The Costa Brava holds its greatest treasures well protected from mass tourism. Between the dark stone cliffs of Cap de Creus and the vertical pines of Begur, there are unspoilt corners whose only possible access is through the sea. Sailing through these turquoise waters is not only an unforgettable experience, but the only real way to connect with the wild essence of the Catalan Mediterranean.
If you want to experience a day of exclusive sailing away from the crowds, here is our tour of the 5 most spectacular coves that you can only reach on board a boat.
1. Cala Tavallera (El Port de la Selva / Cap de Creus)
Located in the wild heart of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, Cala Tavallera is one of the most remote and impressive corners of the entire Catalan geography. Protected by the orography of the area, this cove of pebbles and crystal clear waters seems frozen in time. Getting there by land requires a strenuous walk of several hours, so doing it on board your boat makes the visit a real privilege. Its seabed, rich in posidonia meadows and marine life, make it a paradisiacal anchorage for snorkelling and diving lovers.
2. Cala Culip (Cadaqués)
Famous for its whimsical geology carved by the Tramuntana wind – which served as inspiration for Salvador Dalí himself – Cala Culip is a unique natural anchorage steeped in history. In its depths lie the remains of ancient Phoenician, Greek and Roman shipwrecks. It is a narrow and sheltered cove that offers an ideal refuge to drop anchor during the midday, relax in the sun and enjoy an impressive mineral landscape that contrasts masterfully with the deep blue of the sea.
3. Cala Ferriol (L’Escala / Montgrí)
In the heart of the coastal strip of the Montgrí Natural Park, between L’Escala and L’Estartit, Cala Ferriol rises. It is the second largest cove in the massif, but its inaccessibility by road keeps it free of crowds throughout the summer. Flanked by stone islets and impressive limestone walls, entering this cove aboard a boat with agile manoeuvring such as an Axopar or a semi-rigid Marlin allows you to anchor with total precision and calm, surrounded by a resoundingly unspoilt nature.
4. Cala Pedrosa (Tamariu / Palafrugell)
Protected by high cliffs covered with pine trees that almost touch the water, Cala Pedrosa maintains the picturesque atmosphere of the Costa Brava of yesteryear. On the shore you will only find an old fisherman’s bar open in the summer season. Its access by land is very steep and demanding, so arriving from the sea in a motorboat or cruise ship is the most comfortable option. Its calm and sheltered waters make it the ideal stop to enjoy a meal on board before heading south.
5. Cala Aiguagelida and Es Cau (Begur)
Located on the sought-after coastline of Begur, this small natural gem offers a narrow entrance that flows into an amphitheatre of rocks and dazzling vegetation. Although small, its turquoise waters and clear sandy bottom reflect the sunlight spectacularly. Anchoring in its vicinity aboard a Pardo Yachts or a comfortable Karnic offers an exclusive perspective of the most iconic cliffs in Catalonia, turning any day of sailing into an unforgettable luxury experience.
Discover the Costa Brava with Nàutica Rio (Empuriabrava)
To explore these hidden paradises in complete safety, performance, and comfort, you need the right boat. Located in the heart of the residential marina of Empuriabrava, in Nàutica Rio (Rio Ibérica) we are specialists in the sale and rental of boats, as well as official distributors for Catalonia of leading brands such as Pardo Yachts, Axopar, Marlin and Karnic, and official technical service of Mercury engines in Girona.
Whether you are looking to rent a charter boat for a day trip, buy a new or used boat, or have your engine serviced before going sailing, at Nàutica Rio we accompany you to make your experience at sea perfect.
