Castelló d'Empúries Beaches

Overview

Castelló d'Empúries, particularly its coastal town of Empuriabrava, is a fantastic destination for a classic beach holiday. Known for its unique system of navigable canals and extensive marina, the area offers wide, sandy shores perfect for sunbathing and relaxation. The waters here are generally clear and inviting for swimming, making it a popular choice for visitors seeking sun, sand, and sea.

The coastline boasts diverse options to suit different preferences. Platja de Empuriabrava stands out as the main, bustling beach, ideal for families and those who enjoy easy access and a lively atmosphere. For a more natural experience, Playa de la Rubina offers a 'wild beach' setting, famously welcoming dogs and serving as a paradise for kitesurfing enthusiasts, partly due to the Tramuntana wind. It also features a designated naturist area. Nearby, Playa de Can Comes provides an even more secluded escape, an expansive, protected beach nestled within the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, perfect for appreciating unspoiled coastal scenery.

Visitors to Castelló d'Empúries can therefore choose between the vibrant, well-equipped urban beachfront of Empuriabrava or the tranquil, wilder stretches like those bordered by the Aiguamolls. This contrast ensures a varied beach experience. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal gems this area has to offer, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches in this guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Castelló d'Empúries (Empuriabrava) a good destination for a classic beach holiday?

Yes, Empuriabrava, the coastal part of Castelló d'Empúries, is well-suited for a classic beach holiday. It offers wide, sandy beaches like Platja d'Empuriabrava, equipped with many services, making it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and family fun. The presence of the marina and canals adds a unique charm.

Platja de Empuriabrava

What is the water like at Empuriabrava beaches? Can you swim comfortably?

The water at Empuriabrava's main beaches is generally clear and suitable for swimming, often earning Blue Flag awards for quality and safety. The seabed slopes gently, which is good for families. However, it can get wavy when the Tramuntana wind blows.

When is the best time to visit Castelló d'Empúries for a beach holiday, considering weather and crowds?

The best time for a beach holiday in Castelló d'Empúries (Empuriabrava) is typically from late June to late August when the weather is warmest and sunniest, and sea temperatures are pleasant. July and August are the busiest. For fewer crowds with good beach weather, consider June or September.

Are the beaches in Empuriabrava suitable for families with young children?

Yes, the main beach, Platja d'Empuriabrava, is very family-friendly. It's wide, sandy, has calm and shallow waters in many parts, and offers services like lifeguard surveillance, playgrounds, and easy access to amenities.

If I want to stay right by the beach in Empuriabrava, what kind of accommodation should I look for?

For direct beach access in Empuriabrava, look for apartments or hotels along the main beachfront promenade of Platja d'Empuriabrava. Many holiday rental apartments in the marina area also offer relatively easy walking access to the beach, combined with views of the canals.

I've heard Empuriabrava can be windy. How does the wind affect the beach experience?

Yes, Empuriabrava and its beaches can be affected by the Tramuntana wind, especially outside the peak summer months. While this makes it excellent for windsurfing and kitesurfing (particularly at Platja de la Rubina), it can sometimes make sunbathing less comfortable. Mornings are often calmer.

Playa de la Rubina

Are there any dog-friendly beaches in Castelló d'Empúries?

Yes, Platja de la Rubina is well-known as a dog-friendly beach in the Castelló d'Empúries area. It's one of the pioneering dog-friendly beaches on the Costa Brava, allowing dogs year-round in a designated area.

Playa de la Rubina

Are there options for naturism or nude sunbathing on the beaches near Castelló d'Empúries?

Yes, a section of Platja de la Rubina is traditionally known and designated as a naturist or clothing-optional beach. It offers a more natural and secluded environment.

Playa de la Rubina

What are the 'Aiguamolls' and how do they relate to the beaches in Castelló d'Empúries?

The Aiguamolls de l'Empordà is a significant natural park bordering some of Castelló d'Empúries' beaches, like Platja de Can Comes and Platja de la Rubina. This means these beaches are wilder, more natural, and protected, offering a contrast to the urban beach of Empuriabrava. They are great for nature lovers and birdwatching.

Playa de Can Comes

Playa de la Rubina

Platja de Empuriabrava

How easy is it to find parking near the main beaches in Empuriabrava?

Parking can be challenging near Platja d'Empuriabrava, especially during peak season (July and August). There are paid parking areas and some street parking, but it's advisable to arrive early or consider walking or cycling if staying nearby. The wilder beaches like Can Comes have more limited, often unpaved access and parking.

Playa de Can Comes

What kind of facilities can I expect at Platja d'Empuriabrava (the main beach)?

Platja d'Empuriabrava is well-equipped with facilities. You can typically find lifeguard services, showers, toilets, sun lounger and umbrella rentals, beach bars (chiringuitos), playgrounds, and access to watersports rentals. It also has facilities for people with reduced mobility.

Platja de Empuriabrava

What's the difference between Platja d'Empuriabrava and the wilder beaches like Platja de Can Comes or La Rubina?

Platja d'Empuriabrava is the main urban beach, wide, sandy, with many services and easy access, bustling in summer. Platja de Can Comes (part of Aiguamolls Natural Park) and Platja de la Rubina are more natural and less developed. La Rubina is known for being dog-friendly and having a naturist section, and is good for kitesurfing. Can Comes is very protected, with limited services and access to preserve its natural state.

Platja de Empuriabrava

Playa de Can Comes

Playa de la Rubina

How do the beaches in Empuriabrava compare to those in nearby Roses?

Both Empuriabrava and Roses offer long, sandy, family-friendly main beaches with plenty of services. Empuriabrava's main beach is exceptionally wide and backed by its unique canal system. Roses has a long promenade and also features a series of smaller coves (calas) towards Cap de Creus, in addition to its main beach. The choice might depend on whether you prefer Empuriabrava's specific layout or the variety offered by Roses.

Platja de Empuriabrava

Are there many watersports available at Empuriabrava beaches?

Yes, Empuriabrava is a popular spot for watersports. You can find options for sailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding at the main beach. Platja de la Rubina is particularly renowned for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to favorable wind conditions.

Playa de la Rubina

What's the general vibe of the beach scene in Empuriabrava? Is it more party-oriented or relaxed?

The vibe at Platja d'Empuriabrava during summer is lively and family-oriented, with plenty of activity and amenities. It's generally relaxed rather than a heavy party scene, though beach bars can be busy. For a quieter, more natural vibe, beaches like La Rubina or Can Comes offer a more tranquil experience.