Medieval Villages and Costa Brava

The Baix Emporda, the gentle plain between Girona and the sea, holds some of the best-preserved medieval villages in Catalonia. Pals sits on a hill above rice fields, its Gothic quarter of stone houses and narrow lanes ringed by a tower and old walls. Peratallada, a few kilometres inland, is a walled village with a castle, a moat carved into the rock and streets of golden stone. A short drive east and you reach the Costa Brava itself, with coves of clear water and pine-covered headlands. This small-group tour from Girona combines the villages with a coastal stop, giving a taste of the region's medieval heritage and its seaside charm in one comfortable day.

The tour starts in Girona and heads east through farmland. The first village is usually Pals, whose upper town is a maze of arches and cobbles, with a viewpoint over the rice fields that supply the famous local arros de Pals. The guide explains the history of the area, from Iberian settlements to medieval lords, and points out the Gothic quarter's best-preserved houses. There are small shops selling local produce, ceramics and olive oil, as well as cafes where you can try a coffee under an arch.

Peratallada is a contrast, a village built within a defensive wall, with a castle-palace and a church at its centre. The name means carved stone, a reference to the moat and cellars cut from the rock. Wandering here is slow pleasure, with surprises behind every corner: a hidden square, a doorway with a coat of arms, a garden wall draped in flowers.

The coastal stop varies by season and group, and might include a cove near Begur or Pals beach. Expect a short time on the coast, with a chance to dip your toes or enjoy a view.

As with all small-group tours, details change, so check the final itinerary on your date. Wear comfortable shoes for stone streets and bring a hat in summer. Lunch is usually free time, with many restaurants offering set menus in the villages. The tour is a good fit for first-time visitors who want variety without much driving and for anyone who prefers someone else to handle the routes.

If you want a more active alternative, an e-bike tour covers the same villages. In peak season, arrive early at each stop to avoid the midday crowds in the narrow lanes.

The region also rewards a return visit. Begur, with its castle and cove beaches, Palafrugell's coastal path and the old fishing villages of Calella and Llafranc are all within a short drive. If you have a rental car, build a loop that includes several of these in a day or two. Without one, a guided tour is the most efficient way to see the villages together and to understand how they fit into the landscape.

Combine the tour with an overnight on the coast or in one of the stone villages, because evenings there are especially peaceful and restaurants serve rice, grilled fish and the local sausages. In spring, the fields around Pals are flooded for the rice crop and reflect the sky, while in autumn the colours turn gold and the harvest is on. Whichever season you choose, the contrast between the sleepy villages and the busier resort towns makes a rewarding day.