When you visit the Costa Brava you are almost certainly looking for a beach or two, but what many don’t realize is that these are not just any beaches. Although the ‘wild coast’ technically starts with one or two more populist, built-up resorts closer to Barcelona, north of Palamós Bay, you’ll find some of Europe’s most blissfully unspoilt Blue Flag beaches. This pine tree-lined stretch of coast has crystal clear, clean waters and there’s variety here too, from vast stretches of silky sand with family-friendly shallow waters to secluded smugglers’ coves and elegant horseshoe coves with terraces and restaurants. There are also plenty of beaches perfect for scuba diving, sailing and scuba diving.
For more Costa Brava inspiration, check out our guide to hotels, restaurants, activities, nightlife and scenic drives.
Platja de Canadell
What is there to do?
Watch the kids build sand castles or just laze around looking out at the fantastically clear sea (this is a Blue Flag beach). You can also go swimming, rent a kayak or register for a course at the sailing school.
Bars and snacks
The beautiful promenade, where 19th-century villas are surrounded by tall pine trees, is where you can find restaurants and bars with sea views, the most famous of which is Can Gelpi. For smart lunches with excellent local rice dishes and fantastic sea views, El Balcó de Calella on Sant Roc, at the top of the promenade, is hard to beat.
How do you get there?
In summer there are regular buses to the beach from the center of Palafrugell. Otherwise it takes less than 10 minutes by car. Just follow the sign to the platja (beach).
Platja de Castell
What is there to do?
Sit back and enjoy the ultimate sandy beach experience on this postcard-shaped, crescent-shaped stretch with barely a building in sight. You can dive beautifully in the clear water, and on the promontory at the end of the beach are the ruins of an Iberian settlement from the sixth century. If you fancy a walk, the Camino de Ronda coastal path, which returns to Palamós, offers spectacular sea views.
Bars and snacks
There is a xiringuito (beach hut) in the summer months for sandwiches, chilled beer and seafood, or try one of the many bars and restaurants along Palamós harbour. Shrimp are the local specialty.
How do you get there?
Walk 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 for the sign for 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 it gets, so don’t expect boat rentals or loads of activities. Just enjoy the peace and quiet.
Bars and snacks
The stone hut at the back of the beach may not look like much, but in summer the doyenne, the beautiful Señora Pepita, serves fantastically fresh, fried squid, red mullet and the local scorpionfish on the beach. They also do breakfast and serve cold drinks all day.
How do you get there?
Tucked away along the coast, less than a mile south of Tamariu, it can be reached by kayak or boat from Tamariu or on foot via the path from El Far de Sant Sebastia lighthouse in Llafranc. If you don’t fancy crossing the devilish 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 snorkeling and great for children. There is a diving center and rental of motor boats and kayaks.
Bars and snacks
The pedestrian promenade directly behind the beach is lined with excellent seafood restaurants, cafes and bars. Walk to the end of the crescent and head to family-friendly Es Dofi for some of the best, freshest fish on the Costa Brava.
How do you get there?
It is a six to seven minute drive via the GN 6542 from Palafrugell town center and about 10 minutes from Begur.
Llafranc
What is there to do?
The sandy beach of this quiet, exclusive yet inconspicuous bay is ideal for sunbathing, diving or snorkeling. There are boats and kayaks for rent, as well as sailing courses.
Bars and snacks
There’s a high concentration of good restaurants, from relaxed seaside cafes serving delicious mussels – try La Sirena (Passeig de Cipseal 31) – to the fancier fine dining at Casamar. For a relaxing drink there is the historic bar with terrace of Hotel Llafranc or the view from Hotel Llevant is beautiful.
How do you get there?
In summer, buses run from Palafrugell city center approximately every half hour. Otherwise it is a 10-15 minute walk along the coast from Tamariu or a short drive from Calella de Palafrugell.
El Golfet
What is there to do?
The crystal clear sea at this romantic bay makes it ideal for snorkeling. It’s also wonderfully private, shielded by tall pines and jagged rocks, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, you won’t find anywhere better.
Bars and snacks
The whole point of this bay is its remoteness and privacy, so bring your own lunch or snacks.
How do you get there?
As with other, more remote bays, you cannot get here by car. Access is by boat or on foot, approximately 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 on this family-friendly, three-mile stretch of fine, golden, Blue Flag sand, from beach volleyball to diving and boat trips. There’s nothing for a long way behind the beach, apart from the odd restaurant hut, and its openness to the elements makes it ideal for surfing and windsurfing.
Bars and snacks
There are two restaurants on the beach itself, close to the parking lot at Platja Raco – Solimar and Mar Blau (Passatge Racó, 4). Both serve fine food and tapas in unbeatable locations, but Solimar is the locals’ choice for quality regional rice dishes and paelllas. It is also the more expensive of the two options and it is best to book in advance for lunch on weekends or in the summer months.
How do you get there?
The beach is located just five kilometers beyond the small mother 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 wish for, from pedalos, snorkelling and diving to golden sand and shallow water. It is ideal for children.
Bars and snacks
Les Acàcies (Platja D´aiguablava, s/n), on the beach, is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch, with steamed mussels, calamari, grilled sardines and paella. For something more formal, Hotel Aigua Blava’s restaurant, high on the cliffs above the beach, offers stunning views and delicious food.
How do you get there?
In summer there are buses from Begur. Otherwise it’s a short drive along the GI-653 Fornells road from Begur – follow signs for Aiguablava.
Sa Riera
What is there to do?
Sit back and enjoy the view – there is nothing but the turquoise sea and a few pastel-colored wooden fishing boats. The beach, surrounded on either side by pine-covered pink cliffs, feels pleasantly sheltered from the outside world.
Bars and snacks
Directly behind the beach is a short row of hotels and cafes. Otherwise, the medieval town of Begur is a five-minute drive away and is full of excellent restaurants. The family-friendly La Pizzeta is one of the best, serving a wide range of fantastic dishes (not just pizza) and good local wines in a pretty, walled garden.
How do you get there?
Sa Riera is signposted along the Sa Tuna road from Begur or it is about an hour’s walk along the Cami de Ronda coastal path from Aiguafreda.
Platja Fonda
What is there to do?
Avid swimmers will enjoy the teal-hued, deep waters in this pristine, dramatic little bay. Enjoy the peace and seclusion, because behind you there are only high, lush pine forests and steep rocks.
Bars and snacks
You’ll either need to bring your own snacks or walk along the cliffs to Les Acacies (Platja D’aiguablava, s/n) on Aiguablava beach.
How do you get there?
Like most of the remote coves along this part of the coast, the only way is on foot from Aiguablava or by boat.
Sa Conca
What is there to do?
Surrounded by steep cliffs and pine-clad cliffs, this Blue Flag beach is so beautiful that you can happily spend the day admiring the views. However, you can follow the fantastically beautiful Cami de Ronda footpath at either end of the beach, which is also popular with divers and water skiers.
Bars and snacks
There is a chiringuito (beach hut) on the beach in summer, or head to neighboring S’Agaró, where there are numerous seafood restaurants along Sant Pol beach, including the beautiful Taverna del Mar.
How do you get there?
The beach is a short drive from S’Agaró or Platja d’Aro, or a 20-30 minute walk along the Cami de Ronda footpath from S’Agaró.