# Rice route by little train to the Molí de Pals Guided route · 1 h 45 · €13 adults · €7 children Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/catalonia/pals/things-to-do/rice-route-train · Revisado: 2026-11-11 Dónde: Pals It is the easiest way to understand why Pals gives its name to a rice: from mill to plate, with the fields all around. ## What it is and why it is worth it Pals is known for its medieval old town, but at its feet, on the Baix Ter plain, there have been rice fields since the 15th century. The El Xiulet de Pals route boards a little tourist train in the old town, runs down between farmhouses and rice fields to the Molí de Pals and, after the visit to the mill, brings you back on foot to the village along the tracks through the rice fields. In an hour and three quarters you understand the landscape you see from the wall. The story has its twists. There was already a mill in 1452, and it still belongs to one of the families that sell rice in the village. In the 18th century the locals blamed the stagnant water of the fields for fevers and epidemics, and in 1838 a royal order banned cultivation in the area. In the early 20th century, Pere Coll i Rigau, back from Cuba, bought land and revived it with irrigation using constantly moving water. Since 1908 rice has been back in Pals, and today five producers sell it under the Arròs de Pals brand. ## Who it is for For all ages, and above all for families: children like the little train and the return is along a flat track. The company adapts the activity to specific needs if you ask when booking. If you already know about rice growing or you want a long walk, it may feel a little short. ## Getting there The little train leaves from the stop in the old town of Pals, in the coach car park on calle Abeurador. Pals is on the road between Palafrugell and Torroella de Montgrí, a few kilometres from Pals beach. The tourist office, on calle de la Creu, has information on bus access. ## When to go Departures are published in the calendar on the El Xiulet de Pals website, with date, language and places. The morning departure is at 10:00. The landscape changes with the seasons of the crop, so every time of year has its own colour. The rice fields lie within the Montgrí, Illes Medes and Baix Ter Natural Park, and on the way it is easy to see birds. ## How much it costs €13 for adults and €7 for children. If you want to take some rice home, it is sold in packets at the mill. ## If it rains The route is outdoors, so in heavy rain it is not the best plan: ask the company whether it still runs. As an alternative, El Xiulet de Pals also has the medieval route and the Gothic Pals route, through the old town. ## Paso a paso ### 10:00 · Departure from the old town Meet at the little train stop, in the coach car park on calle Abeurador. ### 20 min · Little train to the mill From the old town, between farmhouses and rice fields. ### At the Molí de Pals · History and whitening Texts on the rice of 1452, the electrical installation of the early 20th century and a machine that shows how the grain is whitened. You can buy rice and try l'Arrossa, a beer made with the mill's rice. ### Return · On foot through the rice fields You walk back to Pals between the fields, inside the natural park. ## Qué llevar - Shoes for walking on tracks ### Water and a hat from May to September There is no shade in the rice fields. - Binoculars if you like birds - A bag for the rice you buy ## Consejos ### Check the dates beforehand Departures have limited places and are published on the El Xiulet de Pals website. ### Go from November to February With the fields flooded there are more birds. ### Choose the language when booking Each departure has its own language: Catalan, Spanish, English or French. ### Finish with a rice dish After the route, eat a dish made with Pals rice in the village: Bomba or Carnaroli are among the most prized varieties. ### Look out for the Marxa dels Arrossars Every autumn Pals organises a popular walk through the rice fields; in 2026 it is on Sunday 22 November. ## Preguntas frecuentes ### How much does it cost? €13 adults and €7 children. ### How long does it last? An hour and three quarters, including the walk back. ### Can small children go? Yes. The company adapts the activity if asked; the walk back is along a flat track. ### What languages is it in? Catalan, Spanish, English and French, depending on the departure. ### Where do you catch the little train? In the old town of Pals, at the stop in the coach car park on calle Abeurador. ### Do I need to book? Yes, it is advisable: places per departure are limited. Book on the website or by phone. ### What rice is grown in Pals? Several round and medium-grain varieties, such as Bomba, Carnaroli or Jsendra, the most widespread today.