Sa Tuna, Girona: the most picturesque cove on the Costa Brava
The Costa Brava hides corners that seem designed to stop time, and Sa Tuna, in Begur, is one of those places that can make you fall in love at first sight. Small, secluded and surrounded by white fishermen’s cottages, this cove has become one of the most picturesque and sought-after in Girona. Its charm lies both in its natural setting and in the authenticity it still retains: a corner where the sea, the rock and tradition blend in harmony.
Although getting there involves driving along winding roads, those who make the journey will discover a picture-postcard location. With its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere, Sa Tuna is ideal for spending a peaceful day, exploring the surroundings on foot along the coastal paths or simply enjoying the Mediterranean in its purest form.
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know for your visit: how to get there, where to park, what services you’ll find, what to do in the surrounding area and some practical tips to help you make the most of your day in this corner of the Costa Brava.
A canvas of Mediterranean colours
The first thing that strikes you when you set foot in Sa Tuna is the visual symphony that defines it. The old fishermen’s houses, with their immaculate white walls, cling to the shore as if they had emerged from the sea itself. Their doorways and windows, painted in vibrant shades of blue, green or red, are not just a touch of colour, but the signature of a tradition that refuses to disappear. The boats, beached on the shore like sleeping cetaceans, add a touch of melancholy and everyday life to this picture.
The cove itself is a gem, twenty-five metres wide and eighty metres long, a modest size that enhances its intimate character. Its surface is not fine sand, but gravel and pebbles, a detail that, far from being a drawback, sets it apart. This gives its waters a pristine transparency, a purity that invites you to dive in without reservation. Here, the Mediterranean does not crash loudly, but rocks with a tranquillity that seems hypnotic.
Where is Sa Tuna?
Sa Tuna is located in the municipality of Begur, in the province of Girona, on the famous Costa Brava. It is situated about five kilometres from the town centre, in a residential area that, although quiet, comes alive in the summer months. It is an environment protected by cliffs and rocks, making it a very sheltered spot, almost like a natural swimming pool in the heart of the Costa Brava.
How to get to Sa Tuna
Getting to Sa Tuna is relatively easy, despite the bends in the road. It can be reached by car, and there is a pay car park nearby. However, a word of advice from an old hand: in summer, if you don’t arrive early, the fight for a space is a Herculean task. The other option, and the most rewarding for adventure lovers, is to walk along the Camino de Ronda. This path, which winds along the cliffs, offers breathtaking views and connects Sa Tuna with neighbouring coves such as Aiguafreda and Sa Riera, revealing the endless beauty of the coastline. We break it down for you below:
By car
From the centre of Begur, it takes no more than ten minutes to reach Sa Tuna by car. The road is well paved and signposted, although it is narrow and winding, which can slow down the journey in high season.
Parking
There is a pay car park at the cove itself. In summer it tends to fill up quickly, so it is advisable to arrive early if you don’t want to drive around looking for a space or park a long way away. In low season, access is much easier.
On foot
If you enjoy walking, another fantastic option is to reach Sa Tuna via the Camino de Ronda coastal path. There are two main routes:
- From Sa Riera, with steep sections and breathtaking views.
- From Aiguafreda, a shorter route that runs along the sea.
Both routes are an experience in themselves and allow you to enjoy the landscape of cliffs, rocks and small hidden coves.
Characteristics of the cove
- Length: 80 metres
- Width: 25 metres
- Type of ground: stones and gravel
- Surroundings: residential with fishermen’s houses
- Access: on foot, by car and, in summer, also by public transport
- Atmosphere: family-friendly, peaceful and picturesque
Although it is not a fine sandy beach, the transparency of the water and the Mediterranean atmosphere more than make up for it. We recommend wearing water shoes or booties to enter the sea comfortably.
Services available
Once at the cove, the services are designed to make the experience complete without losing any of its rustic charm. There are showers and public toilets, as well as disabled access, proving that beauty is not at odds with inclusivity. There are no ephemeral beach bars with loud music or sun lounger and parasol hire; here, the catering options are concentrated in a few restaurants on the beachfront, where fresh fish and seafood take centre stage, served with views that are the best of starters. It is a place for quiet enjoyment, not for mass tourism. Despite its small size, Sa Tuna is quite well equipped:
- Showers and public toilets
- Lifeguards in high season
- Access for people with reduced mobility (ramp and amphibious crutches)
- Nearby car park (paid in summer)
- Restaurants and bars on the beach
What you won’t find here are sun loungers or parasols for hire, so it’s a good idea to bring what you need if you want to spend several hours in the sun.
What to do in Sa Tuna
Sa Tuna is a starting point, not a final destination. Its charm is multiplied when you venture out to explore its surroundings:
Explore Cala s’Eixugador
Just to the right of the cove, the Camino de Ronda leads you to a place that is Begur’s best-kept secret: Cala S’Eixugador. This spot, which can only be reached on foot or by boat, is a sanctuary of tranquillity, an unspoilt space that seems untouched by the passage of time. The path is somewhat winding, but the reward is a wild cove of breathtaking beauty. It is the perfect place for those seeking total disconnection and pure contact with nature.
Walking the Camino de Ronda
The Camino de Ronda connects Sa Tuna with other nearby coves, such as Aiguafreda and Sa Riera. These paths run along the coastline between cliffs and offer spectacular views. If you like photography, here you will find unforgettable views of the Mediterranean.
Water activities
For sea lovers, the waters of Sa Tuna are a paradise. Their tranquillity and transparency make them an ideal place for snorkelling and diving. Beneath the surface, marine life thrives, offering a spectacle of colours and shapes. If the sea is calm enough, taking a kayak, paddle surfboard or small boat will allow you to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast from a unique perspective, feeling the pulse of the Mediterranean with every stroke. It is one of the best ways to appreciate the protection that the rocks offer to this small cove.
Gastronomy and surroundings
Although there are restaurants, bringing your own food and drink for a picnic can be an excellent idea, especially if you want to get away from the busiest areas. Likewise, on the beachfront you will find several restaurants specialising in fresh fish and seafood, ideal for recharging your batteries after a day of sun and sea. Eating on a terrace facing the boats and white houses is an experience that completes the visit. In addition, the town of Begur itself offers excellent gastronomy and leisure options, with establishments to suit all tastes and budgets.
Where to stay in Sa Tuna
For those who want to enjoy the cove beyond a simple day visit, the best option is to sleep right on the beach. On the seafront, we find the Hotel Sa Tuna, a small, cosy accommodation with Mediterranean charm. Its greatest attraction is its unbeatable location, with rooms that look directly out to sea and the possibility of walking down to the beach in just a few steps.
If you want to experience Sa Tuna to the fullest, wake up to the sound of the waves and enjoy the calm of this unique corner, staying at the Hotel Sa Tuna is undoubtedly the perfect choice.
Practical tips for your visit
To get the most out of your visit, there are a few practical recommendations to keep in mind. Firstly, parking: punctuality is key, especially in high season. Arriving before the sun is at its highest will save you a headache.
Secondly, footwear. As the beach is pebbly, it is essential to wear water shoes or water boots to avoid discomfort when entering and leaving the water. For those who dare to walk the Camino de Ronda, comfortable hiking boots are essential. The beauty of the trail makes up for it, but the terrain can be uneven.
- Arrive early in summer if you want to find parking nearby.
- Wear comfortable footwear if you are going to walk the Camino de Ronda.
- Wear water shoes to enter the sea, as the bottom is rocky.
- Bring water and light snacks if you prefer not to rely on restaurants.
- Don’t forget your camera: the white houses with colourful doorways, the fishing boats and the Mediterranean landscape offer perfect photo opportunities.
Nearby coves and beaches
The Costa Brava is full of spectacular spots, and near Sa Tuna you’ll find several gems that are well worth visiting:
- Sa Riera Beach: wide, quiet and perfect for families.
- Illa Roja Beach: famous for the large reddish rock that dominates the landscape.
- Cala Aiguafreda: small and secluded, with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling.
Sa Tuna: an experience that will stay with you
On the Costa Brava, each cove has its own personality, its own history. Sa Tuna, with its unmistakable image of white houses and winding access, is a reflection of a past that refuses to die. It is a place that welcomes you without artifice, with the honesty of stone and the transparency of water. It is not a beach with golden sand and endless services; it is an invitation to pause, contemplate and connect with nature in its purest form.
Eighty metres long and twenty-five metres wide, Sa Tuna encapsulates the essence of Begur: serene beauty, seafaring tradition and nature that reveals itself without complexes. It is a cove that leaves a mark, not only on your memory, but also on your soul, reminding you that the best discoveries are often hidden at the end of the most winding paths.
As a final tip, here are a number of products that will come in handy on your getaway to Sa Tuna so you can go fully prepared:
- Hiking shoes
- Snorkel set
- Compact microfibre towel
- Waterproof sun cream
- Polarised sunglasses
- Non-slip flip flops
- Anti-theft backpack
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