The 11 best beaches on the Costa Brava
If you’re visiting the Costa Brava, you’ll almost certainly be looking for a beach or two, but what many don’t realise is that these are not just any old beaches. Even though the 'wild coast' technically begins with one or two more populist, built-up resorts closer to Barcelona, north of the bay of Palamós, you’ll find some of the most blissfully unspoilt, Blue Flag beaches in Europe. This pine-fringed stretch of coast has crystal clear, clean waters and there’s variety here too from sweeping stretches of silky sand with family-friendly shallow waters to secluded smugglers' coves and elegant horse-shoe bays lined with pavement cafés and restaurants. There are also plenty of beaches which are perfect for diving, sailing and scuba diving.
For more Costa Brava inspiration, see our guide to hotels, restaurants, things to do, nightlife and scenic drives.
Platja de Canadell
What is there to do?
Watch the children build sandcastles or simply laze and gaze out to the fantastically clear sea (this is a Blue Flag beach). Alternatively, go for a swim, hire a kayak or sign up for a course at the sailing school.
Bars and bites
The pretty promenade, where 19th-century villas are book-ended by tall pines, is the place to find sea-view restaurants and bars, the most famous of which is Can Gelpi. For smart lunches with excellent local rice dishes and fabulous sea views, El Balcó de Calella at the Sant Roc at the top of the seafront promenade is hard to beat.
Getting there
In summer there are regular buses to the beach from Palafrugell town centre. Otherwise, it takes less than 10 minutes by car. Just follow the sign for the platja (beach).
Platja de Castell
What is there to do?
Lie back and enjoy the ultimate sandy beach experience at this picture-postcard, crescent-shaped stretch with barely a building in sight. There’s wonderful diving in the clear water, and on the promontory at the end of the beach are the ruins of a sixth-century Iberian settlement. If you’re in the mood for a walk, the Camino de Ronda coastal path heading back towards Palamós has spectacular sea views.
Bars and bites
There’s a xiringuito (beachside shack) in the summer months for sandwiches, chilled beers and seafood, or try one of the many bars and restaurants dotted along the harbour at Palamós. Prawns are the local speciality.
Getting there
Stroll along the coastal path from La Fosca beach or take the C-31 from Palamós towards Palafrugell. At the roundabout just outside the town, look out for the sign to Platja Castell.
Cala Pedrosa (Calella de Palafrugell)
What is there to do?
This remote, pebbly smugglers’ cove near Tamariu and Calella is about as untouristy as they come, so don't expect boat rental options or loads of activities. Just bask in the tranquillity.
Bars and bites
The stone shack at the back of the beach may not look much but in the summer, its doyenne, the wonderful Señora Pepita serves up fabulously fresh, fried calamares, red mullet and the local scorpion fish on the beach. They also do breakfast and serve cold drinks all day.
Getting there
Tucked away along the coast less than a mile south of Tamariu, it’s accessed by kayak or boat from Tamariu or on foot via the path from El Far de Sant Sebastia lighthouse at Llafranc. Otherwise if you think nothing of crossing the fiendish rocks on either side of the bay on foot, take the coastal path from Tamariu.
Tamariu
What is there to do?
This small, horseshoe-shaped bay near Calella is perfect for boating and snorkelling and great for children. There’s a diving centre as well as motorboat and kayak rental.
Bars and bites
The pedestrianised promenade directly behind the beach is lined with excellent fish restaurants, cafés and bars. Walk to the end of the crescent and head to the family-friendly Es Dofi for some of the best, freshest fish on the Costa Brava.
Getting there
It’s six or seven minutes’ drive on the GN 6542 from Palafrugell town centre and about 10 minutes from Begur.
Llafranc
What is there to do?
The sandy beach at this quietly exclusive yet unflashy bay is great for sun-soaking, diving or snorkelling and there are boats and kayaks for rent, as well as sailing courses.
Bars and bites
There’s a high concentration of good restaurants, from laid-back seafront cafés serving great mussels – try La Sirena (Passeig de Cipseal 31) – to smarter fine dining at Casamar. For a leisurely drink, there’s the historic terrace bar at Hotel Llafranc or the view from the Hotel Llevant is magnificent.
Getting there
Buses run about every half hour in summer from Palafrugell town centre. Otherwise it’s a 10-15 minute coastal stroll from Tamariu or a short drive from Calella de Palafrugell.
El Golfet
What is there to do?
The crystalline sea at this romantic cove makes it ideal for snorkelling. It’s also wonderfully private, shielded by tall pines and jagged rocks, so if you want tranquillity, you’ll find nowhere better.
Bars and bites
The whole point of this cove is its remoteness and privacy, so bring your own lunch or snacks.
Getting there
As with other more remote coves, you won’t be able to get here by car. Access is either by boat or on foot, about 15 minutes along the coastal path from Calella de Palafrugell.
Platja de Pals
What is there to do?
There’s not much you can’t do at this family-friendly, three-mile expanse of fine, golden, Blue-Flag sand, from beach volleyball to diving and boat trips. There’s nothing behind the beach for quite some way, apart from the odd restaurant shack, and its openness to the elements makes it ideal for surfing and windsurfing.
Bars and bites
There are two restaurants on the beach itself, close to the car park at Platja Raco – Solimar and Mar Blau (Passatge Racó, 4). Both serve good food and tapas with unbeatable locations but Solimar is the locals’ choice for quality regional rice dishes and paelllas. It’s also the pricier of the two options and it’s best to book ahead for lunch at the weekend or in the summer months.
Getting there
The beach is just three miles beyond the small hilltop parent town of Pals – a short drive north of Begur.
Aiguablava
What is there to do?
This family-friendly Blue Flag beach (previously voted the best in Catalonia) has everything you could want, from pedalos, snorkelling and diving to golden sand and shallow water. It's ideal for children.
Bars and bites
Les Acàcies (Platja D´aiguablava, s/n), on the beach, is the perfect spot for a laid-back lunch, with steamed mussels, calamari, grilled sardines and paella. For something slightly more formal, the Hotel Aigua Blava’s restaurant, high on the cliffs above the beach, has splendid views and superb food.
Getting there
In the summer there are buses from Begur. Otherwise, it’s a short drive along the GI-653 Fornells road from Begur – follow the signs for Aiguablava.
Sa Riera
What is there to do?
Lie back and bask in the view – there’s nothing but turquoise sea and a few pastel-painted wooden fishing boats. The beach, cosseted by pine-clad pink cliffs on either side, feels nicely sheltered from the outside world.
Bars and bites
There’s a short row of hotels and cafés directly behind the beach. Otherwise, the Medieval town of Begur is a five minute drive away and is full of excellent restaurants. Family-friendly La Pizzeta is one of the best and serves a wide range of fantastic dishes (not just pizza) and good local wines in a pretty, walled garden.
Getting there
Sa Riera is signposted off the Sa Tuna road from Begur or it’s about an hour’s walk along the Cami de Ronda coastal path from Aiguafreda.
Platja Fonda
What is there to do?
Keen swimmers will love the teal-coloured, deep water in this unspoilt, dramatic little cove. Revel in the peace and seclusion as there’s nothing but tall, lush pine forests and steep rocks behind you.
Bars and bites
You’ll either have to bring your own snacks or walk along the cliffs to Les Acacies (Platja D´aiguablava, s/n) on the beach at Aiguablava.
Getting there
Like most of the secluded coves along this stretch of the coast, the only way is on foot from Aiguablava or by boat.
Sa Conca
What is there to do?
Bookended by craggy rocks and pine-clad cliffs, this Blue Flag beach of fine shingle is so pretty you could happily spend all day just enjoying the views. You can however pick up the fantastically scenic Cami de Ronda footpath at either end of the beach and there’s also and it’s also popular with divers and water skiers.
Bars and bites
There’s a chiringuito (beach shack) on the beach in the summer, or head to neighbouring S’Agaró where there are plenty of seafood restaurants lining Sant Pol beach, including the superb Taverna del Mar.
Getting there
The beach is a short drive from either S’Agaró or Platja d’Aro or 20-30 minutes’ walk along the Cami de Ronda footpath from S’Agaró.
