Calas of the Costa Brava: Part 1

Cala—meaning cove or small bay—is a delightful word, bursting with summer sun and turquoise waters, paradise bays and smuggler’s secrets. It personifies the unique, picture-perfect coves of the Costa Brava, concealed within the intricate contortion of rugged coastline that stretches from Blanes to the French border.

In the first of a two-part series, we present our recommendations for exploring some super calas of the Costa Brava—big, small, known and lesser-known—starting from Cala de Sant Francesc in Blanes and working our way north.

1. Cala de Sant Francesc, Blanes

Two kilometers north of Blanes lies Cala Sant Francesc, the finest beach in the area. Within an hour’s drive of Barcelona and easily reached by public transport, it may also be one of the most accessible. Although the surrounding hillsides are built-up, this tranquil, family-friendly cove is largely unspoiled and boasts crystalline waters, ideal for swimming.

2. Cala Boadella, Lloret de Mar

This is the most unspoiled beach in the vicinity of Lloret de Mar. Despite its reputation as the epicenter of cheap package holidays, the worst features of mass tourism remain within Lloret itself, and there are many beautiful beaches nearby. Cala Boadella is one such peaceful spot, and boasts 310 meters of golden sands surrounded by pine trees.

3. Cala Pola, Tossa de Mar

A true beauty spot with a family atmosphere, this tiny sheltered cove is located between Cala Bona and Cala Giverola along a spectacular, windy stretch of coast between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Pine and oak forests surround crystal clear waters to create a natural swimming pool, which is understandably popular in summer, as is the adjacent campsite.

4. Cala del Senyor Ramon, Santa Cristina d’Aro

Dramatic rugged cliffs set a stunning backdrop for Cala del Senyor Ramon, whose namesake remains a mystery. This is the largest cala between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols, yet it is relatively unknown to tourists and subsequently quite sparsely populated. It is, however, known for being one of the best nudist beach in the Baix Empordà. Only accessible via a long and winding road from the neighboring villages, its remote location makes it both a challenge to get to and a secluded oasis once you have arrived.

5. Cala d’es Cranc, S'Agaro

This small gem on the Camino de Ronda Coastal path is often overlooked. Mainly due to the difficulty in accessing the transparent waters below the high pine-tree-covered clifftops. It's in the bay of S'Agaro and Sant Feliu de Guixols. These two small towns, though still relatively quiet compared to Costa Brava's main tourist destinations, have grown over the years but maintain their seaside-village charm.

6. Cala de Roques Planes, Sant Antoni de Calonge

You may find yourself stuck, quite literally, between a rock and a hard place here, but that’s certainly not a bad thing. Eroded by the elements over thousands of years, the smooth, rounded granite formations of this unique cala create a warm, sun-soaked solarium and perfect rock pools for swimming and snorkeling. Add a handful of islets dotted just off the rocky headland and this makes for one of the most unforgettable calas along the Costa Brava.

Check out Calas of the Costa Brava: Part 2 which covers our picks of six coves from Palamós to Port de la Selva.

Published July 2014, updated June 11, 2023.