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A Costa Brava holiday definitely needs to consist of sand,
sea and sangria at some time during your vacation.
Choosing the months of May/June and then September/October
mean that the mad mayhem that occurs on the coast has
either not arrived or just departed, yet the weather is
still beautifully warm and sunny, allowing you to enjoy the
beach to its fullest.

Choosing the best beaches is a mine field in an area that
boasts a spectacular coastline, stretching from the French
border down to Barcelona, but searching for a Blue Flag
beach will ensure that you tick all the right boxes with
regard to standards.

Blue flag beaches in the Costa Brava abound which means
that the beaches pass the stringent tests to allow that
beach to be awarded the honour of a blue flag.

Things like water quality, cleanliness of the beach,
information and education of the ecosystems around the
coastline, adequate number of lifeguards and lifesaving
equipment must be on hand, first aid equipment must be
available on the beach and drinking water obtainable.

Only when 29 criteria have been complied with will the Blue
Flag be awarded and if at any time the criteria have not
been fulfilled the flag will be withdrawn. This guarantees
that you will be able to enjoy your time at the beach to
its fullest, safe in the knowledge that the little things
that make the difference have been taken care of before you
even step foot on the sands.

The Costa Brava coastline has the largest concentration of
Blue Flag beaches in Spain, a tremendous accolade which
tells you that the Costa Brava takes very seriously its
duties towards you the visitor.

Here then are three of the prettiest coves which have been
awarded the coveted Blue Flag. There are many more that
warrant further note, so watch out for more information on
other beaches on the spectacular coastline of the Costa
Brava.

Aigua Blava’s turquoise blue water washes gently across the
amarillo-yellow of the sand in this tiny inlet. Turned to
face away from the cliff faces, nature has protected this
special place from the ravages of the sea, allowing safe
bathing in a picturesque and tranquil setting.

Aigua Blava is the original hamlet in which the term,
“Costa Brava” was coined back at the advent of the 1950’s,
when interest in travel started to gain momentum. Colour,
light and breathtaking views draw people back year after
year. Coupled with friendly and attentive service at the
hotels and restaurants, you will be sure to enjoy a
wonderful Costa Brava holiday in this particular spot.

Tamariu is slightly bigger than Aigua Blava and a short
hike across the cliff tops if you would like a change of
scenery from Aigua Blava. This little cove opens out onto
the Mediterranean Sea like a flower, allowing the sandy
beach protection from the rugged rock faces that line the
inlet.

The small spit of sand is lined with restaurants, boutique
shops and whitewashed houses where elderly locals sit and
watch the world go by in their wicker chairs whilst the
restaurants ply their trade with their pavement tables and
sun brollies. Sitting in the sun, gaze at the traditional,
multi-coloured fishing boats pulled up onto the sand with
their distinctive lanterns waiting for nightfall to cast
their nets, bringing in the freshest sardines to serve at
the restaurants next day.

Fancy a bit of exercise? Then walk the Cami de Ronda, the
traditional coastline walk of sheep farmers and smugglers,
to discover hidden coves and caves. The route takes you
along the tree line towards Cala Pedrosa and onwards to
Llafranc.

If walking is not your thing, hiring a kayak or small
motorboat might be just the thing to find that pretty inlet
where you are the only person on the beach!

Llafranc is the largest of our featured Blue Flag beaches,
but is still small enough to retain an intimacy with its
stylish little port and crescent shaped sandy beach
stretching for some meters across the bay.

Here your children can play in safety with their buckets
and spades, whilst you enjoy the tranquillity and fine
cuisine on offer in the restaurants and hotels along the
promenade - the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner, to sit
back, relax and watch the evening passeig.

Which ever Blue Flag beach you choose on a Costa Brava
holiday you will be sure of a warm welcome and outstanding
natural beauty to please the eye. I invite you to use
these tips to make the most of your holiday on the Costa
Brava.

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And with your permission, I’d also like to offer you free
access to my short report, Costa Brava Holiday - What Else
Is There Apart From Sun, Sea and Sangria on a Costa Brava
Holiday? You can download it by going to
http://www.costa-brava-spain.com/shortreport.html
From Helen Palmer – The Exclusive Vacations Guide and Costa
Brava Spain