Picturesque villages in the Catalan countryside: Pals and Peratallada
Pals and Peratallada are among the top 10 villages in Catalonia. While the sea does not lap against their doors, they still have a great reputation for their timeless charm and their mediaeval heritage.
Take advantage of your stay in Tossa de Mar to discover these two gems of Catalan heritage as well as the beauty of inland Costa Brava, which is often less well-known that the touristic coastline. Read on!
Peratallada, a listed village in Catalonia
Peratallada is a superb medieval village that has been listed as a historical monument. Enchanting and picturesque, it has preserved its authentic feel. Wander through its cobblestoned streets and admire the façades adorned with coats of arms and architectural elements that are inherited from the Middle Ages. It’s an opportunity to (re)discover the richness of Catalan historic heritage.
One of the attractions of the village comes from its medieval enclosure that is particularly well-preserved. In the centre of the village stand the fortified castle, a palace and several watch towers. Outside the ramparts don’t miss the Roman church of Sant Esteve that dates back to the 12th century.
Peratallada is a touristic village that is much appreciated by inhabitants of Barcelona who come here to get away from the crowds on the beaches. In this picturesque village you will find some very good craftspeople with high reputations for the quality of their work and also some excellent restaurants.
Before moving on to the second stage of your excursion to the Catalan countryside, we recommend that you stop for lunch at the Arc Vell. This restaurant is in the image of the town of Peratallada: as romantic as you please! You will be served generous portions of typical and tasty cooking. Choose from tapas, paella and many other specialities of Catalan gastronomy. Located on the main square beside the entrance to this historic village, you will be welcomed into a superb building.
To find out more about visiting Peratallada, visit the Tourist Office website.
Pals, between the sea and the paddy fields…
It will only take you fifteen minutes to reach this other witness to the rich history of Catalonia, built in the 11th century. The village of Pals stands at the top of a hill surrounded by fields of rice. It is worth a visit for the scenery alone! It has to be said that it makes quite a change from the usual clichés about the Costa Brava.
You will appreciate the stroll in the cool of the narrow cobbled streets of this fortified village that is just a few kilometres inland from the sea. Over the course of your walk, step into the Church of Sant Pere: built in the 10th century, it is a blend of Roman, Gothic and Baroque styles. The entire history of a village in a single building!
Don’t miss a visit to the Medieval Roman tower. Originally the castle stood here, but it was unfortunately destroyed in the 15th century. From the top, you can admire the panorama over the surrounding countryside and out to sea. It is the perfect place to take some great photos and to drink in the picturesque atmosphere of one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia.
Prepare for your visit to Pals using the Tourist Office website.
Discover Catalonia like you’ve never seen it before! Enjoy the richness of the countryside by choosing a rental villa in Tossa de Mar. From there it is easy to visit the beautiful surrounding inland villages of the Costa Brava.
See the rental villas in Tossa de Mar.
How to get to Peratallada and Pals from Tossa de Mar
You can take a Sarfa bus running on the Barcelona-Bégur line from Tossa de Mar. In summer there are 4 or 5 of them daily.
By car it will take almost 1 hour on the C31 to reach Peratallada.