The respected National Geographic Traveler magazine has listed the Costa Brava as one of the top destinations on the planet to visit in 2012. For those familiar with the region, this may not come as a huge surprise.  The 200km of stunning coastline which lies between the French border and Blanes is unique in that it combines beautiful craggy coves & hidden bays, archaeological sites & natural parks with an artistic and cultural heritage – not forgetting its increasing reputation as a leading gastronomic centre. The coastline also boasts some of the world`s most beautiful beaches such as Sa Tuna, Llafranc, Sa Riera, Sant Pol and AiguaBlava.

The Costa Brava has consistently been popular with buyers looking for second homes, and if you are on the hunt for a holiday home in an outstanding location, look no further than the ‘golden triangle’ of this region located between Calella de Palafrugell and Sa Riera.

Here is our guide to this exclusive unspoilt area and some of our most eye-catching properties:

 

Begur

Set below the ruins of a stone 16th Century castle, Begur is a pretty medieval town with cobbled streets and whitewashed houses and has become one of the most sought after areas to buy on the Costa Brava.  Begur has several important historical remnants including numerous “indiano” mansions hidden amongst its pretty cobbled streets and alleys. These and the traditional former fishermen’s houses in the nearby coves all bear witness to the long, intense history of the area, inhabited over the years by pirates, sailors, fishermen and returned “indiano” emigrants from Cuba. The Fira de Los Indios (also known as the Cuban Festival) which takes place in the town at the end of every summer draws revellers from far and wide and is testimony to how popular the area has become.

If you are looking to view properties in Begur check out:

Beautiful Mediterrenean style villa  just 1.5km from Begur. Private pool and beautiful garden with lemon and olive trees

A magnificent 5-bedroom luxury house less than 1km from the town of Begu. Large plot with superb sea and countryside views. Private swimming pool.

View more Begur properties

Pals 

The fortified medieval village of Pals is situated high on a hill with cobbled streets, artisan shops and traditional restaurants and bars. Beautifully restored, its original buildings date back to the fourteenth century and the town offers spectacular views over the Empordà area and to the 4km long Pals beach, popular among windsurfers and watersports enthusiasts. Pals also has two excellent 18 hole golf courses.

If you are looking to view properties in Pals check out:

Luxury, contemporary design, new build property to buy offering total privacy and lovely sea views near Begur

Duplex apartment for sale with 60m2 roof terrace, outdoor dining area and jacuzzi. Panoramic sea views. Beach access via elevator. Private parking. Sold fully furnished.

 View more Pals properties

Calella de Palafrugell

One of the most well known spots on the Costa Brava, Calella de Palafrugell is renowned its rocky coves, sandy beaches, excellent fish restaurants and stunning colonial style houses dotted along the pretty sea front promenade. With its relaxed, lazy atmosphere and beautifully protected sandy bays, the town is perfect for young families and a popular haunt for artists and writers. Its charm and tranquility are a world away from the boisterous and brash coastal resorts – such as Blanes and Lloret de Mar – on the southern end of the Costa Brava coastline. The coastline stretches some two kilometres south to El Golfet beach – part of the Cap Roig headland – where beautiful Botanical gardens are located and  where the annual International Jazz Festival is held.  Calella de Palafrugell has a number of beautiful small coves and, in common with the rest of this area of coastline, is linked to the neighboring villages by a beautiful coastal path.  The first of the beaches at Calella de Palafrugell is ‘Canadell’ where Tragamar restaurant  is situated on the beachfront and is open all year round.

If you are looking to view properties in Calella de Palafrugell check out:

Stunning 3-bedroom penthouse apartment with fantastic sea views

Exceptional 3 bedroom duplex apartment to buy one street away from Canadell beach

View more properties to buy in Calella de Palafrugell

Tamariu

With steep cliffs and pine covered hills reaching down to the Mediterranean, fabulous houses and open air restaurants lining the beautiful bay, Tamariu is a village re-visited by tourists year on year.  Originally a small fishing village, Tamariu has successfully retained its individuality and charm. South-facing, Tamariu is also one of the most sheltered coves of the Costa Brava. The beach is clean and extends nearly all around the bay with shallow crystal clear water, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.  It is also a popular diving site as there are many caves to explore along with the submerged mountain of the Llosa de Cala Nova. The name Tamariu comes from the presence of many  Tamarisk trees along the promenade.

If you are looking to buy properties in Tamariu check out:

An exquisite 4-bedroom luxury Costa Brava villa with magnificent panoramic sea views

Modern 5-bedroom villa for sale with lovely sea views, located between the beaches of Aiguablava and Tamariu

View more properties to buy in Tamariu

AiguaBlava

For many, Aiguablava is the Costa Brava’s most perfect spot. It was here in in the early 20th Century that journalist Ferran Agullo first coined the term ‘Costa Brava’ (Rugged coast) as he viewed cliffs reaching down to a beautiful  turquoise bay. Although Aiguablava (‘blue water’ in Catalan) has been ‘discovered’, it still remains a good place to experience the Costa Brava as it was before mass tourism took over in the more southern resorts.

Aiguablava boasts three beautiful beaches; Aiguablava Beach to the South and Platja Fonda to the North. Midway between sits Fornells, home to the famous AiguaBlava hotel, a small harbour and and a tiny cove. The surrounding hills are dotted with exclusive private villas, many of which are second homes, so there is a very low-key, peaceful atmosphere.

If you are looking to view properties in AiguaBlava check out:

Superbly restored Costa Brava villa for sale in an exceptional location offering exquisite sea views and complete privacy. Walking distance to Aiguablava beach. Private pool.

Newly constructed, contemporary style luxury villa for sale in an exclusive residential area in Aiguablava – sea views, large plot, 800m from the beach

View more properties to buy in AiguaBlava

For detailled information on any of the above properties please contact Tom Maidment on +34 6480982334 or by email Tom@lucasfox.com