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 heart of Palamós, just a few steps from the sea, Hotel Casa Vincke occupies one of the town's most iconic historic buildings. This elegant boutique hotel on the Costa Brava, listed in the Architectural Heritage Inventory of Catalonia, combines the character of a former manor house with contemporary design, creating an exclusive retreat where history, tranquillity and the authentic spirit of the Mediterranean coexist in perfect harmony.
Its 9 individually designed rooms preserve many of the property's original features while incorporating warm, contemporary décor. Some feature a fireplace, making them the ideal setting for a romantic getaway or for enjoying the Costa Brava at any time of the year. The hotel can also be booked exclusively, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, private celebrations or small groups seeking complete privacy in a unique setting.
The spacious garden with its outdoor swimming pool is a peaceful oasis in the centre of Palamós, perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach or exploring the Baix Empordà. Every morning, breakfast is prepared with locally sourced products, artisan bread, cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruit and homemade pastries, offering the perfect start to the day while discovering the flavours of the region.
From Casa Vincke, guests can easily walk to Platja Gran de Palamós, La Fosca Beach, the fishing harbour or follow the Camí de Ronda coastal path, which links some of the most beautiful coves on the Costa Brava. Palamós is renowned for its strong maritime heritage, its famous prawns, bustling fish market and outstanding Mediterranean cuisine.
Casa Vincke is the perfect place to discover Palamós at a relaxed pace, staying in a boutique hotel where heritage, design and hospitality come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Hotel Àncora is a welcoming charming hotel in Palamós, located just a few steps from the peaceful La Fosca Beach, one of the most beautiful corners of the Costa Brava. Surrounded by gardens and a privileged natural setting, it is the perfect place to enjoy a holiday where the sea, tranquillity and the Mediterranean lifestyle take centre stage.
Its 46 modern, bright and fully equipped rooms have been designed to provide maximum comfort all year round. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family holiday, the hotel offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere. It is also pet friendly, so your four-legged companion is welcome too.
The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by gardens, peaceful spaces for relaxation and a restaurant serving Mediterranean and international cuisine prepared with quality ingredients, allowing guests to discover the flavours of the region in a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.
From the hotel, guests can easily explore the Camí de Ronda coastal path, discover the crystal-clear coves surrounding Palamós, or visit some of the most charming villages in the Baix Empordà. Hotel Àncora is the perfect destination for a getaway where nature, gastronomy and the Mediterranean spirit turn every stay into an unforgettable experience.
El Far Hotel Restaurant, located beside the iconic Sant Sebastià Lighthouse, is an exclusive charming hotel on the Costa Brava. Perched on a spectacular cliff overlooking the bay of Llafranc, it offers one of the finest viewpoints on the Mediterranean, with breathtaking views of Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu.
This beautifully restored 18th-century former inn is home to a small, elegant hotel with an intimate atmosphere. Many of its rooms feature sea views and private terraces, making them ideal for a romantic getaway or a relaxing stay surrounded by nature and the Mediterranean.
El Far Restaurant is one of the hotel's main highlights. Its Mediterranean cuisine, prepared with seasonal local produce, can be enjoyed on a spectacular panoramic terrace overlooking the sea. The restaurant also takes part in the La Garoinada de Palafrugell gastronomic festival and offers seasonal menus throughout the year showcasing the culinary richness of the Empordà.
From the hotel, you can explore some of the most beautiful sections of the Costa Brava Coastal Path, discover the beaches and coves of Llafranc, Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu, or visit the nearby Iberian archaeological site of Sant Sebastià de la Guarda. Just a few steps away, you'll also find El Far Nomo, a renowned Japanese restaurant with spectacular sea views.
Thanks to its privileged location, outstanding gastronomy and exclusive atmosphere, El Far Hotel Restaurant is the perfect venue for weddings, private events or exclusive hotel buyouts. A charming seafront hotel where you can experience the true essence of the Costa Brava.
Hotel Terramar is a welcoming charming hotel in Llafranc, located directly opposite the beach and the seafront promenade of one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava. Its privileged location allows guests to enjoy the Mediterranean at any time of day, in a peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere where the sea takes centre stage.
The hotel's bright rooms, decorated in an elegant Mediterranean style, have been designed for relaxation and comfort. Many feature a private balcony with sea views, providing the perfect setting to wake up to the sound of the waves and enjoy a romantic getaway or a seaside holiday.
The experience continues in the hotel's restaurant, where the "Terra i Mar" culinary concept celebrates Mediterranean cuisine prepared with fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by a carefully selected range of D.O. Empordà wines. The hotel also features a gym and a bike-friendly area, making it an ideal base for exploring the Costa Brava by bike.
From the hotel, guests can easily walk the Camí de Ronda coastal path between Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most spectacular trails along the Catalan coastline, or discover the crystal-clear coves and charming villages of the Baix Empordà. Hotel Terramar is the perfect destination for a getaway where the Mediterranean, gastronomy and tranquillity come together to create an unforgettable Costa Brava experience.
Hotel Llafranch is an elegant charming hotel in Llafranc, located right on the seafront, along the promenade of one of the most iconic villages on the Costa Brava. Since 1958, it has welcomed travellers looking to enjoy the Mediterranean, the tranquillity of this beautiful bay and the authentic fishing-village atmosphere that defines the Baix Empordà.
Its 28 individually decorated rooms offer a warm and comfortable stay. Many feature views over the sea and Llafranc harbour, creating the perfect setting for a romantic getaway or a relaxing holiday where the Mediterranean is always in sight.
Gastronomy is an essential part of the hotel's identity. Its restaurant serves traditional Catalan cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, while its terraces overlooking the Mediterranean invite guests to savour every meal with exceptional sea views. The culinary experience is complemented by other dining venues, including La Plaça, La Caleta and Trattoria Otto, as well as an exclusive terrace and solarium reserved for hotel guests.
From the hotel, guests can easily explore the Camí de Ronda coastal path between Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell, discover crystal-clear coves and visit some of the most beautiful corners of the Baix Empordà. Hotel Llafranch is the perfect destination for a getaway where the beauty of the Mediterranean, outstanding gastronomy and the authentic spirit of the Costa Brava come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Can Liret is a charming hotel in Palafrugell, in the heart of the Empordà and close to some of the best coves on the Costa Brava. The hotel is the result of the sustainable restoration of a former artisan house dating from 1894, traditionally dedicated to the cork industry, preserving the property's original architecture and character.
Located in the historic centre of Palafrugell, it enjoys an ideal location for discovering the Empordà, the beaches of Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc and Tamariu, as well as the region's beautiful landscapes and charming villages.
Its 9 rooms combine the authenticity of stone walls, vaulted ceilings and wooden beams with contemporary design and modern comforts. Six rooms feature a private terrace, while some also include an in-room bathtub. All rooms are air-conditioned to ensure maximum comfort throughout the year.
The garden and outdoor swimming pool make Can Liret a peaceful hotel with a pool on the Costa Brava, perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach or exploring the hidden gems of the Empordà.
Breakfast is served in the former breakfast house and is prepared using fresh local produce, seasonal ingredients and products sourced from nearby markets and local vegetable gardens.
Can Liret actively participates in the Garoinada, one of the Costa Brava's most iconic gastronomic events, which celebrates sea urchins between January and March through culinary experiences and cultural activities linked to the region.
In addition, the hotel can be booked exclusively in its entirety, offering private catering and chef services, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, celebrations or small group getaways.
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.
