Tamariu, a charming coastal village within Palafrugell, Girona, continues to draw visitors to the Costa Brava with its clear waters and unspoilt natural environment. This small settlement, technically a hamlet, has become one of the region's most recognisable spots, featuring a sheltered beach, transparent sea, and fishing boats resting on the sand.
Located east of Palafrugell, Tamariu's main beach is framed by white houses and includes the smaller Cala dels Liris at one end. The beach is a significant draw, listed in the Costa Brava's catalogue of beaches, and often features boats on the sand or anchored nearby, preserving its traditional fishing village feel. The beach also holds a Blue Flag certification, according to the Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board.
Exploring Tamariu's Waters and Trails
The primary appeal of Tamariu beach lies in its clear waters and the surrounding landscape. The sandy area is protected by the coastal relief and pine forests that extend almost to the sea. From Tamariu, visitors can also reach nearby spots such as Aigua Xelida, one of the area's well-known coves. The Palafrugell Town Council highlights a 1.2-kilometre aquatic lane connecting these two coves, described as a 'camino de ronda' (coastal path) by sea, marked with buoys.
The village is also part of Palafrugell's network of coastal paths, known as 'caminos de ronda'. These trails allow walkers to explore much of the municipality's coastline, passing through areas like Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, and Tamariu itself. These paths are a major attraction of the Costa Brava, offering views of cliffs, coves, Mediterranean vegetation, and open sea vistas.
One notable section of these paths runs from Cala Pedrosa to Aigua Xelida, passing through Tamariu beach. According to the Palafrugell Town Council, this route follows the GR-92 long-distance footpath, reaching Tamariu and then continuing towards Aigua Xelida, though it cannot always strictly follow the coastline.
Travel and Parking Information
Tamariu is approximately 125 kilometres from Barcelona by car, with a journey time of around 90 minutes under normal conditions. During summer, this can extend due to traffic and parking difficulties. The most common route involves taking the AP-7 motorway towards Girona, then connecting to roads leading to Palafrugell and the coast.
Once in Tamariu, reaching the beach is straightforward. However, parking can be challenging during peak season. The Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board indicates that the area offers blue zone parking spaces and paid supervised car parks, but finding a spot close to the beach is not always easy in summer.
