Best Costa Brava sunrise and sunset spots [Amazing Photography]

What is the best Costa Brava sunrise? Discover my personal choices! 11 top locations to discover the Catalan coast and take amazing photos

La Costa Brava is one of the best coastlines in Europe and (in my opinion) in the world. The Catalan Mediterranean coast is one of the most beautiful areas in Spain, vary famous among French, Dutch, German, and British tourists.

During the high season, it is almost impossible to find a place without tourists. Not only international ones but also people from all over Spain spend their summer holidays in la Costa Brava. As someone born and raised in the area, I can’t be impartial, but the photos in this article speak for themselves. One of the best landscapes in Spain!

However, la Costa Brava is mostly oriented towards the southeast of the Mediterranean Sea. This means that the sun always rises from the sea, and usually sets in the land. Unlike other areas in Spain such as the Northern Coast, the best views of the day happen at sunrise. Nonetheless, La Costa Brava is amazing, and all the locations below can be enjoyed both at sunrise and sunset.

These are the best Costa Brava sunrise and sunset spots!

Cap de Creus

The Cap de Creus Natural Park is a unique place and in my opinion the most magical spot on this list. Every list of what to visit in la costa Brava, Catalunya or even Spain features it. This peninsula is almost at the French border with Spain, and it is the place where the Pyrenees die and merge with the Mediterranean sea.

Sunrises at Cap de Creus can be very romantic. Follow the directions to the Cap de Creus Lighthouse, and once you arrive there, enjoy the silence and sea sounds. This area can be very windy, with winds up to 100km/h or more, so be careful, as paths can be rocky. Although this is not an area famous for its cliffs, better be safe than sorry.

During the summer months, access to the area can be restricted at certain times of the day, as the area can get really crowded. Nonetheless, if you get up early you should be able to get to the lighthouse itself.

After the sunrise, consider visiting the nearby Partage de Tudela. Located at 2km (25-30 minutes walking) it is a quite famous area, as Salvador Dalí, the world-famous painter used to visit the area. He identified some rocks with animal-like shapes, like a camel or an eagle. It is a great place to wander and enjoy the first light of the day.

Cala dels Frares

This cove is a quite unknown location among tourists and an almost safe bet for a quiet and solo sunrise. In fact, I have a full article where I describe how to get there and the two main areas of this rocky beach.

It is very close to Lloret de Mar, however, but it is not a very common swimming location. Due to the rocks and the lack of a proper beach area, it is a place that some people skip. Like other areas listed here, this beach has almost zero artificial light. Thus, make sure you have a torch to illuminate your way to the beach if you get there before sunrise.

The distinctive element of this beach is the rocks that are scattered here and there. Despite being a rocky coastline, it is not usual to find these shapes in la Costa Brava.

Cala de Cap Roig

This is one of the most common sunrise spots for photographers in la Costa Brava. Between Palamós and Platja d’Aro, there is this beautiful beach with a characteristic rock that divides it in two. I have a detailed guide about how to get there and the best tips to visit it is available on my website.

Unlike other locations, it is quite likely to find a handful of people there at sunrise. There are some apartments near the beach and someone might feel like watching the sunrise by the beach. Nonetheless, it is worth sharing the place. If the sky gets on fire, the view is worth waking up at 4:30 (like it did!).

If you are in the Cala Cap Roig area don’t leave without walking the section between Palamós and Platja d’Aro. More than 10 coves in a 2h hike by the sea!

Aiguamolls de l’Empordà

Not all sunrise or sunset spots in la Costa Brava are beaches or coves. Els Aiguamolls de l’Empordà is a wetland area famous for its wildlife and beauty. It is also a well-known bird sighting location, and together with el Delta de l’Ebre (south of Catalonia), are two of my favourite wetlands area.

There are 2 possibilities when visiting els Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. There is the main parking, the one that after sunrise you will have to pay to get in. However, there is also a backdoor option. Look for Mas del Matà on Google, and you will find my “secret” parking. I saved you some time, just click here. Be careful during the summer months. It is a non-supervised area, and unfortunately, there have been some robbery reports. I would recommend you to park on the official spot if it is your first time there.

Within the Park area, there is a route that connects both parking lots. If you get there early, it is likely to see Fallow Deers (dama dama), and many birds. Even if it is not at sunrise, Els Aiguamolls de l’Empordà are a perfect one day trip in the Girona and Costa Brava area!

Cala es Xuclador

If you are in Platja d’Aro and you want to witness a unique sunrise, get to Cala es Xuclador. This tiny cove is located between the Cala sa Cova and Cala Rovira, at the beginning of the so-called “camí de ronda” that connects Platja d’Aro and Palamós.

I love this cove because of its location and shape. During April/May, the sun rises at the perfect spot, just at the centre of the view. However, it is a fantastic sunrise (and even sunset) spot, no matter the season.

Sant Pere de Rodes

This is the second non-beach sunrise spot on this list, and one of the best viewpoints in la Costa Brava. Sant Pere de Rodes is an old monastery famous for its location. It is situated at the edge of a mountain, overlooking the northern Costa Brava. The road up there is a bit curvy, with plenty of u-turns, but the view is so worth it.

It is possible to visit the monastery, as well as hike to an old castle, an abandoned village from the medieval era and even see a prehistoric menhir. More information, links for tickets and much more on my dedicated article about Sant Pere de Rodes!

Cala Canyets

The first time I went to see the sunrise at Cala Canyets, I fell in love with it. However, the place that is depicted below, is not exactly Cala Canyets. On the right side of the beach, there is a small path that goes to the “path to nowhere”. As you can see below, there are the remains of an old walkway or docks area.

Getting to Cala Canyets can be a bit difficult if you don’t have a car. Oh, and be ready for a quite curvy road. If you drive there in the dark, be careful with boars, rabbits and other fauna.

However, I can’t think of a better place to see the sunrise or sunset by la Costa Brava than sitting there with your feet in the warm Mediterranean seawater.

Cala Salionç

This cove is close to Cala Canyets. In fact, you need to take the same curvy road, and the landscape is very similar. However, what made me include this location here is the beautiful rock formation depicted in the image below.

Be careful, Cala Canyets is in an area that only those living there can access with a car. I left it by the road and walked around 20 minutes to get to the beach. Few people know about this place. Compared to other beaches and coves it might not be the most beautiful one, but I really enjoyed the sunrise from there.

Cala Pal de Paller

Pal de Paller means haystack pole in Catalan. This cove has a rock formation that looks very much like a haystack pole. Its location might sound familiar to you, as it is also in the area between Palamós and Platja d’Aro, and it can be accessed either by the so-called “camí de ronda” (more info here) or by any of the accesses located at the Treumal urbanization (exact location here).

This is a calm place to see the sunrise or sunset in la Costa Brava, close to some of its largest touristic hubs and easy to access. What else can you ask for?

Cala s’Aguia

If easy-to-access coves are not your cup of tea, then Cala s’Aguia will be your favourite sunrise or sunset Costa Brava spot. This cove is located between Lloret de Mar and Blanes, but in order to get there you will need to park your car near the “Jardí Botànic Tropical Paratge Pinya de Rosa”, and from there find a road that quickly becomes a narrow path that gets to Cala s’Aguia.

This is probably the best sunset spot on this list and a more adventurous location. Nonetheless, everyone can get there. Just be sure to check google maps, to identify the path that I mention above. if you have any doubts feel free to reach out on Instagram! (@aniolvisuals).

Not feeling adventurous? Then check the last Costa Brava sunrise spot, Blanes.

Blanes

As one of the main touristic destinations of la Costa Brava, Blanes is a quite nice sunrise or sunset spot. The island in the middle of the bay, Sa Palomera, is really photogenic. However, beware, it is a massified place during summer.

At sunrise, you will find not only tourists enjoying the sunrise, but also those that spend the whole night partying. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful beach, less rocky and larger than other ones.

Those are some of the best sunrise and sunset locations at la Costa Brava. If you want to see more of my work in La Costa Brava, or any other of my trips, visit my Instagram (@aniolvisuals)! Find more Costa Brava and Catalonia travel guides below!