Discover Peralada

Small village, surprisingly much to experience

Peralada is located in the heart of the Alt Empordà and is one of those villages where there is much more to discover than you initially expect. The historic center is small and charming, with old streets, stone houses, and cozy spots to relax.

But Peralada also has quite a bit of allure. The impressive Castell de Peralada, good restaurants, culture, the famous summer festival, and of course the wine tradition make the village special.

We love coming here ourselves, especially later in the afternoon. A stroll through the old center, a drink, and then a nice meal. Peralada doesn't need a complicated day program to be enjoyable.

Strolling through old Peralada

The historic center is best discovered without too many plans. Just wander into the old streets and see where you end up.

Along the way, you'll see parts of the old city walls, historic facades, and small squares. A special place is Sant Domènec, where remains of a Romanesque monastery are preserved.

What we especially like about Peralada is the tranquility. It doesn't have the hustle and bustle of more famous historical places like Besalú, so you can often enjoy a peaceful walk here even in the middle of summer.

The castle of Peralada

You can't really write about Peralada without mentioning the Castell de Peralada. With its two round towers, battlements, and green gardens, it almost looks like a movie set.

The castle has been connected to the history of Peralada for centuries and houses remarkable art and culture collections. The complex includes a former Carmelite church, cloisters, and an impressive historical library.

Even if you don't go inside, you should absolutely take a walk past it. The castle is simply the calling card of Peralada.

A summer evening during Festival Peralada

In the summer, Peralada gains even more allure.

During the annual Festival Peralada, international artists come to the village for performances in music, opera, and dance, among other things.

And it's the setting that makes it special. A warm summer evening, first a nice meal somewhere, and then a performance at the castle: that's truly a night out.

The program changes every year, so check in advance during your vacation to see what's being organized.

View the current program of Festival Peralada

Wine is part of Peralada

Of course, we can't skip the wine. Peralada and wine have been connected for centuries.

Just outside the village is the modern Bodega Perelada, where you can book tours and wine tastings. The winery is remarkable in itself and, in our opinion, a must-visit if you love wine.

There's so much to tell about it that we've made a separate page for it.

Read more: Wine tasting at Perelada →

And indeed: Perelada with an e is the name used by the winery and wine brand; the village itself is called Peralada with an a.

Enjoying food in Peralada

For such a small village, you can eat surprisingly well in Peralada. And that's precisely why we love to visit.

If you want a special culinary evening, Castell Peralada Restaurant is the most famous name. The restaurant is located at the castle and has a Michelin star.

But you don't have to make it that elaborate.

Cal Sagristà is hidden in the old center and has a beautiful, atmospheric setting. A nice place if you want to stay for dinner after a walk through the village.

And for a more casual evening, we love going to Pagus Peralada, near the castle. Cozy terrace, good pizzas, and a place where you easily order a bottle of wine and then have no rush.

That fits perfectly with Peralada.

Try your luck at the castle

Want to extend the evening a bit longer? At the castle, you'll also find Casino Peralada.

The historical setting gives the casino a very different atmosphere than you might expect from a casino. You'll find roulette, blackjack, poker, and slot machines, among other things.

Not for everyone, of course, but after dinner, popping in for a drink and a small gamble makes an evening in Peralada something quite different.

Practical information

Peralada
17491 Peralada
Girona – Alt Empordà

The old center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are various parking options around the center.

Peralada is a short drive from Figueres, Roses, and Empuriabrava and is therefore easy to combine with other trips in the Alt Empordà.

Our tip

Go at the end of the afternoon. Especially in the summer, we find this the best time for Peralada.

First, stroll through the old center and past the castle, have a drink somewhere, and then enjoy a nice meal. No list of ten sights you have to check off – just a few hours enjoying the village.

If you do want to make a full day of it, book a wine tasting at Bodega Perelada earlier in the day and then head into the village.

Peralada is not large or overly touristy. And maybe that's exactly why we love coming here.

The charm of Peralada

Discover Peralada, a charming village in the Alt Empordà where history, culture, and gastronomy come together. Stroll through the old streets, admire the impressive castle, and above all, enjoy a good meal. Small, stylish, and surprisingly versatile – a place where you love to linger a little longer.