The Costa Brava has many great beaches from the isolated, hard to get to bays and coves on the Cap de Creus to the popular sandy beaches of Begur and Palafrugell. With over 200kms of coastline from Portbou in the north to Blanes on the southern tip there is a beach for everyone. Here is a selection of our personal favourites.
Aiguablava beach, Begur.
The beautiful turquoise waters of Aiguablava make this one of the most beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava. The beach has a few restaurants, toilets and showers. Large car park nearby.
Platja Castell, Palamos
With over 300m of fine sand, this is one of the largest and less busy beaches in the Palamos/Palafrugell area.
Tamariu beach, Palafrugell
One of the most popular beaches of the whole Costa Brava, Tamariu beach has beautiful clear waters and fine sand. There are also a choice of restaurants to choose from on the beach front.
Cala Taballera, Port de la Selva
The largest beach in the Cap de Creus peninsula. The Cala is a good two hour hike from Port de la Selva and well worth the effort.
Platja del Ros, Cadaques
The beaches of Cadaques are not huge but this is one of the best and has great views of the Cadaques seafront in the background.
Sa Sabolla, Cadaques
Sa Sabolla is a pleasant 45 minute walk from Cadaques in the direction of Cala Nans and the lighthouse. Pebbles rather than sandy and a great place for a swim.
Cala Joncols, Roses
Roughly half way between Roses and Cadaques Cala Joncols makes a great stop off for a swim if you are walking the coastal “Cami de Ronda” between the two towns.
Portixol beach, L’Escala
Portixol beach is a great sandy beach sitting half way between the charming coastal village of Sant Marti d’Empuries and the larger town of L’Escala. There are a number of similar lovely sandy beaches each side of Portixol and a selection of restaurants within walking distance.
Cala Montgo, L’Escala
Just on the southern edge of L’Escala Cala Montgo is a lovely sandy bay with great views of the Montgri national park. There’s also a couple of nearby restaurants to choose from.
Sa Riera, Begur
Another of our favourites, Sa Riera in our opinion, is the best beach of Begur. With a large area of sand and a handful of restaurants to choose from the beach offers space yet at the same time a sense of intimacy.
Llafranc beach, Palafrugell
Similar to the nearby Tamariu beach, Llafranc has a lovely sandy beach and a number of beachside restaurants to choose from.
Cala Estreta
Cala Estreta and El Crit beaches are on the Cami de Ronda coastal path and are a nice walk from either Platja Castell or from Calella de Palafrugell to the north. Isoloated and with no bars or shops these are a great beaches to escape the crowds.
Sa Conca, S’Agaro
With numerous facilities, you can access it both by car and on foot, via a pleasant stroll along the coastal path. It has a blue flag and a few metres away from here is also the Port d’Aro marina.
Here is a map showing the locations of our favourite beaches on the Costa Brava