Josep Pla viewpoint

What it is

The Josep Pla viewpoint is an open balcony at the top of the old town of Pals. It is named after the writer from Palafrugell, who wrote a great deal about this Empordà landscape, and Visit Pals runs a guided route of the village under his name. From here you see the whole Baix Empordà plain at your feet, with the rice fields and the farmland, the Montgrí massif to the north and, in the distance, the Medes islands off L'Estartit. It is free and always open. Ten minutes gets you the view; with more time, you stay and watch the light change.

Getting there

The viewpoint is inside the old town, which is pedestrian. Leave the car in the car parks at the foot of the old town and walk up the cobbled streets of the Gothic old town, heading for the highest part. The climb is short, but it is uphill with steps. If you do not want to walk up, the El Xiulet de Pals little train runs a guided route round the Gothic enclosure that leaves from the coach car park.

Without a car, the Sarfa bus comes from Barcelona and Girona.

What you see

• Ahead, the plain: the mosaic of fields and rice paddies that runs down to the sea. From November to February, with the flooded rice fields, the water glints between the fields.
• To the north, the Montgrí: the limestone massif with the castle on top, above Torroella de Montgrí.
• In the distance, the Medes islands, off the coast.
• Beneath your feet, the village rooftops and the wall.

When to go

In the late afternoon the light is warmer and brings out the colour of the fields and the Montgrí. On tramontana days, the north wind clears the air and the Medes are sharp; on summer haze days, they are barely visible. In July and August, at midday, the viewpoint fills up and there is no shade.

Facilities and safety

There are no facilities at the viewpoint itself: the bars and restaurants are in the streets of the old town. The edge drops away; keep an eye on small children.

With children, pushchairs and dogs

With children it is a short stop that they enjoy for the height and the view from the top. With a pushchair, the climb over the cobbles and steps is awkward: a baby carrier is better. With a dog, on a lead.

Complete the visit

Go back down afterwards to eat in the old town. El Pedró serves Pals rice in a casserole, and in the afternoon you can head to Platja de Pals, a few minutes by car.