Palau-saverdera can be explored from several perspectives: from Plaça Mirador, the view takes in the Bay of Roses and the Empordà plain, while hikes range from short walks to a route with 426 metres of elevation gain. Medieval sites, the pilgrimage to the Ermita de Sant Onofre and a hike with the possibility of birdwatching each offer a different focus. This lets you make scenery, history or activity the centrepiece of your stay.

Landscapes between plain and mountain

The lower part of Palau-saverdera is included in the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. The mountainous area lies within the Parc Natural del cap de Creus. These different landscape settings are also reflected in the view from Plaça Mirador: it takes in the sea and the Bay of Roses in the foreground, the plain with the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, and the mountains, which lie almost entirely within the Parc Natural del Cap de Creus.

The viewpoint brings the sea, plain and mountains together in a single field of view. The two park areas remain geographically distinct: one covers the lower-lying area, while the other encompasses the mountain area. For anyone interested in landscapes, the panorama also offers an impression of how differently the surroundings of Palau-saverdera are shaped.

Compare hiking routes by distance and elevation gain

The Palau-saverdera / Sant Onofre / Mas Ventós / Palau-saverdera route is 5.96 kilometres long, has 426 metres of elevation gain and is rated moderate. At 5.6 kilometres, the Ruta del Sacrés is a similar length, but with just 82 metres of elevation gain it has considerably less ascent and is rated easy. It passes olive groves, the Cova de les Encantades and El Salt de l’Aigua. The comparison shows that similar distances can involve different amounts of ascent and different difficulty ratings.

Two other options are shorter: the Itinerari megalític del mas Isach is 1.95 kilometres long, has 90 metres of elevation gain and is rated easy. The Camí del Pas Estret covers 2.62 kilometres with 158 metres of elevation gain and is rated easy. It leads to the Gorgues del Pas Estret and the Barraca del Pas Estret. This gives you a choice of different distances, elevation profiles and themes, though the information provided does not allow walking times to be determined.

The hermitage, local history and tradition

The Ermita de Sant Onofre was built by parishioners in the 14th century. It stands at an elevation of about 400 metres and is visible from across the Empordà plain. Every year on Whit Monday, a pilgrimage goes to the hermitage. The occasion includes a shared meal and a Sardana dance. The chapel thus combines a historical connection with a tradition that takes place every year.

The Vilamarí line also shapes the area’s cultural and historical points of interest. The Sala Vilamarí, in the library building, is devoted to the history of Palau-saverdera and, in particular, to this medieval family. A reproduction of the sarcophagus of Bernat II de Vilamarí (1448–1516) is on display there. The construction history of Castell dels Vilamarí dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries: it was built on the orders of the lords of Vilamarí. Some of the surviving parts are on private land.

The Torre del rellotge tells another chapter in the town’s history. Originally, it was a defensive tower protecting Palau’s first castle. In 1855, it received the clock that gave it its name. Together, the chapel, Sala, Castell and Torre offer different insights into the town’s religious, family and architectural history.

Birdwatching at Estany de Vilaüt

For a nature-watching outing, visitors can park at Les Torroelles and walk from there to Estany de Vilaüt. Depending on the time of year, they may be able to spot flamingos, storks, herons and other birds. Seeing particular birds is therefore a possibility, not a guarantee. This outing adds a seasonal nature theme to the hikes and viewpoints.

Discover more destinations: Campelles, Sant Feliu De Guixols, Santa Pau, Serinyà, Vilamacolum, El Far d'Empordà, Crespià, La Jonquera

For the main travel overview: Girona.