Tamariu is a small coastal village on the central Costa Brava in Catalonia, located between Begur and Calella de Palafrugell. Originally a fishing settlement, the village has developed into a quieter holiday destination while retaining much of its traditional coastal character. Compared with larger resorts elsewhere on the Costa Brava, Tamariu is relatively compact and centred mainly around its beach and waterfront promenade.
The main beach, Platja de Tamariu, is a sandy bay enclosed by rocky headlands and pine-covered slopes. Restaurants, cafés and small hotels line the seafront directly behind the beach, while boats are often moored close to the shoreline during summer. The beach is popular for swimming and family visits due to its sheltered setting and relatively calm water. During the main tourist season the waterfront becomes busy, though the atmosphere generally remains quieter than larger Costa Brava resort towns.
Tamariu is also known for its access to coastal walking routes and smaller nearby coves. Sections of the Camí de Ronda coastal path connect the village with neighbouring beaches and viewpoints along the rocky coastline. Nearby coves such as Cala Pedrosa and Cala d’Aigua Xelida are reached by walking trails and are known for clear water and more secluded surroundings.
The surrounding coastline contains cliffs, pine woodland and rocky inlets characteristic of the central Costa Brava. Kayaking, snorkelling and small boat excursions are common activities during summer, while the calmer atmosphere makes the village popular with visitors seeking beaches and walking rather than nightlife.
Although smaller than nearby destinations such as Palamós or Platja d’Aro, Tamariu remains one of the better-preserved coastal villages on the Costa Brava and is valued for its natural setting, waterfront location and relatively low-rise development.
Top 10 Things to Do in Tamariu
1. Relax at Platja de Tamariu
Platja de Tamariu forms the centre of the village and consists of a sandy beach enclosed by rocky headlands and pine-covered slopes. Restaurants, cafés and small hotels line the waterfront directly behind the beach. The sheltered setting and relatively calm water make the beach popular for swimming and family visits during summer. Boats are often moored close to shore, reflecting Tamariu’s origins as a traditional fishing village.
2. Walk the Camí de Ronda Coastal Path
Tamariu is connected to neighbouring coves and viewpoints by sections of the Camí de Ronda coastal path. Walking routes follow cliffs and rocky shoreline towards Cala Pedrosa, Aigua Xelida and nearby beaches along the central Costa Brava. The paths provide access to more secluded areas of coastline and contain several viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean. Routes range from short walks near the village to longer coastal hikes.
3. Visit Cala Pedrosa
Located north of Tamariu, Cala Pedrosa is a rocky cove reached mainly by walking trails through pine woodland. The cove remains quieter than the main beach and is popular for swimming and snorkelling due to the clear water and relatively undeveloped surroundings. The steep descent towards the beach makes it less accessible than the beaches in the village centre, though this helps preserve a more isolated atmosphere.
4. Explore Cala d’Aigua Xelida
Situated south of Tamariu, Cala d’Aigua Xelida is a small rocky inlet known for clear water and rugged coastal scenery. The cove is reached by walking routes and rocky paths descending from the coastline above. The area is popular for snorkelling, kayaking and swimming during calm weather conditions. Compared with the sandy beach in Tamariu itself, the atmosphere here is quieter and more natural.
5. Swim and Snorkel in the Clear Water
The rocky coastline surrounding Tamariu creates good conditions for swimming and snorkelling. Several nearby coves contain clear water and underwater rock formations that attract marine life during the warmer months. Snorkelling is particularly popular around the edges of the main beach and in the smaller coves reached from the coastal walking paths. Kayak rental and small boating activities also operate from the village during summer.
6. Explore the Waterfront Promenade
The seafront promenade in Tamariu contains restaurants, cafés and terraces overlooking the beach and bay. Walking along the waterfront provides views across the coastline and nearby headlands, while the compact layout of the village allows most places to be reached easily on foot. During summer evenings the promenade becomes one of the busiest parts of the village, though the atmosphere generally remains quieter than larger Costa Brava resorts.
7. Take a Kayak Trip Along the Coast
Kayaking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Tamariu due to the rocky coastline and nearby coves inaccessible by road. Guided and independent kayak trips operate during the summer season and commonly visit Cala Pedrosa, Aigua Xelida and nearby sea caves. Viewing the coastline from the water provides a different perspective on the cliffs, pine woodland and smaller inlets surrounding the village.
8. Visit Nearby Calella de Palafrugell
Located a short drive south of Tamariu, Calella de Palafrugell is one of the Costa Brava’s best-known coastal villages. The town contains small beaches, whitewashed buildings and traditional fishing boats positioned beside the waterfront. Many visitors combine both destinations within the same trip due to the short distance between them. Coastal scenery and sections of the Camí de Ronda connect nearby beaches and viewpoints.
9. Explore Begur and Nearby Coves
Tamariu is well positioned for visiting nearby beaches and coves around Begur including Aiguablava, Sa Tuna and Sa Riera. These beaches can be reached within a relatively short drive and vary from sandy bays to smaller rocky coves. The surrounding coastline is regarded as one of the most scenic parts of the Costa Brava and is popular for walking, swimming and photography.
10. Enjoy Seafood and Catalan Cuisine
Restaurants around Tamariu focus mainly on seafood and traditional Catalan coastal cuisine. Waterfront dining areas overlook the beach and bay, while menus commonly include locally caught fish, rice dishes and Mediterranean seafood. Compared with larger Costa Brava towns, the dining scene is relatively small in scale but remains closely connected to the village’s fishing heritage and quieter atmosphere.