Feuequito

The Costa Brava, on Spain’s eastern coast is well visited by those of the European Community as well as overseas guests from across the globe. The rugged coastline stretches form the French border to just south of Barcelona, Catalonia’s cosmopolitan capital city. Beaches of the Costa Brava have earned more EU Blue Flags than anywhere else in Spain. These awards are given for excellence in water quality, cleanliness and the presence of lifeguards among others competitive factors.

Barcelona’s seaside location boasts not only a busy modern harbor but seven beaches within city limits. The oldest and most visited are San Sebastia and Barceloneta each offer over 1,000 meters (3,350 feet) of powdered white sand kissed by warm blue waters.

Are the tempting sands of some not so crowded beaches more your style? Maybe even of the clothing optional variety? Almost everyone has heard of Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, but there is another Waikiki Beach, in Tarragona, south of Barcelona. Isolated, unspoiled and rimmed with a long stretch of golden sand, this is the place to bare it all and commune with nature at the most basic level. Footpaths lead down to the calm waters and camping is available onsite.

Another Tarragona beach, El Torn, is also of the clothing optional variety. It is rustic and uncrowded offering golden sands mixed with small pebbles. The beach tends to be windy and the surf usually has moderate swells. Offering a snack bar, accommodations, camping facilities and onsite parking as well as lifeguard services, El Torn has earned its own EU Blue Flag.

North of Barcelona is Girona, home to La Boadella Beach. Footpaths lead down to this isolated rustic length of sand boasting moderate swells and another opportunity to shed those swimsuits. Also in Girona is El Castell Beach, another lovely stretch of sand that is relatively uncrowded but does require some sort of swimming attire. Family friendly, it offers a snack bar, sunbeds, umbrellas, sports equipment rentals and onsite parking.

Grab a towel or two, sunscreen, your favorite beverages and snacks and find your own special sunning spot along the shores of the Mediterranean. Enjoy one or more of the many beach hideaways along Spain’s Costa Brava.