The Beaches
Tamariu’s main beach is flanked by two smaller beaches, on the left Aiqua Dolça and to the right La Platja dels Liris – all are great for children and adults alike, with plenty of rocky inlets to investigate with snorkel and mask.
Just around the corner to the north-east is one of the Costa Brava's best-kept secrets – Aigua-Xelida, once described by the Catalan writer Josep Pla as “the most virgin and remote cala on the coast.” Accessible only by a stepped footpath, the beach here is a paradise for snorkelling and fishing.
Sea front restaurants
Once a sleepy fishing village of just thirty inhabitants and three taverns, Tamariu’s historical connection with the sea lives on through its family-run, seafront fish restaurants. Here, traditional fare such as ‘Sonsos’ (whitebait), ‘Rap’ (monkfish), ‘Gambes’ (prawns) and ‘Arròs Negre’ (paella with squid ink) is served.
Evenings
Evenings have a real buzz of Mediterranean life. As fishermen prepare to put to sea at dusk in search of 'calamar' and sea bass, the sprinkling of restaurants come alive, prettily lit up and offering the freshest of fish from the day's catch. Also, stalls are set up by local craftspeople selling handmade trinkets and jewellery, with the occasional busker for added entertainment.
Shopping and markets
There are two mini supermarkets in Tamariu. Palafrugell has a fruit and veg market from Tuesday to Saturday and the big street market on Sundays.
Sardinada & Sardanas
In early May the local fishermen hold a ‘Sardinada’ when they grill fresh sardines at the water's edge. Everybody is invited and the food and drink are free. Tamariu’s big fiesta, ‘Fiesta Major’, is held on and around the 15th of August with a host of activities, music and dancing. Nearby Palafrugell holds a Spring Festival at the end of May and its ‘Fiesta Major’ around the 20th of July. There is also a jazz festival held over the second weekend of October. During the summer ‘Sardanas’ (local Catalan dancing) are held every Friday evening on the main square in Palafrugell.
Coastline views from sea and land
Tamariu is a walker’s paradise with coastal and inland routes for all levels.
Sea kayaking is a fantastic sport to practice along this coastline. “Kayaking Costa Brava” has a kayak centre on Tamariu beach where you can rent kayaks or participate in guided excursions. A visit to the fabulous cave “La Cova d’en Gispert” is something never to be forgotten.
For a more leisurely way of visiting the coastline from the sea rent a motor launch from ‘Paco’s Boat’ and picnic at anchor in a hidden cove.
Scuba Diving; Take ‘Try Dive’ at Stoll’s Dive Base (located on the seafront) and if you enjoy it go ahead a do a course.
Drive 25 minutes down the coast to Palamós harbour and take a trip aboard the ‘Rafael’, a traditional lateen-rigged Catalan fishing boat and follow in the footsteps of the infamous 15th-century pirate ‘Barbarossa’.
