The Costa Brava, Catalonia’s coastal strip in the Catalan province of Girona, is undoubtedly one of the region’s main jewels. With an extension of 214 kilometres, it stands out for its rugged and wild landscape, where unique beaches and winding cliffs hide places of astonishing natural beauty.
In addition to charming towns such as Tamariu, Begur and Cadaqués, which are connected to Marina Port Vell by the country’s main roads, the Costa Brava offers a host of possibilities that are limited to those visitors who manage to reach them from the sea.
Here we list the most secret and exclusive coves of the Costa Brava accessible from the sea.
El Golfet in Calella de Palafrugell
El Golfet is one of the most beautiful coves on the Costa Brava. Located in Calella de Palafrugell, it is 5 minutes away from the Cap Roig Gardens, which are famous for their 800 botanical species.
This 70-metre cove is a hidden gem. Surrounded by steep cliffs, it is a sandy cove with reddish rocks and the blue colour of its transparent waters astonishes any visitor who approaches it by sea.
Canadell Cove in Roses
The Canadell cove is located near the town of Roses. This virgin cove, solitary and incredibly beautiful, is in the heart of Cap de Creus Natural Park. It is 75 metres long and 20 metres wide, and is characterised by moderate waves. It is accessible on foot, but the best and easiest way to reach it is from the sea.
This surprising pebble cove is located next to Cala Montjoi, a place famous for hosting for years one of the most renowned and awarded restaurants in the world: Ferran Adrià’s elBulli Restaurant.
Illa Roja Cove in Begur
This magnificent beach could not be missing from the list of exclusive spots on the Costa Brava. The image of the impressive rock that dominates the centre of Illa Roja cove has undoubtedly been one of the most photographed landscapes on the Costa Brava. Located in Begur, it is characterised, as its name suggests, by its reddish-coloured rocks. It is undoubtedly a quiet beach with a striking chromatic richness.
Due to its exceptional location, it is difficult to access the cove directly, except by taking the coastal path. This difficulty of access makes it an ideal destination if you are approaching it from the sea.
Aigua Xelida in Tamariu
Located to the north of Tamariu there is Aigua Xelida’s cove, which in 2009 won the award for ”Favourite landscape of Catalonia”. This charming cove is characterised by its turquoise colour and its vegetation-filled surroundings. The sand in this cove is medium grain and golden, and its waters are blue and clear: an ideal feature for lovers of snorkelling or scuba diving. Moreover, those who come from the sea will enjoy the views of the cove’s cliffs the most.
El Crit in Montràs
This cove is located in the area of the municipality of Montràs, between Calella de Palafrugell and Palamós. El Crit cove has an incredibly beautiful seabed that makes it an idyllic place for diving. In its 150 metres of gravel and coarse sand, there are some old fishermen’s huts.
Aiguablava’s Cove in Begur
Very close to the town of Begur stands Aiguablava’s cove. Its natural surroundings and the blue colour of its crystal-clear waters make it one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Brava. Aiguablava is also one of the coves with the finest and clearest sand of the area.
Cala Estreta Cove in Palamós
Palamós is home to one of the most fascinating coves on the Costa Brava due to its high natural and scenic value. Cala Estreta is a cove that is difficult to access from land, making it an ideal spot for those who wish to access it from the sea.
Cala Estreta is characterised by the incomparable natural setting that comes with it: there is not a single building around it, and it is divided in two by a quite spectacular rock ledge known as ’la Roja’ (‘the Red’ one).
The Costa Brava succeeds in bringing together tradition, beauty and culture. Its beaches are synonymous with peace, an idyllic place to relax, get way from everything and connect with nature. If you are still not familiar with them, don’t wait any longer and come and enjoy them!