Welcome to Tamariu, a picturesque town nestled on the Costa Brava in north-eastern Spain. Tamariu offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, authentic charm, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. With its pristine beaches, delicious cuisine, and a wide range of activities, Tamariu is an ideal destination for holidaymakers seeking a memorable coastal getaway.
Tamariu. Photo by Paddy Briggs
One of the reasons to choose Tamariu over other areas of the Costa Brava is its unspoiled beauty. The town is surrounded by rugged cliffs, lush pine forests, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, creating a breath-taking backdrop for your vacation. Whether you’re a beach lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind, Tamariu’s idyllic setting will captivate you.
When it comes to accommodation options, Tamariu caters to various preferences and budgets. From charming seaside hotels to spacious vacation rentals, you’ll find a range of comfortable and convenient options to suit your needs. Picture yourself waking up to the soothing sound of the waves and enjoying stunning views of the Mediterranean from your accommodation.
The town is dotted with restaurants and cafes offering an array of traditional Catalan dishes, fresh seafood delicacies, and international cuisine. Treat yourself to a seafood feast with locally caught fish, accompanied by a glass of local wine. You can also explore the markets in Palafrugell to gather fresh ingredients and indulge in a self-prepared meal.
For those seeking adventure and exploration, Tamariu offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Embark on coastal hikes along the scenic Camino de Ronda, which stretches along the coastline, providing views of the Mediterranean Sea. Explore hidden coves and secluded beaches, perfect for a relaxing sunbathing session or a refreshing swim.
If you’re a water sports enthusiast, Tamariu offers an array of thrilling activities to get your adrenaline pumping. Dive into the depths of the Mediterranean Sea and discover vibrant marine life, underwater caves, and shipwrecks. Try your hand at kayaking, paddle boarding, or windsurfing, and feel the rush of gliding across the sparkling waters.
Originally a small fishing village, remnants of Tamariu’s maritime heritage can still be seen today. The town has managed to preserve its authenticity and charm, providing visitors with a glimpse into its storied past.
So, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of authentic Catalan culture, Tamariu promises an unforgettable holiday experience. Pack your bags and get ready to create lasting memories!
Beaches
The main beach at Tamariu boasts a crescent-shaped shoreline with sand, providing a comfortable spot for sunbathing and relaxation. The beach is backed by a promenade lined with restaurants and cafes, offering convenient access to refreshments and local delicacies. With its clear and calm waters, Tamariu Beach is perfect for swimming and enjoying water activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking.
Cala Aigua Dolça is a hidden gem located just a short distance north of Tamariu. This small, secluded cove is known for its tranquillity and natural beauty. The beach features a combination of pebbles and sand, creating a picturesque setting framed by rugged cliffs and lush vegetation. Due to its tucked-away location, Cala Aigua Dolça offers a more intimate and secluded atmosphere compared to the main beach.
Platja dels Liris is another lovely beach situated to the south of Tamariu, accessible by the coastal path. This small, unspoiled beach of coarse sand is nestled between rocky cliffs, offering a sense of seclusion and privacy. The surrounding cliffs provide some shade during the hot summer months, making it a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the beach.
Both offer a tranquil ambiance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter beach experience. While they may not have extensive facilities of Tamariu’s main beach, their natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere more than compensate. They are great places to unwind, read a book, or simply soak up the sun.
Where to stay
When it comes to accommodation options in Tamariu, you’ll find a variety of choices to suit your preferences and budget.
The town has a small selection of hotels. Located right by the beach, Hotel Tamariu (Passeig del Mar, 2) offers stunning sea views and easy access to the town’s main attractions. With its comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a restaurant serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine, this hotel provides a convenient and enjoyable stay.
Situated in a prime position overlooking the beach, Hotel Hostalillo (Carrer De Bella Vista, 22) offers panoramic views and a tranquil atmosphere. The hotel features modern rooms with balconies, a terrace with sun loungers, and a restaurant specializing in seafood dishes. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a relaxing and scenic stay.
Tamariu also offers a range of apartments and rental villas, providing more space and privacy for your vacation. These options allow you to enjoy a home-away-from-home experience and are suitable for families or larger groups. Many of these properties are within walking distance of the beach and town centre, ensuring convenience and comfort during your stay.
If you are looking for a campsite then Camping Tamariu (Carrer de Costa Rica, 2) offers a camping experience amidst nature. It provides spacious pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, as well as rental accommodations such as bungalows and mobile homes. The campsite features amenities like a swimming pool, bar-restaurant, and sports facilities, making it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Unfortunately it doesn’t accept dogs though.
Eating in and eating out
Tamariu offers several excellent dining options within the town itself. Some highly recommended restaurants include El Palanqui (Passeig del Mar, 19), known for its fresh seafood dishes and traditional Catalan cuisine. Another popular choice is Restaurant Es Dofi (Passeig del Mar, 22), which offers Mediterranean flavours and stunning sea views. Can Tonet Bar Restaurant (Carrer de la Riera, 9) is another notable establishment, offering tapas and grilled meats in an unpretentious setting.
If you’re willing to venture to nearby towns, Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell are worth considering. Llafranc boasts renowned restaurants like Hotel Casamar (Carrer del Nero, 3), with its modern take on Catalan cuisine, and Chez Tomàs (Carrer de Lluís Marquès Carbó, 2). In Calella de Palafrugell, you can find excellent dining options such as Tragamar (Passatge Jimmy Rena), known for its innovative seafood dishes, and Calau (Carrer de les Voltes, 2), offering first class tapas.
If you’re self-catering then you’ll find several grocery stores within the town where you can find pretty much everything you need. However, for a wider selection and larger supermarkets, or if you have specific dietary preferences or are looking for specific ingredients, you may need to visit nearby towns like Palafrugell or Palamós.
What to see and do
Apart from the beautiful beach, Tamariu offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Holidaymakers can engage in various sports and water activities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling, to make the most of the coastal setting. Boat rental is also available.
There is also a dive centre in town offering scuba lessons. They also offer equipment rental and daily excursions on a small dive boat to a number of nearby sites. The clear waters and rocky coastline make it an ideal spot for exploring marine life and underwater landscapes.
For those interested in exploring the area’s natural beauty, taking a leisurely hike along the Camí de Ronda coastal path is highly recommended. This scenic trail offers spectacular views of the coastline. Exploring the nearby Cap Roig Botanical Garden in Calella de Palafrugell is also a worthwhile experience, with its stunning collection of Mediterranean flora and panoramic sea views.
History enthusiasts can visit the Sant Sebastià lighthouse, located near Llafranc. The lighthouse provides a fascinating glimpse into the maritime history of the region, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline from its vantage point. Another notable historical site is the medieval Castle of Begur. The castle’s imposing ruins offer a glimpse into the area’s rich past.
Although Tamariu doesn’t have its own market, there is a covered daily market in Palafrugell, open every morning but Monday. There you can browse the stalls offering local food products. Palafrugell also has a street market every Sunday morning. There you can immerse oneself in the local culture as you browse and purchase local crafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs. In summer the street market is also open on Monday.
How to get to Tamariu
To reach the picturesque town of Tamariu in Costa Brava, there are various options available depending on your starting point.
The most common route from the French border is the AP-7 motorway southbound to junction 3 then join the N-II. When you reach the C-31 follow signs in the direction of L’Escala. Continue past the L’Escala turnoff to Verges then turn left and head towards Torroella de Montgrí. Continue on the C-31 past Pals then follow signs for Regencós and Palafrugell. From there, follow the signs to Tamariu, which is approximately a 20-minute drive away. The roads are generally well-maintained, and there are several parking areas available in Tamariu for visitors.
From Barcelona follow the AP-7 northbound towards Girona. Turn off at junction 9A in the direction of the coast and continue on this road past the exists of Tossa de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Platja d’Aro, Palamós until you reach Palafrugell. From here continue to Tamariu as above.
For those who prefer public transportation, there are convenient options as well. If you are flying into Barcelona-El Prat Airport, you can take a train or a bus to reach Tamariu. From the airport, you can take the R2 Nord train to Barcelona Sants station. At Barcelona Sants, transfer to a regional train bound for Girona and get off at Flaçà station. From Flaçà, you can take a taxi or a bus to Tamariu.
Another option is to take a bus from Barcelona. From Barcelona Estació del Nord bus station, there are regular bus services to Palafrugell, the nearest town to Tamariu. From Palafrugell, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Tamariu.
If you fly into Girona-Costa Brava Airport, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach Tamariu. From Girona bus station there are direct bus services to Palafrugell, where you can transfer to a local bus or taxi for the final leg of your journey to Tamariu.
Overall, whether you are driving or relying on public transportation, reaching Tamariu from the French border, Barcelona, or Girona is relatively straightforward, offering various options to suit different preferences and travel needs.
