Costa Brava is the Spanish coastline you need to put on your travel map.
Let’s ignore the fact that it borders France, making it super convenient to tackle two of Western Europe’s finest countries in one go. Let’s also pretend that the expansive interior full of forests, mountains, and medieval ruins isn’t worth the trip alone.
Let’s just focus on the beaches of the Costa Brava. The secluded, the lavish, the wild, and the unclothed. The best beaches on the Costa Brava set the stage for late-night partying, all-day hiking, making memories with your family, and taking a quick beach day trip from Barcelona by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Damocean. Image Location: Platja de Almadrava, Roses, Costa Brava, Spain.
Asking the brave questions about Costa Brava, Spain’s beaches
Well, not exactly brave, but these answers are considered need-to-know as to meet your standards for what the best beaches on the Costa Brava should look like.
Does Costa Brava have nice beaches?
Does the Costa Brava have nice beaches? That depends on what you consider nice. Do you enjoy wild untamed beaches only accessible by foot? Do you think dining on fresh fish and sipping cocktails while staring out at soft white sand is relaxing? Are you one to update your Insta with shots of water so crystal clear that you can see the fish posing for a selfie? Then, yes, the Costa Brava indeed has nice beaches.
Does Costa Brava have clear water?
The best beaches on the Costa Brava have such clear waters that, ironically, you may spend very little time on the beach itself. Kayaking, snorkeling, and diving are some of the pastimes in these parts thanks to the bays and beaches that have water untarnished by anything but sunlight.
Does Costa Brava have sandy beaches?
Yes, some of Costa Brava, Spain's beaches are sandy. Some are wild, undeveloped beaches connected to protected natural spaces where you’re free to roll in the sand dunes. However, many other parts of the coast only have pebble beaches so do your research before choosing a beachfront hotel that doesn’t have the sand castle potential you seek.
Does Costa Brava have dog-friendly beaches?
If your pup has a taste for paella, tell them to pack their bags. Some of the best beaches on the Costa Brava are dog-friendly, though you should be aware that a vast majority of beaches aren’t cool with the canines. Rubina Beach in Empuriabrava and Port de la Vall Beach in El Port de la Selva are exceptions. Keep their tails wagging by choosing a luxury pet-friendly hotel so they get the full Costa Brava beach experience.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Mario Marco. Image Location: Sa Tuna, Begur, Costa Brava, Spain.
Best beaches in Costa Brava for: families
Spend your family vacation making unforgettable memories at these Costa Brava beaches, one splash at a time.
Plaja de Fenals | Lloret de Mar
The popularity of this beach boils down to its many amenities like water sport rentals, lifeguards on duty, toilet and shower facilities, lockers, and a children’s playground. Plus, there’s a water park in town if the kids aren’t pruny enough as it is.
Platja de l’Almadrava | Roses
One of the best beaches on the Costa Brava for multi-generational, accessible walkways make it easy to access for travelers young and old, while crystal clear water gives kids a chance to spot schools of fish.
Platja de Riells | L’Escala
One of the Costa Brava beaches with shallow water for smaller kids, Platja de Riells has boat rentals for you to take the family out on the water, as well as water sport lessons for your tweens and teens to live it up on their Spanish beach getaway.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Oleg_P. Image Location: Llafranc, Costa Brava, Spain.
Best beaches in Costa Brava for: outdoor lovers
Campsites and winding coastal trails make it possible to trek the Costa Brava from end to end. Why not stop off at a few of these beaches along the way?
La Platgeta | L’Estartit
Don’t let this unassuming beach fool you. Swap your sandals for hiking boots and walk into the forest behind the beach for fantastic miradors showcasing the city and the Medes Islands.
Xiringuito Tropic Beach | Sant Pere Pescador
If it’s freedom you desire, you’ll find it at this Costa Brava beach that’s clothing optional and lined with camping/glamping sites.
Cala Taballera | El Port de la Selva
Bleeding into Cap de Creus National Park, Cala Taballera’s spot in the sand is accessible only via foot or boat. You’ll spy seabirds in the bay, but venture deep into the park and historical forts await you.
Best beaches in Costa Brava for: luxe hotel stays
Because nothing completes a beach day quite like sinking into perfectly cool hotel bedsheets.
Cala sa Tuna | Cap sa Sal Hotel
Very much a local feel to this beach, even when it’s crowded during the high season. It’ll make your secluded cliff-top hotel all the more inviting when you retreat to your luxury villa.
Cala del Peix | Alàbriga Hotel & Home Suites
A small cove beach ideal for launching a kayak or letting your dog get wet, Cala del Peix is a wonderful place to walk down to before a day of wellness with the hotel’s personal trainer, Turkish bath, and massage rituals.
Cala del Pi | Sallès Hotel & Spa
Rock jumping and diving into this isolated swimming spot is the perfect balance for the extensive rest and relaxation that Salles Hotel & Spa holds for adult-only guests.
Image Credit: Getty Images, © Allard Schager. Image Location: Platja de Blanes, Blanes, Costa Brava, Spain.
Best beaches in Costa Brava: nearest train stations
From the platform to the platja.
Platja la Farella | Llançà
Closest station: Llançà
Busy with a bar next door and bathers wading into deep water, the beach at Llança might lack water sport activities but it's a solid choice for grabbing a cervesa and floating with no worries.
Platja de Blanes | Blanes
Closest station: Blanes
Less than an hour from Barcelona and a charming town in its own right, Blanes has a scenic, clean beach close to dozens of cafés, restaurants, and tapas bars.
Platja de Portbou | Portbou
Closest station: Portbou
Right at the north end of the Costa Brava, Platja de Portbou is a sheltered beach in a quiet village where you can sit on the rocky shore and stare into the sea or continue on across the French border where more dazzling beaches await.
Off the rails—and onto the beach
Costa Brava’s beaches will wait for you, but the cheapest train tickets available won’t. Download the Trainline app ahead of your visit so you can snag the lowest-priced train tickets to Costa Brava, Spain available.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava, Spain.