Situated in the Baix Emporda district of the province of Girona, the town and municipality of Palamos has a resident population of around 16,000. An important port for the region, Palamos has its own fishing fleet, one of the last on this coast, and is the only commercial port within the province of Girona.
In recent years the town has become a popular holiday destination and has a decent range of facilities, some fine beaches and a lively nightlife scene centred on the harbour area.
Palamos was founded as a village and new port by Peter III of Aragon in 1277, following the silting up of the Royal Port at Torroela de Montgri, and the current town is located at the northern end of a large bay. Until the arrival of tourism in the 1960's, Palamos relied mostly on fishing and the manufacture of cork for its economic survival.
A popular stop off point for cruises, Palamos has some excellent sandy beaches and a number of secluded coves to explore; it is a very popular area for diving, sailing and water sports activities. Palamos has a few places of interest to visit including the castle of Sant Esteve, the church of Santa Eugenia Vilarroma (16th century) and the church of Santa Maria del Mar, which dates from the 15th century.