Hidden Girona: La Rectoria San Miguel de Pineda

Girona may take all the credit for being one of the world’s best cycling destinations but beyond Girona, 40 km...

Girona may take all the credit for being one of the world’s best cycling destinations but beyond Girona, 40 km to the northwest to be precise, lies the region of La Garrotxa – a volcanic region offering some fantastic riding. In this region, hidden in the small town of Sant Feliu de Pallerols is a unique guesthouse: La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda. We sat down with owner Goretti to find out more about La Rectoria and its history.

The Hidden Gem of La Garrotxa

Can you tell me about the history of La Rectoria? When was it built?
La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda dates from the XII century, it was a rectory until it was sold in 2004. It was the centre of the small community of Sant Miquel de Pineda for centuries until it became part of the municipality of Sant Feliu de Pallerols.

How long has it been a guesthouse?

We opened October 2011 so for about seven and a half years.

Where are you both from?

I am from Cardedeu (near Barcelona) and Roy is from Aberdeen (Scotland)

What bought to back to Catalunya & why did you choose to open a guesthouse here?

Roy is a chef and had always wanted to have his own business, We loved the idea of doing something together and a Guesthouse with a restaurant came to us when talking about a potential business. We decided to do it in Catalunya because the season here can be longer than in Scotland so we could trade all year, and may be the weather has also something to do with our decision!

Roy, (the chef!) tell me about the food you serve at La Rectoria?

The food is fresh, home made using local ingredients whenever possible; Girona beef, Pyrenean trout, Empordà corn fed chicken, fesols del vall (beans), farro (maize flour) and fajol (buckwheat). From Catalonia’s ‘Mar i Muntanya’ (the original ‘surf & turf’) to lemon meringue pie a fixed 3 course dinner menu that changes on a daily basis is offered along with a small selection of Catalan wines. And why not complete your dinner with a single malt whisky or Goretti’s homemade ratafia, a local digestif.

What experience do you want to give your guests at La Rectoria?

A place to rest up before continuing on your way. To disconnect and reconnect. To get closer to nature and to slow down. We offer relaxed and uncomplicated service. Comfort, warmth, light, fresh air, homemade local food, a ‘dram’ and pointers on what to see and do. The beds are mighty comfy and you will feel pampered and maybe need to loosen that belt too! And whilst here your options are myriad. There is much to discover in the county of La Garrotxa tucked away in the Pyrenean foothills. Here you stop and take control…La Rectoria is slow tourism.

Thanks for Roy and Goretti for speaking to us. If you want to find out more about La Rectoria you can visit their website.

Cycling Tours in La Garrotxa

You can experience La Rectoria for yourself as part of our Pirinexus Cycling Tour or any custom leisure tour taking in the Via Verde.

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Written by Louise Laker

The bike has always been an escape for me - a way to get rid of the stresses of the day, to set myself a physical & mental challenge, to meet great people and have ton of fun. After years of studying, working in the sustainability sector and road racing on the UK circuit, I moved from London to Girona to pursue the dream of professional cycling. Instead, something more incredible happened - I co-founded Eat Sleep Cycle in the cycling capital of Europe, Girona. We create & deliver beautiful cycling tours all over Europe. We love what we do and that shows in our work.