AIGUABLAVA

Aiguablava Summary

Aiguablava is for many people the Costa Brava`s most perfect spot, where the cliffs reach down into a turquoise bay backed by a beach of gently shelving sand. It was here in 1908 that Ferran Agullo first coined the term Costa Brava. Although Aiguablava (its name means `blue water` in Catalan) has been `discovered` and villas are creeping up the hillsides, this remains a good place to experience the Costa Brava as it was before mass tourism took over in the more southern resorts.

Aiguablava villas

Haven On Earth have a good selection of villas with private pools in Aiguablava as well as apartments in smart developments such as Cap Rubi and Los Oliveres. The villas we have in Aiguablava range from 2 bedrooms up 6 bedrooms. We have very smart modern villas offering a contemporary feel to your holiday in this area and for those looking for more of a traditional experience we have older villas which do tend to be better value for those who don’t mind a bit of rustic feel.

Aiguablava beaches

Platja Fonda: Platja Fonda can be reached via the coastal footpath from Fornells. The beach is approximately 130m long and has coarse, dark sand and is quite low down in comparison to the path meaning that it can be reached by a long set of steps. The beach remains unspoilt and wild thanks to its access.

Platja de Fornells: Fornells is well known for its small harbour and can be easily reached from Begur by road and also by the coastal path that runs between Aiguablava and Fornells. Fornells enjoys favourable weather conditions making it a pleasant holiday location. The original beauty and charm of Fornells has not been lost despite it becoming more residencial. Fornells is also a great place for fishing. At each side of Fornells are two small coves of `Ses Orats` and `Can Malaret`.

"Three miles to the north, the triple whammy of Aiguablava, Fornells and Platja Fonda will spark a best-beach debate..." Extract from `The Perfect Spanish Costa` by Chris Haslam from The Times  January 13, 2008

Platja d`Aiguablava: Aiguablava is for many people the Costa Brava`s most perfect spot, where the cliffs reach down into a turquoise bay backed by a beach of gently shelving sand. The beach offers fine light-coloured sand and beautiful shallow waters – a perfect setting for any holiday maker. The beach of Aiguablava is easily reached by road with good parking facilities. The beach is one of the most popular beaches not only in Begur, but the whole of Catalonia. Over the years many artists and writers have depicted this wonderful location in their works.

 "Aiguablava: The setting here — a sunset-pink rocky inlet where little boats ride on Smartie-coloured buoys against an amphitheatre of green hills — is Mediterranean perfection." Extract from `The wilder side of the Costa Brava` by David Wickers from The Times, June 26, 2005

Aiguablava history

Aiguablava seems immune to change -- probably why it is still among our preferred destinations on the Costa Brava. As we approach, we pass through lush vegetation and catch glimpses here and there of resplendent, well-hidden private houses dotting the hills. At times the ascent from the waterfront is so steep that construction is virtually impossible; and yet the government-sponsored Parador de Aiguablava crowns one of the highest rocky crags. The hotel, modern and spare in style and well over 30 years old, takes a back seat to the vertiginous views. The hotel pool, at the edge of the precipice, is perfectly situated. In the evening, lights sparkle from the houses in the surrounding hills, and we briefly contemplate staying put. But we can`t resist exploring nearby small villages on their own coves: Tamari, Aigua Xelida, Sa Tuna, Aiguafreda, and Llafranc, where the simple but immaculate little Hotel Llafranc sits along the tree-shaded seaside promenade

When we returned to the Costa Brava in October, we checked into Mas de Torrent, a few miles inland from Aiguablava. The hotel was at the vanguard of a wave of small deluxe hotels sprouting in Spain. An 18th-century masia (Catalonian manor house) in the countryside, exquisitely refurbished, the hotel is ideally situated to take advantage of both the coast and the rural interior. While here we direct our attention inward, visiting beautifully preserved medieval towns like Peratallada, with cobbled streets, covered passageways and an 11th-century castle (now a deluxe hotel with eight guest rooms), and Pals, former fief of feudal lords that was rediscovered by city folk who have splendidly restored the houses as weekend retreats. We are especially charmed by the isolated town of Monells and its singular Plaza Mayor, from which multiarched porticoed streets, tunnel-like passageways and alleyways emerge at odd angles.