Castell beach made newspaper headlines in the early '90s, when residents of Palamós started demonstrations, and then a referendum was passed to keep the area from being developed. Since then it has become one of the last unspoiled stretches of sand that remains on the Costa Brava. With a crescent moon shape surrounded by woods and crop fields, and the mouth of a riverbed in the middle, this beach is still exactly like how it was when the locals' grandparents enjoyed it, except for the added couple of 'chiringuitos' (snack bars) that open in the summer, and perhaps the nudists looking for a place to let it all hang out behind the rocks that rise up on the right side of the beach.
The beach itself is some 375 metres long and 40 metres wide. It faces due south, providing protection from the prevailing winds in the area. Because there's not a pronounced slope to the sea and thanks to the sandy seabed under shallow waters, it's an ideal spot to bring the kids.
At the top of one of the rocky outcrops that protects the beach to the north, you can find some restored structures of an ancient Iberian village from the sixth century. Continuing down the path that takes you to this site, you'll come across the small and beautiful La Foradada bay, which boasts clear waters that are great for snorkelling and diving.
In addition to the 'chiringuito' snack bars, the beach also has a parking lot, toilets, a kayaking school, chaise longue and umbrella rentals, and walkway access for the physically disabled. If you fancy a walk before you take a dip, head to the beach along the footpath that brings Palamós and Calella de Palafrugell together.