The area's summer climate and beaches are used mainly for tourism. In additional to international tourism, Palafrugell serves as a summer holiday town for residents of cities such as Barcelona and Girona.
This medieval town was once fortified but is no longer. Many narrow streets emanate from Plaça Nova - a large square with bars, restaurants and boutiques. The local government (Ajuntament) sponsors activities such as concerts and dances including the traditional Sardana. St. Martí's church was built in the late 11th century and is close to Plaça Nova.
Palafrugell was reputed for its cork manufacturing in the 18th and 19th centuries. The largest factory was owned by the American company Armstrong and employed hundreds of locals. Its closing in the 1970s led to severe unemployment. The factory's tower still stands, and there is now a small museum commemorating the cork industry just below it.
The Cork Museum, which centres on the history, heritage and the lands linked to the Catalan cork industry.
The Josep Pla Foundation, a literary heritage centre which aims to promote the reading and study of the literary and journalistic work of the Palafrugell author.
Can Mario Museum, a contemporary sculpture museum of the Vila Casas Foundation which was inaugurated in 2004.
Sa Perola Interpretation Centre, located in the net dyeing house of the Fishermen's Guild of Sant Pere, this today is a tourist office and an interpretation centre for the Fishermen's Guild of Calella and the seafaring heritage of the area.
Sant Sebastià de la Guarda, a monument located in the town of Llafranc (Baix Emporda region). The site consists of an Iberian archeological site from the 6th-1st centuries B.C., a 15th-century watchtower and a 19th-century lighthouse on top of a small mountain.
