Costa Brava is a coastal region in northeastern Spain stretching from Blanes up to the border of France. It's known for sandy beaches, peaceful villages and mountain landscapes. The characteristic rugged coastline gives Costa Brava its name, which translates as 'wild coast'.
An array of beaches line the coast, from long golden stretches filled with tourists, to unspoilt sands nestled in small coves. Whether you want a lively resort with plenty of attractions, somewhere family friendly, an idyllic location for a romantic escape or perfect conditions for water sports, Costa Brava has it all.
With more than 30 blue flag beaches punctuating the coastline, you be able to enjoy top quality services and attractions and well maintained seas.
Lively beaches
If you want heaps of attractions and all your amenities in one place, head to the blue flag beaches in the larger resorts.
Platja de Canadell in Calella de Palafrugell is very picturesque with its pastel-coloured buildings lining the seafront. It's very popular with the locals and there's plenty going on with water sports and restaurants galore. Tuck into fresh fish at Tragamar restaurant or take a trip to Cap Roig Botanical Gardens just a short walk away.
Platja de Tossa de Mar in Tossa de Mar offers all the usual beach facilities with shops, beach bars and restaurants close by if you get peckish. The sand is very coarse so be sure to wear sturdy shoes, and the beach drops away very quickly so take care when swimming. Why not admire the castle and the turquoise waters from a sun lounger or hop in a canoe from Cala Llevadó Watersports Centre to explore the rocky coast.
In Lloret de Mar there's Platja de Lloret which is also made of fine stones. However, it has plenty of amenities and a palm tree-lined promenade along the length of the beach, lined with restaurants and cafés. Sit in a hammock and watch the world go by.
Family-friendly beaches
If you want somewhere safe to take the kids, there are plenty of sheltered beaches with shallow waters.
One of the best beaches for families in Platja de Tamariu, a horseshoe-shaped bay in the small fishing village of Tamariu. This blue flag beach is sheltered by pine-covered headland and backed by a pedestrian promenade with shops, cafés and fish restaurants like Es Dofi. The shallow waters are perfect for kids, or you could even rent a kayak or go snorkelling.
If you want fine golden sands, head to Platja de San Pol in S'Agaro. There's a car park close by so you can easily transport your kids and all their paraphernalia. They'll love the playground and water sports on offer. There's a selection of bars and restaurants across the road as well as showers so you can freshen up after swimming in the sea.
Platja La Fosca is a sandy, crescent-shaped blue flag beach near Palamós. The water is shallow, clear and safe so it's ideal for a paddle and there's a beach bar on hand serving snacks and drinks. A bus goes to the beach frequently from Palamós or you can take a scenic 15 minute walk.
Pure Bliss
Costa Brava has its fair share of idyllic sunbathing beaches, from pristine white sands to peaceful hidden coves.
For the ultimate beach escape, seek out the beautiful Platja de Castell in Palamós, a wide sandy beach backed by pines. There are many unspoilt coves along the coast but nowhere else can you find a beach of this size that has escaped development. But don't worry, there's a single beach bar shack if you want to grab a cold beer or snack on seafood.
If you want somewhere classy there's Platja de Llafranc, a laid back beach near Calella. It attracts a cosmopolitan crowd so make sure you don your best swimming gear. There's harbour at one end with fancy yachts and boats for excursions. Head to the La Croissanteria de Llafranc cafe for a baguette or croissant, or try a gourmet dish at Casamar restaurant.
For some real peace and quiet there's Platja de la Pletera in a protected area near L'Estartit. It has a wild feel to it with sand dunes and the dramatic Medes Islands in the distance. It's a great place to spot coastal birds, and one of the few places to where you can walk your dog on the beach.
Secluded coves
If you're after unspoilt beaches in hidden coves, there are plenty of secluded coves along the coast.
There are a plethora of beaches and tiny coves in the Cap de Creus nature reserve. Here you can admire the eerie landscape and bizarre rock formations that inspired Salvador Dali's surrealist paintings. With so many little bays, you're likely to have one all to yourself. Take a dip in the turquoise sea or simply laze the day away on the sand. If you fancy a cold beer or a fish dish, head The Cap de Creus restaurant in a unique cliff-top building by the lighthouse.
If you want a tranquil cove in a hard-to-reach place, you'll be spoilt for choice. Head down some steps, around some rocks, through an archway and you'll reach the secluded Cala El Golfet in Calella de Palafrugell. Why not go snorkelling in the crystalline water at Cala Pedrosa, a cove cut into the Montgri Massif near L'Estartit which can only be accessed on foot or by kayak.
Near Begur is the expansive Cala Moreta which you can reach by going down some steps at the end of Sa Riera beach. As it's very private, it's popular with nudists. Or there's the unspoilt Platja Fonda found at the foot of a pine-covered cliff under the Parador de Aiguablava hotel. The deep teal water is great for a swim.
Water sports
If you want to get active in the sea, there's a range of water sports facilities along the coast.
Fenals Beach, near Lloret de Mar but not as busy, is home to Water Sports Lloret where you can go parasailing, fly fishing and water skiing. Or on Platja de Tossa de Mar there's Cala Llevadó Watersports Centre with water skiing, banana boats, sailing, canoeing and snorkelling.
Pals' blue flag beach, Platja de Pals, is part of the long golden sand crescent that stretches from the Mongri Massif to the Begur headland. This is place to head for windy water sports and Capgirell Windsurf offer windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP and surfing courses. Platja Empuriabrava is the widest beach on the Costa Brava and is also a great spot for wind-based water sports.
Platja de Roses is a long and sandy blue flag beach ideal for families. At Aventura Nautica you can rent a boat or jet ski, have some fun on a killer whale ski bus, or fly over the bay on a parasailing trip. It is also good for scuba diving, so why not explore the rich underwater life by visiting Centre D'Immersio Roses. There are plenty of restaurants and facilities along the palm tree-lined promenade.
Snorkelling and diving
With several marine reserves along the coast, Costa Brava has a rich underwater world to be discovered.
Platja de l'Estartit is the hub of diving activity being close to The Medes Islands marine reserve El Rei de Mar have a range of technical courses, while Aquàtica offer diving excursions to caves, tunnels and sea beds in The Medes Islands. Or you could try night diving or underwater photography at Ocean Sub. Or there's Platja de Sa Riera, a family favourite beach near Begur with great snorkelling.