Costa Brava: A Day in Its Beautiful Villages
Hi, we are Timon & Filipa!
We live in Catalonia, where we spend our days enjoying local traditions, tasting regional flavors, and exploring the beautiful landscapes. We’re excited to share our love for this region with you, inviting you to experience it slowly, one step at a time.
Costa Brava: A Day in Its Beautiful Villages
If you’re looking for a day that captures the essence of Costa Brava’s countryside, this route takes you through some of the region’s most charming villages. We’ve walked through their quiet streets, where life moves at a different pace. Each stop—Pals, Peratallada, Monells, and Madremanya—invites you to pause and take in the understated beauty of these timeless places. And in between, there’s Mooma, a perfect lunch stop where local flavors and an easygoing atmosphere offer a taste of Costa Brava’s heart.
Morning in Pals: Start your day with peace
Your day begins in Pals, a medieval village sitting quietly on a hilltop. The stone houses and winding streets feel like they’ve been here forever, untouched by time. As you wander through the village, you’ll notice how peaceful it is—perfect for an early start. Climb up to the Torre de las Horas, a 12th-century tower, for views that stretch across the countryside. It’s one of those places where you can take your time, explore without rush, and find little corners that make you want to linger just a bit longer.
Pals was almost forgotten after the Spanish Civil War, but today it’s one of the best-preserved medieval villages in the region, brought back to life with care and respect for its history.
Step back in time: Discover Peratallada
A short 10-minute drive takes you to Peratallada, a village that feels like it’s from another time. Its stone streets and buildings feel like they were carved directly from the earth, giving the village a unique, grounded charm.
As you explore, you’ll come across the old castle and remnants of defensive walls that once protected this medieval village. While wandering, visit the local ice cream shop, where you’ll find unexpected flavors like olive oil, gazpacho, and anchovies. And just around the corner, stop by Magdaleneria Cal Tuset for freshly baked madeleines—a must-try treat in Peratallada.
Peratallada is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Catalonia and has been named a Historic-Artistic Site, preserving its stone streets and authentic feel.
Lunch at Mooma: Enjoy local flavors
Midday brings a relaxing stop at Mooma, a cider house and restaurant offering craft ciders and regional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Known for its sustainable approach, Mooma offers tours where you can learn about their cider-making process and enjoy tastings.
For lunch, we indulged in their delicious pear cider, which paired perfectly with our meal of carpaccio de gamba, an assortiment de croquetes, and a flavorful paella. We ended with a creamy cheesecake. On your way out, don’t forget to visit their store, where you can buy homemade cider, apple jam, and other local products.
Afternoon in Monells: Experience quiet charm
After lunch, make your way to Monells, a small village that feels tucked away from the world. Its central square, Plaça Jaume I, is surrounded by stone archways and rustic houses, giving the village a timeless feel. Walking through the quiet streets, you’ll notice how peaceful it is—perfect for an afternoon wander. Monells is the kind of place where you can slow down, take a few photos, and just enjoy the stillness.
Monells was once a bustling trading hub in medieval times and has since become a popular backdrop for films due to its picturesque streets.
Ending the day in Madremanya: Find your calm
End your day in Madremanya, a quiet village in the hills, where stone houses blend into the landscape. Madremanya’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a fitting conclusion to your journey, where the simplicity of village life comes through.
Madremanya’s roots trace back to medieval times, and the village has managed to preserve much of its original architecture and character.
Embrace the Slow Life in Costa Brava
This journey through Costa Brava’s villages is a reminder that sometimes the best experiences are found in the quietest corners. From the medieval streets of Pals to the peaceful hills of Madremanya, each stop offers something different but connected by a sense of calm and history. Whether it’s the unique flavors at Mooma or the quiet charm of Monells, the day feels less like sightseeing and more like discovering a slower, richer way of life. It’s these moments, in places like these, that make Costa Brava unforgettable.
