Aiguablava

Aiguablava is considered one of the best coves on the Costa Brava and in the Spanish Mediterranean. Located in the municipality of Begur (Baix Empordà, Girona), its name says it all: in Catalan it literally means "blue water", and the colour of its sea — an intense turquoise reminiscent of the Caribbean — is probably the first thing that surprises visitors.

Unlike most coves on the Costa Brava, Aiguablava combines three elements that are rare along the Catalan coastline: fine golden sand, shallow and calm waters, and easy access with excellent facilities. This combination makes it one of the most complete beaches in Begur and a benchmark for families, couples and travellers seeking natural beauty without giving up comfort.

Hotel Aigua Blava has stood facing this cove for decades, and from its restaurant, rooms and garden with swimming pool, guests can admire the colour of the water that gives it its name. It is the ideal starting point to discover the coves that form the Aiguablava bay.

What is Aiguablava beach like?

The Aiguablava cove is approximately 100 metres wide and 25 metres deep, with a gently curved shape framed by pine forests and limestone cliffs that drop directly into the sea at both ends.

Its seabed consists of fine sand with some rocky areas and oceanic posidonia, the marine plant that indicates the highest water quality and contributes to its characteristic transparency. The slope into the water is very gentle, allowing you to walk several metres without the water rising above your waist — something rare on the Costa Brava.

Technical characteristics of the beach:

Seabed type: fine sand with posidonia and rocky areas
Maximum depth in the swimming area: 3–4 metres
Wave conditions: very calm thanks to its orientation and natural protection from the cliffs
Water temperature: 22–24 °C in July and August; 18–20 °C in June and September; 14–16 °C in winter
Underwater visibility: between 8 and 15 metres on windless days
Orientation: south-southeast, with sunlight from early morning until sunset
Length of the shoreline: approximately 100 metres of sandy beach

This south-southeast orientation is one of the factors that most contributes to water quality: it protects the cove from the tramontana, the characteristic north wind of the Empordà, and keeps the sea calm for most of the year.

Why Aiguablava is so special

There are many beautiful coves on the Costa Brava, but few bring together the factors that make Aiguablava truly unique:

The colour of the water. Aiguablava’s turquoise has an intensity rarely found in the Mediterranean. This is due to the combination of a light sandy seabed, shallow bathing area, southern orientation that maximises direct sunlight, and the absence of river inflows that cloud the water elsewhere along the coast.
A cove with perfect dimensions. At around 100 metres, it achieves a unique balance: wide enough for comfort, yet compact enough to preserve its charm.
An unspoilt natural setting. The pine-covered cliffs framing the cove on both sides are protected.
Water quality. Aiguablava consistently receives the Blue Flag and top ratings in water quality checks by the Generalitat de Catalunya. The posidonia on the seabed is the best indicator of a healthy marine ecosystem.
Real accessibility. Unlike other spectacular coves on the Costa Brava that can only be reached on foot or by boat, Aiguablava offers direct car access, parking (limited in summer) and full services without sacrificing natural beauty.

What to do in Aiguablava

Aiguablava is not just a place to sunbathe. Its surroundings offer a wide range of activities and water sports that make it an active destination throughout the day:

Snorkelling

The seabed of Aiguablava is one of the most accessible and richest for snorkelling on the Costa Brava. On clear days, visibility can reach up to 15 metres, allowing you to observe sandy areas combined with posidonia meadows. In the rocky ends of the cove, it is common to find octopus, serranidae, starfish and occasionally groupers. No previous experience or travel is required: with a mask and snorkel, you can enjoy the best of the environment directly from the shore.

Kayak and paddle surfing

From Aiguablava beach, you can rent kayaks and paddle boards to explore the coastline independently. A 2–3 hour outing allows you to paddle to Platja Fonda, Fornells or even Tamariu, discovering coves accessible only from the sea and sea caves in the cliffs. It is one of the most highly valued activities for families and couples looking for more than just swimming.

Diving

The Aiguablava area has a dive centre on the beach itself (Begur Dive) that organises trips for all levels. The seabed between Aiguablava and Cap de Begur features rocky walls, caves and notable biodiversity. For more advanced diving, the Medes Islands — the most important marine reserve in the western Mediterranean — are about 20 minutes away by boat.

Coastal Path (Camí de Ronda)

From Aiguablava begins one of the most spectacular sections of the Coastal Path, the route that runs along the Costa Brava coastline. It is one of the most accessible and enjoyable walks in the area.

Heading north, the path links a series of small crystal-clear coves within walking distance of Hotel Aigua Blava, such as Cala d’en Malaret, Port de Ses Orats or Cala Ses Varques, until reaching Platja Fonda. From there, the path gently climbs to a natural viewpoint with panoramic views over the entire Begur coastline. The walk to the Fornells area takes approximately 45 minutes at a relaxed pace.

Heading south, the path continues towards Sa Tuna and Aiguafreda, although in this case the route is not fully continuous along the seafront and in some sections it is necessary to detour via roads or inland paths.

Sunset in Aiguablava

The sunset in Aiguablava is one of the most special moments of the day. With a south-southeast orientation, the sun falls sideways over the water in the late afternoon, intensifying the turquoise colour and casting a golden light over the cliffs. It is when the cove is at its most peaceful and photogenic. From the terrace of Hotel Aigua Blava, this view is part of the experience.

Services at Aiguablava beach

Aiguablava is one of the best-equipped coves in Begur, which sets it apart from other more unspoilt beaches in the area:

Showers and public toilets next to the beach
Restaurants and beach bars with seafront terraces
Water sports equipment rental: kayak, paddle surf, snorkelling
Dive centre with courses, introductory dives and guided trips
Lifeguards and Red Cross station in high season (June–September)
Sun umbrella and sunbed rental
Accessible access: access ramp, walkway over the sand and amphibious chair for people with reduced mobility
Parking next to the cove

How to get to Aiguablava

By car: Aiguablava is signposted from the centre of Begur. The access road is fully paved and suitable for all vehicles. The paid parking area is less than 100 metres from the beach. In high season (July–August), it fills up between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning; it is recommended to arrive early or use the alternative parking areas higher up with shuttle service.
On foot from Begur: from the centre of Begur, you can walk down to Aiguablava in about 25–30 minutes via a signposted path. It is a good option to avoid parking issues.
From Hotel Aigua Blava: the hotel is located directly in front of the cove. Guests can reach it on foot in less than 15 minutes via the Coastal Path, without needing to use the car.
By boat: Hotel Aigua Blava offers a boat service, allowing guests to access the cove comfortably directly from the sea. It is also possible to arrive by private boat, although the buoys in front of the beach are usually reserved, so it is advisable to check in advance.

When to visit Aiguablava

Aiguablava can be enjoyed for much of the year, although the experience changes depending on the season. The great advantage of staying nearby, such as at Hotel Aigua Blava, is being able to access the cove at the best times of the day.

June and September are ideal months: the water is already pleasant (18–22 °C), there are fewer visitors and the light is especially beautiful.
July and August are when the cove reaches its peak splendour, although also its highest occupancy. Staying nearby allows you to enjoy it comfortably, without worrying about parking.
Spring and autumn offer a quieter and more authentic version of Aiguablava, with fewer people and a different atmosphere. Although the water is cooler, it is still a good time for walking, snorkelling or enjoying the surroundings.

Aiguablava compared to other coves in Begur

Begur has some of the best coves on the Costa Brava, each with a different character. This comparison helps you choose according to what you are looking for:

Aiguablava — The most accessible and complete. Fine sand, shallow waters, full services and car access. Ideal for families, people with reduced mobility and those seeking comfort without sacrificing beauty.
Sa Tuna — Smaller and more picturesque, with fishermen’s houses right by the sea. A more intimate and local atmosphere. Also has sand and car access, although with fewer services.
Aiguafreda — A small and quiet cove between Aiguablava and Sa Tuna. No services but full of charm. Ideal for those looking for a more secluded and less crowded spot.
Platja Fonda — Only accessible on foot via the Coastal Path or by boat. Wilder and less crowded. Mixed seabed of dark sand and rock. For those who prioritise tranquillity over comfort.
Sa Riera — The largest of Begur’s coves, more open and exposed. More services and higher visitor numbers. A good option when there is a south wind in Aiguablava.
Fornells coves — Quiet, well-oriented coves with calm waters. Less known than Aiguablava but equally beautiful.

Aiguablava is one of those coves that defines the essence of the Costa Brava: clear water, Mediterranean landscape and a beauty that remains unchanged over time. Experiencing it from Hotel Aigua Blava allows you to enjoy it in a more relaxed way, at its best moments and from a privileged perspective.