Pals

At the top of Puig Aspre in Baix Empordà, we find the partially walled town of Pals. Its name comes from the Latin "palus," meaning "wetland," because it was once a municipality surrounded by marshy areas. Its population is spread across the town of Pals, Els Masos, and the beach. Christopher Columbus is said to have set sail for the Americas from this beach.

Rice tradition

Pals is known for its rice-growing tradition, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The rice fields of Pals, located in the plains surrounding the town, produce high-quality rice that is the basis of numerous local dishes.

Every year, events such as the Pals Gastronomic Campaign and Rice Cooking, the traditional "Planting" and "Reaping" of rice are held, allowing visitors to learn about traditional cultivation techniques firsthand.

Natural environment and beaches

In addition to its historical heritage, Pals offers a privileged natural setting. The Playa Grande de Pals beach, approximately 3.5 kilometers long, is ideal for water sports and enjoying the sun and sea.

Part of the beach belongs to the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park, a protected area that offers hiking and cycling routes through landscapes of dunes, marshes and Mediterranean forests.

Places of interest

Medieval Town of Pals

The old town of Pals is one of the best-preserved medieval sites in Catalonia. Strolling through its cobblestone streets, you'll admire stone buildings, semicircular arches, and Gothic windows that will transport you back to medieval times.

Tower of Hours

The circular Romanesque tower, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, is the only remaining element of the old Pals castle. In the 15th century, a bell tower was added, housing the bells that give the tower its name.

Ca la Pruna

This 16th-century fortified house, known as Ca la Pruna, currently houses the headquarters of the Tourist Office.

Nature Reserve of the Montgrí Natural Park, the Medes Islands and the Baix Ter

This nature reserve, near Pals, is a paradise for nature and hiking lovers. It offers a wide variety of landscapes, from mountains and cliffs to wetlands and pristine beaches.

Rice fields of Pals

The rice- growing tradition of Pals dates back to the Middle Ages. The rice fields surrounding the village are a living testament to this heritage and offer a landscape that changes with the season. It's also recommended to try a dish made with Pals rice in local restaurants.

Pals is a destination that combines history, culture, nature and gastronomy in a unique setting!