Visit Palamos
Palamos is in the province of Girona in Spain's Catalonia region. It is an attractive port and has an interesting old town. It is on the coast between Begur and Sant Feliu de Guixols.
Explore Palamos
Spain This Way comment: Palamos is not the prettiest of the Cost Brava resorts but it has a large sandy beach, lots of facilities and a lively atmosphere making it a good choice for families or young travellers.
Palamos is a working fishing village whose most important catch is prawns so be sure to order 'gambas' from one of the excellent fish restaurants in Palamos. Many of these are centered around the old port - on a night much of the nightlife is centered around here too.
Next to Palamos' fishing port is a large sandy beach and there is also a small fairground on the beach. Boat trips can be organised from the port.
Winding uphill behind the beach Palamos has an attractive old centre with narrow streets, attractively painted buildings and two churches - the 16th century Santa Eugenia Villarroma and the 15th century Santa Maria del Mar. Wandering around you can get some excellent views over the beach and the marina.
Pop into the tourist office on Passeig de Mar for a walking map of the town to make sure you don't miss any of the main sites.
Platja Gran is the main town beach and has the most facilities. On the other side of the port is the La Fosca beach where you will find the medieval castle of Sant Esteve. This beach is popular with families as the water does not get deep until quite far out. It is about a 20 minute walk from the centre of town or a 5 minute drive. The third main beach is Platja Castell which is the furthest away but probably the prettiest.
There are various other beaches nearby and there is a very nice coastal bath linking them all and so you can mix a nice hike with a spot of beach-hopping!
Palamos is a popular stopping point for cruise ships travelling the Mediterranean and you will often see a large cruise ship docked in the port.
The fishing industry has been important to the development in Palamos and there is still an important fishing industry in the town. To learn more about it visit the fishing museum, the 'Museu de la Pesca' at the port. Next to here is the 'Espai del Peix', the 'Fish Space' where you can see fish-cookery demonstrations and take part in cookery workshops.
Where to visit near Palamos?
Near to Palamos are two of the nicest beaches of the Costa Brava - the lovely Cala S'Alguer with its picturesque 19th century fishermen's huts, and the unspoiled Platja de Castell. Indeed the Platja de Castell is the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on the Costa Brava and environmentalists are ensuring it stays this way.
On the northern edge of the Platja de Castell is an Iberian settlement that you can visit with ruins dating back to the 6th century.
The lovely medieval village of Pals is just a few kilometers to the north of Palamos.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Girona guide and the Catalonia guide.
Photos of Palamos
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Map of Palamos and places to visit
Palamos places to visit
Jardins de Cap Roig
The Cap Roig botanical garden is a beautiful garden in a beautiful cliff-top location with sweeping views over the sea.
Jardins de Cap Roig guide
Calella-de-Palafrugell
Calella-de-Palafrugell is one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava coast.
Calella-de-Palafrugell guide
Platja d'Aro
Platja d'Aro is a popular beach resort with a large sandy beach and lots of facilities.
Platja d'Aro guide
Begur
Begur is a charming village set a little inland with good bus links to its beaches on the Costa Brava.
Begur guide
Sant Feliu de Guixols
Sant Feliu de Guixols is a relaxed resort with a Benedictine monastery. The town has an interesting mix of colonial and Moorish architecture.
Sant Feliu de Guixols guide
Pals
Pals is a lovely medieval village that has been beautifully restored. Pals is home to an important international golf course.
Pals guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Catalonia