A guide to the best beaches in Costa Brava
Costa Brava certainly lives up to its name, which translates to the ‘rugged’ or ‘wild’ coast. Its shores are lined with lush natural landscapes and a craggy coastline whose rocky cliffs often house hidden, intimate bays. And with such a long stretch of coast to explore, there’s bound to be a range of activities to suit all holidaymakers, from afternoon siestas beneath the palm trees to suiting up in scuba gear and exploring the underwater scenery. To narrow down your choices, here’s a list of some of the top beaches to explore during holidays to Costa Brava.
Lloret de Mar
Along the coast of Lloret de Mar, those enjoying Costa Brava holidays will find much more than a popular beach to stretch out on – although you’ll certainly find that too. Lining the shore is a scenic coastal footpath that will take you past a number of local sites, like statues detailing the town’s maritime history, and leads all the way to an old castle nestled on a cliffside. Each of the town’s beaches have Blue Flag Awards for their supreme cleanliness and quality. It’s also a great place to try your hand at a range of watersports or scuba diving, where you can explore the rocky coves of nearby Cala Banys.
Platja Gran in Tossa de Mar
The biggest and most popular beach in the resort town of Tossa de Mar is the Platja Gran, where the local holiday fun starts. Its long stretches of warm sand are dotted with families and sunloungers. Visitors here can get comfortable on the shores or take advantage of the jet-skiing and windsurfing adventures on the waves. Further along the shore is the Tossa de Mar castle. Overlooking the beach, this well-preserved cobbled structure harkens back to the town’s medieval history. You can make the trek down the coast to explore its perimeter or just admire it from afar.
Tamariu
This cosy patch of Blue Flag beach is different from its bustling Costa Brava counterparts in that it’s tucked away from the crowds and provides a tranquil atmosphere for a relaxing afternoon. Lining the shores is a quiet fishing village largely untouched by major tourism, with a handful of shops and restaurants so you can pause for refreshment if you find yourself in need of a drink. Its clear waters also make it a popular dive site, as there are a number of coves nearby that make for excellent snorkelling outings.
Llafranc
With its line of colourful buildings and restaurants along the coast, the Llafranc beaches are beautifully scenic and are often the holiday spot of local elite. It’s no wonder that it has played host to the likes of Salvador Dali and Ernest Hemingway, who chose its shores as a place of relaxation and inspiration. You won’t find loud music and beachside sports here, just visitors and locals lounging underneath the Spanish sun and sipping wine from waterfront restaurants.
Santa Susanna
The shores of Santa Susanna are split into three beaches, each offering unique activities that are the makings of a proper Spanish holiday. The first is Llevent Beach, the biggest and most popular, as it’s filled with sunloungers and volleyball nets, and has people whizzing across the waves. Second is Dunes Beach, with an even wider range of watersports and a few drinks stands dotting the sands. And then there’s Caletes Beach, a quiet cove with a small patch of space to stretch out on, which is sheltered by a line of rocks.
Calella
These Blue Flag shores are lined with rows of pastel-coloured buildings hosting afternoon drinks and tapas. You can sprawl out on the shores with a towel and a beach-read or rent a kayak and explore the rocky coves nearby. Also along the coast is the Paseo Maritimo Manuel Puigvert, a waterfront promenade shaded by low-hanging trees, which provides the opportunity for a quick stroll during your day at the beach.
If you’re keen to sample some of these spectacular beaches for yourself, be sure to check out our fantastic range of Costa Brava holiday packages.