Spotlight: What’s the Best Beach in Costa Brava?

I haven’t been to every beach in Costa Brava, so I can’t tell you 100% for sure what is the best beach in Costa Brava. But what I can tell you is my favourite: Tamariu, just north of Palamos and Llafranc.

What makes Tamariu so lovely is several things. First is the clarity of the water – it is very clean and as you can see in the photo, a wonderful rich blue color. This area is a bit quieter than other places nearby, and to me has more of a fishing village kind of feel. That comes with a trade off – fewer amenities and nightlife, of course, but a trade off worth considering.

The town is named after the trees that surround it, tamarind trees. It was obviously a fisherman’s town when it was founded, and still is in many ways. Much of the town’s original architecture is intact, which adds to the ambience. There have even been some archaeological digs in the area, so despite the sleepy town atmosphere there is a lot of cultural interest.

Activities

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy should you find yourself tired of your beach towel and sparkling view. (Or, you’re sunburnt and need a break.)  Some ideas:

• Hiking.  Costa Brava has some great hiking paths, and from Tamariu you can access some of the wonderful coastal paths. The Costa Brava website has some great options including maps and itineraries.
• Diving.  There are some underwater caves and other interesting sites that you can dive to nearby.  In town there are suppliers and dive shops who can help you choose the best options based on your experience & interest.
• Boat Trips.  With such gorgeous water, why not get out on the sea?  There are options for boat trips from here – pretend like you’re a fisherman for a day! If you’re wanting a bit of exercise you can also hire a kayak for the afternoon.
• Golf:  There are three golf courses just a short drive from Tamariu.

You could just come to Tamariu for the day if you’re staying in one of the bigger resort towns which may be easier to find accommodation.

Photo copyright: Andy Hayes

Andy Hayes is a travel journalist currently based in Seattle, Washington. When not soaking up the Pacific Northwest lifestyle or enjoying life on the road, he is spending time hanging out on his own travel lifestyle magazine, Sharing Travel Experiences.