Calas of the Costa Brava: Part 2
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 our two-part series we offer our recommendations for exploring some spectacular calas all along the Costa Brava. In Part 1, we started with the easily accessible Cala de Sant Francesc near Blanes and wound our way up the coast to Sant Antoni de Calonge. (If you missed it you can catch Part 1 here.)
To round up our list of breathtaking calas, we pick up from where we left off, beginning at Palamós and work our way north up to the wild and remote Cala Taballera near Port de la Selva.
7. Cala de Castell, Palamós
Famously saved from development in the 1990s, the idyllic Cala de Castell exudes unspoiled beauty, giving us an idea of what the Costa Brava was like before the arrival of mass tourism. Located just north of Palamós, its generous golden sands and clear waters have inspired many artists over the years, and a number of historical relics nearby, including the ancient ruins of an Iberian settlement.
8. Cala d’Aigua Xelida, Tamariu
Cala d’Aigua Xelida is a true hidden gem, where pine-clad cliffs conceal a tiny beach and turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. This small but beautiful cove is accessible only on foot from Carrer de Cala Marquesa, located 1km northeast of charming Tamariu, with its quaint restaurants and fine horseshoe-shaped beach.
9. Calas of Begur
All within a 3km radius of the historic hilltop town, the headland of Begur is home to some of the finest calas along the coast, each with a distinct character and all bursting with natural beauty. Starting from the south, the eight calas include picture-perfect Aiguablava, the tiny coves of Fornells, the hidden beauty of Platja Fonda, followed by the fishing village and stony beach of Sa Tuna. Continuing north, the pier of Aiguafreda is a popular stop for boats, whilst Sa Riera is one of the largest beaches in the area. Finally, the nudist beach of Illa Roja and the adjacent Cala Moreta represent the emblematic image of the Costa Brava, dominated by a rocky islet just offshore.
10. Cala Ferriol, L’Escala
Located between l’Estartit y Cala Montgó, this isolated pebbly beach can only be reached by boat or on foot, due to the rugged, uninhabitable surroundings. A woodland path provides access from Cala Montgó in around 60-90 minutes, traversing the natural park of Montgrí en route. This secluded cala is a just reward, with crystalline waters, rocky islets and an underwater landscape that makes for great snorkeling.
11. Cala Montjoi, Roses
Former home of the El Bulli restaurant, the picturesque Cala Montjoi is located in the natural park of Cap de Creus, 7km east of Roses. This crescent-shaped cove offers calm clear waters, diving, kayaking and a holiday village. The remote Cala Rostella and Cala Murtra can be accessed on foot from here via a dirt track to the south, whilst Cala Jóncols to the east is a smaller version of Montjoi with a secluded beachfront hotel.
12. Cala Tavallera, Port de la Selva
For those looking to leave the beaten track behind, Cala Tavallera offers solitude on the rugged headland of Cap de Creus. This untouched, pebbly beach boasts shallow, crystal-clear waters surrounded by a rocky wilderness, typical of the area. Unless you’re in a four-wheel drive, it is best to arrive by boat or on foot, following the GR 11 footpath from Port de la Selva for around two hours.
You can read about calas 1-6 in Part 1 of our series here.
Published August 2014, updated June 18, 2023.