Why go
Empúries and Ullastret suit an interest in archaeology, while Sant Pere de Rodes and Vilabertran lead towards religious architecture. Pals, Peratallada and Tossa de Mar offer historic streets and fortifications. This variety lets you balance a concentrated monument visit with a town you can explore more freely.
The full story
Ancient settlements explain the coast’s long role as a Mediterranean meeting place. Empúries preserves Greek and Roman layers, while Ullastret offers an Iberian counterpart. Roses adds another layered site within its Citadel, where remains from different periods share an enclosure. For Romanesque architecture, Sant Pere de Rodes is a major monastic anchor. Vilabertran and Sant Quirze de Colera offer other religious settings. At Peralada, the former convent of Sant Domènec preserves a cloister with carved capitals depicting biblical scenes. Medieval towns change the emphasis from an individual building to streets and defensive boundaries. Pals and Peratallada reward that broader focus, as does Tossa’s walled old town. Montgrí Castle tells a different story through its unfinished form: square walls and four corner towers survive from a project begun under Jaume II. Decide whether you want archaeological layouts, architectural detail or a historic townscape before choosing your main stop.