Houses for sale in Pals: areas, masias and life in the Empordà

Pals brings together, within a single municipality, three very different ways of living the Empordà: a medieval old town on top of a hill, a landscape of rice fields and masias stretching towards the sea, and a long sandy beach next to one of the oldest golf courses on the Costa Brava. If you are looking for houses for sale in Pals, this guide will help you understand each area of the municipality, the type of property it offers and the points worth checking before you buy.

Why Pals attracts discerning buyers

Pals is a municipality in the Baix Empordà with around 2,500 inhabitants, located between Begur, Torroella de Montgrí and Palau-sator. Unlike other coastal villages, it has managed to preserve its scale: there are no large blocks on the seafront, and much of its land is taken up by farmland, pine forests and natural areas. In fact, part of the municipality lies within the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park.

This combination of heritage, landscape and low density explains its appeal to Spanish and international buyers looking for a second home with character or a house to live in all year round in the Empordà, a short distance from Girona and its airport.

The areas of Pals and what each one offers

The old town

The medieval centre of Pals is one of the best-preserved historic ensembles in the region. Cobbled streets, stone façades, the Torre de les Hores, the church of Sant Pere and the Mirador Josep Pla, from which you can see the fields of the Empordà and the Medes Islands. Here the offer focuses on village houses for sale in Pals: stone homes, often restored, with wooden beams, courtyards and terraces. This is a scarce product, highly prized by those seeking authenticity.

Els Masos de Pals

At the foot of the old town, heading towards the sea, lies the village of Els Masos de Pals, around the church of Sant Fructuós. It is a quiet residential area with detached houses and everyday services, acting as a halfway point between the village and the beach.

Platja de Pals and golf

By the sea, Platja de Pals offers a long sandy beach with a dune system of great natural value. This is also home to Golf de Pals, which presents itself as the first golf course on the Costa Brava, surrounded by pine trees and just a few metres from the beach. The residential developments in the area combine houses with gardens and apartments, and are the natural choice for those who prioritise the sea and sport. If golf is an important criterion, you will be interested in our guide Golf living in the Maresme and on the Costa Brava.

The countryside: rice fields and masias

Much of the municipality is an agricultural plain historically devoted to rice, to the point that Arròs de Pals is today one of the products most closely associated with the village. This open landscape is where you will find the masias: stone farmhouses, many restored with a contemporary approach, with large gardens, a pool and views over the fields and the Begur mountains. You can browse the masias for sale in Pals we currently have available.

What type of property you will find in Pals

• Village houses in the old town, with stone walls and rooftop terraces.
• Restored masias in the countryside, with large plots, a pool and, sometimes, guest annexes.
• Detached houses with gardens in Els Masos and in the developments close to the beach and the golf course.
• Apartments near Platja de Pals, designed above all as second homes.

To see our full portfolio, browse the houses and masias for sale in Pals.

Who buys in Pals

The Pals buyer usually has a clear profile: they are looking for authenticity, space and discretion. Many are families from Barcelona and Girona who want a house for weekends and holidays, with the intention of spending more and more time there; others are international buyers who value the light of the Empordà, its gastronomy, the proximity of the French border and the air connections from Girona and Barcelona.

The most sought-after properties are well-restored masias with privacy and open views, and old-town houses with a terrace. As supply in both segments is limited and the municipality protects its landscape, the best properties are often sold discreetly and, at times, without ever being publicly listed.

Keys to buying well in Pals

Heritage and permits

In the old town and in many masias, any work is subject to heritage protection. Before buying with the intention of renovating, it is advisable to confirm with an architect or surveyor which works are feasible and which permits will be required.

Planning status of the plot

For masias on non-developable land, it is especially important to check that the buildings, pools and annexes are legalised and correctly registered, as well as the permitted uses.

Water, access and maintenance

Rural properties require checking the water supply, sanitation, access roads and the cost of maintaining gardens and grounds. These are aspects that make a real difference in day-to-day use.

Intended use

A summer house is not the same as a year-round residence. For permanent living, the old town and Els Masos offer more services; for a second home, the beach and the countryside come to the fore.

Purchase costs

Bear in mind the taxes and costs of the transaction, which we detail in Taxes and costs when buying property in Catalonia.

Pals and its surroundings

Pals is connected by road to the neighbouring municipalities and to the region's main road network, making it easy to reach Girona and, from there, the motorway and the high-speed train. Daily life is organised between the village itself and the nearby towns of Palafrugell, Torroella de Montgrí and La Bisbal d'Empordà, which concentrate healthcare, schools and shops.

One of the advantages of Pals is its location. In just a few minutes you can reach Begur and its coves, medieval inland villages such as Peratallada or Ullastret, and the Montgrí coast. If you are torn between Pals and its neighbour, we recommend reading Buying a house in Begur: a guide to areas, coves and property types. And if what appeals to you is life in the countryside, our guide Buying a masia in the Empordà will be useful.

Frequently asked questions

Which area of Pals is best for buying a house?

It depends on your lifestyle. The old town offers village houses with history; Els Masos, peace and quiet with services; Platja de Pals, the sea and golf; and the countryside, masias with privacy and large gardens.

Can you live in Pals all year round?

Yes. Pals maintains local life out of season and has basic services, while Girona, Palafrugell and La Bisbal d'Empordà, a short distance away, offer everything needed for a permanent residence.

Is there a golf course in Pals?

Yes. Golf de Pals is next to Platja de Pals, among pine trees and just a few metres from the sea, and is one of the municipality's great attractions.

What should I check before buying a masia in Pals?

The planning status of the plot, the legality of all the buildings, any heritage protection restrictions, the water supply, access and the cost of maintaining the estate.

Find your home in Pals with BARNES Barcelona

Our Costa Brava team knows every corner of Pals and the Baix Empordà. Contact our office to receive a personalised selection of houses, masias and village houses. If you own a property in the area, you can request a confidential valuation of your property.