1. Sant Pol de Mar

Sant Pol de Mar beach is one of the pearls of Costa Brava. A beautiful bay with crystal-clear waters, perfect for families with children and water activities like sailing, diving, and windsurfing.

This spectacular beach stretches nearly a kilometer in length and 25 meters in width, featuring unique dune landscapes and shallow, transparent waters that make it exceptionally safe for young swimmers. The beach boasts comprehensive family amenities including the Parque de las Dunas playground and the seasonal Club Infantil, providing supervised activities for children during summer months.

The seaside promenade offers scenic walks with panoramic coastal views, while the beach’s water sports center provides equipment rental for sailing, windsurfing, and water skiing. The surrounding area features mysterious rocky coves ideal for snorkeling and diving, where visitors can observe colorful Mediterranean fish and lush underwater vegetation. The water clarity is so exceptional that marine life observation is possible without diving masks.

Located in the province of Maresme, Sant Pol de Mar combines natural beauty with modern conveniences. The beach has received Blue Flag certification for its environmental quality and safety standards. Nearby facilities include beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, clean shower and toilet facilities, and ample parking areas. The gentle slope of the seabed makes it perfect for children to play safely in the shallow waters.

2. Cala Sant Francesc, Blanes

Known as “Cala Bona,” this picturesque beach is surrounded by pine trees and offers golden sand, calm waters, and nearby amenities like restaurants and parking. Perfect for families and nature lovers.

Measuring 220 meters in length and 35 meters in width, Cala Sant Francesc is distinguished by its golden sand and a distinctive pine-covered quay that provides natural shade. The beach is strategically located just two kilometers from Blanes city center, adjacent to the famous Marimurtra Botanical Garden, allowing visitors to combine beach relaxation with cultural exploration of one of Europe’s most beautiful botanical collections.

The calm, protected waters are ideal for swimming and water sports, with equipment rental services available directly on the beach. Facilities include modern showers, clean restrooms, sun lounger and umbrella rentals, and several beachside restaurants offering traditional Catalan cuisine and fresh seafood with stunning bay views. The beach is easily accessible by multiple transportation options.

To reach Cala Sant Francesc, visitors can walk via Passeig de Carles Faust from the port, enjoying a scenic 500-meter stroll through the Marimurtra botanical gardens. By car, follow the Lloret de Mar direction and turn right at “Urbanizació Cala Sant Francesc” sign, 100 meters before the Blanes signpost. Underground parking is available when surface spots are full, and regular bus services connect the beach to the town center. The beach’s protected location makes it suitable for swimming even on windier days.

3. Sa Caleta, Lloret de Mar

This small, stunning beach is next to Lloret de Mar’s main beach and features golden sand, rocky cliffs, and great conditions for snorkeling. Overlooked by the historic Castell de Sant Joan.

Sa Caleta is an intimate beach measuring 110 meters in length and 15 meters in width, offering a more secluded alternative to the bustling main beaches of Lloret de Mar. The beach is easily accessible on foot or by car from Sant Feliu de Guixols bay, making it a popular choice for day-trippers seeking a quieter coastal experience.

Located in the historic Baix Empordà province, the beach transports visitors back in time with its medieval atmosphere. The dramatic backdrop features the magnificent Castell de Sant Joan, a 11th-century medieval castle perched dramatically on the rocky coastline above. This historic fortress offers spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean and serves as a perfect hiking destination after beach activities.

The beach is renowned for its pristine golden sand contrasted against stunning rocky cliff formations that create excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. The clear waters and diverse marine life make it a favorite spot for underwater photography. The rocky areas provide natural pools during low tide, perfect for children to explore safely. Small beach bars offer refreshments and light meals, while the proximity to Lloret de Mar ensures easy access to additional dining and accommodation options. The sunset views from Sa Caleta are considered among the most beautiful on the Costa Brava.

4. Cala Giverola, Tossa de Mar

Located 5 kilometers north of Tossa de Mar, Cala Giverola is a fairytale bay with turquoise waters and golden sand. Enjoy water sports, glass-bottom boat trips, and delicious paella by the beach.

Cala Giverola extends approximately 170 meters in length, with width varying from an intimate 15 meters in narrow sections to a spacious 50 meters at its widest point. The beach is surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation that creates a natural amphitheater effect, enhancing the bay’s fairy-tale atmosphere. The incredibly soft, golden sand is perfect for comfortable sunbathing and beach games.

Comprehensive beach services include sun lounger and umbrella rentals, modern shower and toilet facilities, and an extensive water sports center. Adventure enthusiasts can rent kayaks, pedal boats, and sailing equipment to explore the stunning coastline from the sea. The highlight attraction is the glass-bottom boat tours that provide unique underwater viewing experiences, allowing visitors to observe the rich marine ecosystem without getting wet.

The culinary scene at Cala Giverola is exceptional, featuring several terrace restaurants that serve authentic paella and fideuà with panoramic bay views. These establishments source fresh seafood daily from local fishermen, ensuring the highest quality dining experience. Beachside chiringuitos (beach bars) offer refreshing drinks, light snacks, and the perfect atmosphere for sunset cocktails. The beach also features beach volleyball courts and designated areas for various water sports.

Accessibility is one of Cala Giverola’s strongest points, being one of the few Costa Brava coves reachable easily by car. The scenic coastal road between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu offers breathtaking views, with the picturesque town of Pola-Giverola visible from the highway. On-site parking is available, though it can fill quickly during peak summer months. The beach’s excellent facilities and easy access make it particularly popular with families and older visitors who prefer comfort and convenience.

5. Cala Bona, Tossa de Mar

Surrounded by rocky cliffs and pine trees, Cala Bona is a secluded cove perfect for snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery provide a sense of intimacy and tranquility.

Located approximately 3 kilometers north of Tossa de Mar, Cala Bona forms a distinctive narrow inlet completely surrounded by dramatic rocky shores and towering limestone cliffs. This geological formation creates a natural protected harbor that remains calm even during rough weather conditions, making it an ideal refuge for boats and swimmers alike.

While the limited sandy area restricts traditional beach activities like volleyball or large group gatherings, Cala Bona compensates with unparalleled conditions for underwater exploration. The rocky walls surrounding the bay provide complete protection from Mediterranean waves and coastal winds, creating an exceptionally tranquil aquatic environment perfect for snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography.

The marine biodiversity in Cala Bona is remarkable, with crystal-clear waters offering visibility up to 20 meters on calm days. Snorkelers can observe various species of Mediterranean fish, sea urchins, starfish, and colorful algae formations growing on the underwater rock faces. The rocky walls are covered with aromatic Aleppo pines and Mediterranean shrubs, creating an extraordinarily picturesque setting that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.

Access to Cala Bona requires a moderate hike from the nearest parking area, adding to its sense of seclusion and pristine nature. The trail takes approximately 15-20 minutes through pine forests and offers spectacular coastal views. This relative inaccessibility means the cove never becomes overcrowded, preserving its intimate atmosphere and making it a favorite among locals and experienced travelers seeking authentic Mediterranean coastal experiences. The best visiting times are early morning or late afternoon when the lighting creates magical reflections on the water surface.