Towns of Catalonia – Palafrugell

Despite its proximity to several popular Costa Brava seaside resorts, the town of Palafrugell in Catalonia, Spain, seems little affected by the tourism on which the area depends. Formerly supported by the local cork industry Palafrugell suffered considerably after the largest factory (American owned) closed in the 1970’s. Palafrugell these days has a population of just over 21,000 and administers the coastal resorts of Tamariu, Calella and Llafranc. Worth a visit in Palafrugell is the old town centre, where you will find the Gothic church of Sant Marti, the weekly market, the Town Hall and the Cork Museum, which informs of the previously important cork manufacture. Historically Palafrugell was a fortified town as inhabitants of the coastal towns moved inland to escape attacks by Barbary pirates, little evidence remains of its ancient fortifications and modern day Palafrugell is a more peaceful place with a slow pace of life. Palafrugell Map.