The Costa Brava, bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean, is a coastal paradise that is home to some of the best beaches in Girona and the Empordà regions, both in Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà. With its natural charm and spectacular landscapes, this region of the Catalan coast is a dream destination for lovers of the sun, sand and sea.
The beaches of the Costa Brava are known for their diversity and beauty, from small coves hidden between cliffs to extensive stretches of golden sand. Every corner of this coast offers a unique experience for visitors, from the tranquility of the Baix Empordà beaches to the majesty of the Alt Empordà coasts.
In this article, we will take you on a journey through the best beaches of the Costa Brava, exploring the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region and discovering why this corner of Catalonia is an unrivaled destination to enjoy the sun, the sea and life. Mediterranean at its best.
Cala Ferriol
Cala Ferriol is a small virgin cove, with pebbles and crystal clear waters that is part of the Montgrí Natural Park. It does not have any type of service and to get there, you will have to walk for an hour from Cala Montgó or l'Estartit, or access it by boat. However, if you choose the first option, don't worry, since the difficulty is moderate and the park's landscapes are impressive. And now you will think: "But on the Costa Brava there are many coves like this." Well no, because a small stream flows down from the mountains into this cove, in addition to having small islands (the islands of Cala Ferriol) that will look fantastic on Instagram. And if you have not yet completely succumbed to the power of this social network, you can sunbathe, contemplate the landscape or go snorkeling. Of course, although it is far from the urban center, in summer it is quite common to see some boats.
Cala Rostella
Like many other coves that are part of Cap de Creus, Cala Rostella is amazing. A small virgin cove with crystal-clear waters surrounded by pine trees that, even in the middle of August, is usually relatively empty. The reason? The nearest urban area, Roses, is almost seven kilometers away. The surface of the beach is covered with pebbles and thanks to the pine trees, the water takes on an incredible turquoise blue color. The bad news (or good news depending on who you are) is that to access it you will have to leave the car and go down a rocky path with a slope of about 90 meters. The walk only takes about fifteen or twenty minutes, but make sure you wear appropriate footwear. Of course, we promise that the result (getting to Cala Rostella) is worth it. And a lot. We won't tell you to take advantage of the descent to take a photo, although it would be a hit on Instagram, but try looking down. The beauty is indescribable.
Tamariua Cove
Cala Tamariua is located just 2 kilometers from the urban center of El Port de la Selva, forming a corner of serenity among the majestic rock formations of Cap de Creus. This picturesque cove, made up of stones and gravel, is distinguished by its easy access, as it is located a short walk from the urban centre. Travelers who choose to arrive by vehicle will find convenient parking right at the top of the cove.
A special aspect of Cala Tamariua is that it allows nudism and, as a result, tends to attract a diverse group of beachgoers who enjoy its relaxed atmosphere. With a length of around 100 meters, this secluded beach is often chosen by nature lovers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
The coarse-textured sand is surrounded by characteristic Mediterranean vegetation, including tamarind trees that give it its name, curiously similar to Tamariu Beach in Calella de Palafrugell. In addition, in its surroundings you can see various species, such as acacias. Cala Tamariua is a haven of peace that invites you to enjoy the coastal serenity in the heart of the Costa Brava.
Cala del Pi
Platja d'Aro also hides small treasures. One of them is Cala del Pi, just over ten minutes from Playa Gran but a world away: Forget about the extreme crowds, the loud music and the characteristic buildings. La Cala del Pi is protected by pine trees and rocks, its waters are crystal clear and, despite being so close to the urban centre, the level of occupancy in the middle of summer is not excessively high. The bad news is that there are some houses right behind it, but thanks to the vegetation, they don't spoil the landscape much. In short, it looks like something out of a postcard.
Cala Tavallera
The easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, although Alicante appropriated the slogan 'Dawn of Spain', is also the wildest part of the Costa Brava, an authentic Finisterre as spectacular as it is treacherous, littered with thousand-year-old ruins and still very jealous of its best kept secrets. One of them, which we will generously share with you, is Cala Tavallera, located about two kilometers from El Port de la Selva but only accessible on foot via the GR11, the path that connects the Mediterranean with the Atlantic. Some blogs and guides claim that it can be accessed by 4x4, but the safest way to get there without problems has always been through a walk of about two hours that culminates in a well-deserved prize: a practically deserted cove in summer and winter, with a refuge to spend the night and sunrises that taste like the birth of a new world. The seabed is spectacular and has a dense Posidonia meadow. In the middle of summer, many small boats gather, but at the beginning or end of the season, you probably won't find anyone. To make sure the shelter is in good condition and available, it is best to call the town hall.
Rovira Cove
After the hell that the large beach of Platja d'Aro can become in the middle of summer, okay, we are exaggerating a little: on two kilometers of beach more than 50 meters wide, you will find some habitable corner even in the middle of August. But the discovery of Cala Rovira, following the Camí de Ronda after passing the Cavall Bernat rock, feels like a stroke of beauty. You will rarely find it empty, but it is so beautiful, so incredibly white, green and blue, that not even a few annoying apartments looming between the pine trees and the numerous families approaching can ruin the first impression. If, despite the idyllic aspect of the landscape, you cannot stand the paddle players, Rovira is also the gateway to a series of rocky and debauched coves such as Sa Cova, El Pi, Els Canyers and Belladona, where you can quietly enjoy of reading sitting on a warm rock.
Cala Sa Sabolla
It is there where Jesus Christ lost his espadrille, but there are many reasons to visit Sa Sabolla. Firstly, the Camí de Ronda from which it is accessed is a true delight for the senses. A somewhat long experience, but one that you must see and live. And yes, you read that right: it can only be accessed on foot or by boat. The cove, with almost crystal clear waters and a pebble surface, is completely surrounded by slate rocks and is, by far, one of the loneliest beaches on the Costa Brava. In short, it is very difficult for you to find more than twenty people here.
L'Illa Roja
Yes, Begur has many stunning beaches, why choose this one that has no services? In addition to the fact that it is not as saturated with beautiful people as Sa Tuna or Aiguafreda, we like it because it is the only nudist beach in the center of the Costa Brava. The intense red colors of the rock emerging from the bay make it rare and vibrant, and its semicircular shape makes it very welcoming. In addition, it is usually relatively unfrequented by groups or children, since it is necessary to walk quite a bit to get there from the Camí de Ronda. The only disadvantage is that the high walls of the cliffs that surround it cast shadows in the afternoon, so make good use of the morning.
Bramant Cove
Better known as Cala dels Enamorats, this small cove is a kind of sea lock that twists around the sea and forms a small natural pool. Not only is it an idyllic and quite quiet corner, but it also offers spectacular views of Llançà, El Port de la Selva and even Cap de Creus. A little unknown gem! To get there, it is best to go by boat or kayak through an opening that connects it to the sea, but if you dare, you can also access it on foot. Of course, make sure you wear good shoes.
Cala dels Frares
There are beaches that you simply must see. Beaches where you can barely sunbathe but where you must step. One of them is Cala dels Frares. A set of rocks with amazing shapes that year after year attract many photography lovers. It has no services and is completely natural, but it is totally addictive: once you bathe in this idyllic environment, it is difficult to settle for bathing on other beaches. Okay, maybe we are exaggerating, but Cala dels Frares is an experience you must live. How to get? It can be reached from the Camí de Ronda that begins at Lloret beach and passes through Sa Caleta.
Xelida Water
Aigua It can only be accessed on foot from the urbanization of the same name, going down until you find some stairs on the right, or by boat. Despite being the winning beach of the program "El paisatge favorit de Catalunya" in 2009, occupancy (fortunately!) remains relatively low. In fact, until 1950, Aigua Xelida only communicated with Tamariu through a dirt road. In any case, let's get to the point: the beach, made up of stones and surrounded by rocks and pine trees, is about 40 meters long and about twelve meters wide. Why do we recommend it? Because it is a wonderful and spectacular corner of the Costa Brava. A beach you should go to at least once in your life. Or two. Or three. Or... you get the idea, right?
Cala Giverola
Cala Giverola is a small cove surrounded by cliffs and pine trees located about 5 km from the urban center of Tossa de Mar. To get there, therefore, you will need a car and park near the Pola-Giverola tourist complex. A holiday complex promoted in 1987 by the professional cooperative of Swiss postmen. Despite being a little far away, it is one of the busiest beaches on the Costa Brava, since thanks to the complex it has many services. Of course, only during the months of July and August. In September, the situation changes, families return to their routine and this magnificent sandy beach returns to its usual oblivion. If Vallpresona is too far away and Senyor Ramon is too crowded, Giverola is your beach!
Cala d'es Cranc, Cala del Peix, Cala dels Mussols
D'es Cranc, Peix and dels Mussols are three narrow, long and boxed coves that can only be accessed from the Camí de Ronda from Sant Feliu de Guixols to S'Agaró. The small bathing area is, in fact, the stretch of rocky and flat coast that extends between Cala Ametller and Cala d'es Cranc itself. Of course, they are ideal for snorkeling and, incidentally, succeeding on Instagram. The scenery is amazing! A curiosity: the name Cala del Peix comes from the fact that in 1912 a fin whale was stranded.
Estreta Cove
The inhabitants of Alt Empordà have Cap de Creus and those of Baix Empordà, Cala Estreta. It is infinitely more modest, but it is perfect for the Empordanet, where Josep Pla would have considered any type of excess and opulence to be in very bad taste. The good news, at the same time, is bad: during the summer, road traffic is prohibited and to get there, you will have to walk about 45 minutes from Castell beach along the Camí de Ronda, or be careful! only 20 if you follow the service road that passes under the electrical towers from the Castell parking lot. The effort, however, is directly proportional to the spectacular nature of these nudist coves, bright, open to the east and very suitable for sunny winter mornings, which even in the middle of summer tend to be relatively quiet due to the walk necessary to get there. If you find a white-haired man in the fishermen's hut, which dates back to the XNUMXth century, greet him: his name is Quico and he has lived there for years. He doesn't have a television or radio because he says he has an infinite-inch screen focused on the horizon, but he will tell you which rock you should stand on to find mobile coverage according to your operator. We can only say one more thing: you must go at least once in your life.
In summary, the Costa Brava, with its impressive beaches in the Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà regions of Girona, offers a spectacular range of options for lovers of the sea and nature. From the hidden and quiet coves to the busiest beaches, this region bathed by the Mediterranean captivates with its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Every corner of the Costa Brava is an invitation to enjoy the sun, sand and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Whether exploring secluded coves or immersing yourself in the life of coastal towns, this jewel of Catalonia never ceases to amaze those who visit it.