Planning your beach holidays on the Costa Brava and looking for the perfect spot for the whole family? Whether you're travelling with young children, someone with reduced mobility, or even with your dog, some beaches are far more practical than others — if you know where to look.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected 15 beaches that cater to everyone’s needs and preferences: from wheelchair access and beach blue flag labels, to showers, toilets, child-friendly areas, calm beach coves to relax, and dog-friendly zones. All are located close to Sènia campsites and offer a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
What is the Blue Flag label?
The Blue Flag is an international label awarded annually to beaches that meet over 30 criteria related to water quality, cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and sustainable management. Around 1 in 7 Blue Flag beaches worldwide is located in Spain, making it a global leader in responsible beach tourism.
Follow our guide and find the beach that suits you best for a stress-free beach holiday on the Costa Brava.
Please note: The functioning of beach showers cannot be guaranteed. They may be turned off at any time due to drought-related restrictions.
CONTENTS
Beaches ideal for children and families
Platja de Fenals, Lloret de Mar
Sant Antoni Beach, Calonge
Riells Beach, L’Escala
Tamariu Beach, Palafrugell
Platja del Racó, Begur / Pals
Accessible Beaches for People with Reduced Mobility
Palamós Main Beach (Platja Gran)
Blanes Beach
Torre Valentina, Calonge
Platja de la Mar Menuda, Tossa de Mar
Platja Sa Conca, Platja d’Aro (S’Agaró)
Dog-Friendly Beaches
La Rubina Beach, Empuriabrava
Bonus: La Riera Beach – Pineda de Mar
Quiet Beaches and Secluded Coves
Cala Sant Francesc (Cala Bona), Blanes
Canyelles Petites, Roses
Santa Cristina, Lloret de Mar
Summary Table of Our Costa Brava Beach Selection
Beaches ideal for children and families
Travelling with children often means striking a balance between safety, fun and accessibility. Some Costa Brava beaches have it all: entertainment, play areas, shallow seas, well thought-out services... Here are the ones we wholeheartedly recommend to families.
Platja de Fenals, Lloret de Mar
Maria planas aulet
Nestled in a bay sheltered from the wind, this 700-metre beach combines safety, comfort and entertainment. It’s the perfect urban beach, fully equipped, featuring a free summer kids’ club with no reservation required, ideal to keep little ones entertained. Family-friendly without being overcrowded, it’s a quieter alternative to Lloret’s main beach.
Facilities:
- Kids’ club (1 July to 31 August, 10:30am – 5pm)
- Entertainment, family yoga, sports (volleyball, footvolley)
- Showers, toilets with changing tables
- Sunbed and parasol hire
- Water sports (waterskiing, kayaking, pedal boats…)
- Lifeguard service
- Restaurants, kiosks
- Blue zone parking nearby: paid between 22 June and 11 September, €0.032 per minute and €15 maximum per day
Sand type: Coarse sand
Blue Flag: Yes
Campsite proximity: 5-minute drive from Sènia Tucan and 12 minutes from Sènia Cala Canyelles
Note: Lloret’s main beach, although busier, has a baby area and a beach library.
Sant Antoni Beach, Calonge
platja de sant antoni, s.d, Archivo de Imágenes PTCBG
A large lively beach, perfect for families looking for a mix of fun, amenities and relaxation. The free kids’ club, play area, shallow sea and long seaside promenade make it an ideal choice for young children. Its lively but well-organised atmosphere is tailored for family beach holidays.
Facilities:
- Free kids’ club (register in advance at the Tourist Office, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm in July and August, or call +34 972 66 17 14)
- Playgrounds, entertainment
- Showers, toilets
- Water sports zone
- Lifeguard service
- Pedestrian promenade with restaurants, bike/scooter area
- Parking: free nearby (Avinguda de Catalunya and Carrer Empordà car parks)
Sand type: Fine sandy beach
Blue Flag: Yes
Campsite proximity: 15-minute drive from Sènia Cala Gogo Internacional
Riells Beach, L’Escala
Isidro Jabato - corrected colors
With its local vibe and laid-back rhythm, Riells is perfect for families who avoid overly urbanised beaches. This 550-metre beach has a gentle slope, a play area and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a reassuring choice for little ones. It’s less animated than Fenals or Sant Antoni, but just as pleasant.
Facilities:
- Play area
- Showers, toilets
- Sunbed and parasol hire
- Sailing club
- Sports zone
- Lifeguard service
- Shops and restaurants along the promenade
- Parking: free 15-minute walk away (Mas Parals Municipal Car Park) or paid parking nearby
Sand type: Fine sandy beach
Blue Flag: No
Campsite proximity: 18-minute drive from Sènia Riu
Tamariu Beach, Palafrugell
Jorge Franganillo
Tucked between rocks and pine trees, Tamariu beach (160 m) charms with its village atmosphere and unspoilt natural setting. It’s smaller and quieter than Fenals or Sant Antoni, but offers a more intimate and authentic alternative, with shallow waters that make it perfect for families seeking simplicity and calm.
Facilities:
- Showers and toilets
- Scuba diving
- Sailing club
- Parasol hire
- Restaurants and bars nearby
- Parking: free, 5-minute walk away (Carrer de Aigua Xelida, Carrer de la Tordera)
Sand type: Fine sandy beach
Blue Flag: Yes
Campsite proximity: 25-minute drive from Sènia Cala Gogo Internacional
Platja del Racó, Begur / Pals
Albert Torelló - CC BY-SA 2.0 - corrected colors
This spacious (around 400 metres), calm beach is another great option for families who value space and quiet without compromising on safety. As a semi-urban beach, it remains airy and never feels overcrowded. With fewer activities on offer, it’s perfect for simply relaxing in peace.
Facilities:
- Lifeguard service
- Showers, toilets
- Sunbed and parasol hire
- Beachfront terrace bar
- Leisure services
- Coastal path starting at Sa Riera
- Blue zone parking nearby: paid from June to September
Sand type: Coarse sand
Blue Flag: No
Campsite proximity: 30-minute drive from Sènia Cala Gogo Internacional
Accessible Beaches for People with Reduced Mobility
When it comes to accessibility, the Costa Brava boasts exemplary beaches. Some offer standard equipment for people with reduced mobility (ramp, beach wheelchair), while others go further with specialised assistance, unassisted water entry, and adapted facilities. Here are the best options if autonomy is your priority.
Palamós Main Beach (Platja Gran)
Stretching nearly 600 metres, Playa Gran is the only beach in Spain equipped with a system that enables people with reduced mobility to access the water independently, without outside assistance, thanks to a self-transfer device from the access walkway. It’s a national model of inclusive beach access and also ideal for families.
Facilities:
- Accessible walkway
- Independent water access system
- Beach wheelchair
- Lifeguard station
- Sunbed and parasol hire
- Play area
- Sailing club
- Sports area
- Surf zone
- Restaurants and bars nearby
- Parking: free, 15–20 minute walk (Tierra or Cala Margarida car parks)
Sand type: Fine sandy beach
Blue Flag: No
Campsite proximity: 15-minute drive from Sènia Cala Gogo Internacional
Blanes Beach
Alberto-g-rovi
At 625 metres long, Blanes’ main beach is one of the most accessible and central on the Costa Brava. Unlike other semi-natural coves on this list, its flat urban setting allows full independence from promenade to sea.
Facilities:
- Accessible walkway
- Adapted showers
- Accessible parking
- Amphibious chair (booking required at Civil Protection: +34 972 358 167 or via lifeguards - note: no assisted help)
- Amphibious crutches
- Adapted changing rooms
- Lifeguard service
- Showers, toilets
- Sailing club
- Play area
- Sports zone
- Sunbed and parasol hire
- Restaurants and bars nearby
- Parking: free 15-minute walk (Blanes Free Parking) or paid nearby
Sand type: Coarse sand
Blue Flag: Yes
Campsite proximity: 18-minute drive from Sènia Tucan, 25 minutes from Sènia Cala Canyelles and Sènia Caballo de Mar
Torre Valentina, Calonge
Smartgourmet
Located in a residential area just past Sant Antoni Beach, this 500-metre beach offers easy access with well-designed facilities for people with reduced mobility. It’s quieter than neighbouring Sant Antoni and offers a relaxed, calm beach vibe.
Facilities:
- Accessible walkway
- Adapted toilets and showers
- Assisted support service
- Amphibious chairs
- Water-entry hoist
- Accessible parking
- Amphibious crutches
- Walking frame
- Refrigerators
- Water handrails
- Amphibious hammock
- Adapted changing rooms
- Parasol and sunbed hire
- Lifeguard service
- Sailing club
- Play area
- Sports zone
- Coastal path
- Nearby restaurants
- Parking: free 15-minute walk (Palau Firal), or blue zone paid parking nearby
Sand type: Fine sandy beach
Blue Flag: Yes
Campsite proximity: 5-minute drive from Sènia Cala Gogo Internacional
Jorge Franganillo - CC BY 2.0
About 160 metres long, Mar Menuda combines excellent accessibility with natural charm. Sheltered by rocks, it forms a peaceful urban cove, ideal for people with reduced mobility who want to enjoy the sea in a more intimate setting than the large tourist beaches.
Facilities:
- Accessible walkway
- Adapted showers and toilets
- Amphibious crutches
- Amphibious chairs
- Assistance service
- Lifeguard service
- Showers and toilets
- Sunbed and parasol hire
- Scuba diving
- Sailing club
- Bars and restaurants nearby (PMR access)
- Parking: blue zone nearby — €1.80 per half-hour, max €11 for 3 hours (Avinguda Sant Ramon de Penyafort and Mar Menuda, 5-minute walk)
Sand type: Coarse sand
Blue Flag: Yes
Campsite proximity: 15-minute drive from Sènia Cala Canyelles
Platja Sa Conca, Platja d’Aro (S’Agaró)
Isidro Jabato
Nearly 400 metres long, Sa Conca is a semi-urban beach known for its elegant setting and calm waters. In terms of accessibility, it is well-equipped with amphibious chairs, adapted toilets and trained staff, ensuring a smooth beach experience. Its peaceful, exclusive feel makes it stand out from more central beaches.
Facilities:
- Accessible walkway
- Accesible ramp
- Accessible parking
- Adapted toilets and showers
- Assisted help service
- Lockers
- Beach restaurants (accessible for people with reduced mobility)
- Amphibious crutches
- Transfer hoist
- Amphibious chairs
- Showers and toilets
- Parasol and sunbed hire
- Play area
- Bars and restaurants
- Parking: free, 10–15 minute walk (Pàrquing Platja de Sa Conca, Carrer Pere Quart)
Sand type: Coarse sand
Blue Flag: Yes
Campsite proximity: 15-minute drive from Sènia Cala Gogo Internacional
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Still too rare along the Catalan coast, dog-friendly beaches are in high demand among travellers with their four-legged companions. On the Costa Brava, La Rubina Beach is a benchmark. And since options are still limited in the region, we’ve also included a practical alternative just south in Pineda de Mar, with direct access from Sènia Caballo de Mar campsite.
La Rubina Beach, Empuriabrava
platja de la rubina, jordi cassu, Archivo de Imágenes PTCBG.
As the first official dog beach in Spain, La Rubina is a true haven for pets. Spanning 2 km, it’s a natural, open space where dogs can run, swim and play off-lead in a designated area (at the end, near Santa Margarida Beach). The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
Facilities:
- Off-lead dog zone
- Waste bag dispensers and bins
- Toilet and shower
- Lifeguard service
- Beach bar
- Parking: free, directly next to the beach
Sand type: Fine sandy beach
Blue Flag: No
Campsite proximity: 20-minute drive from Sènia Riu
Bonus: La Riera Beach – Pineda de Mar
If you’re looking for a campsite with direct access to a dog-friendly beach, head a little further south to the Maresme coast. Although technically outside the Costa Brava, La Riera Beach is an excellent option for holidaymakers with dogs. It has direct access from the Sènia Caballo de Mar campsite, making it a convenient and comfortable choice. It’s one of the rare beaches offering a dog-designated area right next to the accommodation.
Facilities:
- Designated dog area
- Dog shower
- Waste bag dispensers and bins
- Sunbed and parasol hire
- Toilets
- Lifeguard service (June to September)
- Beach kiosk
- Beach volleyball court
- Parking: free, 10-minute walk
Sand type: Coarse sand
Blue Flag: Yes
Campsite proximity: Direct access from Sènia Caballo de Mar
Quiet Beaches and Secluded Coves
If you’re after a zen atmosphere, a hidden cove or a beach far from the crowds, the Costa Brava has plenty of peaceful spots. These beaches offer a different experience from the typical urban setting, in a natural, often preserved and relaxing environment.
Cala Sant Francesc (Cala Bona), Blanes
CC BY 2.0 - Jorge Franganillo
Tucked between pine trees and cliffs, this small 200-metre cove is considered one of the 22 most beautiful beaches in Europe by the European Best Destinations community. Its Mediterranean vibe, shallow turquoise waters and calm make it a gem, even in high season.
Facilities:
- Coastal path
- Showers, toilets
- Parasol and sunbed hire
- Beachfront restaurant
- Lifeguard service
- Blue zone parking nearby: paid between 15 June and 15 September (limited spaces)
Sand type: Coarse sand
Blue Flag: Yes
Campsite proximity: 15-minute drive from Sènia Tucan
Canyelles Petites, Roses
Dennis van Zuijlekom- CC BY-SA 2.0
Away from the centre of Roses, this 350-metre semi-urban beach remains calm and serene, perfect for those looking to escape the tourist hustle. Sheltered from the wind, it impresses with its scenic beauty, clean beaches and manageable service offering.
Facilities:
- Shower
- Paid parking in high season
- Parasol and sunbed hire
- Lifeguard service
- Beachfront bars and restaurants
- Parking: free 20-minute walk (Castillo de la Trinidad Parking) or paid parking nearby
Sand type: Fine sandy beach
Blue Flag: No
Campsite proximity: 30-minute drive from Sènia Riu
Santa Cristina, Lloret de Mar
Yesuitus2001
Less known than its neighbouring beaches, this 450-metre stretch located between two hills is a hidden natural treasure. Sheltered from the wind, it’s one of the most appreciated calm beach spots by locals, even in peak season. Perfect for recharging by the sea.
Facilities:
- On-beach restaurant
- Parasol and sunbed hire
- Showers
- Lifeguard service
- Parking: free 20-minute walk (Park Infantil parking) or paid nearby
Sand type: Fine sandy beach
Blue Flag: Yes
Campsite proximity: Equidistant (15-minute drive) from Sènia Tucan and Sènia Cala Canyelles
Summary Table of Our Costa Brava Beach Selection
To help you choose the beach best suited to your needs, take a look at our summary table of practical Costa Brava beaches, complete with a map to locate them more easily:
Download the PDF guide with all the beaches and the map to take with you during your holidays.
