Tamariu Beach
Golden sand, turquoise water, village charm on Costa Brava
About
Tamariu Beach sits at the heart of one of Costa Brava's most unspoiled villages, a compact 300-metre arc of golden sand lapped by turquoise Mediterranean water. The pace here is unhurried — fishing boats bob at the shoreline, pine-shaded terraces frame the bay, and the village wraps around you like a natural amphitheatre. It holds Blue Flag status, which means clean water and well-maintained facilities you can count on. The Camí de Ronda coastal path begins right here, threading north and south along dramatic clifftops. Moderate visitor numbers keep it from feeling overrun — at least outside peak summer.
How to get there
Tamariu Beach sits directly in the village centre — a 5-minute walk from anywhere in Tamariu, or a 2-minute drive. Parking is available but genuinely limited: expect street spaces in the blue zone (paid) and manned car parks nearby, both of which fill fast in summer. No entry fee for the beach itself. If you're visiting in July or August, arrive early or walk in — finding a space mid-morning can be a real battle.
Who it's for
For couples
The relaxed village atmosphere and easy access to the Camí de Ronda make Tamariu a natural choice for couples who want scenery without the chaos — walk the coastal path at dusk and you'll understand why this bay has a loyal following.
For families
Safe swimming, Blue Flag water quality, and restaurants within metres of the sand make this an easy family day out — kids can swim while adults eat, and the flat village-centre access means no steep cliff scrambles with a pushchair.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Tamariu is the kind of village beach that earns its reputation quietly. No theme-park infrastructure, no kilometre-long promenade — just 300 metres of golden sand, turquoise water, Blue Flag quality, and a village that still feels like it belongs to the people who live there. The Camí de Ronda on your doorstep means you can swim, then walk off lunch along one of the Mediterranean's finest coastal paths. August will test your patience with parking and space on the sand — skip it if you can. Come in June or early September and this place genuinely delivers. It won't blow your mind with drama, but it will make you want to stay another day.
What to do
The Camí de Ronda coastal path kicks off right at the beach, offering spectacular Mediterranean views and the chance to discover hidden coves along the way — one of the best free activities on this stretch of coast. A short drive south brings you to Platja d'Aiguablava (rated 4.5/5), and the nearby beaches of Platja Fonda and Platja de Llafranc (both 4.6/5) are worth the detour for a half-day of beach-hopping. Inland, Cap Roig Botanical Gardens — about 4km away — delivers panoramic sea views and beautifully landscaped Mediterranean flora, while the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse at the same distance offers exceptional coastal panoramas.
The northern end of the beach frames the village against turquoise water for a classic Costa Brava shot — best at golden hour when the light hits the sand warm and low.
The Camí de Ronda clifftop path just above the bay gives you an elevated view of the full golden arc below. Cap Roig Botanical Gardens, 4km away, adds a lush Mediterranean backdrop with sea glimpses that photograph beautifully in morning light.
Where to eat
You're spoiled for choice right on the beach — Bar Rodondo, El Palanquí, Restaurant Es Dofí, Ona, and Restaurant Royal are all within 100 metres, so you won't go hungry or thirsty. For something a little further afield, Toc al Mar (4.2/5, nearly 2,000 reviews) is 1.9km away, and Far Nomo (4.4/5) sits 2.5km out with strong local reputation. Hotel Aigua Blava's restaurant (4.5/5) at 2.4km is worth the short drive for a more refined meal.
Where to stay
Hotel Aigua Blava (4.5/5, 1,484 reviews) is the standout option at 2.4km, combining comfort with serious coastal views. The Parador d'Aiguablava (4.3/5, 1,171 reviews) at 2km offers that classic Spanish parador experience with a clifftop setting. If you prefer something more casual, Càmping Begur (4.4/5, 1,585 reviews) is 2.5km away and a solid base for exploring the wider area.
Photography
Shoot from the northern end of the beach at golden hour — the village rooftops, turquoise water, and pine-backed hillside align perfectly in warm evening light. Early morning is best for glassy water reflections and golden sand without a soul in frame.
Good to know
June and early September are the sweet spots — warm water, golden sand, and far fewer visitors than August, which is peak season and best avoided if you dislike packed conditions. Swimming is safe, and the Blue Flag status means water quality is consistently monitored. The Camí de Ronda starts at the beach, so pack decent shoes if you plan to explore the coastal path beyond the sand. Easy access from the village centre makes this one of the more accessible beaches on the Costa Brava.
Map
Nearby places
Bar Rodondo
El Palanquí
Restaurant Es Dofí
Ona
Restaurant Royal
Tamariu Beach
Toc al Mar
Far Nomo
Hotel Aigua Blava
Parador d'Aiguablava
Things to see around Palafrugell
Camí de Ronda
Scenic coastal path with spectacular Mediterranean views and hidden coves.
Cap Roig Botanical Gardens
Stunning Mediterranean botanical gardens with panoramic sea views.
Sant Sebastià Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse with exceptional panoramic coastal views.
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.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Santi Garcia · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 2 — Petr Kadlec · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 3 — Santi Garcia · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 4 — rey perezoso · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 5 — Davidpar · source · CC BY-SA 4.0