If you are looking for a dream getaway in Spain that avoids commercialised, busy tourist hotspots, make sure you read this guide to Llafranc and other charming fishing villages.
Spain’s vast coastline is home to some of the most popular holiday destinations, but you’ll also find hidden gems dotted along Spain’s Mediterranean coast, including picturesque coves and tranquil havens.
The area is Palafrugell in the Baix Empordà. It is something of a secret paradise for holidaymakers looking to enjoy the more traditional side of Spain. Here, you will find delightful, historic towns and villages, which feel a million miles from the lively resorts of Benidorm or Malaga.
If this sounds like your perfect type of holiday, read on to find out more about some of the charming coastal villages we think you’ll fall in love with:
Llafranc
Part of the Costa Brava, Llafranc boasts a spacious, sandy beach surrounded by rocky cliffs. The village has a fascinating history, with Roman ruins, a 15th century watchtower and 19th century lighthouse to visit. Sant Sebastià, where the lighthouse and tower are located, overlooks the beach and the area is a great place to explore the history and culture of this part of the Girona Province.
The views from the Sant Sebastià are breathtaking and you can enjoy picturesque walks along the coastal paths. The walk between Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell is a short trail to try or for the more adventurous, you can explore more of the Camino de Ronda coastal path to view the dramatic cliffs and beautiful waters.
The best way to explore Llafranc is to rent a villa close to the beach, so you can choose between sightseeing, hiking or a lazy day at the beach. For families or fun-loving adults, you can try watersports such as kayaking and scuba diving, or do a spot of snorkelling in the pristine sea.
Renting a villa in Llafranc provides you with the perfect base for all these options and to create everlasting holiday memories.
Tamariu
A little further north of Llafranc, the charming town of Tamariu offers another more tranquil escape. Although it has grown in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years, it still upholds much of its original charm and you can get a real taste of traditional Spain in this stunning location.
Surrounded by pine forests and cliffs, Tamariu is a coastal haven with easy access to beautiful beaches. Tamariu Beach is a great destination for swimming and watersports in clear waters or to relax on the sandy shores. It is also a popular place for scenic coastal walks and there is a great choice of restaurants and bars to immerse yourself in the local culture and try some of Spain’s traditional dishes.
There are several restaurants that overlook the beach, perfect for grabbing lunch or enjoying a drink gazing over the sea. Restaurant Es Dofi, El Palanqui and Bar Redondo all offer varied menus and views across the bay. Renting a villa in Tamariu allows you to explore all the surrounding areas around Palafrugell, including nearby Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell
With historic cobblestone lanes and quaint buildings, the town of Calella de Palafrugell makes up the third coastal town in the municipality of Palafrugell. During the summer, the town welcomes music fans from around the world for the famous Havaneres Festival. For the remainder of the year, this picturesque town is the perfect destination for a slower-paced holiday in Costa Brava.
Originally a fishing village, Calella de Palafrugell is still one of the best places to enjoy fresh seafood in local, authentic Spanish restaurants. A coastal path links Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc, providing active holidaymakers with a lovely scenic walk. The Playas de Calella beach is quite small and is a fantastic location for swimming in calm waters. The Jardi Botanic de Cap Roig is a short distance away if you want to plan an exciting day out or the Far de Sant Sebastia, a historic landmark in nearby Llafranc, is walkable from here.
Renting a villa in Calella de Palafrugell allows you to enjoy your Costa Brava holiday at exactly the pace you prefer. Spend days exploring the local coastline before heading back to relax in your private Spanish villa.
For a holiday in stunning surroundings, with access to sandy beaches and an authentic experience of the local culture, renting a villa in any of these three mesmerising towns is the ideal base.
Check our selection of luxury villas in Palafrugell to book an unforgettable Costa Brava holiday.