A Rugged and Wild Coastline
A natural extension of the Côte Vermeille, Costa Brava refers to the Catalan coast stretching between the French-Spanish border and Blanes, from Roses to Barcelona. This mountain-side coastline, spanning approximately 250 km, is characterized by rugged shores dotted with wild coves of crystal-clear waters, bays, fine sandy beaches, villages nestled at the foot of the mountains, and fishing ports. The Costa Brava boasts seaside resorts equipped with modern nautical facilities, including Blanes, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Empuriabrava, Sant Martí d'Empúries, Roses, and Cadaqués. An ideal destination for a Mediterranean seaside holiday, the Costa Brava offers endless activities. Besides relaxing on the "playa," visitors can explore charming villages, natural parks, and much more. Vacationers can indulge in numerous water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, kitesurfing, sailing, and windsurfing. This Catalonia region also features numerous hiking and mountain biking trails along the coastline and in the mountains. Rent a bike, and you’ll discover breathtaking viewpoints perfect for observing the beaches, coves, and surrounding area. From Cala Llevado Campsite in Tossa de Mar, Spain, you’ll be ideally positioned to discover the most beautiful beaches of Costa Brava. Stop by one of the coastal restaurants near a port and enjoy a delicious paella or fideuà in a natural setting just a few steps from the beach and its turquoise waters.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Beaches on the Costa Brava
- Cala Bona, Tossa de Mar: A spot surrounded by rocks where it’s hard to find space for your towel, but a paradise for diving, snorkeling, and kayaking enthusiasts.
- Cala Giverola, Tossa de Mar: A heavenly cove protected by cliffs, where a few motorboats rest peacefully. Spend a day exploring this stunning location.
- Sa Caleta, Lloret de Mar: A cove with turquoise waters overlooked by a medieval castle, perfect for combining swimming and cultural discovery in one day.
- Platja de Fenals, Lloret de Mar: One part of the beach offers family-friendly facilities (water sports centers, playgrounds, bars, restaurants, restrooms), while the other is wilder for bathers seeking tranquility.
- Cala Sant Francesc, Blanes: A small 220-meter-long sandy beach accessible on foot through a lovely botanical garden.
- Cala Rovira, Platja d’Aro: A beautiful, fine sandy beach over 235 meters long, conveniently located near the highway and easily accessible by car from downtown or Girona Airport.
- Cala San Roque, Calella de Palafrugell: A unique cove accessed via stairs from a viewpoint offering stunning views of Calella Bay. A distinctive beach but not recommended for families due to the presence of rocks in the water.
- S'Alguer, Palamos: The perfect destination if you picture a secluded cove surrounded by vegetation, with a few boats resting on the pebbles and white houses with colorful doors and shutters.
- Platja del Pi, Port Bou: An excellent choice for vacationers wishing to visit the Salvador Dalí Museum and Sant Ferran Castle in Figueres, one of the most attractive towns in northern Catalonia.
- Sa Tuna, Begur: An ideal spot to escape the summer crowds of the Costa Brava, close to Barcelona but far from the usual tourist circuits.