🏘️ At The Sun Places, luxury is defined by authentic experiences.
That's why we've created this exclusive guide to The Medieval Villages of Empordà, where centuries-old stone and silence combine with the most exquisite comfort.
Stay at our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava and easily access these medieval treasures, world-class golf courses, the most beautiful coves and the Dalí route.
The Medieval Villages of Empordà are the inland treasure of the Costa Brava. While millions of tourists crowd the coastal coves, these small settlements remain calm, offering an authentic and exclusive vision of rural Catalonia.
But they are not just scenic beauty: they are living history, legends, illustrious figures and traditional flavours. Today we take you to four of the most fascinating and show you how to experience them with maximum luxury and comfort.
🌍 What do The Medieval Villages of Empordà represent for the region and for The Sun Places?
The Medieval Villages of Empordà are the patrimonial soul of the region. For Empordà, they represent the resilience of a land that has preserved its architecture, crafts and way of life over ten centuries.
For Catalonia, they are an example of how quality tourism can revitalise rural centres without losing their essence.
And for The Sun Places, these villages embody luxury that doesn't shout: the luxury of time, of authenticity, of privacy. Our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava are located in strategic enclaves that allow you to enjoy medieval peace in the morning and a drink on a terrace with sea views in the evening.
We are committed to a relaxed, respectful and exclusive tourism, aligned with the values of today's traveller.
🏰 Peratallada: a medieval jewel of The Medieval Villages of Empordà
Peratallada is undoubtedly one of The Medieval Villages of Empordà that is most spectacular, although its fame has taken it a little out of "hiding".
Its name comes from the Latin "petra taliata" (carved stone): the village is excavated and built on a huge rock. Its streets, passageways and vaults are carved into the living stone.
Its origin dates back to the 10th century, with the castle of the barons of Peratallada, one of the most powerful families in Empordà. Declared a National Historic-Artistic Site in 1975, it is one of the most photographed destinations in Baix Empordà.
🍽️ Where to eat in Peratallada?, one of The Medieval Villages of Empordà
Peratallada has an excellent gastronomic offering.
The most emblematic restaurant is:
- El Pati, in a 14th-century palace with an interior courtyard. Specialities: bacallà amb samfaina, cargols a la llauna and conill amb cebes
- La Roca, with grilled meats and rice dishes; their arròs de gambes de Palamós is legendary.
- For something informal, Can Pitu offers tapas.
- And if you're looking for exclusivity, Cal Mestre (inside a rural hotel) offers tasting menus.
👤 Famous figures linked to The Medieval Villages of Empordà: Peratallada
Among the illustrious figures who have passed through Peratallada are:
- Arnau de Peratallada (13th-century troubadour)
- The writer Josep Pla praised its "golden stone"
- Salvador Dalí visited the village and it is believed that its labyrinth of streets inspired some surrealist forms
- Filmmaker Orson Welles filmed part of "Chimes at Midnight" there
To delve deeper into Dalí's legacy, read Dalí and the sea and Dalí Museum in Figueres.
🏛️ What to see in Peratallada?
- Castle of Peratallada: 11th-century keep (entry €3), views over the Daró valley
- Church of Sant Esteve: 12th-century Romanesque, with a semi-circular apse
- Plaça de les Voltes: main square with a portico of semicircular arches
- Moat and walls: preserves much of the walled enclosure and a dry moat
- Museum of the Camera Obscura: antique photography
- Route of the Mills: a 6 km path through old flour mills
🏰 Vulpellac: castle and art in The Medieval Villages of Empordà
Vulpellac is another of The Medieval Villages of Empordà with a stately past. Its 13th-century castle, belonging to the Cruïlles family, dominates the village.
During the War of the Reapers it was stormed and never again inhabited by the nobility.
Vulpellac has an artistic and bohemian atmosphere: painters and sculptors bought houses here, drawn by the light. There are still workshops open to the public by appointment.
🍽️ Where to eat in Vulpellac?, another of The Medieval Villages of Empordà
In Vulpellac, Can Xiquet serves traditional cuisine: trinxat de la Cerdanya, conill amb cargols and arròs negre. 2 km away, Mas Rovira is a 14th-century farmhouse with high-end market cuisine. Book at weekends.
👤 Famous figures linked to The Medieval Villages of Empordà: Vulpellac
- Ramon de Cruïlles (14th century), abbot of the Sant Miquel monastery and bishop of Girona.
- The painter Josep Maria Sert spent time here.
- The sculptor Xavier Corberó had a house-workshop in the village.
🏛️ What to see in Vulpellac?
- Church of Sant Martí: Romanesque with a portal with archivolts
- Medieval wall: two sections and the Portal de la Vila
- Ceramics workshop "Fang i Foc": open Saturday mornings
- Font dels Tres Raiers: old watering trough with wooden sculptures
⛪ Cruïlles: Romanesque monastery of The Medieval Villages of Empordà
Cruïlles is one of The Medieval Villages of Empordà with the greatest historical heritage.
It was the first capital of Baix Empordà (1812-1972). The Monastery of Sant Miquel de Cruïlles, founded in 1037 by Count Ramon Berenguer I, is a jewel of Lombard Romanesque architecture, with a bell-gable and a keep.
It is open to visitors (free entry).
🍽️ Where to eat in Cruïlles?, within The Medieval Villages of Empordà
Cruïlles has Cal Xec, serving coca de recapte and formatge de drap. 3 km away in Monells, Can Lluís offers grilled meats. For a unique experience, El Racó de Cruïlles (weekends only) has tasting menus.
👤 Famous figures linked to The Medieval Villages of Empordà: Cruïlles
- Ramon Muntaner (chronicler) lived here and wrote part of his "Crònica"
- Josep Pla praised its "dense peace"
- Singer-songwriter Lluís Llach has a house on the outskirts
🏛️ What to see in Cruïlles?
- Monastery of Sant Miquel: keep (climb with 360° views), church, crypt.
- Plaça Major: 16th-century porch and old pillory.
- Hermitage of Sant Sadurní de l'Heura: Romanesque jewel 1.5 km away.
- Water Route: path along the Daró stream with mills.
🌿 Madremanya: flowers and literature in The Medieval Villages of Empordà
Madremanya is the smallest and quietest of The Medieval Villages of Empordà.
Its name comes from the Latin "Mater Magna". Its cobbled streets are full of geraniums, bougainvillea and rose bushes, hence the nickname "village of a thousand flowers".
The 14th-century castle is now a luxury boutique hotel (Castell de Madremanya).
🍽️ Where to eat in Madremanya?, one of The Medieval Villages of Empordà
- Can Pica, in the square, has served Catalan cuisine since 1982: cargols a la llauna, llom amb figues and mel i mató
- La Taverna del Castell is more expensive but has views
- For a picnic, the Cal Pastor shop sells products from the DO Empordà
👤 Famous figures linked to The Medieval Villages of Empordà: Madremanya
Josep Pla wrote about Madremanya in "El quadern gris"
Federico García Lorca spent a week here in 1935 and is believed to have written the first verses of "Lament for Ignacio Sánchez Mejías"
The painter Miquel Barceló had a workshop on the outskirts.
🏛️ What to see in Madremanya?
- Church of Sant Esteve: 12th-century Romanesque.
- Castle of Madremanya: terrace and garden with valley views.
- Square porch: 16th-century portico.
- Font de la Vila: from 1789, with three spouts.
- Route of the 7 villages: an 18 km circular path.
🏌️♂️ Luxury activities near The Medieval Villages of Empordà
From our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava, you can combine a visit to The Medieval Villages of Empordà with exclusive experiences:
- Golf in Empordà: Enjoy a round at the best golf courses in Empordà, such as PGA Catalunya Resort or Empordà Golf Club, both less than 30 minutes away
- Luxury Dalí route: In addition to the Dalí Museum in Figueres, visit Púbol Castle, where Dalí buried his muse Gala. This Gothic castle, acquired by the painter in 1969, is now an intimate house museum full of symbolism. Book a private visit to avoid crowds
- Starred gastronomy: Book at Celler de Can Roca (Girona) or Compartir (Cadaqués), two temples of haute cuisine that reinterpret the flavours of Empordà
- Wellness experiences: Many of our Luxury Accommodations include a private pool, spa. Relax after a day of hiking through the medieval villages or along the Carrilet Greenways of Empordà
🗓️ Perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover The Medieval Villages of Empordà
Fancy exploring The Medieval Villages of Empordà with maximum comfort?
We propose a three-day luxury itinerary:
Day 1 (Arrival and Peratallada):
- Enjoy a welcome with cava.
- Visit to Peratallada with a private guide (optional). Explore the castle, church and Plaça de les Voltes. Buy ceramics from exclusive shops.
- Dinner at El Pati (Peratallada) or at the restaurant of the Castell de Peratallada.
Day 2 (Vulpellac, Cruïlles and golf):
- Breakfast in the apartment (optional catering service).
- Late morning: Visit to Vulpellac and Cruïlles. Enjoy the tranquillity and views
- Luxury picnic with products from the DO Empordà at the viewpoint of the monastery of Cruïlles
- Afternoon: Round of golf at Empordà Golf Club (private transfer included)
- Dinner at the golf hotel restaurant or return to the apartment
Day 3 (Madremanya, Calella de Palafrugell and Dalí route):
- Depart for Madremanya. Walk through its flower-filled streets and visit the castle
- Late morning: Transfer to Calella de Palafrugell. Private boat trip along the coast or snorkelling in the coves
- Lunch at a luxury beach bar on Port Bo beach
- Farewell dinner at Compartir (Cadaqués) or Celler de Can Roca (book months in advance) or at Restaurant Casamar with views of the Port of Llafranc
📌 Practical tips for visiting The Medieval Villages of Empordà in style
- Hire a private guide to avoid queues and discover the unwritten legends
- Rent a high-end car (we can recommend trusted companies)
- Wear comfortable but elegant footwear (the cobblestones are uneven)
- Book all restaurants and monument visits in advance
- Make the most of The Sun Places concierge services to organise bespoke experiences
📞 Contact The Sun Places and let us organise your luxury getaway to The Medieval Villages of Empordà.
We advise you on the best apartments, exclusive experiences and private routes so you can experience the Costa Brava as you deserve.
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