Charming town of the Empordà
Beyond the most well-known villages on the Costa Brava (Pals, Begur, Tamariu, Calella, Palamós...), there are other villages in the interior of the Empordà that are truly authentic and still one of the best-kept secrets of the Costa Brava.
These villages are perched on hilltops, surrounded by fields and vineyards, full of charming corners and traditional local shops. Some people compare this area of the Empordà to Tuscany, but honestly, if I have to choose, I choose the Empordà: here we have it all!
Today we’re setting off on a route through the lesser-known villages of the Empordà. First, let’s get our bearings: we are in the central Costa Brava, in front of Cap de Begur, Pals, and Torroella de Montgrí, right in the heart of the Costa Brava. Heading inland, we find La Bisbal, the capital of the Baix Empordà region, and the main hub of this beautiful route I’m proposing. Around it, charming villages perfect for a stroll at any time of the year.
Palau-Sator
What to see in Palau-Sator?
After passing beneath the impressive Tower of the Hours, you’ll discover the medieval village of Palau-Sator, which has preserved all of its medieval charm, including its walls and castle. Wander through its cobbled streets and make your way to the castle square, in the heart of Palau-Sator.
Don’t miss the Rural Museum, where you can learn about traditional trades and customs of the area, nor the picturesque ice well, a reminder of the town’s agricultural and commercial past.
Peratallada
What to do and see in Peratallada
Peratallada is probably the most well-known village on this list of Empordà villages and without a doubt one of the most charming corners of the Costa Brava. It appears in all the Costa Brava travel guides, which means it’s no longer as secret as the others mentioned in this article. Tourists do visit Peratallada, but it is still a very pleasant village for strolling, having a drink, or going out for dinner. Fall in love with its cobbled alleyways, beautiful arches, and flower-filled corners.
Halfway between Peratallada and La Bisbal, you’ll find Hotel Mas Rabiol, a beautiful rural hotel with eight truly cozy rooms. Peace, calm, and a garden full of colors and aromas await you.
The Hotel Mas Rabiol is a charming rural hotel in Peratallada, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia, located in the heart of the Baix Empordà, very close to the coves and beaches of the Costa Brava. This 16th-century farmhouse, with its large stone walls, has been carefully restored preserving its original essence and structure, becoming a welcoming charming hotel on the Costa Brava.
The Hotel Mas Rabiol has 8 cosy rooms and character-filled common areas, including a dining room with a spectacular Empordà-style vaulted ceiling and a reading lounge with fireplace. Surrounded by a large 50,000 m² garden with swimming pool, it is an ideal place for a romantic getaway in nature, where you can enjoy the silence and tranquility of the Empordà.
Its location in Peratallada allows guests to discover a unique setting, with excellent restaurants, boutique shops and vermouth bars. The hotel is pet friendly and bike friendly, offering a bike room, bicycle storage, bike rental and cycling routes through the Baix Empordà, making it also a perfect destination for wine lovers thanks to the nearby wineries.
The Hotel Mas Rabiol is the perfect starting point to explore the Empordà at any time of the year, combining nature, history and tranquility in one of the most charming corners of Catalonia.
Vulpellac
Fonteta and the famous recuit
Vulpellac is a small but charming village located on the outskirts of La Bisbal. It was built within walls and around a Gothic-Renaissance castle, which is now privately owned and cannot be visited. Still, a walk through the old town is well worth it: it is well preserved and remains largely unknown to most tourists visiting this part of the Costa Brava.
We couldn’t talk about Peratallada and Vulpellac without mentioning Fonteta, a tiny village that, together with the other two, forms a single municipality. Stop in Fonteta to taste its famous and delicious “recuit de Fonteta” (fresh curd cheese).
Can Liret is a charming hotel in Palafrugell, in the heart of the Empordà and close to some of the best coves on the Costa Brava. The hotel is the result of the sustainable restoration of a former artisan house dating from 1894, traditionally dedicated to the cork industry, preserving the property's original architecture and character.
Located in the historic centre of Palafrugell, it enjoys an ideal location for discovering the Empordà, the beaches of Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc and Tamariu, as well as the region's beautiful landscapes and charming villages.
Its 9 rooms combine the authenticity of stone walls, vaulted ceilings and wooden beams with contemporary design and modern comforts. Six rooms feature a private terrace, while some also include an in-room bathtub. All rooms are air-conditioned to ensure maximum comfort throughout the year.
The garden and outdoor swimming pool make Can Liret a peaceful hotel with a pool on the Costa Brava, perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach or exploring the hidden gems of the Empordà.
Breakfast is served in the former breakfast house and is prepared using fresh local produce, seasonal ingredients and products sourced from nearby markets and local vegetable gardens.
Can Liret actively participates in the Garoinada, one of the Costa Brava's most iconic gastronomic events, which celebrates sea urchins between January and March through culinary experiences and cultural activities linked to the region.
In addition, the hotel can be booked exclusively in its entirety, offering private catering and chef services, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, celebrations or small group getaways.
Cruïlles
Cruïlles, Monells and Sant Sadurní de l’Heura
Cruïlles is a beautiful medieval village full of charm. Together with Monells and Sant Sadurní de l’Heura, it forms the Catalan municipality with the longest name (43 letters): “Cruïlles, Monells i Sant Sadurní de l’Heura”. If there were awards for the most beautiful municipalities, this one would surely rank among the top ten. Don’t miss the Monastery of Sant Miquel de Cruïlles.
The Hotel-Spa Classic Begur is a romantic hotel for couples located in the centre of Begur, one of the most charming villages on the Costa Brava, Girona, just over an hour from Barcelona. Set in the pedestrianised historic quarter, it is the perfect setting for a couple’s getaway surrounded by coves, gastronomy and heritage.
This elegant restored Indian house features 12 individually styled rooms, some with jacuzzi in the room and others with special touches for couples such as a tantra chair or motion bed, creating an intimate and unique experience.
In the basement, the former wine cellar has been transformed into an exclusive spa with a water and relaxation area. It includes a hydromassage pool, water features, Finnish sauna and contrast showers, offering the perfect atmosphere to unwind together.
The spa can be reserved for private use as a couple, becoming the ideal setting for a romantic getaway on the Costa Brava. Relaxing massages are also available, either in the spa area or in the privacy of your room.
Hotel La Indiana de Begur is an exclusive charming hotel in Begur, set in an elegant colonial mansion that has been carefully restored in the heart of the historic centre of one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava. Its colonial architecture, refined décor and peaceful atmosphere make every stay a unique opportunity to discover the authentic character of the Empordà.
This welcoming adults-only boutique hotel offers spacious and elegant rooms, some featuring a private jacuzzi, designed for a romantic getaway for two. Its communal spaces preserve the essence of the original colonial mansion, with a cosy lounge featuring a fireplace, a massage room and charming corners where guests can relax at their own pace.
One of the hotel's highlights is its Chill Out terrace, located on the rooftop with magnificent views of Begur Castle. Here guests will find an exclusive outdoor jacuzzi, which can be reserved for private use to enjoy a romantic wellness experience in a truly privileged setting.
The experience continues at the Gastro Bar La Indiana, where gourmet products, Mediterranean recipes and locally sourced specialities are served in three different settings: the terrace overlooking the castle, the street-level terrace in the heart of the old town and the cosy colonial-inspired lounge.
From the hotel, guests can stroll through the streets of Begur, admire its colonial houses, enjoy its restaurants and reach iconic coves such as Aiguablava, Sa Riera, Sa Tuna and Platja Fonda within just a few minutes. Hotel La Indiana de Begur is the perfect choice for travellers seeking a charming hotel where they can experience the most authentic essence of the Costa Brava.
Monells
Must-see places in Monells
And finally, we arrive in Monells, one of the most renowned medieval villages in the Empordà. Some scenes of the film Ocho Apellidos Catalanes were filmed here, but that’s not why Monells is so famous. Its reputation comes from the charm of its central arcaded square, authentic and beautiful. The entire village is built around its old castle, of which only the walls remain.
The Hotel Carlemany is an urban hotel located in the centre of Girona, just a short walk from the Barri Vell and the city’s main points of interest. A comfortable choice for couple getaways or family stays, also with pets, as well as for sports breaks or business trips, with the added advantage of private parking in the city centre.
Its 90 spacious and bright rooms feature a contemporary, functional style designed for relaxation. Some rooms include a bathtub or an in-room fireplace, ideal for a more special stay in Girona.
On the gastronomic side, the El Pati Verd restaurant stands out as a local reference point and an excellent venue for celebrations and events, alongside Indigo Restaurant, offering seasonal cuisine, and the Carlemany Cafeteria, a lively meeting place for both guests and locals.
The hotel is especially appreciated by cyclists thanks to its bike-friendly services, including secure bike storage, a workshop and recommended routes, and it is also close to some of the best golf courses in the province, making it a versatile base for discovering Girona and its surroundings.
Madremanya
What can you see in Madremanya?
Technically, Madremanya shouldn’t be on this list because it does not belong to the Baix Empordà region but to Gironès. Still, due to its landscape and surroundings, it fits perfectly into this route alongside the neighboring Empordà villages. Madremanya is a beautiful village and a lovely place to visit if you’re planning to explore Girona.
Looking for a great place to eat? Head to La Plaça, a hotel-restaurant set in a beautiful environment. It’s a renovated 15th-century farmhouse that retains much of its original architecture (stone walls, tiles, barrel vaults, and Bohemian details). A wonderful place in a truly charming setting.
Hotel La Plaça de Madremanya is a charming rural hotel in Madremanya, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in the Baix Empordà. This carefully restored 15th-century Empordà farmhouse preserves its stone walls, original vaulted ceilings and traditional character while offering every modern comfort. Surrounded by the Les Gavarres Natural Park, it is the perfect place to discover the peaceful charm of the inland Costa Brava.
The hotel features 11 rooms, including suites and classic rooms, some with a fireplace or bathtub, as well as a lovely saltwater swimming pool surrounded by gardens. It is also a pet-friendly hotel, where dogs are welcome and provided with a bed, blanket and bowls to enjoy the getaway alongside their owners.
Gastronomy is at the heart of La Plaça de Madremanya. Its restaurant, a member of the Cuina de l'Empordanet association, serves Mediterranean cuisine based on local and kilometre-zero produce, much of it grown in its own vegetable garden and supplied by nearby producers. The menu changes with the seasons and can be enjoyed in the vaulted stone dining room or on the terrace overlooking Les Gavarres.
Its privileged location makes it easy to explore some of the most beautiful medieval villages in the Empordà, such as Monells, Peratallada, Cruïlles and Ullastret, discover the hiking and cycling trails of Les Gavarres Natural Park or visit the Empordà D.O. wineries. In less than 30 minutes, guests can also reach some of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Brava, including Platja de Castell, La Fosca and Platja de Pals, combining nature, heritage and the Mediterranean in one unforgettable getaway.
Hotel La Plaça de Madremanya is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic getaway, a relaxing break or a gastronomic experience in the heart of the Empordà. A charming rural hotel where history, nature, outstanding cuisine and attention to every detail create an authentic stay.
Púbol and La Pera
The Castle of Gala and Salvador Dalí
We end the route in Púbol - La Pera, a must-visit if you love art and especially if you are a fan of Salvador Dalí. Here you’ll find one of the highlights of the Dalinian Triangle route: the castle Dalí gifted to Gala, which can be visited daily, with or without a guided tour. After visiting Púbol Castle, take a stroll through the village of La Pera, small and full of charm.
How to get to the Empordà
The best option is to travel by car. All these villages are very small and can easily be visited over a weekend. You can expect to visit 3 or 4 villages per day. The easiest route is to take the AP-7 to Maçanet de la Selva and then continue on the C-35 or AP-7 to Girona, followed by the C-66.
If you enjoy cycling tourism, another option is to do the route by bicycle over several days. The terrain is flat, and the area is full of bike lanes and secondary roads away from traffic. On the official website of the Empordà Tourist Office, you’ll find more information about the 250 km of bike lanes. It’s also a good idea to visit a tourist office to get maps and up-to-date route information.
Looking for the best place to stay while exploring the most beautiful villages of the Empordà? Here you’ll find the best charming hotels in the Empordà.
