Family guide · Costa Brava

Things to do in Palamós and La Fosca with kids: beaches, coves and days out near Camping King's

La Fosca is one of those Costa Brava bays that seem made for children: fine sand, shallow water and beautiful coves you can walk to. In this guide, we share the best things to do in and around Palamós, with real distances from Camping King's, just 200 metres from the beach.

La Fosca beach in Palamós, with its fine sand and the calm water of the bay
La Fosca beach, 200 metres from Camping King's.

At a glance

  • La Fosca, 200 m away: fine sand and shallow water, perfect for little ones.
  • Coves on foot along the coastal path: S'Alguer (850 m), Castell (1.1 km) and Cala Estreta (2.8 km).
  • Adventure: kayaking, snorkelling, diving and the zip wires at Explora Park, 5 minutes away.
  • History: Sant Esteve de Mar Castle (300 m) and the Castell Iberian Settlement (1.25 km).
  • At the campsite: pools for all ages and, in July and August, the Mini-Club and entertainment.

La Fosca, the perfect beach for kids

Walking out of the campsite with your towel over your shoulder and feeling the sand under your feet three minutes later is one of the little luxuries of staying at Camping King's. La Fosca beach, just 200 metres away, is one of the most beautiful on the Costa Brava and a firm favourite with families.

Why is it so popular? The sand is fine and the water is shallow, so little ones can splash about and build sandcastles in peace. The bay is framed by pine woods and rocks, and at one end stand the remains of Sant Esteve de Mar Castle.

A mother and two children under a parasol at the water’s edge
A family beach day at La Fosca.

Tip: first thing in the morning and at sunset, the beach is quieter and the light is beautiful. As you’re just a stone’s throw away, you can head back to the campsite for lunch and a rest during the hottest hours of the day.

Beaches and coves you can walk to

In La Fosca you don’t need the car to discover a different cove every day: just follow the coastal path. This table will help you plan:

Beaches and coves near Camping King's: distance and walking time from the campsite
Beach or coveDistanceOn footIdeal for
La Fosca beach200 m3 minYoung children: fine sand and shallow water
Cala S'Alguer850 m11 minStrolling among fishermen’s huts
Castell beach1.1 km15 minUnspoilt nature
Cala Margarida1.6 km20 minViews and underwater scenery for snorkelling
Morro del Vedell beach2.5 km31 minA cove next to the marina
Palamós main beach (Platja Gran)2.6 km33 minSeafront promenade and small-town atmosphere
Cala Estreta2.8 km40 minA hike through pine woods and cliffs

Cala S'Alguer, the fishermen’s corner

Just eleven minutes’ walk away is one of the most charming spots in the area: a cluster of fishermen’s huts by the water, where you can breathe in the authentic salty scent of the sea breeze. It’s a short walk, ideal with children after breakfast.

Colourful fishermen’s huts by the water at Cala S'Alguer
The fishermen’s huts at Cala S'Alguer, 850 metres from the campsite.

Castell beach, the most unspoilt of all

Just 1.1 km away, Castell beach is a stretch of fine golden sand surrounded by pine woods, considered the most unspoilt beach on the Costa Brava. With not a building in sight, it’s perfect for spending the day surrounded by nature. The Castell Iberian Settlement and the Barraca de Dalí are very close by.

Cala Estreta, for keen walkers

From Castell beach, a path through the pine woods leads to Cala Estreta, a beautiful unspoilt cove surrounded by cliffs. It’s about 2.8 km from the campsite (40 minutes on foot), so bring comfortable shoes, water and a few snacks.

Castell beach, with golden sand and surrounded by pine woodsCala Estreta, an unspoilt cove among rocks and pines
Castell beach and Cala Estreta.

The coastal path and cycle routes

The GR 92 coastal path, the Camí de Ronda, runs along the Costa Brava, linking coves, cliffs and traditional fishing villages, and passes very close to the campsite. It’s the best way to discover places of exceptional natural beauty at your own pace, with the sea always in view.

The stretches between La Fosca, S'Alguer and Castell are short and easy, perfect with children, and they’re also great for Nordic walking.

A girl with a rucksack walking along a path through the pines
Paths through the pines near the campsite.

Prefer two wheels? Camping King's is linked to the Costa Brava cycle path, and at reception we hire out bikes in various sizes, with child seats and helmets for the little ones.

Kayaking, snorkelling and diving: the Costa Brava from the water

The sea along the Costa Brava is as beautiful below the surface as it is above. With a mask, a snorkel and a pair of fins, snorkelling is the easiest way for children to discover underwater life. Cala Margarida, below Cap Gros mountain, is known for its incredible underwater scenery.

By kayak, you can reach the most beautiful corners of the coast, while diving reveals the rich variety of plant and animal life on the seabed. Just 3.6 km away, the Formigues Islands rise from the sea: a group of islets that form part of a protected Area of Natural Interest.

A kayak among the rocks of a sea cave on the Costa BravaTwo people snorkelling in crystal-clear water
Kayaking and snorkelling on the Costa Brava.

Explora Park: zip wires among the pines

Just five minutes from the campsite, Explora Park is an adventure park with 600 metres of zip wires and 99 activities for all ages. A morning with a difference for young and old alike. You’ll love it!

A girl on a zip wire above the pine trees at Explora Park
Explora Park, an adventure park five minutes from the campsite.

If you love horses or sailing, ask at reception about riding stables and other activities in the area. You’ll find more ideas on our activities nearby page.

Palamós, a seafaring town: the harbour, the Fishing Museum and red prawns

Palamós is 2 km away, and you can get there by car, by bike or on the Sarbus public bus, which stops next to the campsite entrance. It’s a peaceful, family-friendly town, known around the world for its fishing industry and its red prawns.

Stroll around the fishing port, the marina and the seafront promenade along Platja Gran, the main beach. The Fishing Museum, devoted to fishing and the maritime heritage of Palamós, is a good option for a cloudy day.

The port of Palamós with moored boats and the church bell tower in the background
The port of Palamós, 2 km from La Fosca.

History a short walk from the campsite

The area around La Fosca has plenty of surprises in store for little explorers:

  • Sant Esteve de Mar Castle (300 m): perched on a clifftop next to La Fosca, with parts of the tower and some walls still standing.
  • Castell Iberian Settlement (1.25 km): one of the most important Iberian sites in Catalonia, with remains dating from the 6th century BC to Roman times.
  • Barraca de Dalí (1.7 km): a small stone hut next to Castell beach, a studio and workshop given to Salvador Dalí as a gift. It can be viewed from the outside.
Remains of Sant Esteve de Mar Castle on the clifftopStone walls of the Castell Iberian Settlement with the sea in the background
Sant Esteve de Mar Castle and the Castell Iberian Settlement.

Day trips around the Costa Brava

Palamós is a great base for exploring the Costa Brava and the Empordà. Here are a few day trips, in order of distance (you’ll find more on our sightseeing page):

  • Cap Roig Botanical Garden (13.4 km): nearly 1,000 plant species from around the world in a dreamlike setting.
  • Pals (15 km) and Peratallada (21 km): two beautifully preserved medieval villages and absolute must-sees.
  • Ullastret Iberian Settlement (22 km): the largest Iberian site discovered in Catalonia.
  • Medes Islands (31 km): seven small islands and one of the most important marine reserves on the Costa Brava.
  • Ruins of Empúries (35 km): the Greek city, the Roman city and the Archaeology Museum.
  • Girona (47 km): the cathedral, the old Jewish quarter, the colourful houses along the River Onyar and the Arab baths.

Back at the campsite: pools and entertainment

After a day out, many children’s favourite plan is… the pool! Our pool area has a large pool almost 30 metres long, water slides (for children 1.20 m tall and over), a paddling pool for children aged 1 to 6 and the “Splash” pool for those aged 6 to 12, as well as a jacuzzi.

In July and August, our entertainment team runs the Mini-Club, aqua aerobics, water inflatables and evening entertainment with live music on the terrace of La Pineda de'n Julià. And for a hassle-free dinner, the Sidralet, next to the playground, is ideal for families with children.

A girl painting a picture during a Mini-Club activityWater slides at the Camping King's pool
The Mini-Club and the water slides at the campsite.

Practical tips for your stay

  • When to come: July and August are the liveliest months, with entertainment on offer; for the rest of the season, the coves and trails are quieter.
  • No car needed: the beach is 200 m away, the coves are within walking distance and the Sarbus bus stops right by the entrance.
  • Tourist information: at reception, open every day from 8:15 to 21:30.
  • Getting here: Girona-Costa Brava airport is 43 km away and Barcelona airport 129 km. Find out more on our how to get here page.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Camping King's from La Fosca beach?

Just 200 metres, about a 3-minute walk. It’s a beach with fine sand and shallow water, which makes it very easy with children.

Which coves can you walk to from the campsite?

Along the coastal path you can walk to Cala S'Alguer (850 m, about 11 minutes), Castell beach (1.1 km, 15 minutes), Cala Margarida (1.6 km, 20 minutes) and Cala Estreta (2.8 km, about 40 minutes).

Is La Fosca a good beach for young children?

Yes. Its fine sand and shallow water make it one of the most popular beaches with families on the Costa Brava.

How do you get from La Fosca to Palamós town centre?

Palamós is 2 km away. You can walk, cycle or take the Sarbus public bus, which has a stop next to the campsite entrance.

What activities are there for kids at the campsite?

In July and August there’s the Mini-Club, aqua aerobics, water inflatables and evening entertainment. The campsite also has children’s pools, water slides and a large playground.

What day trips can you do near Palamós?

Nearby day trips include Cap Roig Botanical Garden (13.4 km), Pals (15 km), Peratallada (21 km), the Ullastret Iberian Settlement (22 km), the ruins of Empúries (35 km) and Girona (47 km).

Can you bring a dog to the campsite?

Yes, small and medium-sized dogs are allowed on pitches (maximum 25 kg and two per pitch). They are not allowed in mobile homes, glamping tents or rural rooms.

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