La Pera and Pubol
La Pera and Pubol are pretty medieval villages, the latter featuring the Castell Gala Dalí museum, one of the three points which make up the so-called Dalí triangle. I must confess I’ve not seen inside the castle Dalí bought and furnished for his beloved Gala, but I’m sure it must be as tastefully decorated as one would expect.
Across the main road from the La Pera junction, next to the petrol station, there is a lovely country lane leading to Foixá, with a strange bar on a hill with great views, a high-security fancy restored medieval castle on another hill, and an excellent reasonably priced restaurant, Can Quel, in the village itself. There used to be an interesting American Colonial furniture store nearby. Rupià has an interesting theatre/café.
Fonolleres, Gualta and Fontanilies are refreshingly unrestored messy medieval villages. Sant Iscle d’Empordà has a pretty Romanesque church and some great views. Llavia, apart from its rather gynaecological name, is distinguished by being the only Catalan village I’ve ever visited with no bar, shop or commercial premises of any sort. There are some lovely walks with beautiful views around here. Keep an eye open for the diminutive conical orchid and huge giant orchid, almond-leaved pear and Christ’s-thorn.
This article was written by Francis Barrett. See also Francis' excellent guide to Ireland irelandbyways.com
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