Pals is best discovered on foot. The old village perches on its hillside overlooking the Baix Empordà plain, nestled between the Montgrí massif and the Mediterranean Sea. You enter through the Torre de les Hores, a remnant of the 12th-century walls, and leave wanting to return immediately.
The Medieval Village
The historic center of Pals was painstakingly restored stone by stone beginning in the 1950s. The result is striking: narrow streets of dressed stone, Gothic arches, and houses with sun-golden facades. The plaça Major hosts a lively market on Tuesday mornings from June to September, where locals and visitors mingle among fresh produce and crafts.
Named after the renowned Catalan writer native to the region, the Josep Pla viewpoint offers breathtaking 360-degree views over the rice fields, the Illes Medes, and Montgrí. Sunset remains the best time to make the climb, when the landscape transforms into shades of gold and amber.
For more about the region's character and attractions, visit the official Costa Brava tourism portal, which provides comprehensive information about villages, beaches, and cultural sites throughout the area.
The Rice Fields of Pals
The Empordà is one of Catalonia's few rice-growing areas, and it has been cultivated here for centuries. The rice fields of Pals stretch between the village and the sea, creating a unique landscape that changes color dramatically with the seasons. In spring, flooded fields reflect the sky like mirrors. In summer, the intense green of the rice contrasts beautifully with the Mediterranean blue.
Pals rice has a protected designation of origin and appears on the menus of all quality restaurants in the region, particularly in arròs a la cassola, the emblematic dish of the Empordà. You can explore more about regional agriculture and the Empordà's agricultural heritage on Catalunya.com, which details the area's unique products and food traditions.
Beaches and Nature
Platja de Pals extends more than 3 kilometers of fine sand, bordered by protected dunes and pine groves. Less crowded than the beaches of the southern coast, it retains a natural character that gives it undeniable charm. The dunes shelter protected flora and several hiking trails line the coastline.
The area is rich with natural preservation efforts. Visit Parcsnaturals.gencat.cat to learn about the Illes Medes, a protected marine reserve just offshore, which you can explore by boat or kayak from nearby villages.
Just a short drive away, the Sa Riera cove offers a more intimate alternative, with its dramatic rocks and crystalline waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Gastronomy
The Empordà concentrates a remarkable density of quality restaurants and culinary excellence. Pals boasts several recognized establishments, from gourmet restaurants showcasing Michelin standards to charming village bistros. Local products dominate the menus: Palamós shrimp, Pals rice, Escala anchovies, and award-winning Empordà wines.
The Pals market and the larger Torroella de Montgrí market allow you to shop directly from local producers, bringing home the authentic flavors of the region.
Golf and Outdoor Activities
For golf enthusiasts, Pals Golf course sits just three minutes away by car from Aparthotel Arenal. Explore more options at Golfpals.cat and Golfemporda.com, which showcase the region's premier courses and championship-quality facilities designed by renowned architects.
From the Arenal
Aparthotel Arenal sits perfectly positioned at the foot of the medieval village, just a two-minute walk from the plaça Major and its restaurants. The beach is five minutes by car, and Pals Golf course is three minutes away. This central location makes it easy to explore all of the Empordà without relying solely on your car.
Ready to experience Pals? Reserve your stay at Aparthotel Arenal and discover why this timeless village captivates visitors year after year. For more about our property and accommodations, explore our studios and the story of Arenal.
Learn more about the village itself on Wikipedia's Pals page for historical context, and discover the broader region by visiting Visit Pals for detailed local information and event calendars.