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The port itself is situated midway between Barcelona and the Spanish-French border. It is sheltered by two headlands at Bagur and at Rosas both of which have naked foothills of the Pyrenees coming down to the "Golfo de Rosa". Using Palemós as a home anchorage it is much easier to explore the broad sweep of the Costa Brava with its rugged headlands and hidden coves and then to go ashore and enjoy the many "fiestas" that are annual events.
What principally attracts the tourist to this part of Spain are the clean sandy beaches which are so special around Palemós and its two neighbouring towns of San Antonio de Calonge and Playa de Aro. Both towns have sheltered beaches that are located approximately 7 kilometres north and south respectively of Palemós Playa de Aro has a 5 star hotel (Els Pims) and several of four- star quality for any wishing to stay ashore. Many of its towering skyscrapers are virtually on the beach and did not exist 25 years ago.
San Antonio de Calong is the Catalonian name for a saintly fisherman who reputedly worked miracles in this part of Spain. The village has a secluded beach, which is something of a rarity on the Costa Brava, and has about a dozen hotels rated 1 to 3-star as well as several hostels. The O'Higgins pub is guaranteed to have an Irish atmosphere about it and noted for its decent glass of Guiness.
Playa de Aro has a great shopping centre and festive night night-life with a not so secluded beach at Platja d'Aro but with two luxury hotels just a few steps from the beach. These hotels are respectively "Els Pins" and "Nm.Suites."
The big attraction in the area is the old golf club "Club de Golf Costa Brava"that is open all the year round and is noted for its two artificial lakes and surrounding oaks, pines and olive trees. For the keen golfer there is an 18 hole course further inland near Bagur called the "Club de Golf de Pals."
So what else is necessary to know about the Costa Brava? Information on religious and folk festivals that take place all along the Costa Brava, are best obtained at the town halls or tourist offices, particularly the booklet for the Gerona Province. For example Palemós has its annual town fair with sporting events in June whilst in March it has its Holy Week processions. Other towns like Playa de Aro have a folklore festival in August and Gerona, in October, has the Festival of San Narciso which includes bullfights and horse shows. of course the street dance called the 'Sardana' is performed in many resorts on Saturday and Sunday evenings and since it is a Catalonian national dance visitors should not be surprised to find themselves isolated in the mêlé. However, it should be remembered that the standard of dancing expected, as you all join hands, is very high and prudence is advisable before joining in.
As for the sporting activities on the Costa Brava, fishing and snorkelling come high on the list. The clear waters make both activities popular and although fishing from rocks is commonplace, the yachtsman is recommended to head for open water. As far as snorkelling is concerned the rugged coastline conceals the best spots. These are the very secluded spots not accessible except by scrambling down the steep cliffs. Much the best method is to snorkel off the yacht.
