Palamós is an excellent starting point for discovering much more than the coast. A short drive away, you'll find some of the most beautiful towns and villages in the Baix Empordà, with medieval centres, stone streets, old fishermen's houses, castles and a rich artisan tradition that forms part of the identity of this area of the Costa Brava.
If you're spending several days in Palamós, dedicating a morning or afternoon to exploring some of these places is a great way to discover another side of the Empordà, combining days by the sea with heritage, culture and small historic towns that are best explored on foot.
From Pals and Peratallada to Begur and Calella de Palafrugell, here are six charming towns and villages near Palamós that are well worth including in your getaway.
Place Don't miss
Pals Medieval old town and Gothic quarter
Peratallada Stone streets and medieval architecture
Begur Castle and Indiano heritage
Monells Plaça Major and medieval centre
Calella de Palafrugell Seafaring tradition and Port Bo
La Bisbal d'Empordà Ceramics, craftsmanship and heritage
1. Pals, One of the Best-Known Medieval Towns in the Empordà
Pals is one of those places that's best explored without too much of a plan: simply arrive, start walking and let its streets guide you.
Its historic centre retains a strong medieval character, with cobbled streets, arches, stone houses and historic features that make wandering around the town one of its main attractions.
One of its most recognisable landmarks is the Torre de les Hores, the former castle tower that rises above the historic centre.
It's also worth taking your time to explore the Gothic quarter and visiting its viewpoints to admire the surrounding Empordà landscape.
Ideal for: lovers of medieval towns, heritage and walks through atmospheric stone streets.
2. Peratallada, Stone Streets Within a Historic Fortified Village
If you're looking for medieval villages near Palamós, Peratallada is another essential stop.
Its name is closely associated with the stone on which it stands, and its historic centre preserves numerous features from its medieval past.
The old fortified centre and castle-palace form one of the most interesting medieval ensembles in the area. The castle was documented as early as the 11th century, and defensive structures and architectural elements from different periods can still be seen today.
But one of the best ways to discover Peratallada is simply to wander through its narrow streets, pass beneath its arches and stop in its small squares.
It's a particularly pleasant place to combine a cultural visit with lunch or a stop before continuing your journey through the Baix Empordà.
Ideal for: a half-day excursion and anyone who enjoys getting lost in small historic villages.
3. Begur, a Castle with Views and a Remarkable Indiano Legacy
Begur brings something different to this route.
Its skyline is dominated by the remains of Begur Castle, located at the highest point of the town and closely linked to its history.
But another of its major attractions can be found in its streets: its Indiano heritage.
During the 19th century, more than 500 inhabitants of Begur crossed the Atlantic in search of fortune in the Americas. The return of some of them left an important architectural and cultural legacy that can still be discovered today through the town's Indiano houses.
Walking around Begur therefore reveals a distinctive combination of medieval history and architecture connected to those who returned from the Americas.
Ideal for: anyone interested in heritage, history and something different from a purely medieval village.
4. Monells, a Small Medieval Village to Explore at Your Own Pace
Smaller than some of the other places on this list, Monells is perfect for anyone looking for one of those villages best discovered simply by walking around.
Its medieval centre retains narrow stone streets, arches and squares that preserve much of the village's historic character.
One of its most recognisable spaces is Plaça Jaume I, commonly known as the Plaça Major, surrounded by arcaded buildings.
You don't need a long list of monuments to visit here. Part of Monells' appeal lies precisely in wandering through its historic centre, noticing the details and enjoying the atmosphere of a small inland village in the Baix Empordà.
Ideal for: a peaceful stop as part of a route through several villages in the Empordà.
5. Calella de Palafrugell, Seafaring Character Beside the Mediterranean
After exploring several inland villages, Calella de Palafrugell brings you back to the Mediterranean without losing its traditional character.
This former fishing village is made up of several small coves and retains narrow streets, sloping tiled roofs and old fishermen's houses. It is one of the places on the Costa Brava that has managed to preserve the charm of the coastal villages that existed before the arrival of mass tourism.
One of its most recognisable spots is Port Bo, with its characteristic arches overlooking the sea.
Here, your plans can be as simple as strolling by the sea, exploring the narrow streets and sitting for a while overlooking the Mediterranean.
Calella de Palafrugell also holds the Poble amb Encant and Barris i Viles Marineres distinctions awarded by the Catalan Tourism Agency.
Ideal for: combining a stroll through a traditional fishing village with the Mediterranean.
6. La Bisbal d'Empordà, the Capital of Ceramics
We finish with something completely different.
La Bisbal d'Empordà has a deep connection with ceramics, an activity that has shaped its history, economy and even its urban landscape.
Today, it is one of Catalonia's leading ceramic centres, and its old industrial chimneys and specialist shops are reminders of the importance this craft has held for centuries. The first documented reference to the pottery trade in La Bisbal dates back to 1502.
One of the most interesting places to visit is the Terracotta Museu, housed in a former ceramics factory and home to a collection of more than 10,000 pieces, as well as historic kilns, chimneys and other elements related to the production process.
You can also take the opportunity to discover the town's ceramics shops and workshops and explore its historic centre.
Ideal for: anyone interested in craftsmanship, culture and an excursion that's different from the usual coastal experiences.
Which Towns Near Palamós Should You Visit?
If you don't have time to see them all, choose according to what you'd most like to discover.
If you're looking for... Our suggestion
An essential medieval town Pals
Medieval streets and architecture Peratallada
History and Indiano heritage Begur
A small, peaceful historic village Monells
A traditional fishing village Calella de Palafrugell
Crafts and ceramics La Bisbal d'Empordà
If you're staying for several days, you can also combine some of them in a single outing, depending on the distances involved and how much time you'd like to spend in each place.
A Different Route for Every Day of Your Stay
One of the advantages of staying in Palamós is being able to experience different sides of the Baix Empordà during the same getaway.
You can spend one day by the Mediterranean discovering the best beaches and coves in Palamós, another walking a section of the Camí de Ronda, and set aside another day to explore the inland villages.
This means that a longer stay doesn't have to revolve solely around the beach: medieval heritage, seafaring culture, craftsmanship, gastronomy and the landscapes of the Empordà are all within easy reach.
Casa Vincke, a Base for Exploring the Baix Empordà
Staying in Palamós allows you to use the town as a base for discovering different parts of the Baix Empordà and return to the same accommodation after each day's excursions.
Casa Vincke is set in a historic 19th-century residence that retains much of its original character. Its nine rooms are spread across the two floors of the house and combine historic features, such as hydraulic tile floors and decorative coffered ceilings, with comfortable contemporary spaces.
From Palamós, you can spend the day discovering Pals, Peratallada, Begur, Monells or La Bisbal d'Empordà, before returning to enjoy the town, head down to the sea or explore its local dining scene.
In this way, Casa Vincke provides a convenient base for combining the coast, heritage and the villages of the Empordà during the same stay, without having to change accommodation every day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Towns and Villages Near Palamós
Which towns and villages are worth visiting near Palamós?
Pals, Peratallada, Begur, Monells, Calella de Palafrugell and La Bisbal d'Empordà are six very different options where you can discover medieval heritage, seafaring traditions, Indiano architecture and local craftsmanship.
What Are the Most Beautiful Medieval Villages Near Palamós?
Pals and Peratallada are two of the best options if you're looking for historic villages with a strong medieval character. Monells also has a particularly attractive small historic centre.
Which Villages Can You Combine in a Single Day Trip?
Pals and Peratallada work particularly well as part of the same outing thanks to their location and shared medieval character. Another option is to combine several inland villages depending on how much time you have available.
What Can You Visit Near Palamós Besides the Beaches?
As well as exploring villages such as Pals, Peratallada and Begur, the Baix Empordà offers historic heritage, walking routes, a long-standing ceramics tradition and small rural and fishing villages that complement a stay on the coast.
Is La Bisbal d'Empordà Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you're looking for something different from beaches and medieval villages. Ceramics are one of the defining features of La Bisbal, and the town is home to specialist shops, heritage linked to this tradition and the Terracotta Museu.
Discover the Baix Empordà Beyond the Coast
Palamós can be the starting point for a much broader journey through the Baix Empordà.
Medieval towns such as Pals and Peratallada, Begur's Indiano legacy, the streets of Monells, the seafaring tradition of Calella de Palafrugell and the ceramics of La Bisbal reveal six very different sides of the same region.
From Casa Vincke, you can plan each day at your own pace, combine the coast with the inland Empordà and return to Palamós after each excursion to continue enjoying your stay by the Mediterranean.
