by If you’re visiting the Costa Brava, you’ll definitely be looking for a beach or two, but what many don’t realize is that these aren’t just old beaches. Although the ‘wild coast’ technically starts with one or two community centres, built closer to Barcelona, north of Palamós bay, you will find some of the most unspoilt Blue Flag beaches in Europe. This piney stretch of coast boasts crystal clear waters and also varies here from sweeping stretches of silky sand with family-friendly shallow waters to secluded smugglers’ coves and elegant horseshoe bays lined with sidewalk cafes and restaurants. There are also plenty of beaches perfect for diving, sailing and scuba diving.
For more Costa Brava inspiration, check out our guide to hotels, restaurants, things to do, nightlife and scenic drives.
Platja de Canadell
What to do?
Watch the children build sandcastles or simply walk away and gaze out at the stunningly clean sea (this is a Blue Flag beach). Alternatively, go swimming, hire a kayak or sign up for a course at the sailing school.
Crops and bites
The beautiful promenade, where 19th-century villas end in tall bookshelves, is the place to find restaurants and seaside bars, the most famous of which is Can Gelpi. For a smart lunch with excellent local rice dishes and stunning sea views, El Balcó de Calella at the Sant Roc at the top of the seafront promenade is hard to beat.
Go 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 place (beach).
Platja de Castell
What to do?
Lay back and enjoy the ultimate sandy beach experience at this postcard stretch, crescent-shaped and with barely a view of the building. There is great diving in the clear water, and on the headland 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 west towards Palamós has a stunning sea view.
Crops and bites
There is a abbreviate (beach shack) in the summer months for sandwiches, chilled beer and seafood, or try one of the many bars and restaurants along the harbor at Palamós. Prawns are the local specialty.
Go there
Walk along the coastal path from La Fosca beach or take the C-31 from Palamós towards Palafrugell. At the roundabout just outside town, look out for the sign to Platja Castell.
Cala Pedrosa (Calella de Palafrugell)
What to do?
This remote, smugglers’ bay near Tamariu and Calella is as laid-back as they come, so don’t expect boat rental options or lots of activities. Just bask in the tranquility.
Crops and bites
The stone block at the back of the beach may not look like much but in the summer, its doyenne, the amazing Señora Pepita serves up fresh fried calamares, red mullet and the local scorpion fish on the beach. They also do breakfast and serve cold drinks all day.
Go there
Tucked away along the coast less than a mile south of Tamariu, it is accessible by Kayak or boat from Tamariu or on foot through the path from El Far de Sant Sebastia lighthouse at Llafranc. Otherwise if you do not think anything to cross the fiendish rocks on each side of the bay away, take the coastal path from Tamariu.
Tamariu
What to do?
This small, horse-shaped bay near Calella is perfect for boating and snorkelling and great for children. There is a diving center as well as motorboat and kayak hire.
Crops and bites
The pedestrian promenade just behind the beach has excellent restaurants, cafes and fish 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.
Go there
It is a six to seven minute drive on the GN 6542 from Palafrugell town center and about 10 minutes from Begur.
lafranc
What to do?
This exclusive, quiet and unspoilt bay has a sandy beach ideal for sunbathing, diving or snorkelling and offers boat and kayak hire, as well as sailing courses.
Crops and bites
There’s a high concentration of good restaurants, from waterfront-ready cafes serving great mussels – try La Sirena (Passeig de Cipseal 31) – to smarter dining in Casamar. For a relaxing drink, Hotel Llafranc has its historic terrace bar or the view from Hotel Llevant is stunning.
Go there
Buses run approximately every half hour in summer from Palafrugell town centre. Otherwise it is a 10-15 minute coastal stroll from Tamariu or a short drive from Calella de Palafrugell.
El Golf
What to do?
The crystalline sea at this romantic cove makes it ideal for snorkelling. It’s also extremely private, protected by tall pine trees and jagged rocks, so if you want tranquility, you won’t find a better place.
Crops and bites
The whole point of this cove is its isolation and privacy, so bring your own lunch or snacks.
Go there
As with other remote coves, you won’t be able to get here by car. Access is by boat or on foot, about 15 minutes along the coastal path from Calella de Palafrugell.
Platja de Pals
What to do?
There’s not much you can’t do at this family-friendly three-mile stretch of fine golden Blue Flag sand, from beach volleyball to diving and boat trips. There’s nothing behind the beach in any way, apart from the odd restaurant shack, and being open to the elements makes it ideal for surfing and windsurfing.
Crops and bites
There are two restaurants on the beach itself, close to the car park at Platja Raco – Solimar and Mar Blau (Passatge Raco, 4). Both serve good food and tapas with unbeatable locations but Solimar is the locals’ choice for quality regional rice dishes and paellas. It is also the more expensive of the two options and is best booked for lunch at the weekend or in the summer months.
Go there
The beach is just three miles beyond the hilltop town of Pals – a short drive north of Begur.
Aigublava
What to do?
This family-friendly beach (previously voted the best in Catalonia) has everything you could need, from pedalos, snorkelling and diving to golden sand and shallow water. It is suitable for children.
Crops and bites
Les Acàcies (Platja D’aiguablava, s/n), on the beach, is the perfect spot for a loose lunch, with steamed mussels, calamari, grilled sardines and paella. For something a little more formal, the Aigua Blava Hotel restaurant, perched high on the cliffs above the beach, has stunning views and excellent food.
Go there
In 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.
In Riara
What to do?
Sit back and bask in the view – just the turquoise sea and a few pastel-painted wooden fishing boats. The beach, cosseted by pink pine-clad cliffs on both sides, feels like a nice shelter from the outside world.
Crops and bites
There is a short row of hotels and cafes just behind the beach. Alternatively, the medieval town of Begur is five minutes away and is full of excellent restaurants. La Pizzeta is family friendly and one of the best and serves a wide range of great dishes (not just pizza) and good local wines in a nice walled garden.
Go 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 to do?
Keen swimmers will love the deep, teardrop-colored water in this dramatic, unspoiled cove. Enjoy the peace and seclusion as there are only lush tall pine forests and steep rocks behind you.
Crops and bites
You will need to bring your own snacks or walk along the cliffs to Les Acacies (Platja D’aiguablava, s/n) on the beach at Aiguablava.
Go there
Like most of the isolated coves along this stretch of coast, the only way from Aiguablava is by foot or by boat.
In Conca
What to do?
Bookended by rocky cliffs and pine cliffs, this lovely Blue Flag shingle beach is so pretty you could happily spend all day enjoying the views. You can, however, pick up the spectacular Cami de Ronda scenic path at either end of the beach and it’s also popular with divers and water skiers.
Crops and bites
There is a chiringuito (beach shack) on the beach during the summer, or one of its neighbors S’Agaró where there are many seafood restaurants lining Sant Pol beach, including the superb Taverna del Mar.
Go 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 path from S’Agaró.
