Pals
The medieval town of Pals is located on the Costa Brava, to the east of the city of Girona.
Situated on top of a hill, overlooking Platja de Pals, this charming town with its cobbled streets, craft shops, traditional restaurants and bars is a great place to visit in Catalonia.
The airport just to the south west of Girona is approximately 45 minutes drive.
Playa de Pals is situated within a crescent shaped four kilometre bay; it isn't so much a resort as a collection of elegant hotels and residences, with a beautiful white sandy beach surrounded by pine trees.
Beaches
Playa de Pals is surrounded by rocky headlands, rice fields and a small lake. Moving further south past some intimate coves are the small up market resorts and beaches of Tamariu and Llafranc.
Playa L’Illa Roja is more secluded and Pals beach itself is in a conservation area so no noisy water sports, strictly snorkelling, pedalos and scuba diving are permitted here.
Eating out
Playa de Pals beach has ample cafes, bars and beachside restaurants; alternatively travel to nearby Begur, or the old town of Pals for an even greater selection of eating places where you can enjoy both international and local cuisine.
Excursions
Pals central location in the Costa Brava makes it ideal for exploring many of the surrounding attractions Begur, Torroella and Palafrugell, and the medieval town of Peratallada, are all close by.
Take the train from the station at nearby Flaçà and you can soon be in the centre of one of the most exciting cities in Europe, Barcelona. Amongst the many attractions of this city you will find Gaudi's impressive Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Zoo and Aquarium as well as an impressive selection of shops.
The town of Figueres, was birthplace of Salvador Dali and is home to his incredible museum. Figueres can easily be reached by car.
Other towns of interest include the old market town of La Bisbal famous for its ceramics, the ancient remains at Empuries, the botantical gardens at Cap Roig, the monastery at Montserrat, the lovely Gothic old centre of Girona and old harbour town of Saint Feliu with its medieval monastery.
Golf
Pals Golf Club is considered to be one of Spain’s finest golf clubs and was 40 years in the making. Now it plays host to numerous international competitions. With 18 holes, the course’s position close to the sea makes a stunning location for any golfer.
The club also offers a golf school, practice course, restaurant and shop. Discounts are available on certain days for senior golfers.
Leisure & recreation
Whether you are a keen diver or a beginner, Pals offers diving instruction and excellent snorkelling opportunities at small coves like Sa Riera and Aiguablava.
The Formula1 Spanish Grand Prix and Mootorcycle Moto GP is based at the Circuit de Catalunya to the north side of Barcelona, a journey of about 90kms on the motorway.
The Pyrenees can be reached by car within two hours (150km). The Vall de Nuria near Ribes de Fraser provides ski facilities in a spectacular environment on the top of the Pyrenees, accessed by a unique cog railway from Ribes or Queralbs. The location is 3000m / 9000ft above sea level.
Pals is a walkers paradise with stunning coastal paths, which provide an excellent way to explore beaches like El Raco, fishing villages like Sa Reira and the 13th century castle at Montgri mountain.
The Vall de Nuria also provides spectacular walking in spring and summer, There is a good selection of locally produced wine available and any of the vineyards will welcome a visit and wine tasting.
Climate
The Mediterranean climate of breeze cooled summers and sparkling spring and autumn weather, coupled with mild winters, make this a fabulous destination at any time of the year.
Cuisine
The gastronomy of Catalonia is rich and varied. Principally it is the typical Mediterranean diet of fish and seafood with fresh vegetables, olives and olive oil rice and pasta.
We recommend that visitors try some traditional Catalan dishes whilst on holiday, especially delicious are
Escudella I Carn D'olla, vegetable broth with pork, veal and chicken. Pa Amb Tomàquet,
simply rustic bread, can be toasted, rubbed with tomato pulp and dressed with oil and salt; these delcious breakfast can also be served with ham, sausage or tortilla.
Coca is a very thin dough baked with onions, peppers and other vegetables served with and meats, or fish (especially sardines).