The Best Secret Coves of the Costa Brava
Sun, sea and silence. On the Costa Brava, there are still hidden coves with crystal-clear waters and almost untouched beauty that few people know about. Small natural gems, far from the crowds, perfect for a relaxing beach getaway without having to travel too far from Barcelona.
In this article, we reveal the best secret coves on the Costa Brava and the best hotels in each area, ideal starting points for switching off and exploring these unspoilt, solitary and hidden corners of Catalonia.
Cala Jugadora (Cap de Creus)
Among the wild landscapes of Cap de Creus lies one of the best-kept secrets of the Costa Brava: Cala Jugadora. Secluded and sheltered from the tramontane wind, this small cove stretches out at the foot of the iconic Cap de Creus Lighthouse. Its transparent waters combine with a beach of sand and small pebbles, bathed in sunshine all day long.
Other little-known and equally captivating coves are Cala Culip, with its clean, intensely blue waters, accessible from the old Club Med area, or Cala del Pi, in Portbou, hidden behind Les Tres Platgetes and accessible via the Coastal Path.
Another hidden cove on the Costa Brava that you should not miss is Cala Tavallera (or Taballera), in Port de la Selva. To get there, you have to follow the GR-11 trail for approximately an hour and a half. The effort is rewarded with a small hidden beach surrounded by the typical grey rocks of the northern Costa Brava, almost deserted, perfectly sheltered and of great beauty.
To discover these corners at a leisurely pace, there is nothing better than looking for a hotel in Cadaqués. We recommend the Hotel Playasol, located right in front of the bay that captivated Salvador Dalí. Or, if you prefer to stay right in the centre in an Adults Only hotel, the Tramuntana Hotel is a great option.
The Hotel Playasol, located in Cadaqués, one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava, is a seafront hotel on the Costa Brava, set in the quiet bay of the town and just a few minutes’ walk from the center. Surrounded by the unique landscape of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, it stands out as the only hotel in the area combining a small beach right in front with a large garden of olive trees and pines, creating a truly special place to unwind.
This beach hotel offers modern, bright rooms in a Mediterranean style, with double, triple and family options. Most feature a balcony or terrace with sea views and views over Cadaqués, while others face the garden, pool or private patios. Its thoughtful design and peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for both romantic getaways and family stays.
Among its facilities are a heated outdoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi under the olive trees and a wellness area with steam sauna and sensory shower. The hotel also features a restaurant, a breakfast room with sea views, a bar with terrace facing the beach —one of the most iconic views in Cadaqués— and spacious gardens to relax.
In addition, its location allows guests to discover some of the most beautiful hidden coves of Cap de Creus, enjoy activities such as kayaking or cycling, and practice sports like tennis, table tennis or pétanque. It also has a private garage, a highly valued feature in Cadaqués. It is a very complete option for those looking for a hotel in Cadaqués with sea views, direct beach access and an authentic Costa Brava experience.
Cala d’en Malaret and Platja Fonda (Begur)
Very close to one of the best beaches on the Costa Brava, Aiguablava beach, small coves full of charm are hidden along the coastal path, such as Cala d’en Malaret and Platja Fonda. Both belong to the same bay and are connected by that coastal trail, separated by little more than 500 metres, yet with very different personalities.
Cala d’en Malaret is cosy and has turquoise-coloured waters, ideal for a peaceful swim and perfect for families. By contrast, Platja Fonda stands out for its dark sand and a wild character that makes it unique. To get there, you have to go down a stretch of steps, but the effort is worthwhile: it is one of the most special and least crowded coves in the Fornells area.
If you want to discover these two coves, Hotel Aigua Blava is an unbeatable option. Located in a privileged setting, right next to the beaches, it offers you direct and easy access, as well as spectacular views of the Begur coastline and first-class services.
The Hotel Aigua Blava is an exclusive accommodation in Begur, offering stunning sea views and direct access to Aiguablava Beach. Surrounded by crystal-clear coves and close to charming villages like Pals and Tamariu, it is the perfect destination to experience the essence of the Costa Brava with comfort and elegance.
Cala del Senyor Ramon (Sant Feliu de Guíxols)
Cala del Senyor Ramon or La Corcollada is a wild beach of golden sand located between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Access is not easy; in fact, it is one of the hardest-to-reach secret coves in the area, but for that very reason it remains peaceful, even in the height of the high season.
Its clean and calm waters invite you to snorkel and discover the richness of the seabed. One of the most singular elements of the place is the Esculls de Canyet, rock formations that separate the cove from Canyet beach and create a spectacular landscape full of small caves and hidden corners. A walkway of stone bridges above the waters creates an iconic image that begs to be photographed.
As it lies between stretches of road, we suggest staying in Sant Feliu de Guíxols or in S’Agaró, taking the opportunity to visit these two towns and stop at the nearby beaches. In Sant Feliu Bay, Hotel Sant Pol has direct sea views, and if you prefer a more central option, Hotel Es Portalet is perfect. Facing the bay of S’Agaró, you will find Hotel S'Agaró Wellness & Spa, with beautiful gardens, a swimming pool and right on the seafront.
The Hotel Sant Pol, located in front of Sant Pol Beach in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, is a charming seafront hotel on the Costa Brava, set in one of the most beautiful and family-friendly bays in the area. With direct beach access and next to the seafront promenade, it is an ideal option to enjoy the Mediterranean in a peaceful setting, with shallow waters and a wide sandy beach perfect for families. It is also just a few minutes from Platja d’Aro, one of the liveliest areas on the Costa Brava, full of shops, leisure and atmosphere.
The hotel offers 22 rooms, many with views over Sant Pol Bay, and some superior rooms featuring a private jacuzzi, ideal for a more special getaway. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, designed for both couples and families looking to relax by the sea in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Its location makes it a perfect base for both beach enjoyment and outdoor activities, with easy access to cycling routes (Greenways), hiking trails or the local via ferrata. In addition, Sant Pol Beach offers services such as sunbed rentals, water sports and children’s play areas in the water during summer, making it especially attractive for family travel.
On the gastronomic side, the hotel features the traditional Sant Pol Restaurant, specializing in rice dishes, fish and seafood, as well as other spaces such as Villa Laura and Villa Maria, where guests can enjoy a varied offer in a Mediterranean setting. A very complete option for those looking for a beach hotel on the Costa Brava, well located, with sea views and close to lively areas.
Comfort, warmth, tenderness and detail define the style of the OMA Boutique Hotel. Located in the center of Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Decorations made with care to achieve the well-being of our clients.
The Classiques-Confort, La Mer or Jardí rooms offer different accommodation possibilities to satisfy a good stay of rest and tranquility.
Enjoy our restaurant serving Catalan, Mediterranean and Costa Brava cuisine. Homemade products, without inventions, natural, all made in our kitchen, without pre-cooked... and made with great dedication.
We also have a cafeteria, check it out and enjoy the experience of our coffees and teas with delicious sandwiches or cakes.
Located in front of Sant Pol Beach, in S’Agaró, the Hotel S’Agaró Wellness & Spa stands out for its privileged seafront location in one of the most beautiful bays on the Costa Brava. Its direct access to the beach and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal option to relax, enjoy the Mediterranean or explore the nearby coastal path (Camí de Ronda).
This beach hotel features 93 spacious and bright rooms with elegant and welcoming décor, many with sea views, as well as others overlooking the gardens or pool. Its refined atmosphere makes it perfect for both romantic getaways and family holidays, combining comfort, wellness and an exceptional location.
Designed for relaxation, it offers a complete Spa & Wellness area of over 500 m², including a water circuit, sauna, hydrotherapy, gym and a wide range of treatments and massages. It also features an outdoor pool surrounded by gardens and a pleasant sun terrace, ideal for those looking for a hotel with spa on the Costa Brava by the sea.
At the Sa Conca restaurant, guests can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with an innovative touch, based on local products such as fresh fish and seafood. Overall, it is a hotel on the Costa Brava perfect for those seeking sea views, wellness, beach and great gastronomy, close to destinations such as Platja d’Aro and Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Cala Estreta and Cala s’Alguer (Palamós)
The best-known beaches of Palamós are La Fosca and Platja de Castell, but beyond them lie equally spectacular and much less frequented coves, such as Cala Estreta and Cala s’Alguer.
To get to Cala Estreta, you simply park in the Platja de Castell car park and follow the coastal path northwards. In about 30 minutes of walking among pine trees and cliffs, you reach this long, narrow double cove, surrounded by nature and with very few visitors. An untouched beach where it is well worth stopping.
Cala s’Alguer, just 9 minutes on foot from Platja de Castell, stands out for its brightly coloured fishermen’s cottages and crystal-clear waters. If you feel like a longer route with spectacular views, you can start the path from La Fosca and discover other hidden coves along the way.
Hotel Àncora is one of the best hotels from which to calmly explore this entire area. Located very close to La Fosca beach, it allows easy access to the coastal path and to explore these coves on foot. If you prefer to stay in the centre of Palamós, Hotel Casa Vincke combines elegance and proximity to the harbour, ideal for exploring the coves by sea or by road.
Just 250 meters from La Fosca Beach, in Palamós, the Hotel Àncora is a very practical option for staying near the sea in one of the most pleasant areas of the Costa Brava. La Fosca is one of the most well-known beaches in Palamós, with easy access, sandy shores and a well-preserved natural environment, perfect both for relaxing and for families with children.
With a strong family-friendly character, it is one of the highest-rated hotels on the Costa Brava among travelers with pets, thanks to its peaceful atmosphere, spacious gardens and pet-friendly policy. It offers fully equipped rooms and apartments, some with balconies, terraces or solariums, a feature especially appreciated in summer.
Beyond its proximity to the sea, the hotel features an outdoor pool surrounded by gardens, a play area and spaces designed for relaxation without leaving the property, making it particularly convenient for family stays.
From here, it is easy to access the Camí de Ronda (coastal path) and other well-known coves along the coast, allowing guests to discover some of the most beautiful spots on the Costa Brava. It also has a restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine based on local products, perfect for enjoying a hassle-free stay.
In the emblematic house Vincke of Palamós and a few meters from the beach, it has recently opened Casa Vincke Hotel.
The hotel is the result of the rehabilitation of the well-known Vincke house, one of the most emblematic buildings of Palamós and included in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia.
A total of 9 rooms where original elements of the old palace combine with current elements offering cozy spaces that invite you to feel at home. An environment that combines classic elegance with a modern and comfortable style.
The house has a breakfast room, reading room, meeting room, a large garden and swimming pool.
Cala d’Aigua Xelida (Tamariu)
Very close by, in Tamariu, we find Cala d’Aigua Xelida, a hidden beach of fine sand surrounded by pine trees that captivated the famous Catalan writer Josep Pla. It can be reached on foot from Tamariu beach itself in about 20 minutes, or from the road by following a path that descends to the coast.
This cove of Palafrugell, one of the quietest and most picturesque in the area, stands out for its clear waters and natural setting, far from the bustle of the Tamariu promenade and the diving jumps at the main beach.
To enjoy the area in peace, while also strolling through the surrounding villages, we recommend staying between Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell. Near Calella, you will find Hotel Sant Roc, Hotel Alga and Hotel Garbí.
Hotel Sant Roc in Calella de Palafrugell, in the heart of the Costa Brava, offers stunning sea views from its privileged location. With comfortable rooms, a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant, and panoramic terraces, it is the perfect destination for a romantic or family getaway, combining relaxation, nature, and gastronomy.
The Hotel Alga, in Calella de Palafrugell, is an elegant hotel on the Costa Brava located just 200 meters from Port Bo Beach and the seafront promenade. Set in a მშვიდ area and surrounded by more than 7,000 m² of gardens, it combines proximity to the sea with a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding in one of the most beautiful villages on the coast.
This beach hotel with pool on the Costa Brava offers 59 modern and comfortable rooms, some with sea views. Its well-kept and versatile atmosphere makes it an excellent option for couples, families or getaways with friends. It is also pet-friendly, allowing guests to travel with their pets comfortably.
Among its facilities are two outdoor pools, paddle and tennis courts, a gym, a games room and spacious gardens for relaxing. It also offers massage services, ideal for completing a restful stay after a day at the beach or exploring the nearby Camí de Ronda between Calella and Llafranc, one of the most beautiful on the Costa Brava.
On the gastronomic side, the El Càntir Restaurant, led by chef Pere Malagelada, offers Mediterranean cuisine based on local and seasonal products. There is also a snack bar by the pool, perfect for enjoying light meals, cocktails or an outdoor aperitif in a pleasant setting.
The Hotel Garbí is a welcoming hotel in Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava, set in a privileged natural environment just a short walk from the beach. Its location makes it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy the sea and unwind in one of the most authentic corners of the Mediterranean.
The Hotel Garbí is a family-friendly hotel on the Costa Brava, but it is also an excellent option for couples. Families will find a wide range of services designed for children, including an outdoor train, play area, playground and creative spaces with drawing materials. Meanwhile, couples can enjoy comfortable rooms with stunning sea views, some of them featuring a private jacuzzi on the terrace.
After a day exploring Calella de Palafrugell or discovering the Costa Brava and its coastal paths, guests can relax in the outdoor pool with jacuzzi, stroll through the spacious gardens or enjoy the open-air restaurant, where local cuisine is served in a pleasant setting. Everything invites you to slow down and enjoy a seaside holiday.
And if you prefer the Llafranc area, we suggest Hotel Terramar and Hotel Llafranch, as well as El Far Hotel Restaurant, located above the bay next to the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse.
Located right in front of Llafranc Beach, the Hotel Terramar is one of those places where everything revolves around the sea: the sand just a few steps away, the seafront promenade right in front and the peaceful atmosphere of one of the most pleasant spots in the Baix Empordà. Its location allows you to enjoy the beach at any time of day and go out for dinner or a walk without needing a car.
This Mediterranean-style hotel offers comfortable and bright rooms, many with sea views and balcony, ideal for waking up to the sound of the waves. Its friendly, family-oriented atmosphere makes it a great option for both couples and relaxing seaside stays.
Within the hotel, the restaurant offers cuisine based on the Mediterranean diet, with fresh, local and seasonal products, highlighting the chef’s “Land & Sea” concept, accompanied by wines with Empordà designation of origin. It also features a mini gym and bike area, perfect for those exploring the Costa Brava by bicycle.
Its location also provides easy access to one of the most beautiful sections of the Camí de Ronda, between Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell, as well as crystal-clear coves and other charming nearby villages. Thanks to its seafront setting and welcoming atmosphere, it is one of the most practical hotels on the Costa Brava for enjoying beach, gastronomy and relaxation.
Located on the seafront promenade of Llafranc, one of the most beautiful fishing villages on the Costa Brava, the Hotel Llafranch is a charming hotel with history and character, founded in 1958, and now one of the area’s landmarks. Its location, just steps from the beach and in the heart of the village, allows guests to enjoy one of the most pleasant bays on the coast, with the sea always close by.
This hotel on the Costa Brava has 28 rooms, all different, some with sea views and views over Llafranc’s harbor, and others facing the village center. Its style combines tradition and comfort, creating a warm and शांत atmosphere, ideal for both romantic getaways and relaxed family stays.
The experience is completed by its gastronomic offering, where traditional Catalan cuisine takes center stage, made with fresh, local products. The hotel features different dining spaces, including the main restaurant, seaside terraces and nearby options such as La Plaça, La Caleta and Trattoria Otto, offering varied atmospheres. It also has an exclusive terrace and solarium for guests, perfect for relaxing with views of the surroundings.
Its location is also an excellent starting point to explore the Baix Empordà, with easy access to hidden coves, sections of the Camí de Ronda and charming villages. Thanks to its authenticity, location and atmosphere, it is one of the most recommended hotels on the Costa Brava for those seeking a seaside stay with Mediterranean character.
An old XVIII Century Inn located alongside a hermitage and a watchtower on one of the highest headlands in the Mediterranean. It has a central courtyard which separates the hotel from the hermitage, with spectacular terraces and a restaurant. The only one of its kind to enjoy both spectacular views over both the sea and the beaches of Tamariu, Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell. It is an incomparable balcony overlooking the Costa Brava and the Empordà.
Cala Pedrosa (L’Estartit)
Among the imposing cliffs of Montgrí and next to the marine reserve of the Medes Islands, Cala Pedrosa is one of the most beautiful hidden coves on the Costa Brava, still preserving its wildest essence intact.
It can be reached on foot from L’Estartit in about 45 minutes, following a 2.5 km trail that descends through the forest between shade and clearings until it reaches the sea. The path, with some rocky sections, forms part of the charm of this beautifully preserved place.
Its proximity to the harbour also makes it accessible by sea: it can be reached by boat, kayak, paddle board or jet ski, enjoying the spectacular coastline surrounding the Medes Islands Natural Park.
Hotel Les Illes & Diving, located right in front of L’Estartit harbour, is a very good choice for staying nearby. Specialising in nautical activities and diving, it offers a unique experience for exploring the coast.
Located opposite the port of L’Estartit, the Hotel Les Illes is a hotel on the Costa Brava very well positioned to enjoy both the beach and sea activities. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and right next to access to the Medes Islands, one of the most important diving areas in the Mediterranean.
One of its main highlights is its own diving center, making it one of the best options among hotels on the Costa Brava for scuba diving. From here, dives are organized in the Montgrí Natural Park and the Medes Islands, where you can see groupers, schools of fish, seahorses and nudibranchs.
It is also a very convenient area for families. L’Estartit beach features fine sand and shallow waters, making it an ideal beach for children. From the port, excursions such as the Nautilus (a glass-bottom boat) depart, very popular with families. There are also options for kayaking, sailing or bike rental.
The hotel has 63 comfortable and functional rooms, equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. Thanks to its location and type of experience, it is a very practical option for those looking for a hotel on the Costa Brava close to the sea with plenty of activities nearby.
Cala de S’Eixugador and Cala Aiguafreda (Begur)
Sa Tuna is another of the most famous coves on the Costa Brava, known for its picturesque white fishermen’s houses. But what many people do not know is that Sa Tuna is also the strategic starting point for reaching two secret coves of Begur: Cala de S'Eixugador and Cala Aiguafreda.
To the south of Sa Tuna lies Cala de S’Eixugador, a more sheltered cove with crystal-clear waters. It can be reached on foot along the Coastal Path in about 20 minutes or, for the more adventurous, by kayak, paddle board, boat or even by swimming from Sa Tuna. With calm waters and surrounded by untouched nature, it is an ideal place to switch off and enjoy the Costa Brava.
Cala Aiguafreda, located north of Sa Tuna, is a beach without sand that stands out for its stone platform, where visitors can sunbathe. The cove has a jetty, a kiosk and a picnic table area where you can enjoy picnics in the shade of the pine trees.
Hostal Sa Tuna, located right by the cove that gives it its name, allows you to explore this area peacefully, as you will be just a few steps away from all these wonders of the Catalan coastline.
This is the only Hotel in Sa Tuna cove, a place caressed by nature in the heart of the Costa Brava. We have 5 double rooms each with a terrace from where you can have breakfast while admiring the amazing views. It will be pure pleasure for your senses. Contemplating the sunrise from your room will make your day become a series of relaxing sensations.
In the restaurant you will find mediterranean cuisine, a wide variety of tapas and the best paella with ingredients of our sea and our land, great variety of fish and sea food which comes on a daily from the nearest market.
Don’t miss our rice dishes!
Allow yourself the pleasure of tasting our food next to the Sa Tuna cove
Cala Futadera (Tossa de Mar)
Cala Futadera, next to Cala Paola, is one of the most beautiful coves near Barcelona in Catalonia. It is characterised by its tranquillity, natural beauty and an untouched setting, surrounded by vegetation and with clear, deep waters.
It is accessed on foot from the road to Tossa de Mar, after going down a stretch of steps and following a path that leads to this small paradise. The difficult access and lack of services make it a little-visited wild beach, which enhances its charm and calm.
For those who want to explore the area at a leisurely pace and at the same time stroll through the historic centre of Tossa de Mar and its nearby coves, Casa Granados Boutique Hotel is one of the best hotels.
Casa Granados Boutique Hotel is perfectly located in a 200 years old mansion house in the village of Tossa de Mar. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and forests of pines and oaks, the hotel will offer you a warm welcoming.
Casa Granados Boutique Hotel is a unique and exclusive place, consisting of seven rooms that surround the swimming pool, designed by Adam Martí, and romantic gardens around. Inside these gardens there is a spa where you will be able to relax in the sauna or the treatments area.
Would you like to keep discovering unique corners of the Costa Brava? Take a look at our selection of charming hotels on the Costa Brava.
