Catalonia has some of the most incredible landscapes in Spain. The beaches in Costa Brava are one of the best of the country and that is why thousands of tourists visit them every summer.
The Costa Brava is the coastal region of Catalonia that begins in the city of Blanes and goes up to the border with France. All this extension of more than 200 km belongs to the province of Girona and is full of incredible towns and beaches.
If there is something that I really enjoy about living in Barcelona, it is that we have beautiful beaches and calas (coves with small beaches) less than 2 hours from the city. I was never a summer fan but that has changed since I moved from Buenos Aires to Barcelona. Crystal clear water, golden sand, cliffs, forests and long days definitely make you love the summer days in Catalonia.
THE BEST BEACHES IN COSTA BRAVA
1) Playa Santa Cristina y Cala Treumal
One of my favorite beaches in Costa Brava is Santa Cristina, located next to the small Cala Treumal. They are joined through the sand and there are only a few rocks that divide them. This beach is located in Lloret de Mar, just 1 hour by car from Barcelona. It has a beach bar where you can have lunch and a paid parking lot with enough capacity.
2) Cala Sa Boadella
Sa Boadella is also located in the municipality of Lloret de Mar, 1 hour 10 minutes from Barcelona by car. In my opinion it is one of the best coves on Costa Brava. The beach is quite wide, with some rocks, crystal clear water and pine forests in the background. A sector of the beach is nudist and you can also find a beach bar where you can have lunch or a drink. 
3) Cala del Port de Malaspina
One of the most picturesque coves of the entire Costa Brava. Cala del Port de Malaspina is located in the municipality of Palafrugell, 1 hour 45 minutes from Barcelona. It is one of the most beautiful places on the Costa Brava because its essence still remains: a small fishing village with its white houses and orange tile roofs. It is located in the urban area so it is very easy to get there, and that is why it is also one of the most visited in summer. In addition to going to the beach, I recommend you walk through the town, which is very beautiful. 
4) Platja de Sant Pol
One of the widest and quietest beaches on the Costa Brava, located in the municipality of S’Agaró, 1 hour 20 minutes from Barcelona by car. It is a very comfortable beach since it is in the city and you can easily find a place to park. In addition to enjoying the sun and the sea, I recommend you walk a bit along the Camino de Ronda that you will find to the left of the beach. This is one of the most beautiful parts of this path that runs through the entire Costa Brava. 
5) Platja del Racó
Another of the largest beaches on the Costa Brava is Platja del Racó, located in Begur, 1 hour 30 minutes from Barcelona. The sand is fine and it is very close to other coves that you will find in this list. For example, you can take the Camino de Ronda from to Platja de l’Illa Roja.
6) Cala Sa Tuna
If we talk about picturesque beaches on the Costa Brava, I think this one makes the first place. A very small cove, with stones instead of sand, and a landscape of fishermen’s houses that make it unique. It is a bit isolated and it is difficult to find a place to park your car in the summer months but it is worth visiting even for a while. Cala Sa Tuna is located 1h 30 min from Barcelona by car.
7) Cala Sa Caleta
This is a very small cala located at the end of Lloret de Mar, 1h 10min from Barcelona. The best thing about this cove is that it is at the foot of the Castell d’en Plaja, a castle built around 1933. The view is unique, so it is worth visiting. In addition, right here begins the part of the Camino de Ronda that goes to Tossa de Mar, passing through other coves such as Cala Morisca, Cala d’En Trons, Cala Canyelles, etc.
8) Playa Sa Riera
Located in the municipality of Begur, 1h 30min from Barcelona, Sa Riera is one of the most traditional beaches on the Costa Brava. It is a beach with easy access and you can park on the streets. It is a fairly wide beach and is connected by the Camino de Ronda with Platja de l’Illa Roja.
9) Platja de l’Illa Roja
One of the most known and most beautiful beaches on the Costa Brava. Its name is due to the reddish color of the rock that characterizes the beach. It is a nudist beach, quite extensive and virgin. Something important to know before visiting it is that it can’t be reached by car directly To get there you have to take the Camino de Ronda from Playa Sa Riera.
10) Cala Aiguablava
Another must-see beach in Begur is Aiguablava, located 1 hour 30 minutes from Barcelona. It is surrounded by nature and the color of the water is an incredible turquoise. It is one of the most popular coves on the Costa Brava.
Where to stay in Costa Brava
If you plan to spend several days in Costa Brava during the summer season, it is important that you book your accommodation in advance as tourists from all over Europe visit this region. There are many towns and beaches where you can find accommodation, although the great concentration is in Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, Blanes or Begur. If you want to know more read: Best hotels in Costa Brava
Here are some of my recommended hotels on the Costa Brava:
- Hotel Rosamar Maxim 4*: a hotel located right in front of Cala Sa Caleta in Lloret de Mar. I stayed here and I highly recommend it. The price is affordable and it is very comfortable since you are just steps from the beach. Click here to see photos, availability and prices.
- Hotel Santa Marta: another hotel in Lloret de Mar located on the beach of Santa Cristina. It has a swimming pool and spa, ideal for a relaxing weekend. Click here to see photos, availability and prices.
- Apartaments Sant Rafael Cap Sa Sal: a design hotel located in Begur, located about 10 minutes away from the beach. The decoration and the views are spectacular. Click here to see photos, availability and prices.
How to get to Costa Brava
The best way to get to the Costa Brava is by car, as this will give you more freedom to move around. However, if renting a car is not in your options, you can also visit the Costa Brava by train or bus.
From Barcelona you can take a train to Blanes (the city where the Costa Brava begins) and from there move by bus or ferry to nearby beaches. The journey takes almost 2 hours. You can check the prices and schedules at Trainline, Omio and Flixbus.
Other useful posts about Barcelona:
- Best hotels in Costa Brava
- Things to do in Sitges
- What to see in Barcelona in 3 days
- Things to do in Barcelona
- Where to stay in Barcelona
- Where to stay in Menorca
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