If you wish to discover a great destination for a beach holiday, then one quick way is to check out the beaches which have been awarded the Blue Flag. This will be particularly important if you’re travelling as a family. There are, however, plenty of other lovely beaches and coves in Catalonia that don’t have the blue flag.

Catalonia currently has 89 blue flag beaches, which are divided across its coastal provinces in the following way:

 

Tarragona (Costa Dorada) –       38 blue flag beaches

Girona (Costa Brava)    –            28 blue flag beaches

Barcelona (Costa Maresme) –    23 blue flag beaches

This feature gives you a quick overview of each province, the best airport to reach it, and some basic information about these beach towns. In some cases I have already written a travel guide about the town, in which case I will link to this. In the not too distant future, we will also include accommodation information.

The Province of Tarragona – Most Convenient Airport: Reus

Below are the cities that are served by Reus airport, and above you can find a link directly to their website. Some of these cities are served, according to the season. For example in the case of Dublin the flights stop around the end of October and don’t start up normally till around the middle or late part of March. So you need to check your own airport for seasonality.

Dublin

London Luton

London Stansted

Frankfurt

Birmingham

Glasgow

Brussels

Mallorca

Paris Beauvais

The big advantage of Reus airport is that its very small, which means once you arrive to the airport you don’t have too much to do. Of course like any other airport you need to leave time for going through security, just because I mentioned small, don’t leave yourself short of time! Additionally depending on where your final destination is within the province of Tarragona, Reus can be as little as a hop, skip and a jump – poetically speaking! The city of Reus is well worth a visit also, and I love the city of Tarragona.

Other Airport Options:

The promixity of each airport will depend on what area of the province of Tarragona you wish to visit.

Barcelona

Girona

Castellon (mid Sept. 2015 London Stansted & Bristol to begin)

Tarragona Province

For lots of Irish and British tourists, possibly the best known destination in the province of Tarragona is Salou. However both the coastal and inland parts of the Tarragona province are absolutely packed with interesting destinations.

The capital city of Tarragona itself is beautiful, with an amphitheatre right by the sea. However you should try and spend some time also in the city of Reus, which has its fair share of fine architecture in the city centre. Another city of note is Tortosa. For more information on the province of Tarragona, click on province of Tarragona travel guide.

Alcanar

Explore an unspoilt fishing village, with another dimension – the municipality of Alcanar is made up of two distinctive parts, and has its fair share to offer tourists, who want to enjoy a typical, relaxing holiday in the area.

The main town itself is a little over 3 miles from the coast, and is a typical town which has not been set up for tourism, as such. Obviously this means it is authentic, and from a visitor’s point of view, this can have its advantages, but it won’t suit those who aren’t willing to try their luck with the lingo, and are looking for something developed.

The advantages I would see are the beach a few miles away, the Yacht Club, and the surrounding cafés and restaurants. Also in the municipality, going in the direction of Ulldecona, are the Iberian civilisation and the hermitage. These can be found close to each other and have truly spectacular views down over the coast and the Delta de l’Ebre.

Beach: Les Cases d’Alcanar

This is a pebbly beach, in an urban area close to the mouth of the Sol de Riu river.

Discover more about Alcanar in our Alcanar Spain Travel Collection.

 

Altafulla

Definitely one of the jewels in the Costa Dorada’s crown, Altafulla has a beautiful old quarter, and a fine, sandy beach that goes on for over 1 kilometre. The promenade has a Fisherman feel about it, and I find it quite charming.

Beach: Altafulla

Lying near the mouth of the River Gaia, is the blue flag beach of Altafulla. This fine sandy, rural beach on the Costa Dorado can be reached either on the N340 or the A7. Alternatively you can get a train to the local train station. This is one of the jewels of the Costa Dorada. It still has a fishing village feel, with its special promenade area – Botigues de Mar. it has a lovely old quarter, and its Roman town of Els Munts is UNESCO world heritage.

The fine city of Tarragona is within 11 km reach, and Barcelona is around 100 km distance. If you do decide to stay in the area, make sure not to miss Tamarit Castle. By the way Altafulla beach is given the thumbs up by Go Spain in About.com

Discover more about Altafulla in our Altafulla Spain Travel Collection.

 

Calafell

Calafell is one of the official Catalan Family Holiday Destinations. It has 3 blue flag beaches, and absolutely loads going on during the season. The population increases from 25,000 to 150,000 during the peak season. Apart from having lovely weather and beaches, this town is also steeped in history.

Beach: Calafell

This is a fine sandy, urban beach, which has a life-saving team from 11th June until 10th September, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening. There are facilities for those with reduced mobility, and bars, restaurants and sports facilities.

Beach: L’Estany-Mas Mel

Extending from Calafell beach and heading towards the Segur area, you can find the L’Estany-Mas Mel beach. The gradual slope goes into the water makes it particularly suitable for families with younger children, and there is a car park at the beach. However can be also reached by public transport. It is around 1500 m in length and 40 m in width, and it has fine sand.

Beach: Segur de Calafell

Over a kilometre and a half in length, this beach is the longest of the three in town. Also this area is the most populated, so you’ll find a lot of people gathering during the summer months. At one end of the beach you’ll find the Marina, which you can get to by a road that goes across the beach. It gets lively during the summer evenings, and sometimes becomes a venue for festivities and musical performances.

If you drive into this beach, you will need to find parking on the streets of the town, on the promenade.

Discover more about Calafell in our Calafell Spain Travel Collection.

 

Cambrils

Cambrils is another one of the official Catalan Family Holiday Destinations. It has a lovely harbour area, which is overlooked by the old tower and there’s plenty of buzz around the town. It is also recognised as a gastronomic capital. On top of this, it is pretty close by to Port Aventura, which will be brilliant day out for the kids. Cambrils has 4 blue flag beaches.

Beach: Cavet

Playa Cavet is coarse, golden sandy beach, with some stones, around 550 metres long. As a family you can enjoy shallow, calm waters of good water quality. Watch out for the interesting twisted pine trees that are in the middle of the beach, and also the mice beach bar. There is a children’s play area, and other gym type facilities. There’s also a promenade, and parking is best done on one of the site streets off the main Avenue, or on the Avenue itself – Avenida Diputación.

Beach: Prat d’en Fores

Easy to access as it’s located in the town centre, this is a fine sandy beach of a little under 1000 m in length. It’s another one where the waters are shallow, making it easy to enter for younger or older family members. There’s plenty of facilities on hand, and life-saving services from June until September, and it is close by to the Yacht Club.

Beach: Vilafortuny i Esquirol

Also located in the town centre, this is a fine sandy beach around 1200 m in length and 70 m in width.

Discover more about Cambrils in our Cambrils Spain Travel Collection.

 

Cunit

6 km away from Calafell travel ideas is where you’ll find the quieter coastal town of Cunit. Located on the Costa Dorada, its golden sandy beaches that go on for over 2 km are one of its main attractions. It’s coastline is characterised by seven breakwaters, which break the coast into little half moons. This means that the water is shallow and also of good quality.

Cunit is only 47 km away from the fabulous city of Tarragona, but at the same time has not become overrun with tourists and for those who enjoy nature, and the mountains, as well as the coast, it’s possible to do some eco-tourist routes there.

Beach: Cunit

Each of the seven beach areas are numbered and are served by at least one chiringuito, which are the typical beach bars that you see on the beaches here in Spain. The blue flag beach is the one located in the town centre. It’s a fine sandy beach, which has life-saving services from 10th June until 11th September, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

 

El Vendrell

This town is the birthplace of Pablo Casals, the cellist. The town centre itself is about 3 kilometres in from the coast, but the municipality has three flag beaches. The area is also well known for its food and culture, and is located within the Penedes wine region. These three blue flag beaches run consecutively, making up an area of around 7 km a fine sandy beaches.

Beach: Coma-ruga

Of the three blue flag beaches in the municipality, this is the one that is centrally located and is where you can find the marina area, which is called Masia Blanca. In fact the area used to be home to a medicinal spa. The beach is over 2 km in length and around 100 m wide, and has kept its blue flag status since 1988.

Beach: Francás

This 1.8 km beach has clean, calm waters, which descend gradually as you go out in the sea. The gentle slope makes it attractive to families who are on holidays without the younger or older family members.

Beach: Sant Salvador

This is the beach where Pablo Casals used to spend his summer holidays. Today there’s a fine auditorium right on the promenade, at Villa Casals. Even if you are not familiar with the musician, it’s still worth visiting – because of its lovely setting. The beach goes on for almost 3 km.

Discover more about El Vendrell in our El Vendrell Spain Travel Guide

 

L’Ametlla de Mar

L’Ametlla de Mar still has the feeling of a fishing village, and has a grand total of five blue flag beaches in its municipality. Between its pretty coves and beaches, and its size, with inhabitants currently around 7300 mark – the seaside town can be a good base for those who don’t want to be somewhere too small or too big. It’s located only 55 km away from the lovely city of Tarragona, and is only 44 km away from Reus city where there’s both a city worthwhile seeing, as well as an airport just a few kilometres away. For those of you who haven’t been to Barcelona yet, wish to go back there it is only 162 km from Barcelona. L’Ametlla has its own train station and a pretty good train service on the line that runs to both Barcelona in the north (passing Tarragona) and Valencia in the south.

Beach: Calafat

This is a pretty sandy cove surrounded by pine trees, and can be accessed either on foot or by car. It’s only around 20 m in length and 50 m wide. It does have its own shower and toilet, and from 24th June til 2nd September, there’s a life-saving team.

Beach: Cala Forn

This is another very pretty cove, with beautiful water and nature. It can be accessed either on foot or by car, and also has a life-saving from 24th June until 2nd September.

Beach: L’Alguer

Come off this sandy beach, and wander around the fishing harbour and narrow streets of the town. It is around hundred 20 m in length and 25 m wide, and it has its own snack bar, life-saving services during the high season and a toilet and shower.

Beach: Pixavaques

This smaller beach is in a semi urban area, where you can enjoy a natural environment. It is around 70 m in length and 40 m wide, and has a campsite bar. It has its own shower and toilet, and wheelchair access. During the season it has life-saving services.

Beach: Sant Jordi d’Alfama

At the foot of the Castle, is a sandy beach of around hundred metres in length. It has wheelchair access, toilet and shower as well is parking. It also has a life-saving during the summer season.

Discover more about L’Ametlla de Mar in our L’Ametlla de Mar Spain Travel Guide

 

L’Ampolla

According to Timeout, L’Ampolla is the gateway to the Ebro Delta, where gastronomy, nature and the sea live together in perfect harmony. L’Ampolla currently has two blue flag beaches.

Beach: Cap Roig

Walking along the cliff path that leads from the town, you can find this blue flag beach embraced by red terracotta type cliffs, and an abundance of trees. There are showers and restaurants, and a lifeguard service, that runs from 1st July to 12th September.

Beach: D’Avellaners

This is a medium sized, fine sandy beach which you can find in the middle of the town. It has a recreation and sports area, including beach volleyball and is also a lifeguard service during the height of the season.

Discover more in our L’Ampolla Spain Travel Guide.

 

Mont Roig del Camp-Miami Platja

If 12 kilometres of long sandy coastline sounds good to you, and if you like little intimate coves, and colours and contrasts between the sea and the mountains – then Mont-roig del Camp_Miami-Platja, in the heart of the Costa Dorada could be a perfect holiday destination for you. Mont-Roig is the village that the artist Joan Miró painted during his youth.

If 12 kilometres of long sandy coastline sounds good to you, and if you like little intimate coves, and colours and contrasts between the sea and the mountains – then Mont-roig del Camp_Miami-Platja, in the heart of the Costa Dorada could be a perfect holiday destination for you. Mont-Roig is the village that the artist Joan Miró painted during his youth.

Beach: La Pixerota

Crystalline water and golden sand go on for a length of just a little under 2 km on this beach. It’s located in a semi urban area, and has a mixture of sand and pebbles. There’s dense vegetation along this area of the coast, which has great biodiversity. Life-saving is available from 15th June until 15th September, running from 10 o’clock in the morning till 7 o’clock in the evening.

Beach: Cristall

A lovely golden sandy beach, that runs for around 1300 m in length and is around 50 m wide, this beach can be found in the South West, going by the railway bridge and through the deviation of the N340 (National road). Life-saving is available from 15th June until 15th September, running from 11 o’clock in the morning till 7 o’clock in the evening.

 

Roda de Bara

This town is easily recognised because of the Roman arch that still lies on the motorway near the town. It is around 30 km going North of Tarragona city, and has three beaches, two of which have blue flag status. This town is sensitive to the environment, and is in a lovely setting, surrounded by cliffs.

Beach: Costa Daurada

This is a golden, sandy beach which is around 800 m long and 60 m wide. It runs from the northern end of the town’s Marina and goes towards the municipality of El Vendrell. It has a range of sports and recreational activities, and a lifeguard service that runs from 22nd June until 11th September.

Beach: Roda de Bara – known as Playa Larga

The main beach, which is bordered by the promenade, goes on for more than 1 km in length. It’s wide and flat, and will be of interest to those who want to see the dune ecosystem called Els Madalers. It also has a lifeguard service that runs from 22nd June until 11th September.

 

Salou

Salou may not need introducing to many of you, as it is home to the famous theme park Port Aventura. It’s also somewhere that lots of younger people go to party on their first holidays away from Mammy & Daddy! That said, it has its own charms, and depending when you go and how lively you like it, it also has its own blue flag beach.

Beach: Llevant

Near the liveliest streets of the town, you find this golden Sandy beach of almost 1200 m in length. The water is shallow, and actually during the season there is a kiddies club, with special activities and workshops at one in July and August.

Discover more in our Salou Spain Travel Guide.

 

Sant Carles de la Rapita

Sant Carles de la Rapita is a nice seaside town, with a population of a little over 15,000, which makes an excellent base for exploring the Delta de l’Ebro.

Beach: Parc de Garbí

An urban beach of fine golden sand, Playa Garbí has plenty of services, and nice shallow waters. Look over into the beautiful Bay of Alfacs, or behind you to the promenade. The beach is a little under 500 m in length and 50 m in width. Lifeguard services run from 15th June until 15th September, from 9 o’clock in the morning until 8 o’clock in the evening.

Beach: Les Delicies

A smaller beach of extremely fine golden sand, this beach, whose name translates into Delights Beach, is around 200 m long and a little under 40 m wide. It also has plenty of facilities, and is around 50 m away from bars, restaurants, the bus stop and parking. Lifeguard services are available from 10th June until 15th September, from 9 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

Discover more in our Sant Carles de la Rapita Travel Collection.

 

Tarragona

Tarragona is a wonderful city, which often gets overlooked because of the fame of Barcelona. As well as being steeped in history, culture and gastronomy, Tarragona has some wonderful beaches including four blue flag beaches.

Beach: Arrabassada

This is a fine sandy beach, which is around 550 m in length and 65 m wide. During the summer months there is a life guard service, and also buses that stop during the season. You can also get to it by car taking the N340 a, continuing until the end of the Via Augusta.

Beach: La Mora

Another fine sandy beach, which is over 500 m long and 65 m wide, this beach can also be accessed by car, by foot and by the number 9 bus. Lifeguard services are available in the height of the season.

Beach: Savinosa

Further out-of-town you can find this beach, on the N340, look out for KM 1165 – 1166. There are also a number of buses that you can bring you there during the summer season. Nudism is allowed on this beach, although it doesn’t appear to be obligatory as such! This sandy beach is around 350 m long and 30 m wide, and is overlooked by the Hotel Sant Jordi. Lifeguard services are available during the summer season.

Beach: Tamarit

Although this beach is certainly not close to Tarragona city centre, it is worth at least a day trip to see this lovely stretch of sand the goes on for 1750 m, and is overlooked by the beautiful Tamarit Castle. As is the case elsewhere during the summer season there are lifeguard services.

Discover more in our Tarragona Spain Travel Collection.

 

Torredembarra

Another beach town on the Costa Dorada, Torredembarra has a nice old quarter, and a fascinating natural protected area, called Els Muntanyans. Check out the semi-shifting sand dunes and the salt water lagoons.

Beach: La Paella

A large beach that goes from the Els Munts area down to the promenade and marina, this is a fine golden sandy beach with shallow waters. You can find a variety of sports activities here as well.

The life-saving timetable at the beach is from 15th June until 15th September, between 10 o’clock in the morning and 6 o’clock in the evening.

Beach: Els Muntanyans

This is a very special area of great environmental importance. It is home to an interesting range of animals and plants, and is a protected area. This is where you can see the salt water lagoons and the semi shifting sand dunes. Nudism is permitted on this beach. Actually not only is it permitted, but it ranks in the El Pais (one of Spain’s top newspapers) as one of the Top 20 Nudism Beaches in Spain. I love their description – of the area reserved for “Adam and Eve types.”

The life-saving timetable at the beach is from 15th June until 15th September, between 10 o’clock in the morning and 6 o’clock in the evening.

Beach: Baix a Mar (Barri Maritim)

Located in the town’s Fisherman’s District, at this beach you can find a designated beach tennis zone. You won’t miss the famous Alpha and Omega statue, which appears to rise up from the sea. There are plenty of facilities on hand, including facilities for those with reduced mobility.

The life-saving timetable at the beach is from 15th June until 15th September, between 10 o’clock in the morning and 6 o’clock in the evening.

Discover more in our Torredembarra Spain Travel Collection

 

Vandellos i l’Hospitalet de l’Infant

Here is another of the many seaside towns on the Costa Dorada – L’Hospitalet de l’Infant has a good-sized Marina, lovely beaches and some impressive historical remains. Some visitors may be put off by the neighbouring nuclear power station, in Vandellos – but once you’re on the beach, you don’t really think about it in truth! I had passed the station uncountable times, and didn’t go to the beach area for that reason, but was glad once I did!

This municipality has three blue flag beaches!

Beach: L’Arenal

This long, golden sandy beach is the one closest to the town centre. It goes on for 1800 m in length, and is also home to the Costa Dorada Water Sports Resort, which offers a great range of water sports activities. You’ll find plenty of facilities here, including those for people with reduced mobility.

The life-saving timetable at the beach is from 15th June until 15th September, between 10 o’clock in the morning and 7 o’clock in the evening.

Beach: El Torn

This is a nudist beach, that is approximately 1600 m in length. It has nice sand dunes, as it’s part of a protected natural area. There’s a good selection of facilities, including facilities for people with reduced mobility.

The life-saving timetable at the beach is from 15th June until 15th September, between 10 o’clock in the morning and 7 o’clock in the evening.

Beach: La Punta del Riu

Located next to the Marina, this beach is 700 m long, it has more basic facilities, but is ideal for those who like water sports.

The life-saving timetable at the beach is from 15th June until 15th September, between 10 o’clock in the morning and 7 o’clock in the evening.

Vilanova i la Geltru

Imagine 3.5 km of lovely sandy beaches, and picture yourself strolling gently down the promenade, and peeking up into the palm trees to see parakeets! This is a buzzing Catalan tourist town, with all sorts to do and with a marina that is considered to be one of the top 10 most beautiful ports in Europe.

Beach: Ibersol

This fine sandy beach, goes on for a length of approximately 700 m and is 40 m or so wide. It meets with the municipality of Cubelles, and has all the normal facilities you would expect. Lifesaving and first aid are from the 11th July to 12th September, from 11am until 7pm

Beach: Ribes Roges

This is a large fine sandy beach, that goes on for 1200 min length and is 170 m wide. You’ll find it between the at Adarro beach and the Marina area. It was here that I saw the parakeets in the palm trees! Lifesaving and first aid are from the 11th July to 12th September, from 11am until 7pm

Beach: Sant Gervasi

A smaller fine sandy beach, of 250 m in length and 50 m in width, this is an urban beach that is betweent the beach of the Republic and the l’Aiguadolç beach. Lifesaving and first aid are from the 11th July to 12th September, from 11am until 7pm

Discover more in our Vilanova i la Geltru Travel Collection

 

Vila-Seca – La Pineda Platja

This is one of the official Catalan family holiday destinations. Picture a very long sandy beach area, embraced by pine trees and a striking promenade. There’s also a water park close to the beach.

Beach: La Pineda

This blue flag beach goes on for around 3 km of length, and is around 40 m wide. It has a nice gentle slope into the water, and has plenty of amenities around it. The life-saving timetable operates from 15 June until 15 October, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

Discover more in our La Pineda Platja-Vila-Seca Spain Travel Collection.

 

The Province of Girona – Most Convenient Airport: Girona

Other Airport Options:

Barcelona 75 km from Lloret de Mar

A truly beautiful province, Girona is absolutely spoilt with lovely beaches and romantic coves. Given its name, the Costa Brava (which means the Wild Coast) – it does have the downside of windy and more dramatic weather, once we come out of the main summer season. This province also has some wonderful medieval villages. The city of Girona itself is well worth a visit also. So if you decide to fly in, try to give yourself a night or two there, if that is possible.

 

Blanes

A lively seaside town, Blanes has some character, although it does get busy, although not in the same way as Lloret de Mar. Today it is one of the select number of official Catalan Family Holiday Destinations. It still has its own fleet of fishing boats, and retains its Catalan character. Blanes has three blue flag beaches.

Beach: Blanes

This blue flag beach has a Kiddies Club, and can be found at the beginning of the Costa Brava. This golden sandy beach is the town’s main beach, and has plenty of facilities, and some sports activities. Lifesaving is from 1st July til 12th September, from 10am til 7pm.

Beach: S’Abanell

A long sandy beach that goes on for 2300 in length, this blue flag beach also has a Kids Club. It’s hard to miss, as it’s beside the Sa Palomera – the magnificent landmark rock, just to its left. Lifesaving is from 1st July til 12th September, from 10am til 7pm.

Beach: Sant Francesc

Lovingly embraced by verdant pine trees, this cove is often known as Cala Bona. The golden sandy cove is around 200 metres long, and can be accessed by going via the Botanical Gardens. It’s 2km out of the town centre.

Discover more in our Blanes Travel Collection.

 

Castello d’Empuries-Empuriabrava

Both a town and a municipality, Castello d’Empuries can be found close to the mouth of the River Muga, 9 km away from Figueres. It’s old town has an interesting architectural heritage, which may not seem so significant to those who prefer the glamorous life. This is because of Empuriabrava, which is Europe’s largest residential Marina. It is also here that you will find the blue flag beach.

Beach: Empuriabrava

Situated in front of the Marina, this is the widest beach to be found on the whole of the Costa Brava. It also has a long promenade, and great views of the Bay of Roses, which has been endorsed by UNESCO as part of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, since 2011.

There is an abundance of services, which includes bike rental, children’s parks and sporting areas. Lifeguard and first aid services are provided by the Red Cross, running from the first July until the 31st of September – from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

Discover more in our Castello d’Empuries-Empuriabrava Travel Guide

 

Castell Platja d’Aro

A thriving resort on the Costa Brava, Castell Platja d’Aro offers culture and history, but is mostly a bustling resort with entertainment for all types and ages. It’s also one of the official Catalan Family Holiday Destinations.

Beach: Cala Rovira

At the northern end of town, there’s this cove which has coarse golden, almost orange hued sand. It’s a little over 200 m in length and probably around 40 m wide. If you are planning to go there by car you’ll need to park in town, and walk down the street which connects the town with the beach.

It has good quality facilities, including refreshment stands and bars, plus there’s a good range of sports on offer. Lifeguard services run from 15th June until 15th September from 10:30am till 18.30 p.m.

Beach: Sa Conca

Sa Conca is a lovely, attractive cove, which has two contrasting sections. The coarse golden sandy cove, of a little under 400 m long, is separated in two by the rocky islet which gives it its name. Although the entry to the water in both sections is quite steep, on one you walk on top of a sandy seabed, while on the other one you will encounter numerous rocks. However, of course, this makes it very interesting for diving. You can reach the cove either on foot or by car. Lifeguard services run from 15th June until 15th September from 10:30am till 18.30 p.m.

Beach: Platja d’Aro

This is the town’s main beach, and it goes on for around 2 km in length. Be aware, however, that like the other blue flag beaches in the area, the entrance into the sea gets steep rather quickly. Lifeguard services run from 15th June until 15th September from 10:30am till 18.30 p.m.

Discover more in our Castell Platja d’Aro Travel Collection

 

Llança

Llança is situated 15 km south of the French border. A typical Catalan town, this is a place that is a bit more peaceful than some of the other locations on the Costa Brava. It has a rich artistic and historical heritage, and will most likely appeal to those of you who are looking for something authentic, and more peaceful.

Beach: El Port

The name of this beach kind of gives it away, as it is situated by the town’s port. Palm trees line the promenade, and you can admire whitewashed village houses in one part of the port. In the other part of the port, you’ll find shops, bars and restaurants. Don’t miss the Cap de Creus Natural Park close by. Lifeguard services run from 1st July until 31st August, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

Beach: Grifeu

This is the busiest beach around, with a good range of facilities and free parking nearby. It’s located just after the town, beside the road C-260. Lifeguard services run from 1st July until 31st August, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

Discover more in our Llanca Travel Guide

 

Lloret de Mar

This is the town in the Costa Brava that is least likely to need much of an introduction. If you are looking for rampant tourism, you’ve come to the right place. That said it does have lovely golden sandy beaches, four of which have the blue flag status.

Beach: Fenals

This is the second largest beach in town, situated in a sheltered Bay, with coarse, thick sand. It is approximately 700 m long, and has plenty of facilities and activities. The castle overlooks it. Life-saving is available from 1st June until 30th September.

Beach: Lloret

Another course sandy beach, this is the town’s biggest beach, going on for 1500 m approximately. It’s centrally located, with parking right by it. As one might expect, it’s super active, with lots of facilities and activities. During the season there is also a mini-club for the children. Life-saving is available from 1st June until 30th September.

Beach: Santa Cristina

In a very pretty setting, you can find this beach with seems like the water is almost always come. Embraced by two hills, the beach is around 500 m in length. Life-saving is available from 1st June until 30th September.

Beach: Sa Boadella

Mainly a nudist beach, Cala Boadella is located beneath the St. Clothilde Gardens. It’s about 250 m long. Life-saving is available from 1st June until 30th September.

Discover more in our LLoret de Mar Travel Guide

 

Palafrugell

The municipality of Palafrugell contains the town itself of the same name, as well as Llafranc, Tamariu, Calella de Palafrugell, and the rural villages of Llofriu and Ermedas. In this area, you can enjoy a nice blend of a beach holiday and Catalan culture.

Beach: Llafranc

A fine sandy beach located in the town of LLafranc, which has crystalline waters and is embraced by an abundance of greenery. It’s around 330 m long, and in its backdrop you will find some restaurants, hotels and whitewashed buildings. Life-saving services are available from June until September, between 10am in the morning until 6pm.

Beach: Tamariu

A very pretty and sheltered beach, Tamariu has a typical feel about it, and is embraced by cliffs which are covered in pine trees. It’s vaguely beach, with crystal clear waters. It also attracts diverse, who like to explore the caves, which can be found close by. The British newspaper – the Telegraph – considered it to be one of the top beaches for families who were holidaying in the region. Life-saving services are available from June until September, between 10am in the morning until 6pm.

Discover more in our Tamariu Travel Guide

Beach: Canadell

Located in Calella the Palafrugell, this is one of the most popular beaches in the area. Of course this means that it does attract a lot of people, during the season, but you can find different types of amenities there. It’s a little over 200 m long and has coarse sand. Life-saving services are available from June until September, between 10am in the morning until 6pm.

Discover more in our Palafrugell Travel Guide

 

Palamos

Make the most out of Palamos, and enjoy its fishing village feel, in a municipality of around 30,000 inhabitants. Discover lovely secluded coves, or opt for the convenience of the large beaches, where the crowds go during the season. Dress up and head down to the port area for a good night out!

Beach: La Fosca

Cala Fosca, which means Dark Cove, is set in a natural environment, and has shallow waters the go on for quite a while, making it a great location for those with young children. It’s a fine sandy,, urban beach, with life-saving services from June until September, from 11 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

Discover more in our Palamos Travel Guide

 

Port de la Selva

Discover a great variety of landscapes, and let your senses be inspired. Spend time exploring magical coves, or just hang out on the beach. As a great palette of colours in this area, make it perfect for those who enjoy photography art, which is to be embraced by beauty. It’s also a snorkelling paradise.

Beach: Port de la Selva

Sitting in front of the village, lies the main beach of Port de la Selva. It has a combination of some pebbles and fine sand, and there are plenty of amenities close by. You can also choose from various water activities, and it’s a popular place for windsurfing. Lifeguards work from 1st June until 30th September, from 11 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

Discover more in our Port de la Selva Travel Guide

 

Portbou

Once a sleepy fishing village, Portbou, the last Costa Brava village, before France, transformed into a transport hub after its railway station opened in 1878. This dominates scenery today. It’s pretty pebbly beach sits within its Bay, which it is said is a natural amphitheatre.

Beach: Platja Gran

Platja Gran, Big Beach, which is often called Portbou Beach, never seems to get too busy, even during the summer season. Perfectly embraced by the Bay, the beach is approximately 270 m in length and 50 m wide. Lifeguards on the beach from 1 July until 31 August, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 6:30 in the evening.

Discover more in our Portbou Travel Guide.

 

Sant Antoni de Calonge

One of the official Catalan Family Holiday Destinations, Sant Antoni de Calonge has a total of four blue flag beaches. On top of this during the summer, the town offers a wide range of activities years for families. These include children’s workshops, shows, drawing contests and things like learning how to make bracelets.

Beach: Sant Antoni

In the central part of the Bay, is the main beach of the town which is a fine sandy beach protected by T-shaped breakwaters. There are plenty of amenities and services here, including a Kids Beach Park. Lifeguards are in attendance from 1st June until 30th September, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

Beach: El Monestrí

As you head towards the municipality of Palomos, this is the last beach you can find in the Bay of Sant Antoni. It has a promenade bridge which crosses over the Aubi River to join the beach. On this fine sandy beach, you’ll also find a specific type of sailing club – the Patí Catalá de Vela, which is a type of sailing that involves catamarans. Lifeguards are in attendance from 1st June until 30th September, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening

Beach: Torre Valentina

The river separates this beach from the main Sant Antoni beach, and the wonderful coastal path, called the Cami de Ronda, begins at the 16th watchtower from which the beach gets its name. The name translates into English as the Valentine Tower. This rather wide beach, has a children’s play area, as well as all the other normal facilities, and some sports, both the land and on water. Lifeguards are in attendance from 1st June until 30th September, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening

Beach: Cala Cristos-Ses Torretes

Cala Cristos translates into Christ Cove, and is set in an area with very little development. You need to access it either by going on the coastal path or taking the staircase which leads from the road. It has pick grainy sand, as well is vegetation and rocks. It also has the normal basic services one would expect. Lifeguards are in attendance from 1st June until 30th September, from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

More beaches coming very soon….