This calm Mediterranean port town has a long fishing tradition and a 16th-century fortress. Sandy beaches line its coast, and its fish market draws locals daily.
Palamós sits on Spain's Costa Brava, where you can explore 12th-century stone lanes, try grilled prawns at the fishing docks, and swim in small bays with clear water. Morning fish auctions still happen beside modern boats in the port, and the wide sandy curve of Platja Gran beach has promenades lined with seafood bars. Walk east to find Cala S'Alguer, a rocky inlet where fishermen once stored their gear in whitewashed huts. The Platja del Castell holds stone walls and pottery fragments from an ancient Iberian settlement dating back 2,600 years. Pine forests in Les Gavarres hills have marked trails for hiking, and the town’s fishing museum explains how nets and boats shaped daily life here.
Beaches and Swimming Spots
Seven beaches surround Palamós, each with distinct character. Platja Gran, the central beach, has golden sand, gentle waves, and rows of umbrellas for shade. Families favor Platja de la Fosca to the north for its shallow water and views of Castell de Sant Esteve, a medieval fortress on a nearby hill. For isolation, walk 20 minutes east to Platja del Castell, where dunes separate the sand from an archaeological site. Rocky coves like Cala Margarida require sturdy shoes to reach via coastal paths but reward with clear snorkeling conditions. Drive 20 minutes north to Cap Roig Botanical Gardens, where trails wind past cacti and Mediterranean shrubs above the sea.
Fishing Traditions and Port Life
Fishing boats dock daily at Palamós’ port, unloading prawns, squid, and red scorpionfish sold at morning auctions. The Museu de la Pesca details how crews used handmade nets and wooden trawlers, with exhibits on local marine life. Book a weekday tour to watch buyers bid on the day’s catch inside the Fish Market building. At Espai del Peix near the docks, chefs host workshops on preparing suquet de peix, a tomato-based fish stew. Waterfront restaurants serve Palamós prawns grilled with olive oil, often accompanied by chilled white wine from nearby vineyards.
Exploring the Old Town
Start at Plaza del Pedró, a square with benches facing the marina and the 15th-century Santa Maria del Mar church. Wander Carrer Major to see whitewashed homes with flower-filled balconies and shops selling handmade pottery. Climb the stone steps to Plaza Murada for views of the bay, or visit Santa Eugenia de Villarromà, a 16th-century church with a carved wooden altarpiece. The Iberian ruins at Platja del Castell include low stone walls marking where homes and workshops once stood. Follow the GR 92 trail markers west to hike through cork oak groves and along cliffs above the sea.
Nearby Villages and Nature
Medieval towns and protected parks lie within a short drive. Pals, 15 km north, has a hilltop core with cobblestone lanes and a circular tower from the 1100s. Begur’s castle ruins overlook a mix of farmland and beaches like Aiguablava, accessible via steep coastal roads. Divers board boats in L’Estartit to explore the Medes Islands, where underwater caves shelter octopuses and schools of fish. The Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres displays melting clocks and surreal paintings inside a red building topped with giant egg sculptures. Closer to Palamós, the Sant Feliu de Guíxols monastery houses artifacts from the region’s Roman and medieval periods.
Food and Regional Wines
Local menus highlight seafood, especially Palamós prawns, which chefs grill whole or mix into rice dishes. Try esqueixada, a salad of shredded salt cod with tomatoes, or fideuà, a noodle dish cooked in fish broth. Wineries in the Empordà-Costa Brava area produce Grenache-Carignan reds and crisp Xarel·lo whites, often sold at vineyard tastings. Celler de Palamós, a family-run winery 10 minutes inland, offers samples in a stone cellar lined with oak barrels. Morning bakeries sell coca de llardons, a flatbread topped with pork cracklings, and xuixo, a fried pastry filled with vanilla cream.
Hiking, Boating, and Festivals
Walk or bike the 12-km Camí de Ronda path linking Palamós to Calella de Palafrugell, passing hidden beaches and pine groves. Rent a kayak at Platja Gran to paddle around sea stacks near La Fosca’s coastline. In August, the Festa Major fills streets with firework displays, live bands, and group dances called sardanes. November’s Prawn Festival celebrates the start of the fishing season with tastings and cooking contests. Golf Costa Brava, 15 minutes from town, has an 18-hole course surrounded by forests of cork oak and wild rosemary.
Travel Tips and Timing
Drive from Barcelona to Palamós in 1.5 hours or take a 2-hour direct bus. Girona-Costa Brava Airport, 40 minutes away, connects to hourly buses. June through September brings hot weather ideal for beaches, but April-May and October offer cooler days for hiking. Most hotels stay open year-round, though some beachside cafes close by late autumn. Wear sneakers or hiking shoes for rocky coastal paths, and refill water bottles at public fountains in the old town—the water is safe to drink.
