The Costa Brava’s best beaches #1: Santa Cristina

Located a few minutes south of Lloret de Mar, there could hardly be a greater contrast between the beach here and the main beaches in Lloret. It is situated in a small cove below a hermitage that originally dates back to the 14th century and offers a spectacular view over the Mediterranean. In 1934 a cabinet meeting of the Catalan government was held in the square under the massive pine that still stands there.

At €7 for the day, many people may baulk at the price of the car park but it at least offers easy parking, which is more than you can say in many areas. You may not like the steepish path down to the beach either, nor the climb at the end fo the day.

Overlooking the beach is Hotel Santa Marta which, from around €200 per night in August for a double room for two, offers excellent value for the standard and location. The buffet lunch there is way overpriced at around €50+ per head with no drinks included, but a chiringuito next door offers great food at a much better price.

The beach is sandy and there are a number of rocks which make it okay for snorkelling, although it is not as good as snorkelling anywhere on the Cap de Creus. However, it is quite a gentle slope from the shore and so suitable for children or weaker swimmers.

What it does have is a feeling of exclusivity that is surprising to find so close to the concrete monolith of Lloret and is comfortable to spend the entire day without being jam packed towel to towel. The photo above is taken in late afternoon in mid-September, so it does get a little more crowded than that, but you never have the feeling of being so close that you could share a parasol. Also, getting into the beach is easy for anyone who likes to go in inch by inch rather than, like me, diving right in.

The main downside is probably the boat that brings in tourists from Lloret and elsewhere, although we haven’t been too troubled by them.

Tags: Beaches, Costa Brava beaches, Lloret de Mar, Santa Cristina, socialmedia, Tourism