obligatory, but do yourself a favour and wear protection (besides wearing the compulsory helmet, casco). Just like when hiring a car, show your identification document and driving licence. Take into account that you also need an assurance! Sometimes they can also ask you to keep your ID card as a deposit, though obviously it’s up to you to accept this or not.

– Parapharmacy
Av. Mediterrani, Km 1.8 Local 2
Telf.: +34 972 637 404

– Farmàcia dels Masos
Ctra. dels Masos, 103
Telf.: +34 972 667 730
E-mail: lafarmaciadelsmasos@gmail.com

– Farmàcia Dr. Massó
Enginyer Algarra, 14
Telf.: +34 972 636 032

Blanes
Hospital Comarcal de Blanes
Cala Sant Francesc, 5, 17300, Blanes
Telf.: 972 353 264

Hospital de Santa Caterina
Dr. Castany s/n, 17190, Girona
Telf.: 972 182 600

Hospitalitat de la Mare de Deu de Lourdes Girona
Carretera Santa Eugénia, 25, 17005, Girona
Telf.: 972 402 376

Hospitalitat de la Mare de Deu de Lourdes Girona
Antic Roca, 38, 17005, Girona
Telf.: 972 244 806

Hospital Universitario de Girona
Doctor Josep Trueta
Avda Franca s/n, Girona
Telf.: 972 940 200
Fax: 972 940 270
E-mail: hospital@htrueta.scs.es

Palamós
Hospital de Palamós
Hospital, 36, 17230, Palamós
Telf.: 972 600 160

Centre Caní de Pals Carrer Camargas, 23
Telf.: +34 972637070
E-mail: info@centrecanidepals.com
Website: www.centrecanidepals.comClínica Veterinària Anipals
Carrer Abeurador, 7
Telf.: +34 972 667 4102
Emergency number: +34 972 640 022

General information, maps, etc.
Plaça Major, 7, 17256, Pals, Girona
Telf.: +34 972 637 380
E-mail: info@pals.cat
Website: www.pals.es