In Palamós, fishing and the coast reveal different sides of the town: the Museu de la Pesca focuses on maritime life, while the Camí de Ronda heads east along the coast. There are also traces of an Iberian settlement, historic buildings, coves and Mediterranean coastal woodland. Depending on whether you are interested in local fishing culture, history or landscapes, you will find different ways to shape your stay here.
Fishing and maritime life
The Museu de la Pesca is dedicated to the past, present and future of fishing. Its permanent exhibition is complemented by activities exploring maritime life and fishing on the Costa Brava. The Barques del Peix broaden this perspective as a floating museum, where you can visit the boats. Together, the museum and boats offer a way to move from exhibits to tangible evidence of the fishing tradition.
The fish auction is another topic you can explore locally. The Museu de la Pesca offers visits where you can learn how the auction works at the Palamós fish market. At the Espai del Peix, the focus is on fish and its preparation: sessions are offered on identifying, preparing and cooking fish, along with courses, show cooking events, workshops and tastings of traditional fish dishes. For these activities and guided visits, it is worth checking the latest dates, as schedules can change.
Iberian and local history
The Poblat ibèric de Castell was a fortified Iberian settlement founded in the 6th century BC. Its economy developed through trade with Empúries. The Castell de Sant Esteve tells of a different historical period: it was built over a Roman villa and was first mentioned in 1063. It stands on a sea-facing cliff between La Fosca beach and Cala S’Alguer cove.
Cala S’Alguer is a traditional fishing settlement in the municipality of Palamós, in Baix Empordà. It lies between La Fosca and Castell beach, near the former Castell de Sant Esteve de Mar. The Nucli antic de Sant Joan also offers its own perspective on local history: the old centre grew from farmhouses and artisans’ homes around the square and church. These different settings sit side by side—from settlement history to a fishing village and an old quarter that grew from residential buildings.
Coastal trails, coves and landscapes
The Camí de Ronda begins at Platja Gran, climbs towards Pedró and then continues east along the coast towards Cap Roig. Palamós also has sandy beaches, rocky coves and mixed coves that are easy to reach on foot or by vehicle. Local conditions may vary.
Beyond the Palamós coastline lies the Espai Natural Castell-Cap Roig: this Mediterranean woodland covers 1,100 hectares and spans the municipalities of Palamós, Calella de Palafrugell and Mont-ras. Cap Gros is a single viewpoint, a 74-metre-high promontory that drops steeply towards the sea. From there, you can see the Illes Formigues, Castell and La Fosca. The coastal route, coves, woodland and viewpoint offer different ways to explore the landscape; you can choose according to your interests, without having to follow a particular route.
Discover more destinations: Les Preses, Portbou, Ripoll, Sant Andreu Salou, Fortià, La Vall De Bianya, Fontanilles, Sant Mori.
Go to the main travel overview: Girona.
