Peratallada Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit and things to do in Peratallada with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Peratallada

Peratallada is a beautiful medieval village located in the province of Girona, Catalonia, in Eastern Spain. This charming town is known for its picturesque architecture, rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and vibrant culture. With narrow streets, stone houses, and a beautiful castle, Peratallada will take you on an enchanting journey through time.

List of Places to Visit in Peratallada

Peratallada offers a plethora of places to explore. From museums and historical sites to natural attractions and scenic outdoor adventures, visiting Peratallada has something in store for everyone.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Peratallada is a town that takes its culture and history seriously.

  • Castillo de Peratallada: The castle is the centerpiece of the town as it sits high on a hill overseeing the village. It has an impressive history as it dates back to the 10th century.
  • Sant Esteve Church: Built in the Gothic style, this church is one of the most significant religious monuments in Peratallada.
  • Peratallada Medieval Castle: An exquisite example of medieval architecture, the castle is now a museum that takes you on a journey through Peratallada’s past.

Natural Attractions of Peratallada: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Peratallada is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes that offer visitors the perfect opportunity to engage in outdoor activities.

  • Les Gavarres Natural Park: This lush green park is the perfect location for hiking and cycling. The park is known for its stunning flora and fauna.
  • El Bosc de les Estunes: A stunning forest that is characterized by its deciduous vegetation. It is an ideal place for hiking and observing the local flora and fauna.
  • Playa de Pals: A sandy beach situated nearby that offers visitors the chance to sunbathe, swim or participate in various water sports.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Peratallada

Peratallada is an ideal town for both hiking and cycling enthusiasts. The beautiful Spanish countryside on the outskirts of the town offers visitors scenic and tranquil trails that are perfect for hiking or cycling.

  • Ruta del Pedra i de l’Aigua: This route is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery while hiking. The trail is approximately 6 km long and will take you through the countryside past granite cliffs and turquoise streams.
  • Baix Empordà Cycle Route: This route is over 130km long and takes you through picturesque towns, villages, vineyards, and orchards. This route is perfect for experienced cyclists as it is steep and undulating in some sections.

Best Things to Do in Peratallada: Activities and Tours

Peratallada offers an array of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy.

  • Hot air balloon ride: Visitors can take in the stunning views from a hot air balloon while listening to the pilot’s commentary on the history of the town.
  • Horseback riding: Take a relaxing ride around the beautiful countryside surrounding Peratallada.
  • Wine tasting in Cellers Can Sais: A local winery that offers visitors delicious wine tasting experiences.

Week-Long Itinerary for Peratallada

Visitors to Peratallada can spend a week exploring the town and its surrounding areas, enjoying the sights, and learning about its history and culture.

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the town of Peratallada; Visit Castillo de Peratallada
Day 2 Visit Les Gavarres Natural Park; Hiking Ruta del Pedra i de l’Aigua
Day 3 Watch the sunrise from Pic de L’Àliga mountain; wine tasting at Cellers Can Sais
Day 4 Horseback riding through the countryside
Day 5 Visit Sant Esteve Church; Visit the La Bisbal Pottery Museum
Day 6 Cycling the Baix Empordà Cycle Route
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the beach at Playa de Pals

Food and Drink Scene of Peratallada

Food and drink form an integral part of Peratallada’s culture. Visitors can enjoy the town’s cuisine, which is influenced by traditional Spanish cooking techniques and local ingredients.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Empordà rice: This classic Spanish rice dish is prepared with locally sourced ingredients such as wild mushrooms and scorpion fish.
  • Coca de Recapte: A traditional pastry filled with vegetables, meat, or fish. It is the perfect snack to enjoy while exploring the town.
  • Suquet de Peix: A fish stew made with potatoes, tomatoes, and almonds. The dish is served with a side of aioli, a garlic mayonnaise sauce.

Local Beverages

Peratallada has a rich wine-making history, and visitors can sample wines from the local wineries. Visitors can also try the local sparkling water, Vichy Catalan.

Where to Stay in Peratallada: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many different options when it comes to choosing accommodation in Peratallada. From luxurious hotels and guesthouses to affordable hostels, visitors are sure to find something to suit their budget and preference.

  • El Cau del Papibou: A beautiful guesthouse full of rustic charm. Perfect for those looking for a cozy place to stay.
  • Hotel Aatu: A modern hotel with a swimming pool, perfect for those who prefer more luxury.
  • Can Bassa: A tranquil outdoor area that houses quiet and comfortable rooms best for travelers who want to experience a peaceful stay.

What to Buy in Peratallada: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Peratallada can purchase souvenirs and local products to take home as a reminder of their trip.

  • La Bisbal Pottery: The town is famous for its pottery, and visitors can purchase pieces from the local artisans to bring home with them.
  • Wine from local wineries: Visitors can sample wines at the vineyards and purchase their favorite to bring home.
  • Local Honey: Visitors can buy local honey, which is known for its unique flavor and health benefits.

Local Culture and Customs of Peratallada

Peratallada is a town that is steeped in history and local culture. Visitors to the town can experience the traditional festivals, customs, and foods of the region.

Best Time to Visit Peratallada

The best time to visit Peratallada is during the spring and summer season, from April to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. Fall and winter are also great times to visit for those who are interested in exploring the town’s historic monuments and museums.

Do’s and Don’ts of Peratallada

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions of the town.
  • Try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious monuments.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the town’s historic monuments.
  • Take photographs without asking for permission.
  • Cause unnecessary noise during the night.

Safety and Health

Safety in Peratallada

Peratallada is a safe town, and visitors should adhere to the general safety precautions of any travel destination. While exploring the natural areas, visitors should watch out for uneven terrain and follow warning signs and also apply common sense while visiting crowded areas, especially at night.

Health in Peratallada

The town has a general hospital and a 24-hour emergency department. However, tourists are advised to ensure they have travel health insurance to cover medical expenses in case of illness or accidents.

Getting to Peratallada: Transportation Options and Logistics

Peratallada is located a short distance from Girona, where the nearest airport and bus station are located.

Airports Near Peratallada

  • Girona-Costa Brava Airport: The nearest airport to Peratallada is Girona-Costa Brava Airport, which is about 40 km away from the town.

Bus Stations Near Peratallada

  • Girona Bus Station: The nearest bus station to Peratallada is Girona Bus Station, which is 25 km away from the town. From Girona Bus Station, visitors can take a taxi, hire a car, or take a public bus to Peratallada.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a car from the airport or any major city in Spain and reach Peratallada easily since it is located just 150 km northwest of Barcelona.

How to Get Around in Peratallada

The town is small and compact, so it is easy to explore on foot. Visitors can also rent a bike to explore the surrounding countryside.

Where to Go Next from Peratallada: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Peratallada is an excellent base for exploring the nearby attractions and destinations.

  • Girona: A beautiful city that is just a short drive away from Peratallada. It is known for its historic architecture, vibrant culture, and fantastic restaurants and cafes.
  • Costa Brava: A scenic coastal region with beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and charming villages.
  • Barcelona: The vibrant city of Barcelona is just a two-hour drive away and boasts stunning architecture, high-end shopping, and a vibrant nightlife.

Conclusion

Peratallada is an extraordinary town that offers visitors an enchanting experience through its beautiful medieval architecture, rich history, scenic natural landscapes, and delicious local cuisine. The town has something to offer for all types of travelers, from culture enthusiasts to outdoor adventurers and everything in between. Plan your trip to Peratallada and enjoy the unforgettable experience of exploring the history and culture of Catalonia.