In the 18th century Palamos became an important coastal town, its wealth being derived from cork production and, of course, fishing - the product of which is still auctioned off in the auction hall (lonja). With its long beach, the weekly market, the Cau Museum of the Costa Brava, the 14th century gothic church of Santa Maria, and the marina that doubles as a water sports centre, Palamos richly deserves its reputation as one of the areas main coastal attractions.