5 secret spots to go kayaking along the Costa Brava
Catalan Tourist Board
- 5 scenic kayaking spots along Catalonia’s Costa Brava.
- Routes combine clear Mediterranean waters, pine-covered cliffs, sea caves and secluded coves.
- Featured locations include Palamós, Tamariu, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Calella de Palafrugell and Tossa de Mar.
- Highlights include La Foradada, Aigua Xelida, El Golfet and the medieval walls of Tossa de Mar.
- Options are available for beginners, families and more experienced kayakers.
- Guided excursions are recommended for exploring caves and longer coastal routes safely.
Paddle through sea caves, beneath pine-covered cliffs and into secluded coves along one of Catalonia’s most iconic coastlines.
Barcelona, Catalonia. The Costa Brava is known for its rugged cliffs, fishing villages, pine forests and clear Mediterranean waters. But some of its most beautiful corners are best discovered from the sea.
From a kayak, travellers can enter small caves, pass through rocky openings and stop at secluded coves away from the busiest beaches. Here are five places to begin exploring:
1. Platja de Castell, Palamós
This unspoilt beach is an easy starting point for a gentle coastal paddle. Head north to discover Cala s’Alguer, a tiny cove lined with traditional fishermen’s houses, before continuing towards La Foradada, a natural opening in the rock that kayakers can paddle through when conditions allow. Further along, secluded coves such as Cala Canyers and Cala Corbs offer quiet places to stop.
2. Tamariu, Palafrugell
The sheltered bay of Tamariu is particularly suitable for beginners. Follow the rocky coastline towards Aigua Xelida, a small cove surrounded by cliffs and pine trees. Along the way, kayakers can explore narrow passages and hidden rock formations. More experienced paddlers can continue towards Cala Marquesa and Cova d’en Gispert, an impressive sea cave that should be visited with a guide.
Tamariu, Palafrugell
3. Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Sant Feliu de Guíxols combines rocky scenery with small coves hidden between the cliffs. A paddle from town reveals places such as Cala Jonca and Cala Ametller, as well as small cavities and narrow coastal passages that are difficult to appreciate from land. Early morning is an ideal time to experience this quieter side of the coastline.
Sant Feliu de Guíxols
4. Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell
The route between these two villages offers one of the Costa Brava’s most picturesque paddles. From the water, travellers can admire Calella’s whitewashed houses, traditional fishing boats and the waterfront arches of Port Bo. Continue towards El Golfet, a small cove framed by reddish rocks and Mediterranean vegetation, stopping at tiny rocky corners along the way.
5. Tossa de Mar
Few kayaking routes offer views quite like Tossa de Mar. Paddle beneath the medieval walls of Vila Vella before following the coast towards Cala Bona, Cala Pola and Cala Giverola. Between them are small caves, rocky channels and hidden inlets best explored from the water.
Whether joining a guided excursion or enjoying a short paddle close to shore, kayaking is an active and memorable way to discover the Costa Brava beyond its beaches.
Cala Pola
Travellers should always check the weather and sea conditions before departing. Guided tours are recommended for beginners and anyone planning to enter caves.
About us:
The Catalan Tourist Board is the official tourism promotion body of the Government of Catalonia, a region in north-eastern Spain whose capital is Barcelona. The organisation is responsible for positioning Catalonia internationally as a leading travel destination, promoting its culture, gastronomy, nature, heritage, meetings industry and premium travel experiences.
Through its headquarters in Catalonia and its network of offices abroad, the Catalan Tourist Board works with the tourism sector to promote a high-quality, sustainable and diverse tourism model.
For more information, visit www.catalunya.com.
Contact details:
Catalan Tourist Board
Asia - Pacific Marketing Executive
M.+65 8439 0737
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Tamariu Palafrugell.jpeg
Tamariu, Palafrugell -
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Sant Feliu de Guixols.jpeg
Sant Feliu de Guíxols -
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Kayaking Costa Brava.jpeg
Kayaking Costa Brava -
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El Golfet.jpeg
El Golfet -
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Cala S'Alguer.jpeg
Cala s'Alguer -
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Cala Pola.jpeg
Cala Pola -
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Kayaking Costa Brava.jpeg
kayaking between rocks in turquoise waters.
