Add dates

Things to do in Pals

Our most recommended things to do in Pals

From Barcelona: Girona and Costa Brava Full-Day Tour

1. From Barcelona: Girona and Costa Brava Full-Day Tour

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Costa Brava on a full-day tour to Girona from Barcelona. Depart the Catalan capital for the city of Girona, where the remains of its Roman and medieval past make an interesting contrast to the present-day city. Get lost in a maze of narrow streets, and venture into the best-preserved Jewish Ghetto in Europe. Admire the cathedral, home to the widest Gothic nave in the world. Marvel at the brightly colored houses on the banks of the Onyar River. Then, transfer to the breathtaking landscapes and villages of the Costa Brava, stopping at the medieval village of Pals en route. Stroll down cobblestone streets, and enjoy some of the best panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea whipped up by the fierce Tramontana wind. Marvel at the fields and plains of Empordà extending to the horizon. Discover dramatic views of the Catalan coast, surrounded by green mountains, sheer cliffs, and small villages of whitewashed houses. Stop in the traditional fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, and feel as if you have been transported back to yesteryear. Explore the pristine landscape of Calella, and discover the ancient pathways of the Caminos de Ronda. Once used by fishermen, watchmen and smugglers, these paths allow you to explore the virgin coast at your leisure, where you will discover popular beaches and inaccessible coves and cliffs. Take a dip in crystal clear water, surrounded by unspoiled nature.

From Barcelona: Girona & Costa Brava Trip with Swimming Stop

2. From Barcelona: Girona & Costa Brava Trip with Swimming Stop

Discover the history and beauty of Catalonia on a day trip to Girona and the Costa Brava from Barcelona. Get on board an air-conditioned van with your guide and enjoy the scenic drive. Visit the fishing town of Calella de Palafrugell and relax by the coast or take a dip in the sea. Depart Barcelona in the morning and head to Girona, a well-established city with a fascinating history. Explore its streets, and admire its rich architecture. See the cathedral, established in 1038 on the site of a former Mosque. Visit historical museums such as the Jewish Call and the Arab Bathhouse. Stroll around the colorful streets of the old town or sit down to have a cup of coffee and watch people walk by. Then, continue to the fairytale-like city of Pals, a small medieval village that came about from what was once a fortress. From Pals, head to the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, a beach village with whitewashed houses that ramble all the way down to the seafront. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the traditional restaurants (at your expense), and spend the afternoon exploring the rocky coastline, visiting the botanic gardens at Cap Roig, or taking a refreshing dip in the inviting waters of the Mediterranean.

Barcelona: Full-Day Costa Brava and Dalí Museum Tour

3. Barcelona: Full-Day Costa Brava and Dalí Museum Tour

After meeting up at your bus, you will take the motorway before arriving in Calella de Palafrugell at around 9:45 AM. Calella de Palafrugell is a village of great beauty in both architecture and landscape. The town, splashed with small bays, becomes a fusion of land and sea that has an incomparable setting. Enjoy some free time to explore the village, enjoy the scenery, and take great photographs. Later, start walking along Camino de Ronda, which is going to lead you to the neighborhood town of Llafranc. You will then hike for about 30 minutes over terrain which is easy to navigate for everyone. The “Camino de Ronda” borders all the Costa Brava, and was used to control maritime smuggling. Today, thanks to this, you can discover beautiful spots that wouldn’t be otherwise accessible Heading back to the bus, you will go onward to Pals, a town located inland on the top of a hill. The location is entirely built into an ancient Medieval village, and the enclosure is crowned with a cylindrical tower from the 12th century. It also has an excellent terrace that offers stunning views of the Costa Brava and its immediate surroundings. Walking through the cobbled streets, you will feel like you have gone back in time. In the afternoon, arrive at Figueres where you can enjoy an hour and a half to grab lunch (own expense). Spend your time exploring the quaint streets of the old town before visiting the incredible Dalí Theater-Museum, which houses the largest collection of his artworks.

Costa Brava Full-Day Tour from Barcelona

4. Costa Brava Full-Day Tour from Barcelona

This 12-hour tour from Barcelona explores the Girona coast, christened as the Costa Brava 100 years ago, due to its rugged coastline of small coves. Its superb natural beauty is apparent in several territories and protected areas. The area has also historically been a point of entry, transit, and settlement for different cultures and civilizations. Each has left a footprint, evidenced by the Greek and Roman sites in Èmpuries. Depart from Barcelona at 8:30 AM, and take the motorway to Calella de Palafrugell, a small fisherman’s village of great architectural and natural beauty, where you will visit its incomparable bays for spectacular views. Take an easy hike along the Camino de Ronda to the town of Llafranc. The Camino de Ronda borders all of the Costa Brava, and was historically used to control smuggling. Today, you will discover beautiful spots that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible. Explore the small seaside town of Llafranc, before heading to Pals at around noon. Located inland, on the top of a hill, the village is built entirely in an integrated medieval site. At the top, there is a 12th-Century cylindrical tower, which is visible from far away. Get stunning views of the Costa Brava and surroundings from the terrace, and walk through the cobbled streets of the old town, to appreciate the round arches, façades with pointed windows arches, and perfectly restored stone balconies. Continue to l’Estartit, an important diving center due to its close proximity to the Medes Islands’ archipelago, of significant interest for the wide variety of flora and fauna that inhabit the area. You'll have free time to eat lunch and then board a boat at 3:00 PM to explore the area from the water. Cruise for 1 hour and 20 minutes to the outer islands for spectacular views, then continue to the stunning cliffs of Sierra de Montgrí, only accessible by boat. Your final stop is the extensive Greek and Roman ruins of Èmpuries. An expert guide will take you on a guided tour of the site, the only one in Spain where both a Greek and later a Roman city existed together. Admire the remains of the city walls, the Acropolis, Market Square, and numerous other buildings. See the Roman city highlights, such as a mosaic floor in excellent condition, the Forum, remains of an amphitheater, and several statues and vestiges of street frameworks. Return to Barcelona at approximately 6:00 PM. You will arrive back at around 8:00 PM.

Costa Brava and Medieval Villages Full Day Tour

5. Costa Brava and Medieval Villages Full Day Tour

Begin this day trip with a visit to Calella de Palafrugell, where it seems that time stands still. Move on to the beach of Port Bo where you'll see the boats on their daily fishing trip. Along the coast, admire the low and whitewashed cottages that have been renovated but retain all the charm of yesteryear. The coastline in this area has been saved from the building frenzy has affected our coast lately. Uncover the Indiano Colonial-style houses, built for people who emigrated to America and Cuba and returned with a fortune. Some returned home with the memory of those foreign lands and its sweet and sad music, the Havaneres. On the beach of Port Bo, admire the packed boats filled with people singing their melancholic songs. Take a 15-minute walk along a sea path to Llafranc, a small Cove of golden sand with a small promenade, terraces, and restaurants. From here, the surrounding hills where the lighthouse of Sant Sebastià stands provides magnificent views over the coast. From Llafranc you'll go to Begur, another fishing village, with a castle at the top overlooking the coast and the plain of the Baix Empordà. Wander through the intricate narrow streets and small squares, discovering little gems that stand out over the other buildings. Stop for lunch in Pals, where you can taste the delicious rice that is grown in this area. After lunch, visit the Gothic quarter known as Pedro, the Church of Sant Pere, the Tower of the hours, and Peratallada, a marvel of medieval civil architecture. See how this small town retains its feudal inheritance intact, with narrow, winding streets and stone buildings. Visit the moat, the Castle-Palace, the square with porches, and other little streets that take your fancy.

From Barcelona: Girona & Costa Brava Game of Thrones Tour

6. From Barcelona: Girona & Costa Brava Game of Thrones Tour

Discover the town of Girona on a guided walk through its old town and Jewish quarter. Admire medieval churches, ancient streets, and the colorful houses that line the bank of the Rio Onyar. This tour starts with hotel pickup in Barcelona. First, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to Girona for a walking tour of the city. See the cathedral steps and the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, sites where season 6 of Game of Thrones was filmed. Take a break for lunch on your own and sample some of Girona's famous cuisine. Next, head to the medieval village of Pals for a stroll through its historic baroque centre. The last stop of the day is at a beautiful fishing village on the Costa Brava, where you can swim in the clear waters, soak up the sun, or take a walk along the shore.

From Barcelona: Private Girona and Costa Brava Guided Tour

7. From Barcelona: Private Girona and Costa Brava Guided Tour

Discover the ancient city of Girona and two typical cities along the Costa Brava on a day trip from Barcelona. Explore the region’s culture, history, and scenery with this private guided tour. Start your tour with pickup in Barcelona and drive to the historic town of Girona. Get lost in the maze of narrow streets in the medieval city center, and travel back in time as you explore the vibrant Jewish neighborhood. Pass the Gothic cathedral, and admire colorful houses along the river. Continue towards Costa Brava, and the picturesque village of Pals. Wander down cobbled streets and through picture-perfect plazas, stopping to soak in views of the Mediterranean. Drive along the Catalan coast to the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, where you can enjoy a delicious local lunch. From Calella de Palafrugell, follow ancient pathways once used by fishermen and smugglers to discover the area’s most beautiful beaches. Explore hidden coves and admire the views of cliffs and coastline. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters, before returning to Barcelona.

From Girona: Medieval Costa Brava Day Trip

8. From Girona: Medieval Costa Brava Day Trip

After getting picked up from your hotel in Girona, head to Peratallada, a beautiful, well-preserved medieval town. Enjoy some time to walk around before sampling some traditional snacks to build up your energy before heading to the village of Pals for a guided tour. Next, head towards Begur, where you can wander around and discover the area's colonial past. Then, descend into Calella, a beautiful and famous fishing village. Here, you'll have lunch and enjoy some time to take a walk along the Camí de Ronda, the old path used by locals and the police to combat smuggling, towards the neighboring town of Llafranc, or towards Cala del Golfet, an oh-so-Mediterranean beach. Then drive to the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse, a beautiful natural viewpoint where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Costa Brava and the towns of Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc, before heading back to Girona.

Other Sightseeing Options in Pals

Want to discover all there is to do in Pals? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Pals

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 775 reviews

First, thank you Mateo for an incredible day. Mateo picked us up at our hotel at 8:15. We added two more groups of English speakers for a total of 8 which was very comfortable in Mateo’s van, and proceeded to Girona. For Game of Thrones fans, two major scenes were filmed here and it’s easy to see why. So incredibly beautiful. Truly, I thought this would be the highlight of the trip but then we went to Pals. I’ve never seen such a picture perfect beautiful medieval town. From there we ended in the cliff side town of Palamos with its postcard worthy white cliff hanging houses before returning to Barcelona precisely at 5:30. Mateo was a wealth of information not only on the history of the areas we visited, but also Spain and Catalonia life and culture. I would recommend this trip without hesitation.

Our family spent a week in Barcelona and our day with Manu was by far the highlight. He took us out of Barcelona to a variety of amazing places we never would have seen otherwise. He had a lot of great recommendations for food, coffee.. and highly recommend the Catalan specialty doughnut that Manu pointed out - delicious. Manu was not only extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of the places we were visiting, he was also very personable and friendly and went out of his way to make everyone happy and comfortable. Thanks so much again Manu.. Kia Ora from your favourite New Zealand family!

Daniel was excellent! Thanks so much. Nice to be picked up from the hotel. Very informative and beautiful trip through the countryside. Gerona was a quiet and lovely surprise. Must return to Costa Brava and stay…

Costa Brava was amazing. The whole trip was incredible. Our tour guide, Miquel, was excellent! We enjoyed the whole day. Highly recommend.

It was good . I have already reviewed it on tripadvisor