The Hidden Gems of the Catalonian Coastline
Elizabeth Taylor has partied there. Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dali were inspired there. Rafa Nadal, Kirk Douglas and Sophia Loren are among the long list of celebrity guests. Welcome to Llafranc, the small fishing village that sits behind a perfect crescent of golden sand and picturesque tree-lined promenade, one of the most beautiful resorts in northern Spain. It has a beautiful marina, lined with yachts, and a selection of restaurants and cafes that epitomise good taste and fine dining.
Just forty five minutes drive from our very own Camiral, this stretch of the Costa Brava coastline is one of the prettiest in Spain, winding through a series of breathtaking bays dotted with medieval villages and whitewashed, low rise buildings. Llafranc nestles peacefully between the coastal villages of Tamariu and Calella de Palafrugell, both equally worth a visit.
The restaurants and bars of Llafranc are renowned, not only for the mouth-watering seafood dishes served al fresco around a beautiful piazza, but also for the legendary parties this resort has hosted over the years. The most famous is the Hotel Llafranc, its walls adorned with photos of everyone from Salvador Dali to Sophia Loren. Hotel Llevant comes a close second, as writer Tom Sharpe, now a Llafranc resident, used to spend five months at a time there, finding the location an inspiration for his writing. Casamar is a great choice for an evening meal, situated up a flight of steps at the South end of the beach.
The beach shelves gently away, making Llafranc a favourite for families, and the crystal clear waters also make it an ideal place to snorkel. San Sebastia lighthouse is well worth a visit and children will enjoy the charming road train that winds its way up the hill every couple of hours.
Only a twenty minute walk from Llafranc, along a beautiful coastal footpath with panoramic views towards San Sebastia mountain and lighthouse, you will find Calella de Palafrugell. Slightly more developed and busier, the resort still retains the charm of a typical Costa Brava fishing village with narrow cobbled streets and an attractive square. Pastel-coloured cafes and restaurants overlook six charming cala beaches situated along the seafront.
For those looking for a secluded bay, don’t miss the breathtaking El Golfet beach, situated to the South of Calella de Palafrugell, beyond the promontory of Cantata de las Habaneras.
The charming, whitewashed little resort of Tamriu is another hidden gem of this coastline. This peaceful horseshoe shaped cove is a favourite for families, though the coarser sand makes sandcastle making quite a challenge! You can take kayaking excursions from here, rent a motorboat or go diving.
Have you discovered any hidden gems along the Costa Brava coastline? Do keep us posted!
