Want to experience the Costa Brava without fighting for a spot on the beach? The stretch of the Camí de Ronda between Palamós and Calella de Palafrugell offers plenty of coves where you can swim in peace and take in the stunning landscapes the Costa Brava is famous for. We’ve rounded up 7 spots worth visiting, how to get to each one, and which one best fits the #CampStories you want to create.
What kind of coves you'll find in Palamós and this part of the Costa Brava
In Palamós, you'll find coves for every taste, each with its own personality. There are sandy beaches with nearby parking, everything close at hand, and easy access, as well as hidden rocky coves that you can only reach on foot.
If you're traveling with kids or want to set up base camp without any hassle, sandy beaches like La Fosca or Platja de Castell make it easy. If you're looking to truly disconnect, without beach bars or loudspeakers, the hidden coves—like Cala s'Alguer or Cala Estreta—are the plan for you.
A large part of the Costa Brava is protected within the Castell-Cap Roig Natural Interest Area, so many of the more hidden coves have no facilities: no beach bars, no permanent lifeguards, and no artificial shade. Just pine trees, clear water, and the coastal path to get there.
7 coves in Palamós worth visiting
From the town center to the cliffs of Cap Roig, there’s a spot for every type of plan. Here are the 7 coves in Palamós you shouldn't miss:
Easy coves if you don't want to walk too far
- Platja de Castell: the largest in the area, with over 300 meters of sand and its own parking lot. It is also the starting point for reaching the more hidden coves on foot.
- La Fosca: a sandy beach right in Palamós, with a promenade, beach bars, and all amenities close by. The most convenient option if you're traveling with children.
- Platja Gran de Palamós: right next to the port, in the heart of town. Perfect if you only have a little time and want a quick swim before eating in town.
Quieter coves if you're looking for scenery and less noise
- Cala s'Alguer: an old fishing village with colorful little houses and boats scattered on the sand. It has no facilities, so bring whatever you might need. It’s about a 9-minute walk from Platja de Castell.
- Cala Estreta: located within the Cap Roig natural area, nestled between pine trees and cliffs. It is a 20-30 minute walk along the coastal path from the Platja de Castell parking lot.
- Cala Canyers: halfway between Palamós and Calella de Palafrugell. It is the most difficult to reach, via a narrow path between rocks, but the cove itself, where you can breathe in the salty air among old fishermen's huts, makes every step worth it.
- Cala Margarida: just behind the Palamós marina. A more secluded spot, ideal if you want calm water without straying too far from town.
How to get there, where to park, and what to bring based on your plans
If you are arriving by car, the reference point is always the same: the Platja de Castell parking lot. From there, the coastal path connects to Cala s'Alguer to the south and to Cala Estreta and Cala Canyers to the north, heading toward Cap Roig.
For the sandy beaches (Castell, La Fosca, and the Platja Gran), you won't need much more than regular footwear and your usual beach umbrella to enjoy a great day by the sea with your group. But if your plan includes any of the hidden coves, change your mindset: wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack sunscreen, because once you leave the parking lot, you will be surrounded by nature—for better or for worse.
HolaCamp Tip: at Cala Estreta, lifeguard services are only available on weekends in July and August, and the other hidden spots have no surveillance at all. Always check the sea conditions before getting into the water so that your #CampStories remain only as good memories.
Which one to choose if you are traveling with family, as a couple, or just want a quick swim
If you are traveling with children, stick to La Fosca or Platja de Castell: plenty of sand, parking nearby, and calm waters.
If you are on a couple's getaway and looking for that spot to truly disconnect, head to Cala s'Alguer, Cala Estreta, or Cala Margarida. These are the coves where the landscape takes center stage and the noise fades away.
And if you only have a little bit of free time between plans, the Platja Gran in Palamós is your best bet: park, take a dip, and be back in town in five minutes.
Where to stay to be just minutes from the coves
After a day spent between the sand and the coastal paths, the last thing you want is a long drive back to bed. At HolaCamp Palamós, in Vall-Llobrega, you’re about 3 km from Platja de Castell and La Fosca, and less than 5 km from Cala s'Alguer and the center of Palamós.
Plus, at the campsite, you can enjoy a pool, a supermarket, and kids' entertainment for the little ones. All while knowing you're supporting tourism that cares, respects, and leaves a positive impact, as the campsite holds the Biosphere sustainable tourism certification. And to make your experience 100% you, you can choose between a pitch, bungalow, glamping tent, or room, depending on how you want to experience the Costa Brava.
Come back every evening with salty skin, leave your flip-flops at the door, and take a dip in the pool before dinner. This is how the best #CampStoriesare made: unhurried, with the Costa Brava just a step away and a great place to crash every night.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best coves in Palamós?
Among the most recommended coves in Palamós are Platja de Castell and La Fosca, which have sandy shores and easy access, as well as Cala s'Alguer, Cala Estreta, Cala Canyers, and Cala Margarida, which are more secluded and less crowded.
Can you reach all the coves in Palamós by car?
No. Only Platja de Castell, La Fosca, and the main beach, Platja Gran de Palamós, have parking nearby. The other coves (s'Alguer, Estreta, Canyers, and Margarida) can be reached on foot via the coastal path.
Which is the quietest cove in Palamós?
Cala Estreta, located within the Cap Roig natural area, is likely the wildest and least crowded, along with Cala Canyers, which is more challenging to reach.
Are there beach bars or lifeguards at the hidden coves?
Not for the most part. Cala Estreta has lifeguard services only on weekends in July and August, and the other hidden coves have no facilities at all, so it's best to bring water and sunscreen.
Where can I stay near the coves of Palamós?
HolaCamp Palamós, in Vall-Llobrega, is located about 3 km from Platja de Castell and La Fosca, and less than 5 km from Cala s'Alguer and the town center.
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