Coves and Beaches in the Costa Brava

The coves and beaches of the Costa Brava are one of the main attractions of the Mediterranean coastline. Along more than 200 km of coast, this destination in Girona offers everything from fine-sand beaches with easy access to hidden coves between cliffs and pine forests, many of them considered among the most beautiful in Spain.

Hotel Aigua Blava, located on the seafront in the bay of Aiguablava (Begur), lies in the heart of one of the areas with the highest concentration of quality coves on the entire Costa Brava. From here, some of the most beautiful can be reached on foot, and the rest of the coastline by car or boat in less than an hour.

In this guide you will find the best coves and beaches on the Costa Brava, with practical information, access details, seabed type and recommendations to choose the one that best suits each trip.

Best coves and beaches on the Costa Brava

Coves within walking distance of Hotel Aigua Blava

• Aiguablava (Begur)
• Sa Tuna (Begur)
• Platja Fonda (Begur)
• Cala d'en Malaret (Begur)

Coves of Begur just a few minutes away

• Sa Riera (Begur)
• Fornells (Begur)
• Aiguafreda (Begur)

Essential coves of the Baix Empordà

• Calella de Palafrugell
• Llafranc
• Cala S'Alguer (Palamós)
• Cala Estreta (Palamós)
• Tamariu (Palafrugell)
• Cala Montgó (L'Escala)

Coves of the Alt Empordà

• Cadaqués and Cap de Creus
• Cala Montjoi (Roses)

Coves of the southern Costa Brava

• Cala Giverola (Tossa de Mar)
• Cala Pola (Tossa de Mar)

Coves and beaches of Begur

The surroundings of Begur concentrate within just a few kilometres some of the best coves on the Costa Brava: sandy and posidonia seabeds, pine-covered cliffs falling into the sea, and a water transparency that is hard to find anywhere else in the Mediterranean.

Among the most outstanding are: Aiguablava, with its turquoise water and fine sand, considered one of the most beautiful coves in the Mediterranean; Sa Tuna, the most picturesque and photogenic, with its fishermen’s houses facing the sea; Sa Riera, the widest and most family-friendly; and Illa Roja, recognisable by the large reddish rock that emerges in the middle of the beach. Discover all the coves and beaches of Begur and plan your visit with all the information you need.

From the hotel, you can access directly on foot, via the Coastal Path, the coves near Hotel Aigua Blava: Cala d’en Malaret, Cala Ses Orats, Platja Fonda and other coves of Fornells.

Essential coves of the Costa Brava

Beyond Begur, the Costa Brava is home to some of the most spectacular coves and beaches in the Mediterranean, with a great diversity of landscapes ranging from family areas to wilder corners.

Below is a selection of essential coves of the Costa Brava to continue discovering its coastline, many of them mainly accessible by car.

Calella de Palafrugell Beach

The main beach of Calella de Palafrugell, located right in the centre of the village, is one of the most appreciated on the Costa Brava. Its white fishermen’s houses on the rocks facing the sea and the small coves alternating with the promenade — Canadell, Port Bo and Malaspina — make this coastal village one of the most photographed places on the Costa Brava.

Just a few minutes away, the Cap Roig Gardens add a unique botanical and cultural dimension, with their summer music festival. From Calella also begins one of the most beautiful stretches of the Coastal Path towards Llafranc. The seafront promenade also stands out, and especially the area of Les Voltes, with its traditional arches, terraces and restaurants by the sea, one of the most photographed corners of the area.

The beach, with easy access and calm waters, is ideal for families and perfect for combining a day by the sea with a stroll, shopping and gastronomy in a setting full of charm.

Seabed type: sand and rock | Services: restaurants, showers, limited parking in high season | Distance from the hotel: 19 minutes by car

Cadaqués and Cap de Creus

Cadaqués is, together with Begur, one of the most beautiful destinations on the Costa Brava. This whitewashed village, located in the Cap de Creus Natural Park, has for decades been a source of inspiration for artists such as Salvador Dalí.

Its main beach, right in the centre, is already an attraction in itself, with views of the old town and a lively seafront promenade with restaurants, terraces and all kinds of services. Beyond the urban centre, coves such as Cala Jugadora stand out, wilder and less accessible, ideal for those seeking nature and tranquillity.

Access to Cadaqués is via a winding road, so in high season it is advisable to go early and take into account the usual presence of cyclists. In addition, visiting Cadaqués allows you to discover the Dalinian Triangle route, which connects some of the most emblematic places linked to Salvador Dalí.

Seabed type: rock and sand depending on the cove | Services: full in Cadaqués; none in the coves of Cap de Creus | Distance from the hotel: 75 minutes by car

Cala Montjoi

Cala Montjoi, in the municipality of Roses, is one of the most spectacular coves in the Alt Empordà. Accessible by dirt track or by boat, its relative isolation guarantees exceptional tranquillity even in high season, with waters among the clearest on the northern Costa Brava.

Its fine sand, rocky seabeds with excellent underwater visibility and the protected environment of the Cap de Creus Natural Park make it one of the best coves in the area for snorkelling and diving. It is also known for being the location of the legendary El Bulli restaurant by Ferran Adrià, which adds a unique cultural and gastronomic dimension to the Catalan coastline.

Seabed type: sand and rock with excellent visibility | Services: basic | Access: by dirt track or by boat | Distance from the hotel: 65-70 minutes by car

Llafranc Beach

The beach of Llafranc, in the Palafrugell area, is located in a wide bay next to the harbour, at the foot of the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse, in a well-kept setting with a शांत atmosphere. Its arched shape, well-preserved seafront promenade and gastronomic offer make it one of the most elegant and highly valued beaches on the Costa Brava.

Its fine-sand beach and calm waters are ideal for families and for those looking to enjoy the sea in comfort. In addition, it is an accessible beach, with adapted facilities, showers and toilets, also suitable for people with reduced mobility.

The seafront promenade, with restaurants and terraces facing the sea, invites you to extend the day beyond the beach. From here starts the Coastal Path that connects with Calella de Palafrugell, an easy and practically flat route by the sea. Also from Llafranc rises the route to the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse, one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the Costa Brava, with views that on clear days reach from Cap de Begur to the Medes Islands.

Seabed type: fine sand | Services: full; restaurants, showers, marina | Distance from the hotel: 17 minutes by car

Tamariu Beach

The beach of Tamariu is one of the best preserved enclaves in the surroundings of Palafrugell. This arched cove, with fine sand and crystal-clear waters, is surrounded by pine forests that almost reach the shore, preserving the essence of the old fishermen’s village.

With plenty of charm and a peaceful atmosphere, it is an ideal place to enjoy the sea in a relaxed setting. Its transparent and calm waters make it especially suitable for families and for snorkelling.

The seafront promenade, with restaurants, terraces and small shops, including some craft stalls, invites you to prolong the day. One of its most characteristic features is the natural diving platform on the rock, very popular with both children and adults.

The beach has showers, lifeguards and easy access, with nearby parking areas, although in high season it is advisable to arrive early or later in the day.

Seabed type: fine sand | Services: restaurants, showers, limited parking | Distance from the hotel: 9 minutes by car or 2-3 hours by kayak from Aiguablava

Cala S’Alguer

Cala S’Alguer is one of the most picturesque and authentic coves on the Costa Brava, located in Palamós. Its emblematic colourful fishermen’s huts, built directly on the rocks, create one of the most genuine and best-preserved images of the Catalan coastline.

Its crystal-clear waters and natural surroundings make it an essential stop for those who want to discover the more traditional side of the Costa Brava, in a peaceful and charming atmosphere.

Access is on foot in about 10 minutes from Platja de Castell, along an easy and pleasant path that forms part of the experience.

Access: on foot in 10 minutes from Platja de Castell | Services: none in the cove | Distance from the hotel: 20-25 minutes by car

Cala Estreta

Cala Estreta is one of the most untouched and best-preserved coves on the Costa Brava, located in Palamós. Long, open and undeveloped, it is surrounded by nature and offers an atmosphere of maximum tranquillity, ideal for those seeking disconnection and snorkelling in uncrowded waters.

The access is part of the experience: it is necessary to park in the Platja de Castell area and continue on foot along the Coastal Path for about 20–30 minutes, through pine forests and cliffs, with privileged views of the coastline.

With no services and in a completely natural environment, it is perfect for enjoying a wilder landscape, away from the busiest areas.

Seabed type: sand and rock, undeveloped | Services: none; bring water and food | Distance from the hotel: 34 minutes by car

Cala Montgó

Cala Montgó, located between L’Escala and the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park, is one of the widest and most accessible beaches on the Costa Brava. Its large bay of fine sand, calm and shallow waters make it an ideal beach for families seeking comfort without giving up water quality.

Unlike other wilder coves, it offers very easy access and all necessary services. It is also an excellent point for snorkelling, kayaking or diving, with nearby areas of great interest such as “El Màrmoler”, within a privileged natural environment.

Access is easy and it has showers, lifeguards, sunbed hire, restaurants and nearby parking, although in summer it is recommended to arrive early.

It can also be accessed by sea. From Hotel Aigua Blava it is possible to rent boats, with or without skipper. The cove has a buoy area and shuttle service to the beach, with an approximate cost of €5 per journey and around €25-30 per day for mooring, depending on the season.

Seabed type: fine sand, shallow waters | Services: full; showers, lifeguards, sunbeds, restaurants, parking | Distance from the hotel: 45 minutes by car

Cala Giverola

Cala Giverola, located about 5 km from Tossa de Mar, is one of the most spectacular coves in the south of the Costa Brava. Surrounded by mountains in a true natural amphitheatre, it offers a wide, well-preserved and very beautiful setting.

Its coarse-sand beach and clean waters are highly recommended for families and allow you to combine swimming, water activities and hiking routes with sea views. Unlike other more isolated coves, it has good access and full services, making it an excellent option for spending the whole day in comfort.

Very nearby, Cala Futadera offers a wilder and quieter experience, with more demanding access, perfect for those seeking an even more natural environment.

Seabed type: coarse sand | Services: full | Distance from the hotel: 60 minutes by car

Cala Pola

Cala Pola is a small hidden cove among cliffs in the south of the Costa Brava, in the surroundings of Tossa de Mar. Surrounded by pine forests and with crystal-clear waters, it offers a more secluded and natural landscape.

More intimate than the nearby Cala Giverola, it has a peaceful and more natural atmosphere, ideal for those seeking an authentic experience. Due to its access on foot and its slightly wilder environment, it is especially recommended for hikers, couples or nature lovers. The combination of sand and rock, together with the clarity of the water, makes it perfect for snorkelling.

Access is on foot in about 10–15 minutes from the Cala Giverola area or via paths that connect with the Coastal Path, on a route with panoramic views of the coastline.

Seabed type: sand and rock | Services: limited; small beach bar in season | Distance from the hotel: 60–65 minutes by car + 10–15 minutes on foot.

The coves and beaches of the Costa Brava offer a diversity and quality that is hard to match in the Mediterranean: from wild corners accessible only on foot to family coves with all services, passing through fishing villages with centuries of history facing the sea.

From Hotel Aigua Blava, in the heart of Aiguablava bay, it is possible to discover the best of this coastline on foot, by boat or in just a few minutes by car, with some of the most beautiful coves on the Costa Brava literally at the hotel’s doorstep.