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Pals Rice: A Culinary Treasure of the Costa Brava

25th March 2026 294

Golf, nature and fine dining: your stay at Golf de Pals wouldn’t be complete without trying its famous rice dish!

In the heart of Pals, rice is much more than just an ingredient: it is a true local tradition. Grown in the rice fields surrounding the village for centuries, Pals rice is renowned for its high quality and its ability to enhance a wide variety of dishes.

15 April to 31 May: ‘Pals and Rice Cuisine’ Food Festival

Since 1994, the destination has been celebrating this exceptional product with a gastronomic festival called ‘Pals and Rice Cuisine’. Co-organised by the town hall, local restaurants and producers, this initiative aims to showcase the richness of the local terroir.
Every spring, participating restaurants offer menus specially designed around Pals rice. The menu features a starter, a main course — often a rice casserole — and a dessert, each given a new twist according to the chef’s style and creativity.

Pals Golf Club offers a wonderful opportunity to combine the enjoyment of golf with a culinary experience, by sampling this iconic speciality at the club’s restaurant during this period.

As well as the food, this event features a wide range of activities: guided tours exploring the history of rice, cookery workshops, markets selling local produce, talks and entertainment centred around rice ears. A complete immersion in the region’s culture and traditions.


The combination of climate and expertise

This success is primarily down to the expertise of the region’s farmers, who are committed to environmentally friendly practices.

Every year, from November to February, the fields are deliberately flooded to provide a natural habitat for numerous migratory birds, insects and local plant species.

The uniqueness of Pals rice also stems from its environment. The climate, milder than in other rice-growing regions, slows down the ripening process and allows the rice to remain in contact with the soil for longer.

The result is a grain with a firm texture that holds its shape perfectly when cooked and never becomes too soft, making it ideal for traditional Catalan recipes.

With its blend of tradition, nature and fine dining, Pals is a must-visit destination on the Costa Brava.

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