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The medieval village of Pals and its beach

Discover the best of Pals, a beautiful town on the Costa Brava

In the region of Baix Empordà, Pals a small medieval village of 2,500 inhabitants, is one of the most beautiful villages of the Costa Brava.

Its beautiful cobbled streets, its walls and its Gothic buildings receive many tourists all year round, especially during the summer months.

Its territory even extends down to the sea (almost 6 km from the centre), where the extensive Platja de Pals is located (divided into Platja Gran to the south; and Platja del Grau to the north).

In this article, we will tell you about the main places to see in the Town of Pals and its magnificent beach.

What to visit in Pals

Pals has just over two thousand inhabitants and is made up of 3 nuclei: Pals, the old town; Masos de Pals, an area full of restaurants and accommodation, mainly campsites; and Pals beach, where the beaches are located.

Pals and its medieval village

Pals is currently in a good state of preservation thanks to Jaume Pi i Figueres, a local surgeon who, for more than 30 years, devoted himself to buying and restoring some of the houses in the village that were in a state of semi-abandonment.

The church of Sant Pere de Pals

The main monument in the village is the church of Sant Pere de Pals (Saint Peter of Pals), mainly in Gothic style, built on the site of an old Romanesque church dating from the end of the 10th century, of which some elements have survived. It was built with stones from the same church, which was already in a very dilapidated state.

Main square of Pals

Like any other town on the Costa Brava, there is a main square. In Pals, the square allows us to enjoy a refreshing drink, contemplate the Gothic arch that forms part of the town walls, the Town Hall (Casa de la Vila) and the Tourist Office, where we can get all the information about the town.

The Tower of the Hours

Continuing on our way to the highest part of the mountain we can enjoy the Torre de les Hores, also known as the Torre de l'Homenatge, which is 15 metres high and is what remains today of the old castle of Pals, destroyed in the 15th century during the Catalan Civil War.

The Josep Pla or Pedró Viewpoint

Near the Torre de les Hores is the Mirador de Josep Pla, which is another place where you can make out the rice fields that surround the village of Pals.

The viewpoint pays homage to the writer and journalist Josep Pla, who was born in nearby Calella de Palafrugell and who left Pals the famous phrase:

"Pals deserves not one visit, but a hundred visits, because its location offers the possibility of seeing one of the most beautiful and unforgettable landscapes in the country."

Pals beach

The town of Pals is quite small, but the municipality is surprisingly large.

Playa de Pals forms a unique natural setting with the Montgrí Natural Park, the Medes Islands and the Baix Ter, and there are numerous hiking trails in the surrounding area.

Thanks to its pine woods, dunes and fantastic views of the Medes Islands, the beach of Pals stands out for its crystal-clear waters and long stretches of golden sand, surrounded by nature.

Pals beach has all kinds of facilities such as showers, public toilets, a tourist information point (Playa Gran) and car park. It also has access for people with reduced mobility.

There are many gastronomic offers and leisure activities in the surrounding area.

Water sports and boat trips

Playa de Pals is an ideal place for water sports. With the Levante and Tramontana winds, the conditions are good enough for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing. The current in this area is quite strong.

If you are into diving or sailing, Playa de Pals is a very popular destination.

Golf courses

If you are a golf enthusiast, in Playa de Pals and a few kilometres away in Torroella de Montgrí you will find 2 golf courses.

Golf de Pals, The first golf course on the Costa Brava

The golf course in Platja de Pals is located in the middle of the Arenals de Mar estate, on some dunes covered with enormous pine trees planted 70 years ago, designed by Baltasar Parera Vilar and his wife Rosa Coll Llach in the early 1960s.

They provided all the necessary land, as well as the construction of the first nine holes, the clubhouse and all the initial machinery for maintenance.

Golf de Pals was the venue for the XLVI Spanish Open in 1972.

Nearby there is a wide range of accommodation and restaurants.

Empordà Golf Club

The world-renowned golf architect Robert von Hagge designed the two courses, Links and Forest, this being his first project on the Costa Brava and in Spain.

White Summer - Festival and market on the Costa Brava

The White Summer festival was born in 2011 with a concept that brings together the best of design, gastronomy, musical talent, family experiences -with workshops and games- and the performing arts.

At the beginning of August and for almost a month, this benchmark festival on the Costa Brava is held at the Mas Gelabert farmhouse. A 17th century Empordà farmhouse surrounded by rice fields in the Montgrí - Illes Medes natural park in the heart of the Costa Brava.

Performances, concerts, creative shopping, gourmet proposals and signature leisure for young and old to enjoy the unforgettable show.

If you want to buy or sell your property on the Costa Brava do not hesitate to contact Engel & Völkers Costa Brava Sud. We have the best selection of flats, houses and plots.