Discover Palau Saverdera

Hiking trails

Palau-saverdera / Sant Onofre / Mas Ventós / Palau-saverdera is a 5.96 km-long hiking route with 426 metres of elevation gain and a moderate level of difficulty. The Ruta del Sacrés is 5.6 km long, has 82 metres of elevation gain, and has a low level of difficulty. Along it are olive groves, the Cova de les Encantades, and El Salt de l’Aigua. The Itinerari megalític del mas Isach is 1.95 km long, has 90 metres of elevation gain, and has an easy level of difficulty. The Camí del Pas Estret is 2.62 km long, has 158 metres of elevation gain, and also has a low level of difficulty. It leads to the Gorgues del Pas Estret and the Barraca del Pas Estret.

Nature and landscape

The lower-lying part of Palau-saverdera is integrated into the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. The mountainous area of Palau-saverdera lies within the Parc Natural del cap de Creus. From Les Torroelles, visitors can walk to Estany de Vilaüt and may be able to observe flamingos, storks, herons, and other birds. The landscape thus extends from the lower-lying wetlands to the mountainous area; at Estany de Vilaüt, the birdlife is an additional feature that can be observed. The place names Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, cap de Creus, and Estany de Vilaüt mark different landscape areas within the surroundings described.

History and culture

The Ermita de Sant Onofre was built by members of the community in the 14th century and is located at an altitude of around 400 metres. It is visible from the entire Empordà plain. On the second day of Pentecost each year, a pilgrimage leads to the Ermita de Sant Onofre. This pilgrimage includes a communal meal and a Sardana dance.

The Sala Vilamarí in the library building is dedicated to the history of Palau-saverdera, particularly the medieval Vilamarí lineage. A reproduction of the sarcophagus of Bernat II de Vilamarí (1448–1516) can be seen there. The Torre del rellotge was originally a defensive tower protecting Palau’s first castle and was fitted with the clock that gave it its name in 1855. The Castell dels Vilamarí was built between the 14th and 15th centuries on behalf of the lords of Vilamarí. Together with the pilgrimage, the communal meal, and the Sardana dance, this means that, alongside the history of the buildings, a tradition that recurs annually in the town also remains visible. The medieval Vilamarí lineage is represented both in the Sala Vilamarí and in the name of the Castell dels Vilamarí.

Panorama

From Plaça Mirador, the view extends out to the sea; the Bay of Roses lies in the foreground. The view also includes the plain with the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà and the mountains. These lie almost entirely within the Parc Natural del Cap de Creus.

A holiday apartment in Palau-saverdera can provide the setting for your stay in the town, while the specific planning of each day can be left to your own interests and available schedule.

Further destinations: Ger, Sant Miquel d'Aro, Argelaguer, Sant Martí De Llémena, Llambilles, Els Hostalets D'en Bas, Camprodon, Campllong

For the broader travel overview: Girona.