The old town of Peratallada is famous for its medieval architecture. It is extraordinarily attractive and beautiful. The old moat surrounding this old town, which no longer has water in it, is what the town was named after - pedra Tallada (Carved Rock). Its real attraction is that it has managed to preserve its rural character and at the same time offer the visitor shops and restaurants of great quality, in keeping with its cultural history. It is a must to dine out here for at least one evening!
The village is in an area of exceptional beauty with forest, mountains, historic villages and an unspoilt coastline. This area has escaped the high rise developments of southern Spain. Well-maintained coastal paths link the local small sheltered beaches and bays providing some stunning sea views. A huge sandy beach at Playa de Pals has excellent windsurfing. Nearby towns such as Begur, Palafrugell, Torroella de Montgri and La Bisbal have thriving markets for food, crafts and pottery. You can take a boat to the protected Iles Medes - a perfect environment for varied species of fish and bird life. Gerona has a wonderful old town centre - a photographer`s delight. It`s stylish, yet still provides excellent value in the restaurants and shops. Peratallada is proudly Catalan and you can walk to any of the restaurants in the village to enjoy local specialities and leisurely outdoor eating. There are music, art and dance festivals in the summer months and wine festivals in the autumn. Empordà is renowned for its rugged coastline, but just as appealing are the medieval villages that crown the rolling inland hills. Often guarded by a crumbling castle, their cobbled streets of honey-coloured houses are full of history and a delight to explore. Leisurely walks reveal both aspects of this charming corner of Catalonia, with the chance to discover the region`s acclaimed gastronomy, and the wines produced by the vineyards you pass on your route. With short, gentle routes, each day promises a relaxing combination of walking, sightseeing and, towards the end of the week, time for taking it easy by the sea.
On your day at Peratallada, it is well worth walking across the plain to the pretty medieval village of Ullastret, just outside which lie the remains of an Iberian (pre-Roman) settlement. These have been extensively excavated, revealing the ancient street pattern and water distribution system. Alternatively, you could stroll to attractive Palau-Sator. (11km, 3.5hrs or 4km, 1.5hrs) From Peratallada, you can head east across the plain, through open fields and attractive woodland. You ascend gently to medieval Pals, where you can spend some time exploring the ancient ramparts and the cobbled streets of houses built from the peach-coloured local stone. Seek out, too, the various Romanesque monuments and the viewpoint overlooking the Mediterranean, the Medes Islands and the Montgri mountains. There are various good restaurants, making this a good point to stop for lunch. From Pals, your path descends, rising again later on to enter the Begur massif and Begur itself. (12km, 4hrs)
Peratallada was absolutely lovely!