Visiting Pals From Barcelona: A Hidden Gem In Costa Brava

Are you looking for an off-the-beaten path destination to visit from Barcelona? Then visiting Pals from Barcelona needs to be on your Barcelona bucket list! Pals is a place where time seems to stand still. Just a couple of hours north of Barcelona on the Costa Brava, this medieval hilltop village looks like something straight out of ancient times. Or, let’s be honest, your next Instagram post.

Barcelona is a city all about outstanding architecture and buzzing city life, but there are times you will want to escape the city to see more. Visiting Pals from Barcelona will do just that!

During my recent visit to Barcelona, the highlight of my trip was visiting Pals. In this post I’ll share how to get to Pals, what you need to know, and a little bit of the village history.

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A Little History To Know When Visiting Pals

Pals is a small medieval village located approximately 2 hours north of Spain. It traces its roots back to the 9th century.

The name “Pals” comes from the Latin word meaning “marsh”, which pays tribute to the wetlands that once surrounded this area of Spain.

Over time, Pals grew into a fortified medieval village, protected by stone walls and watchtowers, such as the iconic Torre de les Hores.

After centuries of shifting between prosperity to periods of abandonment, Pals was restored in the 20th century, bringing its cobblestone streets, Gothic arches, and golden stone homes back to life. Today, Pals is one of the best preserved medieval villages in the Catalonia Region.

A Day Trip To Pals From Barcelona

Sometimes we feel the need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, even when we’re on vacation. Visiting Pals from Barcelona will do just that.

Tucked away in the countryside of Costa Brava, Pals feels like a world away from the buzz of Barcelona, yet it’s only a 1.5 to 2 hour drive away. The short distance makes for a fun day trip from Barcelona and will have you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

Why Visit Pals?

Pals is one of those magical villages that seems frozen in time. This Spanish hidden gem was built on a hilltop overlooking the Empordà plains. It boasts a maze of narrow alleys that leads through old archways, and past an ancient watchtower.

Pals is small enough to explore in a couple of hours, but it will make you want to wonder for much longer. It’s definitely not a place that you want to rush through. It’s for slowing down, enjoying the ancient architecture, quaint shops filled to the brim with products made by local artisans, and for someone who just loves some tapas and a good glass of wine.

If you’re only spending a couple of days in Barcelona, then there won’t be enough time to visit Pals. But if you’re in Barcelona for a full week, I highly recommend visiting Pals on one of the days.

Getting To Pals From Barcelona

Car:

The easiest way to visit Pals is by car, making it a perfect day trip or weekend escape. Take the AP-7 highway north toward Girona, then follow the signs to the Costa Brava region. You’ll pass through scenic Catalan countryside dotted with vineyards and olive groves.

The beauty along this drive is unbeatable, and there are plenty of places to pull over for photos.

Train & Bus:

If you don’t have a vehicle or don’t want to rent a car, you can catch a train. Taking a train is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, but still gives you lots of time to explore Old Town.

Tour:

Another great way to visit Pals is to take a small group tour from Barcelona. The tour will not only visit Pals, but it will stop at several other small towns in Costa Brava. The Girona & Costa Brava Small-Group Tour from Barcelona is the perfect way to visit this part of Spain if you don’t have a vehicle.

Things to Do in Pals

Even though you only need a couple of hours to wander through Pals, there are other things that you’ll want to do as well, which will keep you there longer:

Explore the Old Town (El Pedró)

Wander through perfectly preserved medieval streets that wind their way up to the Torre de les Hores, the town’s 12th-century Romanesque tower. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views over the countryside all the way to the Mediterranean.

Just One Tip: Old Town is full of inclines, so if you have difficulty with hills, you may find this stop a bit difficult.

Browse the Artisan Shops

Pals is full of little boutiques selling handmade ceramics, olive oil, and local crafts. These souvenirs feel authentic rather than touristy.

Visit the Rice Fields

Just outside the village, you’ll find Pals’ rice fields, which date back to the Middle Ages. The fields are also visible from high up in Old Town. The town is known for its rice production, so if you’re a foodie, don’t miss a chance to try a local rice dish like arroz de Pals con sepia (rice with cuttlefish).

Stop for Tapas and Wine

You can’t go anywhere in Spain that doesn’t revolve around food, and Pals is no different. Pop into a cozy café or rustic restaurant for a plate of pa amb tomàquet (Catalan bread rubbed with tomato-much like our garlic bread in North America) and a glass of local Empordà wine. Local favourites include the Vicus Restaurant for a refined meal or El Pedró for a traditional Catalan dish.

Head to the Beach

If you’re visiting Pals during the summer, take a short drive (about 10 minutes) to Platja de Pals. A long beach with stunning view of the Medes Islands. This is the perfect way to end your day after exploring Old Town.

Best Time To Visit

Pals is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is spring and early fall. The weather isn’t scorching hot, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets. This time of year is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds.

If you can brave the cold, then winter offers a quieter more local vibe. Summer is very lively, but great if you can handle the crowds.

Make It a Mini Road Trip

I visited Pals as part of my Costa Brava road trip. I detoured off the route to visit for a couple of hours. If you’re doing a road trip through Costa Brava, you won’t regret stopping at Pals. It’s the ideal spot to stroll off some calories after dining at one of the best places to eat in the Catalonia Region.

Visiting Pals From Barcelona: In Conclusion

When you visit Pals you’ll be in awe of the beauty of this little medieval village. It’s like stepping through a portal into the past. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore in Old Town alone, that you won’t want to leave.

Have you visited Pals when you were in Barcelona or taking a Costa Brava road trip? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Safe Travels 🙂

SAVE FOR YOUR VISIT TO PALS, SPAIN