Palamós is one of the most attractive destinations on the Costa Brava. Located in the heart of the Girona coast, it combines seafaring history, spectacular scenery, Mediterranean cuisine and some of the best coves in the Mediterranean.
If you are planning a getaway or a vacation, you are probably wondering what to do in Palamós to make the most of your visit. The good news is that this town offers a wide variety of activities: from enjoying its beaches to discovering the coast sailing, snorkeling, tasting the famous Palamos shrimp or exploring historical places.
In this guide you will find some of the best experiences to enjoy Palamós and the Costa Brava.
Enjoy its most emblematic beaches and coves.
One of the main attractions of the municipality is its coastline. The beaches of Palamós are known for their natural beauty, crystal clear waters and Mediterranean landscapes.
Among the most outstanding are:
Platja Gran de Palamós
It is the main beach of the municipality. It is a wide and urban beach with all the necessary services, ideal for families or to spend a relaxing day by the sea.
La Fosca
One of the most famous beaches in the area. Its golden sand and natural environment make it one of the most pleasant places to swim in the Costa Brava.
S’Alguer Cove
This small corner with old fishermen’s huts is one of the most picturesque places on the coast. Its traditional atmosphere perfectly reflects the seafaring essence of Palamós.
From here you can also access some very nice coastal routes along the coastline.
Discovering the Costa Brava by boat
One of the best ways to get to know the coastline is from the sea. Many of the most spectacular coves in the area can only be discovered by sailing.
That’s why more and more visitors decide to opt for a boat rental in Palamós to explore the coast at their own pace.
Navigating allows access to incredible places such as:
- Cala Estreta
- Margarida Cove
- Foradada Cove
- Cala Golfet
- Formigues Islands
These areas stand out for their transparent waters, seabed full of life and natural landscapes practically untouched.
In addition, renting a boat offers a very different experience to traditional tourism, as it allows you to discover the Costa Brava from a completely different perspective.
If you want to know some of the most interesting routes, you can also consult our guide on boat routes in Palamós, where we explain some of the most recommended itineraries.
Snorkeling in crystal clear waters
The coast of Palamós is perfect for snorkeling. Its rocky bottoms and the clarity of the water allow to observe a great variety of marine species.
Some particularly recommended areas are:
- Cala Estreta
- S’Alguer Cove
- Foradada Cove
- Formigues Islands
In these places it is common to see Mediterranean fish, sea urchins and different species of marine fauna.
Many visitors combine this activity with a boat trip along the Costa Brava, as it allows easy access to quieter areas away from the most crowded beaches.
Tasting the famous Palamós shrimp
Gastronomy is another of the great attractions of the municipality. The Palamós shrimp is one of the best known products of Mediterranean cuisine and one of the gastronomic symbols of the town.
Many restaurants in the port offer dishes prepared with this fresh product that arrives every day from the fish market.
In addition to shrimp, it is also possible to enjoy:
- seafood rice dishes
- fresh fish
- fish suquet
- traditional Catalan dishes.
The port area and the old town concentrate some of the most interesting restaurants to taste the local cuisine.
Stroll through the harbor and the old town
The port of Palamós is one of the most important on the Costa Brava. It combines fishing, sporting and tourist activity, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the year.
Strolling along the harbor allows you to discover:
- traditional fishing boats
- the fish market
- waterfront restaurants
- sport boats.
Nearby is also the old town, where you can stroll through charming streets, quiet squares and small local stores.
Exploring the coastal paths
Another highly recommended activity is to walk along the “caminos de ronda”, old paths that border the coast and were formerly used by fishermen and coast guards.
Today they have become hiking trails with spectacular views.
One of the most beautiful sections connects:
Palamós → Cala s’Alguer → Platja de Castell → Cala Estreta
During the tour you can see cliffs, small coves and Mediterranean landscapes of great beauty.
Enjoying an excursion to the Formigues Islands
The Formigues Islands are a small archipelago located off the coast of Palamós and Palafrugell.
These islands are known both for their natural beauty and for their history, since in the Middle Ages they were the scene of an important naval battle.
They are currently an ideal place for:
- snorkeling
- observe marine fauna
- enjoy the scenery.
Many boat trips include a stop in this area, as it is one of the most spectacular places on the coast.
Experience the sunset from the sea
One of the most special moments of the day on the Costa Brava is the sunset. The golden light of the Mediterranean completely transforms the landscape.
Enjoying a sunset sailing off the coast of Palamós is an experience that many visitors remember for years.
That is why more and more people choose to rent a boat for a few hours to experience this unique moment.
A different experience to discover Palamós
Palamos offers a perfect combination of nature, culture and gastronomy. Its beaches, hidden coves and Mediterranean landscapes make it one of the most attractive destinations on the Costa Brava.
Among all the activities available, exploring the coastline from the sea is undoubtedly one of the most special experiences.
If you want to discover the coastline in a different way, a boat rental in Palamós will allow you to access unique places, enjoy the sea in freedom and experience the Costa Brava from a completely new perspective.
