Peratallada

A remarkably intact medieval village carved from stone, complete with a moated castle and narrow winding lanes. Its untouched historic character makes it one of Catalonia's best-preserved hidden gems.

Things to do

• Walk the rock-hewn moat — Circle the dry moat (fossat) carved directly into the bedrock around the medieval castle for the village's most iconic view.
• See Castell de Peratallada — Admire the 11th-13th century castle with its squat defensive tower, one of Catalonia's best-preserved feudal fortresses.
• Relax in Plaça de les Voltes — Sit beneath the stone arcaded porticoes of this small medieval square, once the site of the village market.
• Visit Església de Sant Esteve — Step into this austere Romanesque church with a bell tower typical of Empordà village architecture.
• Get lost in the carrer streets — Wander the narrow, winding lanes like Carrer de la Roca where houses seem carved straight from the rock.
• Browse artisan shops — Explore small boutiques selling local ceramics, leather goods, and Empordà wines tucked into stone archways.
• Day trip to Pals and Ullastret — Combine your visit with nearby medieval Pals and the Iberian ruins of Ullastret, both a short drive away.
• Photograph the village at golden hour — Catch the warm stone walls glowing at sunset from the fields just outside the old walls for classic postcard shots.

Food to try

• Cargols a la llauna — Snails cooked in a tin over embers, a traditional Empordà tapa often paired with alioli.
• Suquet de peix — A hearty Costa Brava fisherman's stew of local fish, potatoes, and saffron broth found in area restaurants.
• Botifarra amb mongetes — Grilled Catalan pork sausage served with white beans, a rustic staple of Empordà countryside cooking.
• Vins de l'Empordà tasting — Sample DO Empordà reds and rosés from nearby vineyards, often served in the village's stone-walled wine bars.
• Pa amb tomàquet and local oli — Simple toasted bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled with Empordà olive oil, a staple starter everywhere.
• Crema catalana — Finish a meal with this caramelized custard dessert, a Catalan classic found on most local menus.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear sturdy footwear — The uneven cobblestone and worn stone streets can be slippery, especially after rain.
• Respect private homes — Many of the ancient houses lining the lanes are still lived in, so keep noise and intrusion to a minimum.
• Visit early or late in the day — Tour buses arrive midday in high season, so mornings or early evenings offer a quieter, more authentic experience.
• Book restaurants ahead in summer — The village's few atmospheric eateries fill quickly during peak Costa Brava tourist months.