Live the Costa Brava like a local: markets, events, and traditions

The Costa Brava is much more than just idyllic beaches and hidden coves. To truly get to know it, you must dive into its traditional markets, participate in its festivities, and discover the customs that have shaped the lives of its inhabitants for generations.

In this article, we invite you to experience the Costa Brava like a local by exploring some of its most charming villages: Peratallada, Calella de Palafrugell, Palamós, Tamariu, and S'Agaró.

Peratallada: history and craftsmanship in a medieval village

Peratallada is one of the best-preserved medieval villages on the Costa Brava. Walking through its cobbled streets, surrounded by walls, transports you to another era. However, beyond its architectural beauty, this small town hides a vibrant craft tradition.

If you visit Peratallada at any time of the year, make sure to explore its small craft market, where you’ll find ceramics, jewelry, and textiles handmade by local artists. You can also savor local gastronomy at restaurants that maintain the essence of Empordà cuisine.

If you’re looking for things to do in Peratallada throughout the year, you’ll find:

• Medieval Fair of Peratallada: In October, the town steps back in time to recreate the medieval era. The streets are decorated and filled with activities for all ages, including artisan markets, minstrel shows, and historical reenactments.

• Fiesta Mayor of Peratallada: In August, the Fiesta Mayor takes place, a celebration featuring concerts, traditional dances, and various activities for all ages, fostering the participation of both residents and visitors.

Calella de Palafrugell: havaneras and fresh seafood

Calella de Palafrugell is famous for its white houses and maritime atmosphere. This charming coastal village is also home to one of the most iconic events on the Costa Brava: the Havanera Singing Festival. But if you want to live like a true local, visit its weekly market. Here, you’ll find fresh fish, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and handmade products that reflect the region’s gastronomic richness.

For an even more authentic experience, we recommend getting up early and heading to the port, where fishermen unload the day’s catch. It’s the best place to observe the daily life of a village that has lived off the sea for centuries.

Among the activities you can enjoy in Calella de Palafrugell throughout the year are:

• Havanera Singing Festival: This is possibly the most emblematic event of Calella de Palafrugell. Held annually, it attracts many visitors who enjoy traditional sea shanties in a unique coastal setting.

• Cap Roig Festival: Considered one of Europe’s most important music festivals, it takes place in the Cap Roig Gardens, near Calella de Palafrugell. During July and August, national and international artists perform in an open-air venue with stunning sea views.

• Fiesta Mayor of Calella de Palafrugell: Celebrated on June 29 in honor of Sant Pere, patron saint of fishermen, this festival includes a variety of activities such as exhibitions, live music, children's drawing contests, sardanas (traditional Catalan dance), and gastronomic events.

• Flors i Violes: With the arrival of spring, Palafrugell organizes this festival, transforming courtyards and public spaces into stages for art exhibitions, live music, and cultural activities, celebrating creativity and seasonal renewal.

• Spring Festivals: Considered one of the most deeply rooted celebrations in Palafrugell, these festivities feature parades, music, and various activities marking the start of the spring season.

• La Garoinada: From January to March, this gastronomic campaign celebrates the sea urchin ("garoina" in Catalan). Several restaurants in the area offer special menus highlighting this local delicacy.

• Costa Brava Jazz Festival: This festival offers a diverse musical program, attracting jazz lovers with performances by local and international artists across different venues in the region.

Palamós: gastronomy and fishing tradition

Palamós is the heart of fishing on the Costa Brava and the ideal place to discover the art of traditional fishing. The port of Palamós houses one of the most important fish markets in the region, where the day’s catch is auctioned off every afternoon.

One of the biggest attractions is the Espai del Peix, a gastronomic center where you can learn about the history of fishing on the Costa Brava and participate in cooking workshops. Here, you can cook and taste traditional recipes like "suquet de peix", a seafood stew passed down from generation to generation.

Additionally, don’t miss Palamós’ weekly market, where fresh products from the region are sold. Locals visit it to find authentic ingredients for their homemade dishes.

To experience the true fishing tradition, you can also join a boat trip with local fishermen and closely observe the traditional techniques that have been used in the region for centuries.

Among the celebrations you cannot miss in Palamós throughout the year are:

• Carnival of Palamós: Palamós fills with color and joy during parades, troupes, and festive activities that encourage locals and visitors to join in this celebration full of music and costumes.

• Fiesta Mayor of Palamós: The Fiesta Mayor offers a wide range of activities, from concerts and dances to sports and cultural events, culminating in fireworks displays.

In addition to these festivities, Palamós is known for its renowned international nautical events. For example, the Palamós Optimist Trophy, which brings together young sailors from all over the world, becoming one of the most emblematic competitions in children’s sailing. The Palamós Christmas Race is also a key regatta in Olympic and light sailing, attracting over 400 sailors from various countries.

Tamariu: festivals and nature in its purest form

Tamariu is a small fishing village that has preserved its essence. Although it attracts many visitors in the summer, it remains a perfect place to experience the Costa Brava in a quiet and authentic way.

One of Tamariu’s most important events is its Fiesta Mayor, which is a great opportunity to mingle with locals and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Among the activities in Tamariu throughout the year, you’ll find:

• Fiesta Mayor of Tamariu: The Fiesta Mayor is an iconic celebration held every August. During this festival, the village comes alive with a series of activities for all ages. The festivities include live concerts, traditional dances like sardanas, family performances, and popular meals such as "arrossades" (rice dishes) or "botifarrades" (sausages), creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. One of the most anticipated moments is the Havanera concert, often accompanied by "ron quemado" (burnt rum), a perfect combination of music and local gastronomy on the incomparable beach of Tamariu.

• Sea Fair: This event honors the village’s maritime traditions. During this celebration, activities such as traditional boat races, fishing demonstrations, and tastings of seafood dishes are organized.

S'Agaró: elegance and culture by the sea

S'Agaró is synonymous with elegance and tradition on the Costa Brava. This exclusive location is home to the most iconic coastal path in the region, the Camino de Ronda, which runs along impressive cliffs and crystal-clear coves.

Every summer, S'Agaró hosts cultural events such as outdoor concerts and dance performances, attracting music and art lovers. Additionally, its weekly market offers gourmet and artisan products reflecting the high quality of local gastronomy.

Among the activities in S'Agaró throughout the year, you’ll find:

• Carnival of Platja d'Aro: Although Platja d'Aro is a neighboring town, its Carnival influences the region. It takes place in February and is full of activities such as parades, contests, and themed parties that attract both residents and tourists.
• Fiesta Mayor of S'Agaró: This local festival features a variety of activities for all ages, such as live music concerts, family entertainment, photo exhibitions, and sports events.

Live the Costa Brava like a local

To truly know the Costa Brava like a local means immersing yourself in its markets, participating in its festivities, and discovering the passion with which its inhabitants live their culture. From the medieval craftsmanship of Peratallada to the fishing traditions of Palamós, through the music of Calella de Palafrugell, the authenticity of Tamariu, and the elegance of S'Agaró, each village offers a unique experience.

So, if you want to experience the Costa Brava in a different way, leave behind the typical tourist routes and dive into the everyday life of the region. Discover its gastronomy, celebrate its festivals, and explore its corners with the curious spirit of a traveler eager to feel the essence of each place. The Costa Brava awaits you with open arms!