Peralada

Just 7 kilometres from the regional capital, Figueres, this historic enclave stands atop a small hill in Alt Empordà.

Although Peralada dates back to 500 BC, its golden age was in the Middle Ages. Dating back to this period is its impressive historic quarter, home to Museo de la Villa, the Romanesque cloister of Sant Domènec, which now houses the tourist office; the Church of Sant Martí, sitting atop the hill, as well as the remains of walls from different periods. The Gothic convent of El Carmen is home to the Peralada Castle Museum. Each year, the emblematic castle-palace plays host to the Peralada International Music Festival. Near the gardens that envelope the castle, in the Celler Perelada, visits are organised to the winery and as well as tastings of wine and cava from the Empordà Designation of Origin.The town of Vilanova de la Muga, which belongs to Peralada, is home to the ancient church of Santa Eulàlia and its Romanesque and Gothic wall paintings.A variety of hiking and bicycle routes allow visitors to explore the natural environment surrounding Peralada.