There are coasts, and then there’s the Costa Brava: over 200 km of Mediterranean shoreline in northern Catalonia.
And this stretch, of course, is full of real wonders: the medieval village of Cadaqués, the landscapes of Cap de Creus, and some truly stunning coves. Small or large, wild or fully serviced, tucked between rocks or open to the horizon—there’s something for everyone!
If you’re trying to figure out which are the best coves on the Costa Brava for a getaway, you’re in the right place. Take note—we’re going to tell you about our favourites.
In the north: Cap de Creus and Alt Empordà
At the far north end of the Costa Brava, around Cap de Creus Natural Park, you’ll find coves surrounded by rocks and pines—much wilder and more secluded than in other parts of the Costa Brava.
Cala Tamariua
A couple of kilometres from El Port de la Selva is Cala Tamariua. Its name comes from the tamarind trees around it, which already gives you a clue about what you’ll find: Mediterranean vegetation, rocks, pebbles, crystal-clear water, and a seabed home to many marine species. There’s a small car park at the top. And yes, nudism is allowed, in case that helps you decide.
Cala Fredosa
Very close to Cadaqués—the most iconic and photogenic village in the north—is Cala Fredosa, a sandy beach that’s ideal for snorkelling or stretching out by the shore. And since you’re in the area, visit Cadaqués, a village full of white buildings, and the Cap de Creus lighthouse—an excursion that’s well worth it for the Mediterranean views.
Central Costa Brava
If there’s one area that brings together the best things to see on the Costa Brava, it’s the stretch that runs through Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park, L’Escala, L’Estartit and Begur.
Here the sea is less rugged than in the north, but just as beautiful. The area has countless attractions and thousands of things to do in L’Estartit and nearby towns, such as visiting the Illes Medes, home to a marine reserve that’s one of the best Mediterranean diving spots.
Ferriol
The second-largest in the area between L’Estartit and L’Escala, and one of the most unspoilt coves on the entire Costa Brava map. It’s part of Montgrí Natural Park, which helps keep the surroundings untouched. Access is on foot via a forest path from L’Estartit; it’ll take you almost an hour to get there, but it’s worth it.
La Calella
A rocky, unspoilt cove you can reach on foot—about half an hour—from L’Estartit harbour, following the GR92 trail. The route will make you climb up to the Cap de la Barra viewpoint and then descend to the beach, but the views of the Illes Medes make it a two-for-one. And if you don’t feel like walking, you can also get there by boat.
Aiguafreda
Small and peaceful, Aiguafreda is the most intimate of the coves around Begur. Just a few metres of dark sand, rock and emerald-green water. Getting there requires a bit of walking, which keeps mass tourism away and preserves that special feel we all want to enjoy. It’s also very close to Cap Sa Sal and another beautiful rocky cove: Ses Vaques.
Sa Tuna
Don’t let the road to get there put you off—it’s passable. Once you’re here, you’ll see the old fishermen’s houses, little boats pulled up on the shore, and restaurant terraces overlooking the sea. Sa Tuna has a charm that few coves can boast.
The beach is pebbly, about 80 metres long, and from here you can walk along the coastal path to Aiguafreda—yes, the one we mentioned earlier; it only takes 15 minutes. Also, in summer, the Cova de Sant Pau—a tall cave to the right of the beach—hosts habanera performances, the Costa Brava’s signature music genre.
In the south: Tamariu, Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell
The stretch from Tamariu to Calella de Palafrugell via Llafranc brings together some of the Costa Brava’s most pleasant coves, framed by cliffs along the Catalan coast.
Cala Foradada
Note: there’s another cove with this name between L’Escala and L’Estartit.
This wild cove is in the Palamós area, with seabeds full of marine life and vegetation that reaches almost to the water. Access is via a footpath and no, there are no facilities here.
Cala Estreta
Located eight kilometres from Palamós, in the Cap Roig natural area, Cala Estreta is separated from the neighbouring Cala d’en Remendón by a large reef that acts as a natural boundary between the two. A spectacular landscape! And if you like photography, bring your camera—you’ll leave with a full carousel.
Further south: Tossa de Mar and surroundings
Tossa and its surroundings—including nearby Lloret de Mar—hide a series of characterful coves, some easy to reach and others that take more effort to get to.
Cala Bona
Just two kilometres from the centre of Tossa de Mar is Cala Bona. It’s a small beach you can only reach on foot or by boat. Fancy walking there and heading down rock steps? Then get ready for crystal-clear water and a peaceful atmosphere—very few people make the walk. And to make it even better, for decades there’s been a family-run beach bar serving Mediterranean food from a wood-fired oven.
Cala Giverola
A cove of coarse sand and very clear water, surrounded by cliffs and pines. It’s about 175 metres long and, unlike wilder coves, it has plenty of services: a restaurant, beach bar, sun lounger hire, showers and water activities. You can get there by car via the GI-682—with paid parking—or even on glass-bottom boats that leave from Tossa’s Platja Gran.
Which cove on the Costa Brava will you choose?
Choosing the best cove on the Costa Brava might be hard—we won’t pretend otherwise. There are many, and almost all of them tick the boxes you’re looking for: clean water, a dream setting and great views.
What shouldn’t be so hard is choosing where to stay on the Costa Brava, because here you can’t go wrong: at Homes in Costa Brava we have everything and more to make your stay a perfect 10. Houses, apartments… everything for you, your family, your partner or your group of friends!
