Cala dels Frares sunrise: Lloret de Mar best cove

Discover Cala dels Frares, one of Lloret’s hidden coves, and enjoy one of the rockiest Costa Brava Sunrise spots!

Lloret de Mar might be known as one of the main party destinations in la Costa Brava. However, Lloret is much more than its nightlife. As a Costa Brava lover, travel photographer and sunrise enthusiast, Lloret has one of my favourite sunrise locations in la Costa Brava. Cala dels Frares, also known as Cala Frares is a small cove with very characteristic rocky formations.

Last weekend I packed all my things and went on a sunrise photography mission. It had been some time since I had done a beach sunrise, and I wanted to test some new ND filters I got. However, you don’t need to be a photographer to enjoy this beach.

If you like sunrises, beautiful coves, and la Costa Brava, keep reading! This is how to get to Cala dels Frares and how to enjoy the sunrise from there!

How to get to Cala dels Frares?

Situated just next to Loret de Mar, in la Costa Brava, La Cala dels Frares is very easy to access. Despite being at a 5-minute walk from Lloret, once you are in the cove you feel like in a different world. Its characteristic rock formations, the silence and the natural beauty make it a magnificent sunrise spot.

Did you know that Frares mean Friars? Thus, the name of the cove would be Friars Cove. I bet this is because some rocks can look like people standing in the middle of the sea.

Despite other beaches, this one is not a paradisiac spot with sand and sun. It’s a more off the beaten track spot, and although you can perfectly swim there, I’d say it’s better for a sunrise or sunset rather than to spend a whole day sunbathing.

From Lloret de Mar

Getting to la Cala dels Frares is easy but requires a bit of explanation. If you are staying in Lloret de Mar, you don’t need to worry, just wake up early, and look in Google for “Cala dels Frares”, or click here. Follow the seaside walk, also known as “Camí de Ronda”, and eventually, you’ll reach the beach.

From outside of Lloret (car parking)

Do you want to enjoy the sunrise there but you are not staying in Lloret? No problem! If you’re coming from a nearby city, I strongly recommend going by car, as there is no public transport that early.

Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay to park the car as Parking Sa Caleta is the option close to the beach. This is the exact location of the parking.

Once you have parked your car, just follow the seaside walk that goes to the castle on the rocks, and after 5 minutes of walking, get the small path that ascends close to the castle.

PRO TIP: Google Maps might be misleading for the final steps. Once you’ve reached the end of the seaside walk, next to the castle, look for a small sign that says “Cala dels Frares”.

Sunrise spots in Cala dels Frares

Once in location, you will see why this is not a sunbathing option. There’s no sand, only rocks.

The cove can be divided into two areas, the one where you arrive, with a nice big rock standing into the sea, and the main cove area. This can be accessed by climbing towards the left side. It has no difficulty, just be careful with the waves, especially on a windy or stormy day. The main cove also has its characteristic rocks, which are a bit smaller but that create a fantastic view.

Best spot for photography

Looking for the best photo spot in Cala dels Frares? Well, the answer is that it depends. Both the first rocky area and the main cove have a nice view. However, the first one might be better for a vertical shot, whereas the second one favours a more horizontal composite. It is also possible to move between locations, of course!

Try to find different compositions with the rocks, the sun. Depending on the time of the year, the sun will rise from a different position. This can change completely the view, and it makes it worth it to visit the cove more than once.

Best spot to enjoy the sunrise

If you only want to enjoy the sunrise in a calm and beautiful cove, go to the beach area. Although it is quite rocky, it is more comfortable. Bring a towel, something to eat and admire the beauty of la Costa Brava.

A great plan would be to see the sunrise at Cala dels Frares and then hike a section of the so-called Camí de Ronda. You will not regret it, no matter the section (although this is my favourite one), it is the best way to discover la Costa Brava.

Do you have any questions regarding Cala dels Frares or la Costa Brava? Send me a DM on Instagram (@aniolvisuals) or ask via the contact form here. Check out more travel and Costa Brava and Catalunya content below!