Pals brings together three distinct features: the medieval village, rice cultivation and Playa de Pals.

Old Town and Landscape

Pals is one of the municipalities in the Montgrí, Illes Medes and Baix Ter Natural Park. The old town is designated a historic-artistic ensemble. The medieval village is characterised by cobbled streets and buildings made of ochre and golden sandstone. Within the village are anthropomorphic graves carved into stone before the year 1000. The graves and medieval buildings point to different historical periods.

The Quermany Massif is the highest point in the landscape around Pals and offers views of the medieval ensemble and the extensive agricultural landscape. From here, the historic buildings and the agricultural landscape can be seen side by side.

Rice Fields and Local Cuisine

The “Ruta del Arroz” starts in Pals and takes visitors on a small train ride through rice fields. Along the way, rice cultivation is explained from sowing to harvest. The ride stops at the “Molí de Pals”, where the history of the building is explained. Check the ride’s operating details before your trip.

Local cuisine also offers a way to explore the topic of rice. A rice mill dating from 1452 has been preserved in Pals to this day. The “Arroz de Pals” brand includes local rice varieties such as “bahía” and “bomba”. “Arroz de Pals a la cazuela” is a traditional local dish served in the town’s restaurants; availability may vary. The ride explains rice cultivation, while the dish features rice as part of the local cuisine.

Playa de Pals and Water Sports

Playa de Pals is 3.5 kilometres long and is traditionally divided into two areas, “Platja del Grau” and “Platja Gran”. At Platja de Pals, two water sports schools and a sailing club offer opportunities for water sports. Check current operating details before your visit.

Guided Tours and Dates

Guided tours on various themes are offered in Pals throughout the year. These include the Gothic Quarter, Josep Pla routes, legends and rice fields. If you are planning a tour, check the current times before your trip. The tours offer themed visits, while the Ruta del Arroz takes visitors on a small train ride that explains rice cultivation from sowing to harvest; the offerings therefore differ in format and focus.

The traditional rice planting event “Plantada tradicional del arroz” and the “Planta’t” campaign are June events; check the specific dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Els Masos De Pals, L’escala, Sant Climent Sescebes, Portbou, Torrent, Sant Miquel De Fluvià, El Cros, Torroella De Fluvià.

See the broader travel overview: Girona.