TAMARIU

Named after the tamarisk trees that once surrounded its bay, Tamariu is the smallest and prettiest of the three resorts on this stretch of coastline near Palafrugell. In recent years it has become decidedly chic, and many of the old fishermen's cottages have been turned into holiday homes for Catalan families from Girona and Barcelona. The main beach, a crescent of golden sand, is backed by a wide pedestrian promenade lined with seafood restaurants. A short walk around the headland to the north leads to the rocky cove of Aiguaxellida, with its own small beach.