Blog
A route to discover the charms of Girona's Old Town and the medieval villages that surround the city…
And then go off exploring along roads through vineyards, olive groves and fields growing Pals rice and Girona apples. A food and wine route to savour as you visit the region’s leading producers and local food restaurants.
Girona is said to be one of the most romantic cities in the world.
You can find out for yourself by exploring the beautiful history around each corner: the maze of courtyards in the old Jewish quarter, the Arab baths, the picturesque monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants and the impressive steps leading up to Santa Maria Cathedral, to name a few. Most importantly, you can’t leave without first walking around the city walls to take in the exceptional views of Girona, or visiting the Local Market cooking and tasting venue run by Mariona and Irene (the Girona Food Tours space).
Just 15 kilometres from Girona, in the beautiful village of Sant Martí Vell, which nestles at the foot of the Gavarres massif and still conserves its medieval atmosphere, you can visit the Eccocivi winery.
The estate and its most emblematic wine, Ca L’Elsa, are named after the old family farmhouse standing next to the winery, which is underground and fully integrated into the landscape. The winery’s architecture, integration with its surroundings and tradition are worthy of a visit in their own right, but its owners also offer various options to discover the terroir and wines.
A pretty winding road leads us through Madremanya, a lovely little Gironès village, to Púbol, known throughout the world for Gala Dalí Castle, which the genius gave to his muse. It’s a medieval building dating from the 11th century which was transformed into a mausoleum for Gala and a studio for Salvador Dalí, thus playing an important role in the artist’s creation.
Six kilometres after Púbol you’ll come to the medieval village of Monells, a popular film location. Take a break under the arches of the main square and sit back and relax without worrying about the time.
The town of La Bisbal d’Empordà is full of traditional ceramics. If you’re interested in this industry, don’t forget to visit its fascinating Terracotta Museum.
Not far from here, at the foot of the Gavarres massif, you’ll also find Sota els Àngels, a winery that lives both from and in close harmony with nature. This is a family-run winery producing organic and biodynamic wine, where you can get back in tune with nature and learn more about biodynamic grape-growing.
One of the places definitely worth visiting in Baix Empordà is the village of Peratallada, declared a historic-artistic site and a cultural asset of national interest. It’s one of the most important stops on the route in terms of medieval architecture. This is because the village is packed with historical and cultural heritage and is also a great place to find a wide range of handicrafts and good food.
Stroll through its cobbled streets lined with stone houses and soak up its charm and craft displays. Besides that, make sure to book a premium EVOO tasting at the gorgeous Finca Fontclara estate.
Right in the middle of the famous Girona apple orchards you’ll find Mooma, the first cider brewery-restaurant in Catalonia. Today it’s run by the third generation of a family of local apple farmers. Located at Mas Saulot, Mooma offers family-friendly guided tours to taste and discover the entire production process of their cider: harvesting, fermentation, filtration, carbonation and bottling. If you can, stay for lunch and enjoy an authentic menu starring apples and cider.
Built on a hill around an old fortress, Pals is one of the most picturesque villages on the Costa Brava. It boasts spectacular surroundings with unspoilt beaches protected by dunes, marshes and rice fields to explore by bicycle or on foot. You can also visit its rice mill. The village hosts various culture and food events throughout the year, but make sure you don’t leave without tasting a delicious traditional Pals rice dish at one of its restaurants.
As you’ve probably noticed, Pals is known for its setting, its rice and Girona apples. But there’s more to this village: for some time now vineyards have been making a reappearance on the landscape. Head for Mas Geli, a family-run winery with young wines that you’ll love, and enjoy a meal in the vineyards with stunning views of the Montgrí massif. And make sure to check out the Mas Oller winery, an old 17th-century country house in the little village of Torrent, just 4 kilometres from Pals.
Near Pals is the pretty village of Begur, famous for its Indiano past and its eight coves and little beaches, including Sa Riera, Sa Tuna, Aiguablava, Illa Roja and Platja Fonda. The old part of the village is protected by its famous medieval castle. There, you’ll be able to discover colonial-style houses built by returning Spanish emigrants, enjoy a great variety of excellent food, including the best rockfish around, and explore paths and tracks that will take you down to the crystalline water of Begur’s beaches.
Now we’re off to Calonge, which has a medieval castle in its centre and is home to three wineries you can visit: the prestigious Clos d’Agon, with modern facilities and vineyards in the Gavarres massif; Viníric, where you can tour the vineyards on a horse or pony; and Mas Eugeni, set in a historic country house dating back to 1620.
Where to eat: Terram, Casa Marieta, Divinum, Vicus, Can Bach, BoTiC (2 Michelin stars) , Sala Gran, Kubansky, Els Tinars (1 Michelin star), El Celler de Can Roca
Where to stay: Es Portal, Sa Rascassa, Teatre Restaurant & Hotel, Casa Cacao
Where to buy wine and other amazing products:Abricoc
What to do: Gastronomy Nature Experience
