Things To Do
in Palamós
Palamós is a charming coastal town on the Costa Brava in Catalonia, known for its working fishing port, wide sandy beach and seafood cuisine. The town blends traditional Catalan life with summer tourism, offering a lively harbor, seaside promenades and a compact old quarter. Palamós is also a hub for marine activities — diving, boat trips and an active fishing industry shape much of its character.
From relaxed beach days to coastal hikes and fresh-catch restaurants, it’s a compact base for exploring the northern Costa Brava.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets of Palamós' historic center, where you can admire the charming architecture of the old town. Visit the local market where you can sample fresh produce and buy artisanal goods from friendly vendors. Don't miss the opportunity to stop by the Church of Santa Maria, a beautiful 18th-century structure that showcases the town's rich history.
After lunch at a quaint local café, head to the Palamós Museum to discover the town's maritime heritage and the fishing industry that shaped its economy. Spend time exploring the nearby waterfront, where you can watch fishermen at work and see the colorful boats bobbing in the harbor. Take a moment to relax at the nearby beach, soaking in the sun and the Mediterranean breeze.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a beachfront restaurant, where you can savor fresh seafood dishes paired with local wines. The lively atmosphere of the promenade will draw you in, with street performers and local artisans showcasing their crafts. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the beach, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.
Start your day at La Fosca Beach, known for its golden sands and clear waters, perfect for a morning swim. Rent a paddleboard or kayak and glide across the calm waters, taking in the stunning coastal views. Engage in a friendly game of beach volleyball with locals or simply relax under the sun with a good book.
After a morning of fun, enjoy a beachside lunch at one of the charming chiringuitos (beach bars) offering delicious tapas and refreshing drinks. In the afternoon, join a guided snorkeling tour to explore the underwater beauty of the Costa Brava, where you might encounter colorful marine life. The thrill of the water adventure will leave you invigorated and ready for more.
As evening approaches, return to your hotel to freshen up before heading out for dinner in the bustling town center. Choose from a variety of restaurants offering traditional Catalan cuisine, from hearty stews to exquisite seafood paella. Cap off your night with a stroll along the beach, where you can enjoy the twinkling lights of the town reflecting on the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso) | $2-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent fresh seafood and maritime culture
- Beautiful Costa Brava coastline with clear water and coves
- Compact, walkable town with a relaxed pace
- Good base for coastal hikes and day trips to neighboring villages
- Very busy and more expensive in peak summer months
- Limited late-night clubbing and nightlife variety compared with big cities
- Smaller town services outside summer (some shops and activities reduce hours)
- Parking and traffic can be challenging during high season
- "Bon dia / Buenos días" - Good morning / Good day
- "Gràcies / Gracias" - Thank you
- "Si us plau / Por favor" - Please
- "On és ... ? / ¿Dónde está ... ?" - Where is ... ?
- "Quant costa? / ¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Soc al·lèrgic/ al·lèrgica a ... / Soy alérgico/a a ..." - I am allergic to ...
- "Emergències / Emergencias" - Emergencies
Places to Visit in Palamós
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant morning and evening scenes of fishing boats, nets, and the working harbor — great for golden-hour shots and candid maritime life.
Wide sandy beach framed by the promenade; ideal for sunrise, sunset and people-on-the-beach photos in summer.
Coastal footpath with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and turquoise water — excellent for seascapes and dramatic coastal compositions.
Elevated viewpoints near the old town offering panoramas over the bay and town rooftops; good for wide-angle shots.
Colorful nets, boat equipment and fish displays make compelling close-ups and documentary-style images.
Food in Palamós
Palamós Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The prized Palamós prawn (gamba) — sweet and succulent — best eaten simply grilled or boiled; available at fish markets and top seafood restaurants on the port.
Must-Try!
A Catalan fisherman's fish stew of mixed local fish and potatoes (sometimes with rice), served in many traditional restaurants; hearty and regional.
Locally cured anchovies are a staple — try them on bread or in salads at markets and tapas bars.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning market and direct port stalls where local fishermen sell the day’s catch; perfect for seeing and buying fresh prawns, fish and shellfish — arrive early.
Typical town market offering fruit, vegetables, cheeses and local preserves — good for picnic supplies and regional flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite 'Bon dia' (Catalan) or 'Buenos días' (Spanish) and a handshake or two cheek kisses among acquaintances are common; using a few Catalan phrases shows respect.
Lunch often starts 13:30–15:30 and dinner after 20:30 in summer; be patient — dining is relaxed and meals can be long social occasions.
Local identity ties closely to fishing — be respectful around working docks and boats; avoid disturbing nets and equipment.
Residential areas value calm evenings — keep noise down late at night, especially outside peak tourist spots.
Safety
Tipping in Palamós
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: leaving small change or rounding up (5–10%) in restaurants for good service is common; €1–€2 for café staff or bar service; taxis are often rounded up.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and shops; smaller markets, bars and rural vendors may prefer cash — carry euros for markets and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild, pleasant temperatures (15–22°C / 59–72°F), blooming landscapes and fewer crowds — ideal for hiking, cycling and off-season coastal walks.
Hot and dry with busy beaches and full restaurants; peak season (July–August) brings lively nightlife and limited parking — book accommodation early.
Warm early autumn and a gradual cool-down by late October; quieter than summer, good for seafood-focused dining (fresh catch) and coastal hikes after the tourist season.
Cooler, wetter and much quieter — many tourist services reduce hours but the town retains local life; good for low-season rates and exploring without crowds.
Palamós at Night
Hiking in Palamós
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic coastal footpath with cliffs, coves and beaches — sections are suitable for day hikes and photography.
Wooded hills inland offering shaded trails, rural farms and panoramic viewpoints — good for moderate hikes and mountain biking.
Extended routes with varied terrain, including rocky outcrops and panoramic sea views; part of the long-distance GR coastal route.
Near Calella de Palafrugell, botanical gardens and clifftop paths combine cultivated landscapes with coastal scenery — pleasant, shorter walks.
Airports
How to reach Palamós by plane.
About 40–60 minutes by car from Palamós depending on traffic — convenient for regional and low-cost flights with shuttle and car rental links.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or shuttle/bus depending on connections — more international flight options and transport links to Girona and the Costa Brava.
Across the French border, around 1.5–2 hours by car — an alternative for some regional flights, particularly from France.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents who maintain traditional businesses, fishing activities and community life; Catalan language and customs are prominent.
Spanish and international holidaymakers (French, British, Dutch, German) who swell the population in summer for beach and gastronomy tourism.
Northern European retirees and second-home owners who enjoy the quieter off-season lifestyle and mild climate.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Most popular team sport with many local amateur clubs and active youth programs; matches and community support are common.
Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular along the coast thanks to calm coves and sailing schools.
Recreational scuba diving is prominent because of the rich marine life and rocky seabeds of the Costa Brava.
Road cyclists and mountain bikers use coastal roads and nearby hill trails; trail running is common on the Camí de Ronda and surrounding hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Palamós.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but less central than seafood; look for vegetable-based tapas, salads, rice dishes and Catalan vegetable stews (escudella less common). Inform staff ('sóc vegetarià/vegetariana' or Spanish 'soy vegetariano/a') and most restaurants will adapt dishes.
Smaller selection than in big cities but increasing availability — bakeries, some cafés and modern restaurants offer gluten-free bread and vegan options; ask about ingredients and cross-contamination.
Seafood is omnipresent; clearly state shellfish or fish allergies in Spanish or Catalan and confirm that meals are prepared separately to avoid cross-contact.