Palamos is a fantastic place for exploring the Costa Brava, thanks to its lively maritime culture, stunning coastline, and diverse scenery. Whether you’re after a relaxing boat ride, a sunset cruise, or a cultural day tour, Palamos offers options that suit different interests and travel styles. We’re particularly fond of the Scenic Boat Trip to Calella de Palafrugell, which combines wonderful views with a bit of maritime history, and the Costa Brava Discovery: Hike & Swim, perfect for active travelers craving outdoor adventure.
In this guide, you’ll find a mix of boat trips, sailing tours, and cultural excursions—each with its own charm and appeal. We’ll walk you through what makes each of these tours special so you can pick the one that best matches your style and interests.
Below, you’ll find our top picks: from a classic 1903 vessel cruise and a sunset glass of cava to a day of hiking and swimming, plus cultural explorations of Girona and medieval castles. Each offers a unique way to experience Palamos and the surrounding Costa Brava.
1. From Palamos: Scenic Boat Trip to Calella de Palafrugell
At number 1 we highlight a scenic boat trip aboard a restored wooden vessel from 1903 that offers a genuine maritime experience. This tour takes you along the dramatic Costa Brava shoreline, famous for its rugged coves and turquoise waters. The cruise lasts about 3 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the views and learn from the crew about local marine life, culture, and geology.
What makes this tour stand out is its authentic vessel—a beautifully preserved wooden ship that’s more than 100 years old. Sailing on this vessel feels like stepping back in time, and the crew’s stories add a personal touch. The highlight is reaching Calella de Palafrugell, a charming fishing village where you can swim in clear waters or stroll its narrow streets. The reviews are glowing, with many praising the beautiful scenery, friendly crew, and great swimming spots. For $46 per person, it offers excellent value, especially for those interested in maritime history or a relaxing day on the water.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you love history, authentic vessels, and stunning coastal scenery. It’s a relaxed, well-reviewed option to enjoy Costa Brava’s natural beauty from the sea.
2. Palamós: Sunset Boat Tour with Glass of Cava
At number 2, the Sunset Boat Tour with a glass of Cava combines the magic of the Costa Brava’s evening light with a relaxing cruise. This 2-hour trip from Palamós offers a chance to unwind, enjoy the spectacular coastline, and sip on a glass of wine or cava (extra cost). The tour includes a bar service, allowing you to taste Palamós’s famous red shrimp along with the beautiful scenery.
What makes this tour appealing is the chance to see the coastline as the sun sets, with soft light casting a warm glow over the cliffs and coves. It’s best suited for couples or anyone looking for a romantic or tranquil experience. The reviews mention the stunning views and the laid-back atmosphere. At around $47 per person, it’s a good value for a memorable and peaceful evening at sea.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a relaxed, scenic experience with a touch of local flavor and a spectacular sunset view.
3. From Palamós: Southern Coast Sailing Tour
Number 3 on our list is the Southern Coast Sailing Tour, a 30-minute traditional sailing trip aboard a schooner from 1903 called Äran. This quick trip is perfect for travelers who want a taste of sailing and a peek at the crystalline waters of Costa Brava. It includes a stop at a beautiful cove for a swim, making it ideal for those short on time but eager for a maritime experience.
The highlight of this tour is its traditional navigation style, giving you a real feel for sailing as it was done over a century ago. The boat’s historic charm and the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters make it a solid choice for families or those with limited time. At just $40 per person, it offers a good balance of experience and affordability.
Reviews note the authentic sailing experience and beautiful coves, making it a simple but memorable outing. The quick duration makes it accessible but less suited for travelers wanting a full day at sea.
Bottom Line: If you’re short on time but want a genuine sailing adventure with a swimming break, this tour fits the bill.
4. Costa Brava Discovery: Hike & Swim from Barcelona
Number 4 is a comprehensive full-day adventure designed for active travelers. At around $169, this tour provides a personalized experience away from the crowds, combining scenic hikes, hidden coves, and secluded swims. The trip begins with a drive from Barcelona, heading straight into the heart of Costa Brava’s wild coast.
The highlight is a 4-hour guided walk along the historic Camino de Ronda, tracing the rugged cliffs and discovering quiet beaches and coves. The guide shares stories about the coast’s history and geology, making it more than just a walk. You’ll have time for optional swims in crystal-clear waters, perfect for cooling off after your hike. The tour includes a picnic lunch, making it a full day of outdoor fun and relaxation.
Rated 4.9/5, travelers love the personalized nature of the trip and the chance to see off-the-beaten-path spots. It’s best suited for fit travelers who enjoy walking, nature, and scenic beauty. The big advantage here is the small-group atmosphere, ensuring more personal attention.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for active explorers eager to combine hiking, swimming, and local scenery in one day.
5. Tour Girona, Castell d’Hostalric & Roca Village
Our final pick is a full-day cultural and shopping tour that showcases the region’s medieval charm and modern shopping. Starting from Palamos, this 8-hour journey covers Girona’s famous cathedral (which, as some will recognize, starred in “Game of Thrones”), the castle of Hostalric, and a visit to the upscale La Roca Village outlet mall.
The tour offers a mix of history, scenery, and shopping. In Girona, you’ll walk through narrow streets, admire the medieval architecture, and learn about its role in Catalonia’s history. At Hostalric, a local guide shares stories about the castle’s strategic importance. The shopping stop at La Roca Village is a highlight for those looking to snag designer deals, with discounts up to 60%.
Rated 4.3/5, this tour appeals most to culture and shopping enthusiasts. The itinerary is well-paced, with enough time to explore and shop, though it might feel rushed for those wanting more in-depth experiences. A good value considering it combines multiple attractions in one day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for culture lovers and shoppers wanting a full day of history, scenery, and savings.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Palamos
When deciding among these options, consider your interests, fitness level, and schedule. If you’re after a relaxing day on a historic vessel, the scenic boat trip aboard the 1903 ship is hard to beat. For a romantic sunset experience, the Cava cruise hits the spot. If you’re short on time but want a taste of sailing, the Southern Coast Sailing Tour offers quick authentic fun.
Active travelers should check out the Costa Brava hike and swim, which combines outdoor adventure with beautiful scenery. Culture and shopping enthusiasts might prefer the tour of Girona and medieval castles, especially if they enjoy history and retail therapy.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours in high season, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid last-minute surprises.
Final Thoughts
Palamos offers a range of tours to suit every kind of traveler—whether you’re seeking a peaceful boat cruise, an active day exploring scenic trails, or culture in historic towns. The scenic boat trips are particularly popular, thanks to their combination of stunning views and charming vessels. If you want to combine outdoor activity with cultural sights, the Costa Brava hike and swim is hard to beat.
For those who want a relaxing evening, the sunset cruise with cava offers picturesque scenery and a tranquil atmosphere. And for a full day of cultural richness, the Girona and castle tour delivers history, architecture, and shopping in one package.
Whatever your interests, Palamos has a tour to enrich your visit. Just remember to book early, especially in peak seasons, to make sure you get your top choice.
