Palamós, the Seafaring Soul of the Costa Brava
Palamós is one of the most distinctive towns in the Baix Empordà region. A seaside destination that has preserved its fishing traditions and combines a lively old town with some of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Brava.
The town of Palamós has a unique personality that can be felt on every corner. Its fishing port, the most important in the province of Girona, sets the pace of the town: fishing boats returning every afternoon, the fish auction at the market, the steep streets of the old quarter and the Gothic bell tower of Santa Maria overlooking the peninsula. Everything in Palamós revolves around the sea.
10 essential things to see and do in Palamós
- Walk through the old town and visit Santa Maria Church
- Visit the fishing port and attend the fish auction
- Discover the Fishing Museum and Espai del Peix
- Walk the coastal path from La Fosca to Castell
- Swim at La Fosca Beach
- Discover Cala s'Alguer and its fishermen's huts
- Enjoy Castell Beach and find Dalí's Hut
- Explore the Tren Petit Greenway Route
- Taste Palamós red prawns and local cuisine
- Watch the sunset by the harbour or lighthouse
The port and Palamós' fishing heritage
One of the must-see attractions in Palamós is its fishing port at the end of the day, when the boats return fully loaded and the fish auction begins at the market hall. Open to visitors, it offers the chance to witness this centuries-old tradition up close. It is one of the most authentic experiences on the Costa Brava.
To understand the importance of this tradition, there is no better place than the Fishing Museum, located next to the harbour. Through interactive exhibitions, it tells the story of local fishermen and maritime life. At the Espai del Peix, visitors can take part in cooking workshops and taste traditional dishes made with local produce.
In honour of this heritage, Palamós celebrates its famous Palamós Red Prawn Fair every first weekend of June. This gastronomic festival fills the fishing dock with tastings, cooking demonstrations by local chefs, guided visits to fishing boats and fish auctions, as well as family workshops and temporary exhibitions at the Fishing Museum.
Everything revolves around the Palamós red prawn, protected by its official quality label, which guarantees its quality, flavour and traceability from sea to table. It is a unique event that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
Festivals and events in Palamós
Cultural and festive life remains very active throughout much of the year. The lively Palamós Carnival takes place between late February and early March, while the Palamós Terra de Mar maritime festival is usually held during the second weekend of May, filling the harbour with traditional boats and maritime activities.
Every Friday in July, the Catalan Rumba Festival brings music to different venues around the town, while the Catalan Habanera Festival, held every 14 August, attracts many enthusiasts of this musical tradition closely linked to the Costa Brava.
Restaurants and the atmosphere of Palamós
Palamós has become one of the leading gastronomic destinations on the Costa Brava in recent years. The importance of its fishing port and fish market, where freshly caught seafood is auctioned every afternoon, has encouraged a cuisine based on local produce and fresh seafood.
The famous Palamós red prawn is the town's culinary symbol, but visitors should also try the rice dishes, suquets, fideuàs and fresh market fish served in many local restaurants.
This culinary evolution has placed Palamós at the centre of Costa Brava gastronomy, with Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants such as DVISI, Kaos, Entre Dos Mons and Puche, alongside more contemporary establishments like Matsu Izakaya, which combines Japanese cuisine with Mediterranean ingredients.
Other highlights include the terrace at Casa Vincke and the gourmet restaurant at Hotel Àncora, which focuses on local produce and fresh fish purchased daily at the fish market. Just a few kilometres away, the Hotel El Far completes the offer with one of the best sea-view restaurants on the Costa Brava.
In addition, the nearby Empordà region allows visitors to discover some of the most prestigious wineries on the DO Empordà Wine Route. Renowned wineries such as Mas Oller offer guided tours and wine tastings among the vineyards.
At sunset, the Palamós lighthouse becomes one of the best places to admire the bay and enjoy spectacular views. Those looking for a livelier atmosphere will find seafront terraces and restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean, such as Mano Palamós, a stylish venue to enjoy drinks, dinner, music and late evenings in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Beaches and coves in Palamós
The beaches and coves of Palamós are among the great treasures of the Costa Brava. With more than a dozen beaches and small coves along its coastline, the town combines urban sandy beaches with hidden corners surrounded by cliffs and pine forests. The Palamós coastal path runs along much of the coastline, connecting many of these beautiful spots.
Right in the town centre, next to the harbour, lies Platja Gran, the town's largest beach, offering all services and a family-friendly atmosphere. Nearby, La Fosca Beach is one of the most popular beaches and is dominated by Sant Esteve Castle.
Further north lies Cala s'Alguer, one of the most picturesque spots on the Costa Brava, famous for its traditional fishermen's huts. Nearby is Castell Beach, one of the last unspoilt stretches of the Catalan coastline, next to the Iberian archaeological site of the same name.
Continuing along the coastal path, visitors reach Cala Canyers and the wild Cala Estreta, surrounded by pine forests and located within the protected natural area of Cap Roig.
Behind the marina, Cala Margarida retains its traditional fishing atmosphere and offers excellent seabeds for diving and snorkelling. To the south, the seafront promenade connecting Palamós and Sant Antoni de Calonge follows long sandy beaches that become particularly lively during the summer months.
Where to stay in Palamós?
In the emblematic house Vincke of Palamós and a few meters from the beach, it has recently opened Casa Vincke Hotel.
The hotel is the result of the rehabilitation of the well-known Vincke house, one of the most emblematic buildings of Palamós and included in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia.
A total of 9 rooms where original elements of the old palace combine with current elements offering cozy spaces that invite you to feel at home. An environment that combines classic elegance with a modern and comfortable style.
The house has a breakfast room, reading room, meeting room, a large garden and swimming pool.
Located a few meters from the quiet Fosca beach, the Àncora Hotel has modern facilities and 46 fully equipped rooms that, added to select international and regional cuisine, make your stay at this hotel an unforgettable experience at any time of the year.
An old XVIII Century Inn located alongside a hermitage and a watchtower on one of the highest headlands in the Mediterranean. It has a central courtyard which separates the hotel from the hermitage, with spectacular terraces and a restaurant. The only one of its kind to enjoy both spectacular views over both the sea and the beaches of Tamariu, Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell. It is an incomparable balcony overlooking the Costa Brava and the Empordà.
Hotel Terramar in Llafranc, a charming village on the Costa Brava, offers sea-view rooms and direct beach access. It stands out for its Mediterranean cuisine, as well as its gym and terraces perfect for relaxation. Llafranc, known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, is the ideal destination for a couples’ or family getaway.
Located on the seafront promenade of Llafranch, Hotel Llafranch is a landmark establishment on the Costa Brava, perfect for those seeking to enjoy spectacular sea views and a high-quality stay. With 28 elegant and well-equipped rooms, this hotel provides the necessary comfort to make your stay a memorable experience.
The gastronomic offering at Hotel Llafranch is focused on traditional Catalan cuisine, with dishes that stand out for their freshness and authentic flavor.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an experience full of natural beauty and local culture, Hotel Llafranch is the perfect destination to disconnect all year round, surrounded by the magic of the Costa Brava.
Can Liret is a charming hotel, a result of the sustainable restoration of a traditional house (1894), former cork manufacturing, where corks were made. Located in the center of Palafrugell, the capital of Empordanet, a perfect location to discover the best stretch of the Costa Brava and the Empordà.
A total of 9 rooms with stone walls, Empordà vaults and wooden beam ceilings. Tradition and comfort, complemented by modern design. Can Liret is the personal project of a couple in love with the small country.
The house has a cottage for breakfast, garden and swimming pool.
Would you like to discover Palamós at your own pace and enjoy its beaches, gastronomy and maritime atmosphere? Take a look at the most charming hotels in Palamós and find the perfect accommodation for your Costa Brava getaway.
