🏝️ At The Sun Places, luxury is synonymous with exclusivity, nature and crystal-clear waters.
That's why we have selected the most spectacular secret beaches of the Costa Brava: Sa Tuna, Aigua Xelida, Illa Roja and Cala Pedrosa.
Stay in our Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava and easily access these hidden paradises, far from the crowds.
The secret beaches of the Costa Brava are the natural luxury of this region. While millions of tourists crowd the urban beaches, these coves remain calm, offering an exclusive swim in turquoise waters.
Some are accessible on foot, others require arriving by boat. But they all share the same promise: silence, nature, history and wild beauty.
Today we take you to four of the most fascinating ones, with everything you need to enjoy them as a luxury traveller.
🌊 What do the secret beaches of the Costa Brava represent for the region and for The Sun Places?
The secret beaches of the Costa Brava represent the most valuable natural heritage of the Catalan coast.
For the Empordà, they are a high-quality tourist resource that attracts travellers seeking authentic and environmentally friendly experiences.
For Catalonia, they are an example of how to preserve the coast without overcrowding.
And for The Sun Places, these coves embody the luxury of disconnection: the luxury of not having to share your space, of listening only to the sound of the waves and enjoying a private sunset.
Our Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava are strategically located near these coves, and we can arrange private boat, kayak or guided excursions for you to discover them like a true privileged traveller.
In addition, we propose getaways to the best golf courses and spas in the region.
We are committed to sustainable, exclusive tourism in harmony with nature.
🏝️ Sa Tuna (Begur): the elegance of the secret beaches of the Costa Brava
Sa Tuna is one of the most elegant and photographed secret beaches of the Costa Brava.
It is located in the municipality of Begur, just a few minutes from the centre.
History: Its name comes from "tuna" (tuna in Catalan), because in the past it was a tuna fishing cove. In the 18th century, a small lighthouse was built on the cliff (the Far de Sa Tuna) to guide ships. The white houses that now line the cove were old fishermen's huts, tastefully restored.
Access is very easy: you can drive right to the edge of the beach (limited parking, better to go early).
The beach has fine sand and transparent waters. It has a small marina and several luxury beach bars.
It is ideal for families seeking comfort without giving up exclusivity.
🍽️ Where to eat near Sa Tuna?
- Restaurant Sa Tuna (on the beach itself): specialists in rice dishes and grilled fish. Terrace with sea views. Reservation essential.
- El Far de Sa Tuna: a charming beach bar, ideal for a drink at sunset or quality tapas.
- If you want something more formal, 5 minutes away by car is Restaurant Aiguablava (Begur), with market cuisine and views of Aiguablava beach.
🏛️ What to see near Sa Tuna?
- Far de Sa Tuna: a 19th-century lighthouse with spectacular sunset views.
- Castle of Begur: 11th-century fortress with 360° views of the coast.
- Camí de Ronda between Sa Tuna and Aiguablava: a 15-minute path along the cliffs passing by hidden coves.
If you are interested in art history, not far away you will find the Dalí Museum in Figueres and the Dalí and the sea route. We also recommend Cadaqués and its magic, a white village that enchanted the surrealist genius.
✨ Luxury experience in Sa Tuna with The Sun Places
From our Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, we organise an unforgettable day in Sa Tuna for you:
- Boat rental without a licence from Sa Tuna harbour (you drive yourself, capacity up to 6 people)
- Or if you prefer, a boat with a skipper for a 100% relaxed experience
- Luxury picnic with products from the DO Empordà, wine and cava, served in a wicker basket
- Beach umbrella, loungers and high-quality towel hire
- Dinner at Restaurant Sa Tuna with a reserved front-line table
🏞️ Aigua Xelida (Tamariu): the most intimate of the secret beaches of the Costa Brava
Aigua Xelida, near Tamariu, is a small dream cove, perhaps the most intimate and unknown of all the secret beaches of the Costa Brava.
Its name comes from the Catalan "aigua xelida" (ice-cold water), because its waters are especially cold and crystalline, even in summer.
History: In the 19th century, this cove was a meeting place for smugglers bringing tobacco and brandy from Mallorca. They hid in the caves of the cliffs. Even today, you can see remains of what was a small clandestine dock.
Access is on foot from Tamariu (about 15 minutes along the Camí de Ronda, a well-marked but uneven path) or by boat.
It has no services: no beach bar, no showers. Just golden sand and transparent waters.
It is ideal for couples seeking a romantic and secluded corner.
🍽️ Where to eat near Aigua Xelida?
- Restaurant Terrassa (Tamariu): Mediterranean cuisine with a terrace overlooking the sea. Their rice dishes and fresh fish are excellent. Book in advance.
- Es Portitxol (Tamariu): more intimate and elegant, specialising in seafood and traditional stews. Recommended for a romantic dinner.
- El Celler de Tamariu: traditional Catalan cuisine, less luxurious but very authentic. Ideal for a casual lunch.
And if you feel like a unique gastronomic experience, not far away you will find Compartir restaurant in Cadaqués, a temple of Mediterranean cuisine with a Michelin star. We also suggest reading about El Bulli and its cuisine and about Celler de Can Roca.
🏛️ What to see near Aigua Xelida?
- Village of Tamariu: small coastal jewel with white houses and a charming promenade. Ideal for a drink at sunset.
- Camí de Ronda between Tamariu and Aiguablava: a 3 km path with spectacular views of Aigua Xelida from the cliffs.
- Cap Roig Gardens (Calella de Palafrugell): 10 minutes away by car, these botanical gardens with an amphitheatre are a haven of peace.
⛵ Private access to Aigua Xelida with The Sun Places
We organise an unforgettable morning in Aigua Xelida for you:
- Boat rental without a licence from Tamariu harbour (you drive yourself, capacity up to 6 people)
- Or if you prefer, a boat with a skipper for a 100% relaxed experience
- Gourmet picnic basket and cold drinks on board
- Snorkelling and paddle surfing included to explore the cove and its caves
- Pick-up at an agreed point to return to the harbour
🏝️ Illa Roja (Begur): the reddish jewel of the secret beaches of the Costa Brava
Illa Roja, in Begur, owes its name to the characteristic reddish islet that emerges in front of the beach.
It is one of the most famous secret beaches of the Costa Brava, although access is relatively easy: from the Aiguablava car park, you go down some steps (10 minutes).
History: The red islet is a porphyry rock (a volcanic rock) declared a protected natural area. Legend has it that in the 17th century, an English ship loaded with gold sank near the islet, and some residents of Begur still search for the treasure on full moon nights.
The beach has coarse sand and transparent waters, ideal for snorkelling around the islet.
It has a small beach bar (Can Laury) that opens in summer.
We recommend going very early (before 10 am) or during the week to avoid crowds.
🍽️ Where to eat near Illa Roja?
- Restaurant Aiguablava (Begur): market cuisine with views of Aiguablava beach. Ideal for an elegant lunch.
- Sa Rascassa (Begur): luxury beach bar on Sa Riera beach. Specialities: soupy rice dishes, grilled fish and fresh seafood.
- Can Laury (on Illa Roja itself): for something informal, their anchovies are excellent.
🏛️ What to see near Illa Roja?
- Castle of Begur: 11th-century fortress with 360° views of the coast.
- Aiguablava beach: one of Begur's most elegant coves, with turquoise waters and lounger service.
- Creu de Sant Antoni viewpoint: from here you can see Illa Roja, Aiguablava and Tamariu. Perfect for a sunset with cava.
🐠 Exclusive snorkelling in Illa Roja with The Sun Places
- High-end snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) included
- Guide specialised in marine biology who will show you the seabed around the islet and tell you the legend of the English treasure
- Kayak rental to go around the islet and discover adjacent coves
- Lunch at the Sa Riera beach bar with a reserved front-line table
If you like diving, don't miss diving in the Medes Islands.
🏞️ Cala Pedrosa (Tamariu): the most secret of the secret beaches of the Costa Brava
Cala Pedrosa, near Tamariu, is perhaps the most hidden of all the secret beaches of the Costa Brava.
It has no land access: you can only get there by boat or kayak from Tamariu (10 minutes of paddling).
History: Its name comes from "pedrosa" (stony), although the sand is fine and white. Local legend says that in the 18th century, a family of fishermen from Tamariu took refuge here during a plague epidemic. They built a small hut (the remains of which can still be seen at the back of the cove) and lived there for two years. It is said that they found a cave with fresh water.
It is a small tongue of sand surrounded by cliffs and vegetation.
The waters are an intense blue and very transparent.
There are no services. It is the perfect refuge for a romantic getaway.
🍽️ Where to eat near Cala Pedrosa?
- It has a small beach bar and you can bring your own food or eat on the boat
- Restaurant Terrassa (Tamariu): Mediterranean cuisine with a terrace overlooking the sea
- Es Portitxol (Tamariu): more intimate and elegant, specialising in seafood
- El Celler de Tamariu: traditional, for a less formal but authentic lunch
🏛️ What to see near Cala Pedrosa?
- Village of Tamariu: charming promenade.
- Camí de Ronda between Tamariu and Aiguablava.
In addition, a few kilometres away you will find a walk through Girona and the medieval villages of the Empordà.
⛵ Private access to Cala Pedrosa with The Sun Places
- Boat rental without a licence from Tamariu or Llafranc
- Boat with skipper optional
- Snorkelling and paddle surfing included
🏌️♂️ Luxury getaways: golf and spa near the secret beaches of the Costa Brava
To complete your experience at the secret beaches of the Costa Brava, we propose:
Golf in the Empordà:
- Empordà Golf Club (Gualta): two 18-hole courses. Green fee from €100.
- PGA Catalunya Resort (Caldes de Malavella): one of the best in Europe. Green fee from €150.
- Golf Platja de Pals (Pals): 9-hole course with sea views.
Check golf courses in the Empordà.
Luxury spas:
- Spa at Hotel Peralada: thalassotherapy with seawater pools.
- Thalasso Centre Palamós: marine treatments.
- Hostal de la Gavina Spa: 5-star hotel spa.
🏊♂️ Other luxury activities near the secret beaches
- Private dinner on the beach
🗓️ Perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover the secret beaches of the Costa Brava
3-day luxury itinerary:
Day 1 (Sa Tuna and gastronomy):
- Afternoon at Sa Tuna: private boat and picnic.
- Dinner at Restaurant Sa Tuna.
Day 2 (Aigua Xelida and Illa Roja):
- Kayak or boat to Aigua Xelida in the morning.
- Afternoon snorkelling in Illa Roja.
Day 3 (Cala Pedrosa, golf and farewell):
- Morning at Cala Pedrosa by private boat.
- Round of golf at Empordà Golf Club.
📌 Practical tips
- Book with The Sun Places in advance.
- Bring water shoes and reef shoes.
- Get up early for coves with land access.
- Take advantage of The Sun Places concierge service.
📞 Contact The Sun Places and let us organise your luxury getaway to the secret beaches of the Costa Brava.
If you liked this article, we invite you to discover other incredible destinations with The Sun Places: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Seville, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús, Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Luxury Apartments in Córdoba.