As well as the mediaeval town of Palafrugell itself, the municipality covers an area containing the fishing villages of Tamariu, Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell as well as a number of towns inland.
The centre of Palafrugell during the “Flors i Violes” festival. Photo by Moritz Barcelona.
Palafrugell lies around four kilometres inland and was at one time fortified, although only some remains of the city walls still exist. The old town is largely pedestrianised and full of bars, restaurants and shops and here you’ll find the church of Sant Martí which dates from the 11th century and was further enlarged in the 14th and 15th centuries.
There is also a major bus station located in Palafrugell with numerous buses running throughout the day to Barcelona, Girona and a number of other towns on the Costa Brava. It’s a convenient location if you want to explore the Costa Brava using public transport then.
You can zoom in or click on the icons for more infoEach year the town hosts a music festival in the botanical gardens of Cap Roig, near Calella de Palafrugell. From early July to mid August featuring both local bands and internationally acclaimed artists.
Beaches
Like the coast of Begur, Palafrugell’s is rugged with smaller beaches and rocky coves ideal for swimming and snorkelling. There are no wide expanses of sand found in other areas, although the three fishing villages in the municipality do have smaller sand beaches. Tamariu, Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell are all far quieter than the larger resorts and have plenty of good restaurants with fresh seafood and great for fining al fresco.
While small, the villages’ beaches are rather pretty. The hills surrounding them are covered in pine forest and the whitewashed buildings take you back to another time with an altogether slower pace of life. This is a very different side to the Costa Brava to the hedonism of Lloret de Mar. Yes, it is busy in the summer. But it’s more about enjoying unspoilt surrounds and enjoying good food than the nightlife and partying.
Where to stay
While most visitors to Palafrugell stay in holiday homes, there are a small number of hotels.
In Tamariu the 3-star Hotel Hostalillo is just a few steps from the beach. Llafranc has more choice, including the 3-star Hotel Llafranch which was a favourite haunt of Salvador Dalí and author Tom Sharpe was a long-term resident. And in Calella de Palafrugell the 3-star Hotel Mediterrani has a terrace bar overlooking the beach. For more choice see our page on Palafrugell hotels.
There are also a surprising number of campsites in Palafrugell. Most of these are at Calella de Palafrugell, with a number located close to the C-31 highway. Tamarui also has a single 125-plot pine-shaded campsite with views of the sea and mountains and 250 metres from the beach. It’s pretty ideal if camping is your thing.
Eating in and eating out
When it comes to dining in the charming town of Palafrugell, you’ll find a variety of excellent options to satisfy your taste buds. Here are some of the best places to eat within the town:
The renowned Restaurant L’Arc (Carrer del Consell, 13) offers a delightful blend of traditional Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine prepared from fresh local ingredients. Between January and March you’ll find sea urchins on the menu. The atmosphere and attentive service add to the overall dining experience. Restaurant La Xicra (Carrer de Sant Antoni, 17) is a family-run establishment that prides itself on serving dishes from the Empordà region.
In terms of self-catering, Palafrugell provides several options for grocery shopping. There are supermarkets within the town where you can find a wide range of fresh produce, local products, and everyday necessities. Additionally, Palafrugell hosts a weekly market where you can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local products directly from the producers. If you’re looking for specialty food items or a wider variety of options, nearby larger towns like La Bisbal d’Empordà or Palamós offer additional shopping opportunities.
While Palafrugell offers a good selection of food shops, some visitors may find that certain specialty or international food items are not as readily available. If you have specific dietary requirements or preferences, it may be worth exploring larger nearby towns or cities for a more diverse range of food shopping options.
What to see and do
While the pristine beaches are an undeniable draw, Palafrugell offers a multitude of activities and attractions for holidaymakers seeking new experiences in this coastal paradise.
For sports enthusiasts, Palafrugell provides an array of options to stay active and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Explore the picturesque coastal paths on foot or by bike, immersing yourself in the breath taking landscapes and enjoying the fresh sea air. The region’s rugged terrain also offers opportunities for hiking and trekking, where you can discover hidden coves and panoramic viewpoints. Additionally, water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling are popular activities, allowing you to explore the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life of the Costa Brava.
Palafrugell boasts several noteworthy sights and attractions. A visit to the iconic Botanical Gardens of Cap Roig is a must. This enchanting garden features a stunning collection of Mediterranean plants, sculptures, and breathtaking views of the coastline. During the summer months, the gardens host the prestigious Cap Roig Music Festival, attracting renowned national and international artists.
Art enthusiasts should not miss the Cork Museum (Museu del Suro) in Palafrugell. Discover the fascinating history of cork production in the region and learn about its importance in various industries. The museum offers engaging exhibitions and interactive displays, providing a unique cultural experience.
For history buffs, a visit to the medieval village of Pals, located just a short distance from Palafrugell, is highly recommended. Explore its cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and fortified walls, transporting yourself back in time. The village offers panoramic views from its medieval watchtower, rewarding visitors with stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by attending the weekly market in Palafrugell. Every Sunday, the town comes alive with stalls selling fresh produce, local crafts, and a variety of goods. Experience the lively atmosphere, interact with locals, and indulge in the flavours of the region.
During the summer, Palafrugell hosts various traditional festivals, showcasing the town’s rich cultural heritage. The Festa Major, celebrated at the end of July in honour of the town’s patron saint, is a highlight, featuring parades, live music, dance performances, and fireworks. These cultural events offer a unique opportunity to witness the town’s vibrant traditions and immerse yourself in the local community.
Palafrugell is a treasure trove of experiences, blending natural beauty, historical landmarks, cultural events, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply relaxation on the golden beaches, Palafrugell promises a memorable holiday along the enchanting Costa Brava.
How to get to Palagrugell
From the French border follow the AP-7 past Figueres until junction 5, where you should join the GI-623. Continue for around 10 kilometres then turn right, onto the C-31, at Viladamat. When you reach Verges follow the C-31 to the left and continue through Torroella de Montgrí, past Pals and Regencós and to Palafrugell. The drive should take an hour and ten minutes or so.
For those travelling from Barcelona, the most direct route is the AP-7 motorway northbound in the direction of Girona. Turn onto the C-35 at junction 9A towards Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Platja d’Aro as the road becomes the C-65 and C-31. It takes about 90 minutes. This road is fairly new and in good condition so you’ll progress quickly but there is extremely heavy traffic on Friday evenings in summer as people spend the weekend on the coast and Sunday evenings are bad in the other direction.
From Barcelona El Prat Airport take a train or a bus to Barcelona Sants station or a bus to Estació del Nord bus station. From Barcelona Sants take the train to Girona, from where you can continue by bus – the bus station is next door to the train station. From Estació del Nord you can take a bus directly to Palafrugell. It takes around 3 hours.
If you’re flying into Girona-Costa Brava Airport, take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Girona city centre, and then catch a bus that will take you to Palafrugell. The bus journey from Girona to Palafrugell is approximately 90 minutes.
Once in Palafrugell, the town is easily explored on foot, and public transportation within the town and to nearby attractions is available, including buses that connect Palafrugell with other towns along the Costa Brava.
