Palamos (Spain Costa Brava)

Palamos is a port town in Western Mediterranean (Costa Brava region) in Girona province (Catalonia, Spain). The town has total area of 14 km2 (5 ml2) and population around 18,000. The other large Costa Brava cruise port is Roses.

Palamos is located at the northern end of a bay, popular among tourists for sailing, windsurfing and swimming. The town is by-passed by highway C31 - Catalonia's main road connecting all coastal towns of Costa Brava with Girona. Approx 9 km (5 ml) to the north is Palafrugell and Castell-Platja d'Aro is 7 km (4 ml) to the south.

The town became Mediterranean Costa Brava's main seaport after the closure of Sant Feliu. Here is homeported one of the last fishing fleets on this part of Mediterranean Sea. Major economic activities until the 2nd half of 20th century were cork manufacturing and commercial fishing. Since the 1960s, the town enjoys a rapid growth of tourism. Most development projects were at Sant Antoni de Calonge (to the south) that merged with Palamos. Nightlife is focused on the old port, surrounded by restaurants and bars.

Palamos is east of Barcelona and the port has two berths for cruise ships. The region has secluded creeks, beaches with fine sand, shops and restaurants specialized in fresh fish. Nearby is the old Gerona city with the quarter inhabited by Jews until 15th century, a maze of narrow Medieval streets, impressive Gothic cathedral and Film Museum.

A must-see is the Dalí Theatre-Museum (in Figueres) and painter's house (in Pubol) turned into a museum. Nearby are also several golf courses and the medieval village Perelada with its castle casino and famous wine cellar restaurants.

Palamos cruise terminal