Top 20 most beautiful beaches in Catalogne2026 ranking

The beach itself is very beautiful and pleasant with fine sand and turquoise water. Unfortunately, in the summer there are so many people that it makes the experience much less enjoyable right away. It is very lively, sometimes even too much so. I recommend moving away a bit, even if it means taking the car, to find quieter spots.

The Roses beach on the Costa Brava is a typical beach for the region. Off-season, it is really pleasant and lets you enjoy the scenery and a nice walk along the sea, even if there is a lot of concrete and apartment buildings in the surrounding area. On the other hand, in peak season, the beach is very crowded and clearly less pleasant.

A much more charming cove for my taste than S'abanell beach. A bit more out of the way, but the (short) trip is worth it. Look, don't go imagining you're arriving in some untouched, wild land with the cove all to yourself. I saw quite a few little fish by the water's edge, and if the people I see swimming with masks near the rocks are anything to go by, I imagine there are some pretty things to see :)

Cadaqués beach is more of a small cove than a large sandy beach. Contrary to the previous review, I found that there were still quite a lot of people. I suggest you come early in the morning or in the evening to really enjoy it. The beach is very pleasant and perfect for snorkeling.

While Roses Beach is easy to get to because it is right in the city center, it is not the prettiest beach on the Costa Brava. I find that it feels very artificial. If you are looking for a natural and unspoiled setting, this is not the ideal spot. In the summer, it is impossible to find a space without being right on top of each other.

Accessible from Cala Montjoi via a small trail about a hundred meters long, this pebble cove is much smaller and a bit wilder. It is my favorite beach in Rosas. In the afternoon, you can easily find some shade. You can go for a swim or go snorkeling, as there are quite a few fish to see along the rocks. You can also explore these rocks on foot to look for mollusks, crustaceans, and little fish.

A 20-minute drive from the center of Rosas, this cove remains relatively accessible, but it still lets you escape the concrete sprawl of the city. Well, there is still a parking lot, a restaurant, and a hotel right next to it. Aside from that, it is cliffs or wooded hills and crystal-clear waters that make up the scenery. The beach is made up mainly of gravel or pebbles. Very few waves and a gentle slope make it an ideal spot for kids. It is definitely better to wear water shoes.

Right in the center of Roses, easy to get to, the beach at this resort town is just like many others in these types of destinations: a long sandy beach packed with vacationers and bordered by a road, shops, and buildings. If you head out toward Cap de Creus, you can find some nicer coves.

Out of the easily accessible beaches in downtown Barcelona, this is maybe my favorite: fine sand that is cleaned frequently, non-smoking (so no cigarette butts!), a little less crowded than Barceloneta, plus showers, bars, and nice restaurants.