Note · 2026-05-01
Hidden coves of the Costa Brava: the ones not in the guides
Five coves without beach bars or massive parking, with exact directions and what to bring.
The chosen five
Cala Crita (Begur, on foot from Sa Riera), Cala dels Frares (Lloret, stairs down among pines), Cala Pedrosa (L'Estartit, northern coastal path), Cala Canyelles Grosses (Tossa, trail from Cala Bona) and Aiguafreda (Begur, the boat ramp most photographed after s'Alguer). None has a promenade: truly clean water.
How to arrive without getting lost
All sit at the end of coastal paths or short tracks: by car you park in the nearest village and walk 10 to 25 minutes. The comfortable alternative is a transfer dropping you at the village and picking you up at your chosen time: hidden coves have no bus stop or waiting taxis.
What to bring (and what not)
Water (no fountains), your own shade (no umbrella hire), water shoes for the rocks and a bag to take your rubbish back. And take nothing from the cove: in protected areas removing sand or rocks is forbidden and fined.
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