Paloma on holiday in Palamós, Costa Brava

If someone asked me I’d say “i hate going back to the same place” which in the most part is ture, but this trip is supposed to be different, as Michele keeps reminding me…..

We’re on holiday!, so slow down and relax !

So here we are stopped in almost the same pitch on the same site as last year !

Palamós is one of our favorite Costa Brava towns and after several days here last year, we decided how could we miss it out this time and not share it with our travel buddies who have never visited Spain ?

Palamós is located in the northeastern tip of Spain, in the province of Girona, Catalonia and the area known as the Costa Brava.

It is located about 60 miles northeast of Barcelona.

This Mediterranean coastal town is one of the best preserved fishing villages in the Costa Brava and is a perfect place to relax and learn about the local Catalan culture.

The town offers scenic hiking paths, several beaches, water sports, historical attractions, and a world class fishing museum.

It is also well known for its fresh seafood, cooking workshops, and famous Palamós gambas. If you enjoy seafood, this is the town to visit!

Once again we have chosen the exacellent Camperstop just a few minutes walk from the both the town and the sea! – here’s the short video we shot last year !

So here’s our favourite bits!

Or as I like to call it

“Our Leap of Faiths ultimate guide to visiting Palamós on the costa Brava, Spain in a motorhome”

Ok…….

The best bits !

The old town

The area is best explored on foot and we’d suggest starting the walk by stopping at the Tourist Office on Passeig de Mar.

Here you can get a walking map of the town.

From the tourism office it is a short walk to a set of stairs that brings you to the Mirador de la Plaça de la Murada, a nice viewpoint over the town. In the square you’ll find a seated statue of Ezequiel Torroella i Mató, a painter born in Palamós.

Palamós was officially founded in 1279 by King Pere II and was tasked with defending its royal port.

For centuries, pirate raids and military conflicts would trouble the town, slowing its growth. Most villagers lived within the town walls for protection and it is here that you’ll find the Old Town area.

As you walk around, there are information placards around the town center that provide information on historical buildings, squares, cultural activities, and former businesses

Visit the Port

You’ll find the port of Palamós located between the Platja Gran beach and the Palamós lighthouse, and it includes a marina, a harbor, and a commercial sea port. A stroll around the port is a great place to see the fishing boats and fishing crews in action. You’ll also see plenty of shipping boats and pleasure boats.

The best time to visit the port to see the fishing boats is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and you also get a good view from around the lighthouse. If you arrive at the port before 7:00am, you’ll get to see all the fishing boats head out for the day as all of the boats leave at 7:00am from the port. The fishing boats don’t all come back at the same time but they’ll be back in the late afternoon or early evening before the weekday fish auction which starts at 5:00pm. In the late afternoon you can see them unloading their catches for that day and taking them to the market.

When wandering around the harbor, watch your step as you wander around as there are potential trip hazards (e.g., ropes, ice, fish, equipment)

Visit the Palamós Fish Market

Every weekday afternoon you can see and buy local seafood at the Fish Market. Most of the fish is fresh off the boats from the Palamós fishermen and caught that day. You can see it being brought over from the auction as the market sellers buy it in the auction and then offer it to the public in the market. The fish market is typically open from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Take in the Scenic Views

There are many great panoramic scenic views to find in and around Palamós, and on a nice day you can take in the views whether you are relaxing on the beach, following the hiking trails, or just exploring the Old Town.

Visit the Palamós Beaches

Ok so it’s not really beach weather but ;

Like most coastal towns along the Costa Brava, you’ll find rocky coastline along with sandy beaches in Palamós. Swimming or walking on the beach is a perfect way to spend an afternoon,

Platja Gran

The largest beach, Platja Gran, is a long sandy beach that is well-integrated into the town. It is located a short walk from the town center, tourist information office, and Museu de la Pesca.

Platja Fosca

Platja de la Fosca is another beautiful sandy beach in Palamós. It is located on the other side of the port as the Plaja Gran. It is about a 20 minute walk or so from the city.

This beach is a great family-friendly option with its shallow waters and feels like more of an escape than Platja Gran as it is further from the city center.

Platja Castell

A bit of a hike but well worth it, Platja Castell is a pretty sandy beach on the outskirts of Palamós. In the summer, there is apparently a small café and kayak rental services on the beach, but not on the first day of December.

You can also visit the ruins of an Iberian settlement of Castell just above the beach or the Barraca d’en Dalí located in the forest area.

p.s. the views over the coast are just excellent!

Paul.