Palafrugell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Palafrugell
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Municipality
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Country | ![]() |
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Community | ![]() |
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Province | Girona | ||
Comarca | Baix Empordà | ||
Area | |||
• Total | 26.9 km2 (10.4 sq mi) | ||
Elevation | 64 m (210 ft) | ||
Population
(2018)
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• Total | 22,860 | ||
• Density | 849.8/km2 (2,201/sq mi) | ||
Demonym(s) | Palafrugellenc |
Palafrugell is a town located on the beautiful Costa Brava in Catalonia, Spain. It's a municipality, which means it's a local government area, much like a city or town. Palafrugell is part of a region called Baix Empordà, which is a comarca (a type of county) in the province of Girona.
With over 22,000 people, Palafrugell is the biggest town in its comarca. It includes several charming coastal and inland villages. These include Llafranc, Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu, and Llofriu.
This area is very popular for tourism, especially in summer. People come to enjoy the warm climate and lovely beaches. Many international visitors choose Palafrugell for their holidays. It's also a favorite summer spot for people living in big Spanish cities like Barcelona and Girona.
Contents
Exploring Palafrugell's History and Culture
Palafrugell was once a fortified medieval town. While the old walls are gone, you can still see its history in the narrow streets. These streets lead to Plaça Nova, a large town square. This square is a lively place with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Fun Activities in Palafrugell
The local government, called the Ajuntament, organizes many fun events. These often include concerts and traditional dances. One popular dance is the Sardana, which is a traditional Catalan folk dance.
St. Martí's Church: A Historic Landmark
Close to Plaça Nova, you'll find St. Martí's church. This historic church was built a very long time ago, in the late 11th century. It's a beautiful example of old architecture.
Getting Around: The Bus Station
Palafrugell has a modern bus station. It belongs to a company called Grup SARBUS, with its local part known as Sarfa. The bus station offers regular services. You can travel to other towns along the Costa Brava, like Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell. You can also take a bus all the way to Barcelona.
Palafrugell's Industrial Past
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Palafrugell was famous for making cork. Cork is a material used for things like bottle stoppers and floor tiles. The biggest cork factory was owned by an American company called Armstrong. This factory employed hundreds of local people.
The Cork Industry Museum
When the factory closed in the 1970s, many people lost their jobs. However, the factory's tall tower still stands today. Below it, there is a small museum. This museum tells the story of the cork industry in Palafrugell. It helps people remember this important part of the town's history.
The Old Railway Line
Palafrugell also used to have a railway line. It was a narrow-gauge railway that connected to other towns. The line reached Flaçà by 1887 and was extended to Girona by 1921. This railway helped people and goods travel until it closed in 1956.
Geography
The municipality of Palafrugell includes the main town itself. It also has several other populated places that are part of its area:
- El Bruguerol
- Calella de Palafrugell
- Ermedàs
- Llafranc
- Llofriu
- Santa Margarida
- Tamariu