Costa Brava is a great choice if you want a calm beach trip near Barcelona. This coast sits just to the north and is known for rocky cliffs, sandy shores, and clear blue water. It is also much less crowded than many other places in Spain.
You can visit for a quick day trip since it is only one to two hours from Barcelona, or stay longer if you want more time by the sea. Both options work well and give you plenty to see and do.
This guide explains the best beaches, how to reach them, and where you might stay. It also covers nearby towns, seafood spots, and quiet coves. The details come from real travel notes and reviews, so you get information you can trust as you plan your trip.
Getting to Costa Brava from Barcelona
You have several ways to reach Costa Brava beaches. I’ll show you the easiest options that work for different trip styles.
- Transportation: Organized bus tours (9 hours, 2-3 beaches) are easiest, or take regular buses from Barcelona Nord station. Rent a car to visit multiple beaches – parking fills up fast.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-September) is best for swimming, but arrive before 10 am for parking. September is ideal – still warm with fewer crowds.
Best Beaches Near Barcelona (Day Trip Distance)
These beaches sit closest to Barcelona. You can visit them on a day trip without rushing too much.
Lloret de Mar
Lloret de Mar is the main tourist town in Costa Brava, 1.5 hours from Barcelona. You have three beaches to choose from: Playa de Lloret (crowded, most activities), Sa Caleta (tiny, great snorkeling), and Fenals Beach (quieter, 15-minute walk away).
You’ll find water sports like parasailing and jet skiing, a gothic church from the 1500s, and a castle-looking mansion from the 1930s. Walk between beaches after lunch – it takes 15-20 minutes with great coastal views.
Tossa de Mar
This historic town sits on a hill with old castle walls from the 1200s-1400s. Take a 1-hour glass-bottom ferry from Lloret de Mar that stops at beaches along the way. Walk the old walls built to keep pirates out and see cannons and a lighthouse from 1917.
Three beaches await you: Platja Gran (the biggest, with ferry docks here), Platja Mar Menuda (shallow water for kids), and Platja es Codolar (cliff-surrounded). After a 45-minute guided tour, you get over 3 hours of free time for swimming and visiting.
Best Beaches in Central Costa Brava (Begur Area)
The Begur area has the prettiest beaches in Costa Brava. These beaches are less touristy than Lloret or Tossa. You’ll need a car to visit them easily.
Aigua Blava
Soft golden sand meets crystal-clear turquoise water in this calm inlet protected by cliffs. Perfect for small children – the water stays calm even on windy days.
Two restaurants sit right by the beach:
- Toc al Mar: Fresh seafood, book ahead
- Mar i Vent: Part of the Parador hotel, fancier option
- Small cafe bar for quick sandwiches and ice cream
You can rent paddleboards and kayaks here. The snorkeling is good around the rocks. Just remember that parking fills up by 10 am in summer. It costs €3 per hour.
Platja Fonda
The quietest beach with dark grey sand that gets hot (bring water shoes). You’ll walk down a long flight of steps, but the incredibly clear water and lack of crowds make it worth it.
Here’s what you should know:
- Best for snorkeling – fish love the rocky bottom
- Gets shady in the afternoon (cliffs block the sun)
- No toilets or facilities anywhere nearby
- Bring a picnic and lots of water
- Small parking area above the beach
I love this beach for a quiet morning swim. The blue water against the dark sand looks amazing. Just pack everything you need before you go.
Tamariu
The quietest beach with dark grey sand that gets hot (bring water shoes). You’ll walk down a long flight of steps, but the incredibly clear water and lack of crowds make it worth it.
The best part about Tamariu? Everything is close together:
- Many restaurants are right behind the beach
- Es Dofi serves great seafood
- Vermuteria at Hotel Hostalillo has the best sunset views
- A large shop near the car park sells beach gear
Parking is a flat daily fee with an attendant to help when busy. A large shop near the car park sells all beach gear, and Vermuteria offers great afternoon drinks with beach views.
Calella de Palafrugell
Port Bo is the best of several small beaches – colorful fishing boats, restaurants in arched white buildings, and rock pools where kids hunt for crabs. Arrive early, as it gets busy.
What I love about Calella:
- You can visit different beaches in one day (5-minute walks between them)
- La Jijonenca ice cream shop has a “rainbow” flavor (tastes like tropical fruits)
- Lots of restaurants to choose from
- Great views from the path west of the beach
Free street parking is available, but you might need to walk 10 minutes to reach the beach. We always found a spot even when arriving at midday.
Llafranc
Best for evening visits – long sandy beach with volleyball games and great atmosphere. Windy days bring good bodyboarding waves, plus many bars line the walkway.
Here’s what makes Llafranc special:
- Water sports and boat trips are available
- Loungers and umbrellas you can rent
- Coastal trail to Calella (20-minute walk, doable with a stroller)
- Fresh fruit stall and juice bar at the trail start
A 20-minute coastal trail connects to Calella (stroller-friendly, fresh juice bar at start). More parking than smaller beaches – flat-rate lots and free back road spots available.
What to Do at Costa Brava Beaches?
The beaches here offer more than just swimming. Let me show you what else you can do.
Beach Activities
You’ll never get bored at these beaches. Each one has different activities based on the water conditions and facilities.
Swimming is obviously the main activity. The Mediterranean water is clear and usually calm. Some beaches drop off quickly, so check the depth before jumping in.
Here’s what else you can do:
- Snorkeling: See fish around rocky areas (bring your own mask)
- Paddle boarding: Rentals available at Aigua Blava, Tamariu, and Fenals Beach
- Kayaking: Paddle around coves and between beaches
- Bodyboarding: Llafranc has good waves on windy days
- Rock pooling: Kids love finding crabs at Port Bo in Calella
- Coastal walking: Paths connect many beaches (15-20 minutes between them)
Water sports like jet skiing and parasailing are only available at Lloret de Mar. The bigger tourist beaches have more organized activities.
I always bring my snorkel. The water is so clear that you can see fish even without going deep. Sa Caleta and Platja Fonda are the best snorkeling spots.
Dining Options
Fresh seafood caught that morning is served at most beaches. Beachfront restaurants cost more, but the water views are worth it.
Your dining choices include:
- Beachfront restaurants: Fresh fish, paella, grilled seafood
- Tapas bars: Found in all the towns, cheaper than restaurants
- Cafes: Quick sandwiches, coffee, snacks
- Ice cream shops: Perfect for hot afternoons
Some of my favorite spots:
- Es Dofi in Tamariu for seafood
- Port Bo restaurants in Calella (sit in the arches)
- Vermuteria at Tamariu for drinks with a view
- La Jijonenca in Calella for ice cream
Menus are printed in Spanish, Catalan, French, and English (close to the French border). You won’t have trouble ordering in English.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Here’s what you need to know before you go. These tips will help your trip go smoothly.
- Pack essentials: Sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours), water bottles, beach towels, swimsuit, water shoes, and your own snorkel gear. Bring picnic supplies for beaches without facilities.
- Parking costs: €3/hour at Aigua Blava, flat daily rates at Tamariu/Llafranc, free street parking at Calella (10-minute walk). All lots fill by 10 am in summer.
- Arrive before 10 am or prepare to walk 10-15 minutes from street parking. Summer attendants help direct you to available spots.
- Some beaches have no toilets or shops (especially Platja Fonda). Water drops off quickly at some beaches, and most don’t allow dogs – check posted signs.
- Water shoes are essential for hot, dark sand and pebbly beaches. Menus appear in multiple languages, and staff usually speak English.
Where to Stay for Beach Access?
Your home base makes a big difference. Let me show you the best options.
Stay in Beach Towns
Living right on the beach means you can walk to the water in minutes. But beach towns get crowded and noisy in summer.
- Lloret de Mar: Most hotels and restaurants, walking distance to three beaches, very busy and touristy with lots of nightlife. Good if you want everything nearby.
- Tossa de Mar: Lovely historic town with a beach below the old castle, more charm and better views than Lloret. Beaches get packed during frequent festivals.
- Tamariu, Llafranc, or Calella: Smaller and quieter, right on the sand, fewer hotel options. More expensive but perfect for couples or small families.
- Begur (covered next): Best overall base – 10-15 minutes to all beaches, Lovely medieval town, less crowded. Summer beach bus available.
- Day trip from Barcelona: See highlights without changing hotels, but only visit 2-3 beaches with 3 hours total travel time.
Beach towns offer convenience, but expect crowds. Begur gives you beach access without the noise.
Stay in Begur (Recommended)
Begur is my top choice for where to stay – a medieval town 15 minutes inland from all the best beaches.
- 10-15 minutes to every beach: Aigua Blava (5 min), Tamariu (10 min), Llafranc (10 min), Calella (12 min), Platja Fonda (8 min). Visit a different beach each day.
- Lovely medieval town with crumbling castle on a hill, narrow cobbled streets, and historic mansions built by wealthy locals. Worth seeing on its own.
- Great restaurants, tapas bars, and pottery shops (local specialty) at normal prices – not tourist prices like beach towns.
- The summer beach bus runs to the coast if you don’t want to drive. Wake up in a charming Spanish town, and have breakfast at a real local cafe.
- Way less crowded than beach towns: no drunk tourists or beach crowds at night. Laid-back atmosphere with local feel.
I’ve stayed in Begur three times. It’s the perfect base for seeing multiple beaches without moving hotels.
Day Trip from Barcelona
A day trip makes sense if you’re short on time or only want to see highlights. But you won’t see the prettiest central Costa Brava beaches (Aigua Blava, Tamariu).
- Good for, Limited time in Spain (2-3 days in Barcelona), don’t want to change hotels, want everything organized, happy seeing just Lloret and Tossa.
- Not good for: Seeing the prettiest beaches, having flexibility, avoiding crowds, or relaxing – you’re always on a schedule.
- Organized tours handle all logistics, you just show up and follow the guide who knows the best spots and shares the town’s history.
- 3 hours total, just traveling (1.5 hours each way). Only 1.5 hours at Lloret, 3+ hours at Tossa – not much time to swim, eat, and explore.
- You’ll miss central Costa Brava’s best beaches like Aigua Blava, Platja Fonda, Tamariu, and Calella – these require staying overnight or renting a car.
Day trips work for quick highlights. But rent a car or stay overnight to see Costa Brava’s most Lovely beaches.
Best Beaches for Different Needs
Let me help you pick the right beaches for your situation.
- Families with Small Children: Aigua Blava has the calmest water with soft sand and kid-friendly restaurants. Platja Mar Menuda and Port Bo offer shallow water, rock pools, and no drop-offs.
- Snorkeling: Rocky areas have the most fish – see 15-20 feet down. Sa Caleta and Platja Fonda offer clear water. Bring your own mask and snorkel.
- Quiet and Peaceful: Platja Fonda is the quietest – long stairs keep crowds away. Platja es Codolar and Fenals Beach also offer peaceful settings with fewer people.
- Restaurants and Nightlife: Port Bo has restaurants in arches, where you can eat fresh grilled fish. Llafranc offers an evening atmosphere, and Playa de Lloret has nightlife past midnight.
Conclusion
You now have a clear set of tips to plan your Costa Brava beach trip from Barcelona. From short visits to longer stays, you know which spots match your style. Calm water, good food, and easy swimming areas are all part of this coast.
If you plan to see more than one beach, staying in Begur works well. Renting a car gives you more freedom, and reaching the beaches before ten in the morning helps with parking. These small steps make the trip smoother.
Now you can start shaping your plan. Pick a few beaches that match what you want and book your stay early in the summer. If you have questions while planning, feel free to ask. I am glad to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Costa Brava from Barcelona?
Costa Brava beaches are 1-2 hours from Barcelona. Lloret de Mar takes 1.5 hours by bus, while Tossa de Mar is 1 hour from Lloret by boat. Central Costa Brava beaches (Aigua Blava, Tamariu) are about 1.5-2 hours by car from Barcelona.
What is the best beach in Costa Brava?
Aigua Blava is the most Lovely with turquoise water and golden sand in a calm inlet. For families, try Platja Mar Menuda. For snorkeling, visit Platja Fonda. Port Bo in Calella offers the most charming atmosphere with restaurants in arches.
Can you visit the Costa Brava beaches in one day from Barcelona?
Yes. Organized bus tours (9 hours) visit Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar, covering 2-3 beaches. You get 1.5 hours at Lloret and 3+ hours at Tossa. However, you won’t see the prettiest central beaches like Aigua Blava or Tamariu.
When is the best time to visit Costa Brava beaches?
Summer (June-September) is best for swimming in warm water. September is ideal – still warm but fewer crowds. Arrive before 10 am for parking during the summer. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Avoid major festival dates in Tossa de Mar.
Where should I stay for the Costa Brava beaches?
Stay in Begur – a medieval town 10-15 minutes from all the best beaches. It offers normal prices, great restaurants, and a summer beach bus. Alternatively, stay in beach towns like Tossa de Mar (historic), Lloret de Mar (most facilities), or Tamariu (quieter).