The Rice Fields of Pals: A Landscape That Changes Every Month

We see them every day from our shop, yet no two weeks look the same. The Pals rice fields are one of the most unusual landscapes on the Costa Brava: a wide, open plain between the medieval village, the Medes Islands and the sea, where rice farming sets the rhythm of the year.

If you’re coming to cycle in the Empordà, here’s what you’ll find in each season.

Spring: When the Fields Become a Mirror

Between April and May, farmers prepare the land and flood the fields for sowing. For a few weeks, the plain turns into a vast sheet of water reflecting the sky and the village of Pals. It’s one of the best times for photos and for spotting birds feeding in the flooded fields.

Summer: Everything Turns Green

From June, the rice grows quickly and the fields turn a deep green. Riding along the tracks between irrigation channels, with the sound of water and the tramuntana wind moving through the plants, is one of the most enjoyable family rides in the area. The terrain is flat and there’s very little traffic.

Autumn: The Golden Harvest

Towards the end of summer the rice turns golden, and between September and October the harvest begins. The fields glow in warm tones and you may see the harvesters at work. It’s a quiet season with mild temperatures, ideal for cycling.

Winter: The Plain at Rest

After the harvest, the fields rest. The landscape is more bare, but the winter light and the silence make it a great time to explore the Empordà without the crowds.

Discover the rice fields with Nafent Bikes

On our Rice Fields and Rice Mill tour, you’ll cycle the farm tracks around Pals and finish with a guided visit to a traditional rice mill, where you’ll learn how local rice is produced, followed by a tasting of craft rice beer. It’s a half-day ride, completely flat and suitable for everyone.

Bike rental, helmet and GPS track are included. If you’d like to hear more about local life and history, you can also ride with a local guide.