If there is a product that defines the gastronomy of the Costa Brava, it is the Palamós Prawn. The intense vermell color, the unmistakable flavor and the firm texture turn it into a cobejat delicacy both for renowned chefs and for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine.
Beyond its exceptional quality, the de Palamós Prawn is part of the cultural and economic identity of the region. The fishing, the commercialization of the llotja and the presence of the best restaurants on the coast have turned it into a symbol of the Catalan seafaring tradition.
In this guide, explore what is unique about the Palamós Prawn, as it is caught sustainably and can be harvested at its highest level.
1. The Palamós shrimp: a unique Mediterranean product
📍 Origin and Characteristics
The deep waters of the Palamós Canyon, an underwater formation with great biodiversity, provide the perfect habitat for this species of red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus). The combination of temperatures, currents and nutrients in this area is key to its flavor and quality.
Its most distinctive features are:
🔹 Intense red color that differentiates it from other Mediterranean shrimp.
🔹 Deep and slightly sweet flavor, the result of feeding on plankton-rich waters.
🔹 Firm and juicy meat, perfect for grilling, steaming or even raw in carpaccio.
📍 History and Evolution
Although shrimp fishing in Palamós began at the beginning of the 20th century, its peak came in the 50s and 60s, when its quality began to be recognized in markets and restaurants throughout Catalonia.
Currently, the Palamós Prawn has a quality seal awarded by the Palamós Fishermen’s Guild, which guarantees its origin and the application of sustainable fishing techniques.
2. Prawn fishing: tradition and sustainability
⚓ Traditional Fishing Method
Fishing for the Palamós Prawn is carried out using the art of bou, a bottom trawling system used by the local fishing fleet. The boats leave the port in the morning and return in the afternoon to auction the seafood caught at the Palamós Market.
The auction process, open to the public, is a spectacle in itself. Restaurateurs, wholesalers and private customers bid for the best shrimp of the day, ensuring that only the highest quality ones reach the best restaurants.
⚓ Commitment to Sustainability
In recent years, fishermen have implemented conservation measures to prevent overexploitation:
✅ Biological stoppages at certain times of the year to allow the regeneration of the species.
✅ Reduction of daily catches to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
✅ Use of fishing techniques that minimize the impact on the seabed.
Thanks to these efforts, the Palamós Prawn continues to be a sustainable and high-quality resource.
3. Where to taste the best shrimp in Palamós
To enjoy this delicacy at its maximum splendor, the ideal is to go to restaurants that work with fresh produce from the market and prepare it respecting its quality.
🍴 The Best Restaurants to Try Palamós Prawn
📍 El Racó del Mar (Palamós) → Specialized in fresh seafood and traditional seafood dishes.
📍 Taverna del Port (Sant Feliu de Guíxols) → Offers one of the best versions of grilled shrimp.
📍 Ca l’Adela (Calella de Palafrugell) → Ideal to enjoy a seafood paella with fresh shrimp.
💡 Tip: If you want to make sure you try the best prawns of the day, opt for restaurants that buy directly at the Palamós Market.
4. Recipe: how to cook Palamós shrimp at home
If you prefer to prepare this delicacy on your own, here is a simple recipe to taste the Palamós Prawn in its purest form.
🔥 Grilled Palamós Prawn
🦐 Ingredients:
- 500g of Palamós Prawn
- coarse salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
🥘 Preparation:
- Heat a frying pan or griddle with a little olive oil.
- Place the shrimp and add a pinch of coarse salt.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Serve hot and accompany with a dry white wine.
💡 Tip: Do not cook them too much so that they maintain their juiciness and natural flavor.
5. The complete experience: sailing and eating on the Costa Brava
Enjoying the Palamós Prawn is even more special when combined with a day at sea.
One of the best experiences on the Costa Brava is to rent a boat to explore its coves and then enjoy a meal with fresh seafood in a beachfront restaurant. Some of the most recommended destinations for this plan are:
🌊 Cala S’Alguer → A picturesque corner with fishermen’s houses.
🌊 Cala Estreta → A hidden paradise perfect for anchoring and swimming.
🌊 Llafranc → One of the towns with the best gastronomic offer on the coast.
💡 Tip: If you decide to sail before the meal, be sure to choose a boat with shade and enough space to relax before the tasting.
Conclusion
The Palamós Prawn is much more than a gastronomic product: it represents tradition, the effort of fishermen and the culinary richness of the Mediterranean. Its unmatched flavor and quality make it a must-have for any lover of good food.
If you want to enjoy a unique experience on the Costa Brava, combining sea, sailing and gastronomy, there is nothing better than renting a boat and discovering its best corners before tasting this delicacy in one of the local restaurants.
🚤 Live the sea, enjoy the tradition and discover the authentic Prawn from Palamós. 🌊🍽️
