Come on, the Costa Brava is one of Spain’s most popular and attractive destinations, thanks to its natural beauty, Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural and gastronomic offering.
But, without a doubt, what really stands out about this area are its beaches and coves, which stretch for over 200 kilometres of coastline, from Blanes to Portbou.
Therefore, if you’re thinking of visiting the Costa Brava and want to enjoy its crystal-clear waters, rocky landscapes, and tranquil, laid-back atmosphere, we recommend you don’t miss this article.
We’ll show you the best beaches and coves in the region so your next getaway is your best yet.
The 7 best beaches on the Costa Brava
Costa Brava beaches are typically wide, with fine or coarse sand, good facilities, and easy access.
They’re ideal for spending a day with the family, practising water sports, or simply sunbathing and unwinding. And here are the 7 most notable ones:
1. Castell Beach (Palamós)
The first of the best beaches on the Costa Brava is the popular Castell Beach, which is one of the few that remain unspoilt in the area, with no nearby buildings or housing developments.
It’s located in the municipality of Palamós, surrounded by forests and farmland.
It’s about 600 metres long, with an average width of 40 metres.
Its sand is golden and coarse, and its waters are clear and shallow.
It’s a very peaceful, family-friendly beach with a natural, authentic atmosphere.
2. Garbet Beach (Colera)
This beach is located at the northern end of the Costa Brava, in the municipality of Colera.
It’s a small beach, about 300 metres long and 25 metres wide, but very beautiful and cosy—perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.
Its sand is light and fine, and its waters are blue and calm.
One of its main attractions is that it’s sheltered by mountains, which give it a picturesque appearance and protect it from the wind.
3. La Fosca Beach (Palamós)
La Fosca Beach is located south of Palamós, next to the urban area of La Fosca, and is known for being a wide beach—around 800 metres long and 40 metres wide—with fine golden sand and clear, clean waters.
It’s worth noting that it’s a very popular and busy beach, especially in summer, but it’s also very pleasant and comfortable.
So you’ll need to arrive early to get a spot.
It offers all the necessary services, such as showers, lifeguards, sunbed rentals, and water activities.
4. Santa Cristina Beach (Lloret de Mar)
It’s located between the Fenals and Treumal headlands, and is about 400 metres long and 35 metres wide.
It’s also very peaceful—ideal for enjoying its turquoise, crystal-clear waters.
Additionally, it’s surrounded by a spectacular natural setting of pine trees, cliffs, and rocks.
5. Sant Feliu de Guíxols Beach
Another of the best beaches on the Costa Brava is Sant Feliu de Guíxols, located right in the centre of the municipality that shares its name, Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
It’s considered an urban beach, but a very beautiful and well-maintained one, with about 400 metres in length and 30 metres in width.
Its sand is golden and coarse, slipping between your toes and gently massaging your feet as you walk.
Its waters are blue with gentle waves, which is why it’s a lively and popular beach, with a seafront promenade full of restaurants, bars, and shops.
6. Portitxol Beach (L’Escala)
Although it’s considered a small beach—only 200 metres long and 15 metres wide—the truth is that this Costa Brava beach stands out for its beautiful dark, coarse sand, its clear greenish waters, and its excellent view of Portitxol Island.
In fact, all it takes is a boat ride to dive into the adventure of exploring this island.
Many of its visitors go snorkelling or diving there because of its calm conditions.
7. Sa Boadella Beach (Lloret de Mar)
With no less than 250 metres in length and 40 metres in width, Sa Boadella Beach is semi-wild and surrounded by an impressive natural environment of pine trees, dunes, and cliffs.
Its sand is fine, and its waters are blue and crystal clear.
Nudism is permitted here.
The 5 best coves on the Costa Brava
Now let’s take a look at the best coves on the Costa Brava to enjoy the beauty and purity of this charming region.
1. Illa Roja (Begur)
This cove is located in the municipality of Begur, between the beaches of Sa Riera and Racó.
It’s a cove of around 120 metres in length and 15 metres in width, with coarse, reddish sand and deep blue waters.
It’s dominated by a large red rock that gives it its name, rising out of the sea like an islet. It’s a very beautiful and wild cove, with a relaxed, nudist atmosphere.
2. Cala Estreta (Palamós)
Estreta is located north of Castell Beach and is only 100 metres long and 10 metres wide.
But that doesn’t take away from its charm or the fun it offers.
Its waters are emerald-coloured and very clear, and it sits within a wonderful natural setting made up of forests, fields, and rocks. It’s a very quiet and secluded cove, accessible only on foot or by boat.
3. Cala Rustella (Roses)
It measures only 80 metres in length and about 15 in width, but it has beautiful blue waters that captivate its visitors.
The atmosphere is very pleasant and peaceful, as the rocky landscape surrounding it gives it that touch of mystery and wildness that makes it so special and not very crowded.
4. Cala de Aiguablava (Begur)
It’s a beautiful cove, about 75 metres long and 25 metres wide, with turquoise, crystal-clear waters.
It’s flanked by rocky formations that give it an exotic, Caribbean-like touch.
We recommend arriving very early when you visit, as it’s a very popular and busy cove, especially in summer.
It offers all the usual services, such as showers, lifeguards, and sunbed rentals.
5. Cala de Aigua-Xelida (Palafrugell)
The last of our top coves on the Costa Brava is Aigua-Xelida Cove, located in Palafrugell.
We can say it’s one of the most beautiful on the list, as it has very bright and striking golden sand, crystal-clear waters that turn blue as they deepen, and a special natural setting.
For example, it has caves, arches, and tunnels that can be explored to discover more about the region’s culture and history.
In conclusion, you now know the best beaches and coves on the Costa Brava to plan your next trip and enjoy some of the best days of your life in a unique, refreshing, and lively setting.
