Beaches and Coves around Palafrugell
Palafrugell is blessed with a picturesque coastline which enjoys a number of stunning beaches and coves, very reminiscent of the Greek islands!
Starting in the north with Tamariu, next is the lovely little fishing village of Llafranc with an attractive harbourside promenade of cafes and restaurants surrounding a gently sloping beach. Just 15 minutes walk around the seafront path from Llafranc is a chique resort with a French Riviera ‘feel’ along its promenade – Calella. In addition to these are Canadell and Port Bo, each with their own individual character and with a number of delightful restaurants situated right at the waters edge. Finally, around the beautiful coastal path, there are the coves of Golfet and Castellets, shown in our picture here.
High above the bays, at the southern end, is the Jardi Botanic de Cap Roig, a beautiful garden that has hundreds of Mediterranean plants, tall cedars and pine trees. During the summer months concerts are held in the grounds, welcoming the likes of Michael Bolton, UB40, Anastacia, Jamie Cullum, James Taylor, Leonard Cohen and naturally, Julio Iglesias!!
La Platja de Pals
La Platja de Pals (Pals Beach) is one of the longest and most spectacular beaches on the Costa Brava. This 4km long beach has its fair share of pine trees and dunes with magnificent views over to the Medes Islands.
The beach is divided into two parts: the northernmost part lies next to the Platja de Pals golf club (the oldest course on the Costa Brava); broad golden sand, washed by a clear blue sea, this expanse is not only a beach lover’s paradise, but a conservation area too.
Marshes and dunes are on the northern edge, Montgri Mountain towers in the distance and with Basses d’en Coll Nature Park nearby, Playa de Pals is a walker’s paradise.
Further towards Begur, in the south, the beach is very friendly for children with a number of cafes and toilet facilities at either end of the beach. There’s even a hidden paradise, tiny Illa Roja beach.
Beaches and Coves around Platja d’Aro
The closest beach (‘platja’ or ‘playa’) to the villa is at Sant Antoni de Calonge where the beach and promenade run all the way around to Palamos. Beyond the town, to the north, are the two glorious sandy beaches of Platja de la Fosca and Platja de Castell.
A short distance further south, at Platja d’Aro, there are a number of beaches, ranging from the long golden stretch of soft sand that runs for two kilometers through to some picturesque, hidden coves (calas) that are perfect for escaping from the crowds. At the northern end, these include Cala del Cangers and Cala del Pi, where pines run all the way down to the sea, as well as the very pretty Cala Sant Jordi and Platja de Belladona, shown here. At the far southern end, just past the marina, is Sa Conca, another blue flag beach, double-sculpted and set in a protected bay with a stunning coastline path around the exclusive estate of La Gavina (S’Agaro), to St. Pol beach.
If ‘man-made’ is your style – then there’s the big waterpark, Aquadiver Waterworld, awaiting you just 10 minutes away at Platja d’Aro, with its own exit off the C-31.
Beaches and Coves around Begur
The hilltop town of Begur has numerous pretty beaches and coves surrounding it, all accessed by winding roads, with a number of hiking paths connecting them. The town itself also has a number of fine restaurants and shops, with a castle overlooking it all!
The stunning bay of Aiguablava houses a small sandy beach and a few beachside restaurants. It is a haven for yachts and is overlooked by the Parador hotel, built on the cliffs to take advantage of the stunning views. The footpath up to the hotel provides excellent glimpses of the bay – see our picture here!
Across the bay is the chic resort of Fornells, little more than a marina, a smart hotel and a pair of tiny beaches.
North of Aiguablava are more small coves – Sa Riera, with views over to the Medes islands, Aiguafreda and Sa Tuna, linked by a footpath cut into the rock. All are as pretty as you will find in any part of the Mediterranean.
