Costa Brava Beach Guide: The 10 Best Beaches
Reed Chapman
Team Siesta Explorer
The Costa Brava coastline is a paradise for beach lovers craving sun, sea, and a sense of adventure. With its rugged shores, hidden coves, and impossibly clear waters, this Mediterranean stretch is home to some of Spain’s most breathtaking patches of sand. Whether you're looking for a secluded retreat or a lively beach with plenty of activities, Costa Brava beaches won’t let you down.
The best part? You don’t have to choose just one. If you opt for campervan hire in Barcelona, you can wake up to a new view every morning, explore the most beautiful beaches of Costa Brava at your own pace, and chase the sun wherever it leads you.
1. Platja de Castell – A Timeless Escape
One of the last truly unspoiled beaches on the Costa Brava, Platja de Castell near Palamós, has been protected from development, preserving its wild, natural beauty. Golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and scenic coastal trails make it a dream for nature lovers.
🚐 tip: Park up nearby and enjoy a beach day without the crowds. Bonus: You can cook up a fresh seaside meal from the comfort of your van!
- Terrain: Soft golden sand
- Water quality: Crystal clear
- Amenities: Limited– no large establishments
- Lifeguard: No
- Parking: Free parking nearby (always handy for a camper)
2. Cala Sa Tuna – A Storybook Cove
This small, postcard-perfect cove near Begur is dotted with colourful fishermen’s houses and framed by rugged cliffs. The calm, turquoise waters make it ideal for swimming or simply soaking up the Mediterranean charm. Ideal for a lazy day by the sea– don’t go expecting your average tourist spot. This stretch of coast is a must-visit.
🚐 Tip: Arrive early to snag a parking spot, then wander the coastal paths for breathtaking views.
- Terrain: Pebbles and sand
- Water quality: Exceptional clarity
- Amenities: Restaurants, showers, sunbed rentals
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Parking: Limited
3. Platja de Pals – Fun in the Sun
With nearly 3.5 km of golden sand, this expansive beach is perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and water sports like windsurfing and kayaking. Natural dunes and pine forests add to its wild beauty. It’s a popular spot, which brings with it the benefits of nearby restaurants and water sports activity rentals.
🚐 Tip: Bring your own surfboard, or rent one from us along with your campervan—there’s plenty of space in your van, and you’ll avoid rental queues!
- Terrain: Fine sand and dunes
- Water quality: Clean, moderate clarity
- Amenities: Restaurants, beach bars, water sports rentals
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Parking: Paid and free options
4. Cala S’Alguer – A Hidden Gem
A charming little cove framed by whitewashed fishermen’s huts and pine trees, Cala S’Alguer offers a view you’ll be talking about with your friends back home. This Costa Brava beach offers a pebbly shore and clear waters make it a fantastic spot for snorkelling – so why not bring the whole family along?
🚐 Tip: Pack a picnic—there are no restaurants here, so bring your own supplies and enjoy a quiet beach day.
- Terrain: Pebbles and rock
- Water quality: Crystal clear
- Amenities: None– bring your essentials
- Lifeguard: No
- Parking: Limited street parking
5. Cala Montjoi – A Coastal Haven
Nestled within the Cap de Creus Natural Park, Cala Montjoi is a peaceful retreat with stunning natural surroundings. It was once home to the world-famous El Bulli restaurant, now a must-visit museum for food lovers. You’ll find it hard to leave this charming spot.
🚐 Tip: Park early and spend the day soaking in the incredible landscape and calm waters.
- Terrain: Pebbles and sand
- Water quality: Very clean
- Amenities: Restaurants, showers, water activities
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Parking: Limited– arrive early
6. Aiguablava – The Most Turquoise Waters
Aiguablava is famed for its striking blue waters and soft golden sand. This small but stunning Costa Brava beach is a family favorite, offering shallow waters and a relaxed atmosphere.
🚐 Tip: Stay for lunch—there are fantastic seafood restaurants nearby serving up the freshest catch of the day.
- Terrain: Fine golden sand
- Water quality: Crystal clear
- Amenities: Restaurants, showers, sunbed rentals
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Parking: Paid parking available
7. Cala Treumal – A Slice of Tropical Paradise
Situated near Blanes, this small beach is known for its fine sand, lush greenery, and calm waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a boat and explore the coastline from the water.
🚐 Tip: For a change of scenery, the nearby botanical gardens are worth a visit.
- Terrain: Fine sand
- Water quality: Excellent clarity
- Amenities: Restaurant, showers, sunbed rentals
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
8. Cala Pola – Off the Beaten Path
A short hike from Tossa de Mar leads to this secluded cove with dramatic cliffs and pine trees. Cala Pola is bursting with colour. Its deep blue waters are great for swimming and snorkelling.
🚐 Tip: Bring sturdy footwear for the short but scenic hike to the beach.
- Terrain: Sand and rocks
- Water quality: Very clean
- Amenities: Restaurant and showers
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Parking: Limited– best accessed on foot
9. Sa Riera – A Classic Costa Brava Beach
One of Begur’s largest beaches, Sa Riera is a blend of natural beauty and easy accessibility. The mix of sand and rock formations creates a stunning setting for beachgoers. With plenty of restaurants and amenities, it’s an excellent choice for families.
🚐 Tip: If the main beach gets too busy, explore the smaller coves nearby.
- Terrain: Sand and rocks
- Water quality: Excellent clarity
- Amenities: Restaurants, showers, water sports rentals
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Parking: Paid parking available
10. Cala Rovira – Where History Meets the Sea
Located in Platja d’Aro, Cala Rovira is one of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Brava, known for its fine sand and clear blue waters. With plenty of facilities, it’s an excellent choice for families. History buffs will love the nearby Roman ruins, adding a cultural twist to their beach day. Don’t miss the historic Roman villa of Pla de Palol– for free.
🚐 Tip: Venture a little further along the rocks to find a quieter, hidden section of the beach– and don’t forget your sturdy footwear to keep exploring the rocks.
- Terrain: Fine sand
- Water quality: Very clean
- Amenities: Restaurants and showers
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Parking: Paid parking available
Costa Brava – Average Water Temperatures by Month
- January: 13°C (55°F)
- February: 13°C (55°F)
- March: 14°C (57°F)
- April: 15°C (59°F)
- May: 17°C (63°F)
- June: 21°C (70°F)
- July: 24°C (75°F)
- August: 25°C (77°F)
- September: 23°C (73°F)
- October: 20°C (68°F)
- November: 17°C (63°F)
- December: 14°C (57°F)
Explore Costa Brava’s Most Beautiful Beaches by Campervan
From secret coves to long stretches of golden sand, Costa Brava beaches have something for every traveller. The only thing better than discovering the best beaches of this Mediterranean coastline? Doing it in a camper, where the journey is just as beautiful as the destination, and campervan rental in Barcelona is your ticket to ride.