Return to L'Escala: 20th June to 6th July 2025

Keeping cool

We had a lazier start to the day this morning and didn't wake up until 8am. The sun was once again shining from a clear blue sky, and we sat on the terrace, drinking coffee and chatting.

Today was forecast to be slightly cooler, so we planned to stay at the house all day and drive to Peratallada in the evening to have a drink and explore the lovely shops there. By 10am, after having granola, yoghurt and strawberries again for breakfast, we were sitting by the pool. Sophie played the Spanish Summer playlist on her phone, and we were all set for a day of relaxation.

View from the pool

The house crocs - used and abused

We love staying in this house, but there are a few things I'd do differently, like not putting gravel around the pool, hence our house crocs. We use these to traverse the sharp gravel to get to the patio area or to the sun loungers. 

A fridge downstairs would be perfect, with maybe an outside laundry room with a sink at the back of the house, where there's plenty of room. The interior is beautiful and modern, but there are just a few touches that would make it truly great.

It didn't feel as hot today, so we were able to stay out a little longer. We had a lovely lunch on the terrace of cold meats, salad and bread and spent the afternoon snoozing, swimming or reading. Perfect!

Later on, after showers, we got into our very hot car and made our way to Peratallada. It was an easy run, and the traffic was light. We parked in a car park near the centre, paid for the ticket with the help of a car park attendant (even though we knew what to do), and joined the throngs of people making their way to the beautiful village.

The sweet little bar we'd had a drink at on our last visit was closed, and the small square was also devoid of open bars or restaurants. The shops were open, though, and Sophie bought a lovely blue T-shirt of a man carrying a sardine!

Although it was supposed to be cooler today, the temperature was about 32c and the sweat just dripped off me. I was wearing my black dress, where the sleeves constantly slipped down, and I'd secured them with Kirby grips, which dug into my shoulders. While swimming, I'd been burned a little, so maybe I should have chosen something else to wear!

We walked slowly to one of the squares where we'd had lunch in 2023. One bar was open and we ordered two beers and an Aperol Spritz. As soon as we sat down, other people joined us, and it was bliss to sit in the shade, with a cool breeze blowing, and chat.

Although we hadn't intended to, when the waiter asked if we wanted anything to eat, we readily agreed! We chose ham croquettes, crispy chicken strips and nachos. The food was delicious!

I think Sophie enjoyed the food!

By now, the village was a lot busier with people arriving in the cool of the evening. We wandered the streets and looked in some shops. The restaurants that had looked closed up earlier had now come to life, with tables set and people perusing menus. We went into our favourite shop, Les Voltes, and I bought another bowl to take home of the same pattern I'd bought before. Every time I use it at home, it reminds me of Peratallada. Sophie bought some pretty dishes and glasses, and a pair of earrings in another shop.

We decided to head home, but we wanted to drive to Pals first and shop in the supermarket we used to use. We were on the lookout for their cling film, which is sold with a little cutting tool on it. We've looked everywhere in the UK for the same kind of thing with no luck, and it's so easy to use!

It took us ten minutes to drive to Pals and we went into the busy supermarket, buying some more wine and beer, salad, water and cling film. We bought three boxes!

We headed back to L'Escala as the sun was setting and put our shopping away before relaxing by the pool for half an hour with a drink. I was a little worried about mozzies and ants, though, so we went back up to the terrace to chat with another drink. Now, it was beautifully cool and quiet!