The Most Stunning Seaside Towns In Catalunya

With a spot on the Costa Brava, Catalunya is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. From small fishing towns to historic Roman ports, there are plenty of destinations where you can enjoy the Mediterranean breeze and soak up the local culture. Read on to discover the most beautiful seaside towns in Catalunya and start planning your next trip today.

Discover the buzzing Catalan capital on our four-day Mini Trip to Barcelona – you’ll see the main attractions and top Gaudí sights with the help of our Local Insider.

1. Cadaqués

Natural Feature

Cadaqués is a charming coastal town that has often attracted great artists, including Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. It’s a popular weekend getaway for Barcelona residents, as it’s under three hours from the Catalan capital. One of its most remarkable features is the presence of Cuban-style houses. These were constructed by the wealthy descendants of Cadaqués residents who immigrated to Cuba in the early 20th century and achieved financial success.

2. Sitges

Building

Sitges is a popular day trip with those staying in Barcelona, as it’s only 40km (25mi) south of the Catalan capital. Known for being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly towns in Europe, it has excellent restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene and a sociable atmosphere. Also, many of the beaches surrounding Sitges have been awarded a blue flag by the European Union for their water quality. If you want to visit Barcelona itself, join our four-day Mini Trip to see the best art and architecture around the city.

4. Calella de Palafrugell

Architectural Landmark

A traditional whitewashed fisherman village and a popular travel and holiday destination in Calella de Palafrugell, Spain

Part of Palafrugell, one of the largest towns in the area, Calella de Palafrugell is a small coastal resort and fishing town with a relaxed atmosphere. It has managed to preserve much of its original charm and escape the mass tourism that thrives in many other parts of the Costa Brava. The small beaches surrounding the area are perfect for those looking to escape the noise of larger resorts and indulge in some downtime.

5. Begur

Natural Feature

This small coastal town is truly a hidden gem. It’s rich in historical monuments, authentic restaurants and some of the most beautiful and well-preserved beaches in the area. The secret to enjoying a trip to Begur is to venture away from the town centre and discover the smaller adjacent beaches, such as Aiguafreda, Sa Tuna and Aiguablava. Here, you’ll find one of the most picture-perfect, romantic spots on the Catalan coastline.

6. Sant Pol de Mar

Natural Feature

A view of Platja de les Barques Beach in Sant Pol de Mar, Spain

With not much more to it than a beach and a small town centre with a few restaurants, shops and hotels, Sant Pol de Mar is not one for those wanting busy bars and a party atmosphere. Indeed, it’s something of a secret among locals, only familiar to those who know the area and dare venture out from the main resorts. The spot’s popularity undoubtedly owes something to the sense of old-fashioned seaside fun, which comes with the absence of modern distractions. It’s perfect for those looking for nothing more than a quiet place to enjoy the sea breeze and the sound of the waves.

Fancy visiting more of Spain? Our four-day Mini Trip to the Basque Country is perfect for foodies, including a pinxtos tour of Bilbao and a trip to San Sebastian. Alternately, our Seville Mini Trip or our Andalucia Mini Trip are excellent for exploring Southern Spain. You can also browse our collections of Epic Trips, Mini Trips and Sailing Trips to find your next exciting destination.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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