
Sa Riera Beach
Golden sand, turquoise water, and the Costa Brava at its easiest





About
Platja de Sa Riera is a compact, 200-metre cove on the Costa Brava, just outside the hilltop village of Begur in Catalonia. Golden sand meets turquoise water in a setting that feels genuinely low-key — no mega-resort infrastructure, no performance. The beach sits at the mouth of the Camí de Ronda coastal path, making it a natural launchpad for exploring the rugged shoreline beyond. Illa Roja, the striking red-rock island, hovers just offshore, giving the bay a quietly dramatic backdrop. It's the kind of place that rewards arriving early and staying slow.
How to get there
From Begur centre, it's a five-minute drive or a pleasant 20-minute walk down to the beach — both options are straightforward daily. Roadside parking is available close to the beach but is charged in season; free parking can be found roughly one kilometre away, so arriving early in summer is strongly advised. Access from the parking area to the sand is easy, with no significant obstacles. There is no entry fee for the beach itself.
Who it's for
For couples
Sa Riera's relaxed pace and the easy walk along the Camí de Ronda to Illa Roja make it a natural choice for couples who want scenery without effort — golden sand, turquoise water, and a clifftop path to yourselves if you go early.
For families
Safe swimming, easy parking access, and a cluster of restaurants within 200 metres make Sa Riera genuinely practical for families. The 200-metre beach is compact enough to keep an eye on children without stress, and the shallow turquoise water is calm and inviting.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Sa Riera doesn't try to impress you — and that's exactly why it works. It's a proper village beach, connected to real life in Begur, with restaurants steps from the sand and a coastal path that opens up the whole stretch of coast beyond. The turquoise water is safe, the golden sand is genuine, and the low-key atmosphere holds even in summer if you time it right. Skip August unless you enjoy sharing your towel with half of Catalonia. Come in June or September and you'll find one of the most accessible, most honest beaches on the Costa Brava — no theatre, just the coast doing what it does best.
What to do
The Camí de Ronda coastal path begins at Sa Riera and winds along the cliffs to Illa Roja Beach, a secluded naturist cove framed by impressive red rock formations — it's roughly one kilometre on foot and well worth the walk. Above the coast, Begur Castle ruins stand about three kilometres away and offer panoramic views over the entire coastline. For a longer day out, the medieval village of Pals is rated 4.8 out of 5 and sits just 5.5 kilometres inland — a satisfying cultural counterpoint to a morning on the sand.
The clifftop section of the Camí de Ronda just north of the beach gives a sweeping aerial-style view of the golden sand and turquoise cove below — go at golden hour.
Illa Roja's red rock formation, visible from the waterline or from the path, is the most distinctive natural subject on this stretch of coast. The beach's southern end, with boats moored in the turquoise water and the village of Begur visible on the hill, makes a classic Costa Brava composition in morning light.
Where to eat
Right at the beach, you'll find several options within a few steps: Recer de la Mar, Sa Proa, BAR Riera Begur, and El Racó de Sa Riera are all within 200 metres, covering everything from a cold drink to a proper sit-down meal. Hostal Ses Negres and MADAME Pizza de Fuego are also within 100 metres if you want something quick. For a more destination-worthy dinner, Mooma — rated 4.7 out of 5 from over 8,000 reviews — is 7.1 kilometres away and worth the short drive.
Where to stay
Càmping Begur, rated 4.4 out of 5, sits 3.8 kilometres from the beach and is a solid base for exploring the area. Hotel Aigua Blava, also 3.8 kilometres away and rated 4.5 out of 5, offers a more comfortable stay with strong reviews. Càmping Cypsela Resort is the closest camping option at 2.9 kilometres, rated 4.1 out of 5 with nearly 4,000 reviews.
Photography
Shoot from the northern end of the beach in the early morning, when the turquoise water catches the low light and Illa Roja's red rock silhouette appears in the background. The Camí de Ronda clifftop, just minutes from the beach, gives an elevated view back over the golden sand and the full arc of the cove — best in the hour before sunset.
Good to know
Arrive before 10am in July to secure a good spot — the beach is only 200 metres long and fills up fast on summer weekends. August is peak season; visitor numbers peak sharply, so consider visiting in June or September for a noticeably calmer experience. The Camí de Ronda path starts right here, so wear decent footwear if you plan to walk to Illa Roja, about one kilometre along the coast. Swimming is safe, but keep an eye on younger children near the water's edge as the cove can get busy with boat traffic in high season.
Map
Nearby places
Recer de la Mar
Hostal Ses Negres
Platja de Sa Riera
Sa Proa
MADAME Pizza de Fuego | Pizzería en Begur
BAR Riera Begur | Eat - Drink - Relax
El Racó de Sa Riera
BAR Riera Begur | Eat - Drink - Relax
Mooma
Restaurant Mas Pou
Can Padrès
La Blava
Toc al Mar
El Delfín Verde
Càmping Cypsela Resort
Càmping Les Medes
Hotel Aigua Blava
Càmping Begur
Things to see around Begur
Begur Castle
Medieval castle ruins with panoramic coastal views.
Camí de Ronda
Scenic coastal path starting from Sa Riera, connecting to other coves.
Illa Roja Beach
Secluded naturist beach with impressive red rock formation, accessible via Camí de Ronda.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other relaxed beaches in Spain
More beaches in Catalonia
Reviews of this beach
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Paulaarbeloa · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — Arwin Meijer · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 3 — Gas Mountain Team · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 4 — Albert T M · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 5 — Arwin Meijer · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 6 — Mr Moss · source · CC BY 2.0













