Sa Riera: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The fishing village of Sa Riera, located between Palagrugell and Begur on the Costa Brava, is situated in a sheltered, quiet bay. It frames a green cliff coast. If you want to actively explore your holiday destination, the coastal hiking trail to Aiguafreda is recommended.
Table of contents
Sa Riera - Must-see attractions
Sa Riera Beach
Pine trees line the Sa Riera beach. Nearby, there are some restaurants and shops. The beach is approximately 200 m long and 50 m wide. The golden-yellow sand and the shallow shore make it a dream beach for families. At Sa Riera beach, you will find perfect infrastructure: there is a parking lot, sanitary facilities, and ramps for people with limited mobility. The nautical club offers various opportunities for water sports. You can reach other beaches via a hiking trail.
Medes Islands
About 1.6 km off the beach of L'Estartit lie the seven rocky islands, which have been part of the Montgrí Natural Park since 1990. Divers and snorkelers can discover colorful coral reefs and mysterious underwater caves here, where fish, crabs, starfish, or moray eels abound. The highlight for divers is the Dolphin Cave, which houses an underground air bubble. If you prefer to explore the marine world of the Medes Islands on dry land, you can join one of the glass-bottom boat excursions. These are organized by some providers on the beach.
Rocky Cove
Cala Pedrosa is located about 2 km from the small community of Tamariu on the Costa Brava in Spain. The natural bay can be reached either by boat or via a popular circular hiking trail from Tamariu. The entire region impresses with lush nature, many small dream bays, and beautiful beaches, such as the popular Playa Sa Riera. In the unspoiled bay of Cala Pedrosa, there is also a small restaurant offering delicious meals.
Medieval village Begur with castle
Begur sits on a hill above the town. From afar, you can see the defense towers up to 12 meters high, which were built in the Middle Ages for protection against pirates. The Casa Indianos in Caribbean colonial style come from returning conquerors. The climb up the castle hill is worth it for the breathtaking view of the sea alone. The view extends to the Illes Medes. Previously, there was an impressive castle here, which today can only be recognized in ruins.
Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery
The monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes is situated in a stunning landscape on a hill near the small coastal town of El Port de la Selva. You can reach the monumental complex via a winding road. The monastery church, monk cells, and a dining hall are open for visits. Also worth seeing are the cloister and the bell tower of the monastery, which is considered a popular pilgrimage destination. The Camino Catalán, the route of the Way of St. James through Catalonia, runs along the Romanesque complex. Above the monastery, the ruins of the medieval Castell de Verdera tower.
Viewpoint of the cross
The Mirador de la Creu offers a magnificent view over the cliffs of the Costa Brava and the Mediterranean Sea. You can see the beaches of Illa Roja and Pals. In addition to hiking, it is possible to reach by car. Those who let their gaze wander over the horizon from the Mirador de la Creu can recognize the center of Begur as well as the Punta des Plom. In the hinterland, the mountains of Montgrí rise, covered with enchanting pines.
Sa Riera - Secret spots
Black people wander
Southeast of Sa Riera, the Ses Negres marine reserve stretches along the Catalonian coast. It is a wonderful hiking area for those seeking tranquility. The spectacular rugged cliffs of Ses Negres plunge steeply into the sea, captivating you with the power of nature and offering many fantastic photo opportunities.
Mines of Bernat
Anyone who travels about 4 km inland from Sa Riera on the Catalan coast will discover the Bernat mines. These mines were used for the extraction of kaolinite until the 1950s. The white mineral gives the place the nickname of white mines. Long rock corridors run through the interior of the mines.
Birdwatching in the Les Basses d'en Coll Nature Reserve
Nature lovers are drawn to Les Basses d'en Coll around La Siera during their vacation. This nature reserve extends with its lagoon and expansive dunes, wetlands, and rice fields in the coastal hinterland. Here, you are in the perfect place to observe flamingos, hawks, red-crested pochards, and many other birds on a hike.
Medieval town center of Pals
During a vacation in Sa Riera, a trip to the small village of Pals in the hinterland is worthwhile. With its medieval town center, it is considered one of the architectural gems of Catalonia. It's best to let yourself be leisurely carried through the old alleys with their typically Mediterranean and closely packed stone houses.
Sa Riera - In 3 days
Day 1
Anyone traveling to Sa Riera on the Spanish Costa Brava is primarily looking for one thing: relaxation on the beach. The paths to the coast are never far in the small town, so you can spread your towel on the golden-yellow sandy beach and sunbathe right after your arrival. The turquoise-blue water not only invites you to swim but also offers a picturesque photo opportunity with the anchored boats and the lushly vegetated cliffs on both sides of the beach. During a short walk along the 200-meter-long Platja de Sa Riera, you will also discover the fishermen's huts converted into holiday homes, which still remind you of the tradition of the old fishing village. In the afternoon, you can take a hike along the coastal path Rocas Valery past rugged rock formations to the secluded Platja de l'Illa Roja. Or you can walk even further to the long and sparsely developed sandy beach of de Pals.
Day 2
On the second day in Sa Riera, you should take the opportunity to explore the charming neighboring village of Begur, which is just a short bus or car ride away. Here, you can stroll through picturesque alleys, browse small shops, and spend lunchtime in one of the cozy cafés. Also, visit the ruins of Begur Castle from the 16th century, from which you have an impressive view of the surroundings. In the afternoon, you can take a trip to the nearby coves and beaches. Cala Aiguablava and Cala Fornells are particularly recommended. Enjoy the crystal-clear water and relax on the beach – or hike along the coast up to the Mirador del Puig de sa Guàrdia viewpoint, which offers you a breathtaking view over the many small coves of the Costa Brava. To end the day, you can dine in Begur and try seafood, paella, and Catalan specialties.
Day 3
The Montanyes de Begur invites you to another hiking area nearby, leading you out into nature. The little-used paths take you to rarely visited bathing coves and past the typical Mediterranean vegetation of pines and green shrubs. The many viewpoints offer you one last panoramic view of the coast. In the afternoon, a short detour takes you to the Ses Negres marine reserve, below the cliffs of Aiguafreda and Sa Tuna. Here you can explore the underwater world while diving or snorkeling, or simply enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. Afterwards, you return to Sa Riera and still have some time to sunbathe or try water sports like kayaking. You spend your farewell evening with a romantic dinner right on the beach. Enjoy the sea breeze and let yourself be enchanted by the special atmosphere as you relax and conclude your vacation.