Palamós Beaches

Overview

Palamós is an excellent destination for a beach holiday on the Costa Brava, offering a perfect blend of an authentic, active fishing town and a beautiful coastline. It's a place that caters to many tastes, with a shoreline that features everything from wide, accessible sandy beaches to charming, secluded coves hidden amongst the cliffs. This variety makes Palamós a great choice for travellers who want relaxing beach days combined with the lively atmosphere of a historic town rich in culture and food.

The town's main beach, Platja Gran de Palamós, is a long stretch of golden sand conveniently located in the centre of town. For a different feel, the nearby La Fosca beach is a family favourite, known for its shallow, calm waters. These beaches are connected by the famous Camí de Ronda coastal path, which continues north to reveal some of the area's most treasured spots. A walk along this path will lead you to the picturesque Cala S'Alguer, with its historic fishermen's huts, and onward to the stunningly natural and undeveloped Platja de Castell.

Exploring further reveals even more gems for those seeking a quieter experience. The rugged coast hides peaceful escapes like Cala Estreta, a beautiful, narrow cove that is a well-known spot for naturism. For a memorable day trip, the iconic village of Calella de Palafrugell and its famous beach, Port Bo, are just a short journey away. With a relaxed atmosphere ideal for families and couples, Palamós offers a diverse beach experience. Discover these highlights and more in our full list of the area's best beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Palamós good for a beach holiday?

Yes, Palamós is an excellent destination for a beach holiday. It offers a blend of wide, sandy beaches and small, secluded coves, combined with the atmosphere of an authentic, active fishing town. This makes it a great choice for travelers who want both relaxing beach days and a lively town with a rich history and great food.

Is Palamós more for families or for nightlife?

Palamós is primarily known as a family and couples destination, offering a relaxed atmosphere centered around its beaches and dining. While it has plenty of bars and restaurants, especially around the port, it is not a major party town. For more intense nightlife, the nearby resort of Platja d'Aro is a more suitable option.

Which is better for families: Platja Gran or La Fosca beach?

La Fosca beach is generally considered better for families with young children. Its bay is sheltered, and the water is very shallow and calm, making it a safer environment for kids. Platja Gran, the main town beach, is much larger and more convenient if you are staying in the town center, but the water can get deep more quickly.

Platja Gran de Palamós

What's the water like for swimming in Palamós?

The water in Palamós is known for being clear and generally calm, especially in the protected coves. The swimming season typically runs from June to October. Water temperatures are most comfortable in July and August, averaging around 23-25°C (73-77°F). In June or September, it's still pleasant for many, though slightly cooler.

Where is the best area to stay in Palamós for beach access?

If you want to be close to the main beach (Platja Gran) and have easy access to the town's restaurants and shops, staying in the town center is best. For a quieter atmosphere and proximity to the scenic, family-friendly La Fosca beach, look for accommodation in the La Fosca neighborhood.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Playa Gran

How does Palamós compare to Calella de Palafrugell?

Palamós is a larger, more bustling town with a significant fishing port, a long town beach (Platja Gran), and a wider range of shops and services. Calella de Palafrugell is a smaller, more picturesque former fishing village known for its charming whitewashed buildings, smaller coves, and a generally quieter, more upmarket feel.

Platja Gran de Palamós

Can you walk between the main beaches in Palamós?

Yes, the famous Camí de Ronda coastal path connects the main beaches. You can easily walk from the town center (Platja Gran) to La Fosca in about 20-30 minutes. The path continues from La Fosca to the unspoiled Platja de Castell, passing the picturesque cove of s'Alguer along the way.

Platja Gran de Palamós

Cala S'Alguer

Are there any quiet, hidden beaches near Palamós?

Yes, for a more natural and less crowded experience, you can hike along the Camí de Ronda north of Platja de Castell to find a series of beautiful, unspoiled coves. Cala Estreta and Cala s'Alguer are two of the most well-known 'hidden gems', offering a wilder feel away from the main tourist areas.

Cala Estreta

Cala S'Alguer

People Also Ask

Is it easy to find parking near the beaches in summer?

Parking can be challenging, especially in July and August. Near Platja Gran, you'll mostly rely on paid public car parks. At La Fosca, street parking is limited and fills up quickly. To visit the protected Platja de Castell, there is a large paid car park, but it's recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.

Platja Gran de Palamós

Playa El Castell

Are there any nudist beaches in or around Palamós?

Yes, the area around Palamós is known for being nudist-friendly. The most well-known clothing-optional beach is Cala Estreta, a beautiful, natural cove accessible via a walk from Platja de Castell. The surrounding small coves are also often used by naturists.

Cala Estreta

What is Cala S'Alguer and is it worth visiting?

Cala S'Alguer is a small, highly picturesque cove located between La Fosca and Platja de Castell. It is famous for its historic, white-washed fishermen's huts with colorful doors, which are protected as a site of cultural interest. While it's more of a rocky cove than a sandy beach for sunbathing, it is definitely worth visiting for its unique charm and photo opportunities.

Cala S'Alguer

Are the beaches in Palamós sandy or pebbly?

The main beaches, such as Platja Gran and La Fosca, are composed of coarse golden sand. Some of the smaller, more remote coves (calas) that you can find along the coastal paths, like Cala Margarida, can have a mix of sand and pebbles.