The golden Costa Brava lies in the North East of Spain just above Barcelona and reaches all the way to the French border. It has a typical Mediterranean climate of between 14-30 degrees and is made up of an intricate 300km long coastline which is dramatically backed by a soaring Pyrenean mountain range. It promises a perfect summer climate, breathtaking natural beauty and an excellent variety of stunning beaches, many of which scoop into rocky shores, giving this coastline it’s name, as ‘Brava’ actually means rocky.
- Costa Brava Best Beachesneilalderney123 / Foter / CC BY-NC
There are so many hidden rugged coves amongst delightful little fishing villages, but for those in need of a more cosmopolitan resort with endless stretches of fine sand to stroll along, there are a few of those too. Visually, the Costa Brava offers everything and more than its neighbouring Cote D’ Azure – dazzling sea views, picturesque coastal villages, pine backed pristine beaches, natural parks and culturally it boasts some notable ancient archaeological treasures, medieval architecture and generally oozes cosmopolitan Catalonian chic. Its infamous gastronomic delights and fine wines will satisfy the most demanding foodies.
- Tossa del Mar – Best Beaches on Costa Brava. SantiMB . / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
Starting up north near Dali’s home town of Cadaques, is a nature reserve which serves up a string of beautiful little coves. It is easy to see why this spot inspired Dali. Don’t leave without visiting this artist’s eccentric home in nearby Port Lligat. Moving South is Pals beach, a great broad golden beach stretching 2 miles and refreshingly undeveloped. Above it sits the charming medieval town of Pals, where quaint cobbled streets promise fabulous Catalonian cuisine and shopping. Begur, is just another delightful whitewashed medieval town that drapes along this coastal region. It is quick becoming a favourite amongst the chic Barcelonians as its cobbled lanes hide trendy boutique bars and restaurants. The local coves and beaches offer gorgeous waters of heavenly turquoise – don’t miss Aigua Blava, an ideal setting for lapping up sleepy Spanish beach life.
- Best Beaches of Costa Brava Rodrigo_Soldon / Foter / CC BY-ND
Calella de Palafrugell is a pretty resort with a laid back ambience. It covers six interlinked sandy coves that are decorated with faded fishing boats and pastel coloured buildings offering cool cafes and exquisite fish restaurants. Neighbouring Platja Llafranc resort is rather more cosmopolitan with its golden, coral sand bay sprawling into clear sea that is chicly dotted with an array of glam yachts. Tossa del Mar, one of Spain’s first locations to be identified as the idyllic holiday spot is still a lovely resort thanks to its natural beauty, lengthy golden beaches and tasteful promenade filled with trendy bars. An old fortified town with beautifully preserved cobbled lanes and the ever imposing backdrop of sheer mountains up-holds its appealing fading character.
If the main Platja Gran is overrun in summer, you can easily escape to more intimate Platja Reig or Mar Menuda nearby where you will still find a smattering of coastal holiday cottages to rent. In total contrast is Platja Castel, an undeveloped sandy beach just north of Palamos that uniquely escaped tourism thanks to its determined local opposition. It is straddled by idyllic coves hidden by a delicious pine forest and frequented by local Catalonians.
