Small, cosy and breathtakingly beautiful, this is Aiguablava, a picture-perfect cove in the Costa Brava.
Nestled between gentle cliffs and pine trees that reach the sea, with its fine sandy beach, Aiguablava has earned a spot on Instagram feeds and in the hearts of all who visit. But beyond its photogenic charm, the area offers hiking, excellent food and picturesque villages waiting to be explored. Ready to discover it?
The Costa Brava's most photogenic cove
Few places in the Mediterranean can rival the idyllic, harmonious beauty of Aiguablava, one of the most photographed spots on Instagram. Located in the municipality of Begur, it has rightly earned the title "jewel of the Costa Brava".
Its turquoise waters and soft sand, unusual for this rocky stretch of Girona’s coastline, create a truly fairytale beach. Though small, measuring just 80 metres by 40 metres, its charm is immeasurable.
In summer, it draws crowds, and it’s easy to see why: the moment you catch sight of this natural haven, you’re instantly captivated.
Unlike many other secluded coves on the Costa Brava, Aiguablava offers restrooms, water sports and a couple of restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine. This makes it a popular choice for families, with its shallow waters perfect for young children.
How you can get to the most Instagrammable cove
From the AP-7 motorway, take exit 9A-9B (Lloret de Mar/Vidreres) and continue along the C-35 towards Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Platja d'Aro. Then, take the C-31 towards Palamós until you connect with the GI-653, which leads directly to Begur. Once there, simply follow the signs to the south of the town, ignoring the turnoff to Fornells and continuing along a panoramic road that ends at the cove.
During peak season, there is a fee for parking, but its proximity to the beach and the views along the way make up for any inconvenience.
What to see near Aiguablava?
Visiting Aiguablava is just the start of an unforgettable trip along the Costa Brava. This cove lies in a stunning setting, perfect for the most photogenic escapes. One of the best ways to explore the region is by joining an organised excursion that blends sea, history and culture.
There are full-day routes that, alongside a visit to the cove, include other highlights such as Calella de Palafrugell, the Sant Sebastià lighthouse, the medieval village of Pals and the charming inland town of Monells.
Calella de Palafrugell is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns on the Catalan coast. Its whitewashed houses with porches overlooking the beach, traditional fishing boats and charming seaside promenade evoke a bygone era. Just a few minutes away, the Sant Sebastià lighthouse offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views along the entire Costa Brava.
Pals, meanwhile, is a medieval town that has preserved its character like few others. Its cobbled streets, watchtowers and stone façades transport visitors back in time. A climb up to the Josep Pla viewpoint offers stunning views over the rice fields of the Empordà region, and on clear days, you can even spot the Medes Islands in the distance.
Monells, by contrast, is a small inland village centred around a charming arcaded square, perfect for a quiet meal or a photo stop. Its picturesque setting has earned it a role as a filming location for movies such as Spanish Affair 2 (Ocho Apellidos Catalanes).
Near Aiguablava, there are other beaches well worth visiting, such as Cala dels Tries and Cala d’en Malaret. If you enjoy nature walks, take the path linking Aiguablava with Platja del Racó, an easy excursion that reveals some of the coast’s most hidden and picturesque spots. This 2.5-kilometre route offers postcard-perfect views, rugged stretches between rocks and pine trees, and access to secluded coves.
Nature, calm and beauty in any season
Aiguablava is more than just a beautiful cove; it’s a complete experience that blends landscape, history, architecture and gastronomy. While its charms shine all year round, there’s something truly magical about visiting off-season. In autumn, the soft, golden light transforms the area into an intimate haven, where the gentle lapping of waves and the crunch of leaves underfoot replace the summer hustle and bustle. During these quieter months, you can often find the beach nearly deserted, allowing you to reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Beyond the beach itself, the surrounding area is well worth exploring. The Camino de Ronda (Walking Path) linking Aiguablava with Platja del Racó is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful stretches along this coastal route. The path winds along cliffs, through Mediterranean vegetation and offers stunning natural viewpoints. From here, you can admire the coves of Fornells, with their whitewashed houses and moored boats, all the way to the wild, lesser-known Racó beach, wider and opening out to the sea.
For lovers of the sea, hiking, photography, or simply relaxing in a stunning setting, Aiguablava is the perfect destination. It’s ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families wanting sunny days on the beach, and travellers looking for a blend of comfort and nature.
