Pals is a beautifully preserved medieval village in the Costa Brava and a favorite vacation spot for many. What makes Pals so unique? This village is just a stone’s throw away from the most idyllic coves and other charming fishing villages of the Costa Brava. Therefore, it is often considered the perfect base. We would love to tell you all about what there is to do in Pals and the surrounding area.
Table of Contents
1. Explore the historic village
Once the bags and suitcases are unpacked, we recommend taking a stroll through the beautiful medieval village. The old historic center is best explored at your own pace, allowing you to get lost in the architecture and the perfectly preserved, narrow, cobblestone streets.
The Gothic quarter is worth a visit as it has been beautifully restored. Another major attraction is the ancient city wall, including towers from the 4th century. Relax with a cup of coffee at Grava Pals or visit the Church of Sant Pere
2. Geniet van de gastronomie
Pals boasts a handful of delightful restaurants, particularly renowned for its rice dishes. ‘Arròs de Pals a la cassola’ is the most traditional dish you’ll find in the area. It won’t surprise you that it features prominently on every menu. It’s a casserole where langoustines, various types of fish, and meat are slow-cooked, all with the distinctive rice from Pals. This dish is, therefore, an absolute must-try.
Which restaurants are worth a visit?
A restaurant for lovers of fine dining. Therefore, it is also a moderately more expensive place than other restaurants.
- Antic Casino
You’ll find this restaurant on a corner along the main street, and as the name suggests, the restaurant is located in an old casino. Enjoy a pleasant ambiance, delicious food, and you can also opt for a tasty ‘menu migdia,’ which is a lunch menu at a reasonable price.
A favorite where we personally love to go. A restaurant in an old country house with a beautiful courtyard. Here, you can enjoy the most delicious rice dishes, making it a highly recommended choice!
3. Cycling in the area
For all sports enthusiasts or those who enjoy being active with kids, Pals is a great starting point to explore the surroundings by bike. We recommend starting at Grava Pals with a cup of coffee and asking for information about the various available routes. There are already about 20 routes to choose from!
4. Enjoy chicken at restaurant Can Padrès
Can Padrès is a restaurant located in Pals and has become extremely popular for serving the most delicious chicken. It’s not surprising that you often have to wait for a table. We always recommend making a reservation in advance, especially if you are on vacation with kids! We can say with certainty: the wait is completely worth it.
The restaurant has 2 locations:
- Can Padrès 1: C/ Puig Roig 1 – 17256 Masos de Pals
- Can Padrès 2: Carretera de Pals a Regincós (1.111,04 km) 17256 Pals
- This restaurant has a more extensive menu and also serves other types of meat dishes.
5. Visit other villages nearby
Fell in love with the old historic center of Pals and craving more discoveries like it? No worries! Pals is just a stone’s throw away from other charming villages worth exploring. Grab your car and hit the road! Pay a visit to Palau Sator, Peratallada, Monells, and Begur.
6. Enjoy the most beautiful beaches
What is a vacation without a visit to the beach? In Pals, you have plenty of beautiful beaches in the surrounding area. Which ones do you absolutely not want to miss?
- Platja El Racó
- Platja I’lla Roja
- Platja de la Gola del Ter
7. Attend the White Summer Festival during the summer
During the summer, a visit to the White Summer Festival is a fun activity for the entire family. It’s a festival where music, food, and fashion come together. They particularly cater to children, organizing plenty of enjoyable activities for them. This way, you get to experience a Costa Brava like never before, knowing that at the end of the day, you’ll come home with your Catalan-bought souvenirs.
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