Palau Saverdera: Hiking, Nature and History

Palau Saverdera can be explored in various ways: hiking routes differ in length, elevation gain and stated difficulty level, while viewpoints and historic sites offer additional points of interest. The landscape also changes between the lower-lying area, which is part of the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, and the mountain area within the Parc Natural del cap de Creus. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether you would rather hike, take in the scenery or learn about the town’s history.

Hiking routes by length and profile

The Palau-saverdera / Sant Onofre / Mas Ventós / Palau-saverdera hiking route is 5.96 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 426 metres and is rated moderate. The Ruta del Sacrés is a similar length at 5.6 kilometres, but has an elevation gain of 82 metres and a low difficulty level. Along the way, it passes olive groves, the Cova de les Encantades and El Salt de l’Aigua. The routes therefore differ both in elevation profile and in their explicitly stated difficulty levels.

Shorter options include the Itinerari megalític del mas Isach, at 1.95 kilometres with an elevation gain of 90 metres, and the Camí del Pas Estret, at 2.62 kilometres with an elevation gain of 158 metres. Both are described as easy or having a low difficulty level. The Camí leads to the Gorgues del Pas Estret and the Barraca del Pas Estret. These figures give you a concrete basis for comparing the available route profiles without overlooking the names of the destinations or the differing levels of exertion involved.

Landscape and views

The location between lowlands and mountains shapes the town’s natural features. The lower-lying part of Palau Saverdera is part of the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà; the mountain area lies within the Parc Natural del cap de Creus. From Plaça Mirador, the view takes in the sea and the Bay of Roses in the foreground, the plain with the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, and the mountains. These lie almost entirely within the Parc Natural del Cap de Creus.

Plaça Mirador thus offers an overview of several landscape features that also come into play when hiking: the sea and bay, the plain and the mountain area. The different geographical settings of the natural parks help you understand the landscape more precisely, rather than assigning the entire town indiscriminately to a single area.

Hermitage, traditions and local history

The Ermita de Sant Onofre was built by local residents in the 14th century. It stands at an altitude of about 400 metres and is visible from across the Empordà plain. Every year on the second day of Pentecost, a pilgrimage leads to the hermitage; the occasion includes a shared meal and a Sardana dance. The building’s history, its elevation and the annual tradition give the site several historical and cultural connections.

The Sala Vilamarí in the library building focuses on the history of Palau Saverdera, particularly the medieval Vilamarí lineage. It houses a reproduction of the sarcophagus of Bernat II de Vilamarí (1448–1516). The Torre del rellotge has a different historical connection: it was originally a defensive tower built to protect Palau’s first castle. The clock from which it takes its name was added in 1855.

The Castell dels Vilamarí is also part of the town’s history. It was built between the 14th and 15th centuries on the orders of the lords of Vilamarí. Parts of the surviving complex are on private property; bear this restriction in mind when learning about the building. The town’s history can thus be explored through different themes: the medieval Vilamarí lineage, the tower’s former defensive role and the historic castle complex.

Birds at Estany de Vilaüt

If you are interested in birdwatching, you can walk from Les Torroelles to Estany de Vilaüt; there is a car park in Les Torroelles. Possible sightings include flamingos, storks, herons and other birds. Sightings depend on the season and are therefore not guaranteed. This outing complements the hiking trails and cultural sites with a focus on nature, where what you see depends on when you visit.

Discover more destinations: Quart, La Vall D'en Bas, Ripoll, Vilamaniscle, Sant Gregori, Cabanes, Amer, Sant Pere Pescador.

For the general travel overview: Girona.