The Best of Costa Brava: 11 Beaches You Can’t Afford to Miss
The Costa Brava, known as Spain’s “Wild Coast,” has 133 miles of coastline and offers a variety of spots to lay down your beach towel. You’ll find beaches typical of busy, family-friendly resorts as well as secluded coves that feel untouched.
Whether you want to spend the day reading in the sun or enjoy beach activities, the Costa Brava has incredible beaches. Most of them carry the Blue Flag issued by the Catalan tourist board, meaning they have shallow, clear waters. Let’s explore the best beaches of the Costa Brava.
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1. Platja de Tamariu, Tamariu
If you want to spend time on a beach that embodies the charm of the Costa Brava, Tamariu Beach in Palafrugell is a perfect choice. This beautiful beach stretches along a sheltered bay, surrounded by pine trees that add to its serene atmosphere.
Tamariu Beach is a mix of fine sand and pebbles, with clear, calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. We spent a sunny afternoon here, enjoying the tranquility and the refreshing swim. The scenic backdrop and peaceful setting made it easy to relax. You might even come across a yoga class on the beach, as local studios often hold sessions here.
The town of Tamariu is one of the most attractive coastal villages near Palafrugell. Its charming white houses overlook the beach, perfectly complementing the stunning landscape. We loved strolling along the sands and exploring the nearby coastal paths. Simply laying out a towel and soaking in the beautiful scenery was a highlight of our visit.
Tamariu Beach is only a short drive from the center of Palafrugell, with well-marked directions making it easy to find. In summer, you’ll find secure parking, sunbed rentals, and a few small shops and cafes for refreshments.
2. L’Illa Roja, Begur
Begur has some amazing beaches; if you like sunbathing without clothes, L’Illa Roja is perfect. This beach gets its name from a massive red rock that rises from the bay, creating a unique and private spot.
It’s the only nudist beach in central Costa Brava, so you won’t see many children or large groups. To get there, follow the Cami de Ronda coastal path for a bit. The walk adds to the secluded feel we love.
Based on our experience, only swim if you’re a good swimmer. The surf can be rough, and there’s a steep drop-off just a few feet out. It caught us off guard, so be cautious.
Keep in mind that this beach doesn’t have amenities, such as ice cream stands or kiosks, so pack water and snacks before you go.
3. Cala Sa Conca, S’Agaró
If you’re looking for a picturesque beach with a mix of natural beauty and accessibility, Cala Sa Conca is a fantastic choice. Located near Platja d’Aro, this beautiful beach blends sandy shores and rocky outcrops, creating a stunning landscape.
Cala Sa Conca has clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is divided into two parts: the main sandy area and a more secluded section surrounded by pine trees. This variety makes it perfect for both relaxation and exploration.
The beach has basic amenities, including showers and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit. Plus, there are two chiringuitos (beach bars) where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat. After our walk, we enjoyed a cold drink at one of these chiringuitos, the perfect way to relax and cool down.
To reach Cala Sa Conca, you can follow the Camí de Ronda de S’Agaró a Sa Conca, which offers scenic views along the way. We took this walk and found it a great way to start the day. Parking is also available nearby, making it convenient for families and visitors with lots of beach gear.
4. Cala Sant Francesc, Blanes
Unless you’re visiting Blanes in August, Cala Sant Francesc is usually not crowded. During peak season, it attracts many visitors, and for good reason. Unlike most beaches in the Blanes area, which have steep sand levels, Cala Sant Francesc has a gentle slope. This makes it perfect for visitors of all ages and swimming skill levels. The tide pools with shallow, calm water are great for a gentle paddle.
The beach also has some nice facilities. You can rent parasols and chairs, use showers and toilet facilities, and visit a nearby restaurant for ice cream, snacks, and sandwiches.
You can reach Cala Sant Francesc on foot or by car. We first visited the Marimurtra botanical gardens, which offered a wonderful panoramic view. After enjoying the gardens, we followed the paved walk down to the beach. It was a lovely way to spend the day, combining nature and relaxation.
5. Playa de Aiguablava, Begur
Playa de Aiguablava is an urban beach, just a short drive from the center of Girona. It’s often listed as one of the top beaches in the region, and it’s easy to see why. The bright sand and small bays with clear turquoise waters are stunning. The smooth transition into the water makes it perfect for all visitors.
We visited Playa de Aiguablava in July during the afternoon, and it was quite crowded. If you want a quieter experience, it’s best to go early or during low season.
The beach is popular for many sports in Spain. Besides swimming and sunbathing, the waters are great for snorkeling. You can also rent catamarans and jet skis for more fun.
Getting to Playa de Aiguablava is easy, with paid parking available right on site. There’s also a restaurant, so you can spend the entire day enjoying the beach. Plus, the nearby Parador de Aiguablava offers stunning views and additional dining options.
6. Platja de Sant Pol, Sant Feliu de Guixols
Sant Pol is a lovely bay on the outskirts of Sant Feliu de Guixols. Locals hold it in warm regard, remembering it fondly from their childhoods. Its beauty remains largely untouched.
The beach started developing in the early 20th century when entrepreneurs returning from America invested in it. This mix of natural charm and subtle development creates an atmosphere of controlled wilderness, especially in the coves and rocks to the south.
Strategically located on the town’s outskirts, Sant Pol is great during the day and spectacular at night. We spent a morning here, enjoying the calm waters and fine sand. It was a perfect spot to relax and swim.
On the right side of the beach, you can find the famous Sa Caleta, a popular Instagram spot.
At night, you might see elegantly dressed people heading to dinner in S’Agaro Vell or to the stunning Hostal de la Gavina. Swimming at night in the sheltered southern areas is also a unique experience.
7. Calella de Palafrugell, Palafrugell
If you’re interested in beaches and places to visit in Catalonia, the lovely coastal town of Calella de Palafrugell is a must-see. This town draws many visitors looking for authentic charm. You won’t find the typical resort fare here. Instead, there are beachside seafood restaurants, cozy tavernas, and tapas bars lining the cobbled streets. And of course, there’s a wonderful beach.
The beach has clear waters and fine sand. It’s relatively quiet during the week, but on weekends, many Barcelonians escape the city and it gets busy. We visited in July, and it was quite crowded. The small stretch of sand fills up quickly.
Beyond the beach, the town is just a few minutes’ walk away. You can explore the charming streets, take boat rides, and enjoy the calm waters with lifeguards on duty. Calella de Palafrugell beach also has showers and toilets, so you can freshen up before grabbing some authentic tapas.
If you’re up for a scenic adventure, try the Cami de Ronda coastal path. We walked from Llafranc to Calella de Palafrugell and loved the stunning views. The path led us to hidden spots we wouldn’t have found otherwise. This walk was one of the highlights of our visit and made our trip even more special.
8. Cala Sa Tuna, Sa Tuna
Playa Sa Tuna is one of the most charming beaches in Begur, known for its beautiful setting and peaceful atmosphere. This small cove offers clear waters and a mix of pebbles and coarse sand.
To reach Sa Tuna, you can drive down a winding road that adds to the quiet feel of the beach. Parking is available nearby, making it easy to access without losing its relaxed vibe. We visited Sa Tuna on a sunny morning and loved the calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding cliffs provide natural shade, making it a comfortable spot even during the hottest parts of the day.
The beach also has essential facilities, including showers and a few restaurants where you can grab a bite. Sa Tuna is less crowded than other beaches in the area, giving it a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you want to soak up the sun, swim, or explore the underwater life, Sa Tuna is a fantastic choice.
Taking the Cami de Ronda, you can also explore nearby calas like Cala s’Eixugador, Cala Ses Vaques, and Cala Aiguafreda.
- Cala s’Eixugador is a hidden gem with clear waters and a rugged, natural setting, perfect for a quiet beach experience.
- Cala Ses Vaques is a tiny, secluded spot ideal for a peaceful swim or sunbathing away from the crowds.
- Cala Aiguafreda offers more activity with its small pier and opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking.
9. Platja de Santa Cristina, Lloret de Mar
The Platja de Santa Cristina is separated from Treumal Beach by just a few coves, but it has a completely different atmosphere.
In Santa Cristina, development projects have flourished, rapidly changing the area in the mid 20th century. However, the pace of building slowed and there is now a fragile balance between modern and tradition. The shrine of the local patron saint still stands together with green pine trees and an old fisherman’s cottage alongside modern vacation properties that provide all of the amenities visitors could need.
The beach is ideal for swimming and relaxing on the beautiful sands, yet you’re only a few minutes walk from some superb restaurants.
The beach inspired painter Joaquin Sorolla to create his Mediterranean paintings. Visit any gallery or museum showing his works and you’ll recognize the greens, blues and light of Santa Cristina.
10. Cala del Pi, Platja d’Aro
Cala del Pi in Platja d’Aro is a beautiful Catalonian beach. This small cove features clear turquoise waters and rocky cliffs, perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
Though it lacks extensive public amenities and isn’t wheelchair accessible, its natural charm makes it a peaceful escape. The surrounding pine forests and rocky landscapes offer scenic walking trails.
Cala del Pi is ideal for nature lovers looking to enjoy the serene beauty of the Catalonian coast. Its tranquil setting is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
11. Cala Giverola, Tossa de Mar
Cala Giverola in Tossa de Mar is a fairly isolated location – the beach is quite rugged, surrounded by cliffs, and populated by small coves. There are also delightful pine forests nearby that you can explore. The beach itself is beautiful, but you can also experience watersports with boat rental and nautical sports. There are also showers, toilets, a bar, and a restaurant.
Cala Giverola is approximately three miles from Tossa de Mar center, so you can walk to the beach, but if you drive, there is a paid parking lot nearby. Just bear in mind that some tourist cruise ships do dock nearby, so even if the parking lot is not busy, the beach may still be a little crowded.
