Is Begur Spain Worth Visiting in 2026? Travel Guide + Tips

Is Begur Spain Worth Visiting
Splendidly Spain Disclosure

Are you planning a trip to Costa Brava and wondering if Begur is worth visiting? You’re in the right place!

I live in Barcelona and recently spent some time in Begur, and it ended up being one of my favorite spots along the coast.

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what Begur is like, the best things to do, where to stay, and a few tips to help you plan your visit.

From hidden coves and scenic viewpoints to its hilltop castle and nearby beaches, there’s a lot to love in this small town.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide if Begur is worth adding to your Spain itinerary.

Is Begur Spain Worth Visiting?

Yes, Begur Spain is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a quaint coastal escape near Barcelona. 

I chose it for a quick birthday getaway and ended up loving how cute and relaxed it felt. 

But, it’s important to know that Begur isn’t directly on the coast. It sits on a hilltop about a 10-minute drive from the beach, so while you do get beautiful views, you won’t be steps from the water.

It’s also much easier to explore with a car since the best beaches and coves are spread out along the Costa Brava. 

I took the bus from Barcelona and made it work, but getting back up from Sa Tuna was a 50-minute completely uphill hike, so I ended up taking a taxi. 

There’s not a ton to do in the town itself, so it’s best visited in the warmer months when you can fully enjoy the nearby beaches and swimming spots.

Elevated panoramic view of Begur coastline with hills houses and a wide bay
Charming pedestrian street in Begur Spain with warm toned buildings and brick paving under bright sunlight
Narrow alley in Begur Spain framed by pastel colored buildings and cobblestone path

What is Begur Like?

Begur is a small hilltop town overlooking the sea, with views that stretch out over the Costa Brava coastline. 

The town center is pretty compact and very walkable, filled with stone buildings, cute boutiques, local restaurants, and historic towers around nearly every corner. 

One of the most unique things about Begur is its “Indianos” houses, which were built by locals who returned wealthy from the Americas. 

You can also walk up to the Begur Castle ruins above town. It’s not much to see up close, but the views are what make it worth it. 

Overall, Begur makes a really great base if you want to explore nearby beaches and coves along the Costa Brava.

Stone towers and historic street in Begur Spain with directional signs and warm sunlight on the buildings

Reasons to Visit Begur Spain

Here are the top reasons to visit Begur Spain:

  1. Charming Hilltop Town: Begur’s elevated setting gives you beautiful coastal views, and the town itself is full of stone buildings, quiet streets, and a laid-back feel.
  2. Easy Access to Costa Brava Beaches: While Begur isn’t directly on the coast, you’re just a short drive from some of the most beautiful coves and beaches in Costa Brava, like Sa Tuna and Aiguablava.
  3. Beautiful Small Town Atmosphere: The town center is compact and walkable, with cute boutiques, local restaurants, and historic details around every corner.
  4. Unique Indianos Houses: One of the most interesting things about Begur is its colorful mansions that were built by locals who returned wealthy from the Americas.
  5. Castle Views: The ruins of Begur Castle sit above the town and are worth the short walk up for the panoramic views over the coastline.
  6. Great Base for Exploring: Begur works really well as a base if you want to explore more of Costa Brava, especially if you have a car.
  7. Less Crowded: Compared to more popular beach towns, Begur feels quieter and more relaxed, especially outside of peak summer weekends.
  8. Perfect for a Quick Getaway: It’s easy to get there from Barcelona, whether you want to go for a day trip or for an extended stay.
  9. Great in the Summer: The nearby beaches and coves are perfect for swimming, which makes it an especially good destination during the warmer months.
  10. Boutique Hotels: Begur has a great selection of small, boutique-style hotels that feel more like bed and breakfasts than large resorts. Places like La Bionda Begur offer a more personal and design-focused stay.
Historic stone building with a round tower in Begur Spain surrounding a small open plaza

Where is Begur Spain?

Begur is located in northeastern Spain, about 1.5 to 2 hours north of Barcelona in the Catalonia region. 

It sits along the Costa Brava, a stretch of coastline known for its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and clear turquoise water. 

Begur is also a good middle point along the Costa Brava, which makes it a really great base for exploring nearby beach towns and scenic coastal spots.

Narrow stone staircase in Begur Spain leading uphill between textured walls and sunlit homes

How to Get to Begur Spain

Here are the best ways to get to Begur Spain:

Drive to Begur

The easiest way to get to Begur is by renting a car and driving from Barcelona, which takes about 1.5 hours. 

This is the best option since many of the beaches and coves along the Costa Brava aren’t easy to reach by public transportation. 

Take the Bus to Begur

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can take the Moventis bus from Barcelona (this is what I did). It takes around 2.5 hours and drops you off right in the town center. 

Tickets can be booked on the Moventis website or through Omio.

There are currently no direct train options to Begur.

Moventis bus parked at Estació de Nord in Barcelona with passengers waiting under a covered platform

Best Time to Visit Begur

The best time to visit Begur is during the summer months when you can fully enjoy the beaches, swim in the coves, and take advantage of everything Costa Brava is known for. 

It is peak season, so you can expect more people, but this is when the area really comes to life.

Now, the off season can still be a good time to visit, and Begur is actually one of the better towns in Costa Brava for this since more shops and restaurants stay open compared to smaller beach spots. 

I visited in March and enjoyed walking around the town, but I did feel a bit limited in things to do without the beach experience. 

If you want the full Costa Brava experience, summer is definitely the best time to go.

Sandy beach at Sa Tuna in Begur Spain with turquoise waves beside a rocky cliff and seaside houses

Best Things to Do in Begur Spain

If you’re wondering what to do in Begur, here are some of the top activities:

  • Explore the Old Town: The town center of Begur is small and easy to walk, with lots of stone buildings, boutique shops, and local restaurants. You’ll also notice old defense towers scattered throughout, which definitely gives it a bit more character than your typical beach town.

  • Visit Begur Castle: You can walk up to the Begur Castle ruins above town for panoramic views over the coastline. There’s not much to see at the top itself, but the views are what make it worth it.

  • Relax at Sa Tuna Beach: This is one of the most popular coves near Begur, with clear water and a really pretty setting. I had lunch at Hostal Restaurant Sa Tuna and the food was fantastic.

  • Check out Aiguablava: Aiguablava is another beautiful beach nearby with turquoise water that’s great for swimming, especially during the summer months.

  • Visit Sa Riera Beach: Sa Riera is one of the largest beaches near Begur, with a wider stretch of sand and a more open feel compared to the smaller coves. It’s a good option if you want more space and easier access.

  • Go to Platja Fonda: Platja Fonda is a quieter, more secluded beach with turquoise water and darker and more pebbly sand. It’s a bit less crowded than some of the other spots with a unique entry from stairs.

  • Admire the Indianos Houses: Look out for the colorful mansions built by locals who returned wealthy from the Americas.  You typically can’t go inside them, but there are small plaques outside where you can learn more about the owners and their history.

  • Walk part of the Camí de Ronda: If you’re up for it, hike along sections of this coastal path that connects different beaches along the coast.
Seaside houses and beach at Sa Tuna in Begur with waves along the shore

Where to Stay in Begur Spain

If you’re wondering where to stay in Begur Spain, here are a few recommendations:

  • La Bionda Begur: This is where I stayed and I absolutely loved it! It’s the cutest boutique hotel and pretty much the reason I wanted to go to Begur.  It has only 8 rooms, each with a beautifully curated design, and my room even had a copper bath tub!

  • Hotel Aiguaclara: Set in a former colonial palace, this family-run boutique hotel has a lot of charm with its individually-decorated guestrooms.

  • Finca Victoria: This design-forward boutique hotel has a peaceful, elevated feel just outside of town and a really nice pool. As part of Design Hotels, it has beautiful interiors and is a great option if you want something quieter but still close to Begur and the beaches.

  • Alta House Begur: This centrally-located hotel has a more modern design, along with a sun terrace and outdoor swimming pool.
Cozy bedroom at La Bionda in Begur Spain with a large bed wooden shelving and sunlight streaming through balcony doors
Vintage style bathroom at La Bionda Begur with a copper bathtub wooden paneling and a portrait above
Sunny guestroom terrace at La Bionda Begur with metal chairs small table and potted plants overlooking greenery

Tips for Visiting Begur Spain

Follow these travel tips to make the most of your Begur trip:

  • Rent a car for more flexibility: Renting a car gives you way more flexibility to explore the beaches and smaller coves around Begur, which are harder to reach by public transportation. It makes a big difference if you want to see more of the Costa Brava.

  • Check out the Indianos houses: The Indianos houses are one of the most unique things to see in Begur. They were built by locals who returned from the Americas and are interesting to learn about.

  • Have lunch at Sa Tuna: Having lunch at Sa Tuna is a great way to enjoy the coastal setting, especially if you can grab a table near the water. I ate at Hostal Restaurant Sa Tuna and it was such a nice, relaxed spot right by the beach.

  • Consider taxis if you don’t have a car: Definitely consider taking taxis if you’re not renting a car, especially for getting back up to town from the beach. I believe there’s only one taxi service in Begur, so it’s best to ask your hotel for the contact info ahead of time.

  • Visit in the summer months for the full experience: Visiting in the summer months gives you the full Begur experience since you can actually swim, enjoy the beaches, and spend more time along the coast. In the off season, it’s still nice but a bit more limited.

  • Bring water shoes: I’d recommend packing water shoes if you plan to hit the beach.  There’s a mix of sandy and rocky beaches near Begur, and even the sandy beaches can feel kind of coarse.
Scenic viewpoint from Begur Castle with a blue telescope overlooking the coastline and sea

Visiting Begur Spain: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Begur Spain:

Can you walk from Begur to the beach?

Yes, you can walk to beaches like Sa Tuna, but it’s about a 45 to 50 minute downhill walk and the return is a steep uphill climb. It’s recommended to take a taxi back.

Is Begur walkable?

The town center is small and very walkable, but getting to nearby beaches and other areas is much easier with a car.

What is Begur Spain known for?

Begur is known for its hilltop setting, nearby Costa Brava coves, historic castle views, and its unique Indianos houses.

Do you need to rent a car in Begur?

You don’t have to, but renting a car makes it much easier to explore the beaches and surrounding areas along the Costa Brava.

How many days do you need in Begur?

If you’re only visiting Begur, 1-2 nights is enough.  But if you use it as a base for exploring more of Costa Brava, you could easily stay for several days.

Is Begur worth a day trip from Barcelona?

Yes, Begur is one of the best day trips from Barcelona if you don’t have time to spend the night.  It’s faster to go by car but it can also be reached by taking the bus.

Quiet street in Begur Spain lined with rustic stone buildings and a pink historic building under a clear blue sky

Final Thoughts: Is Begur Worth Visiting?

I hope this guide has helped you decide if Begur is worth visiting and what to expect when planning your trip!

Overall, I think Begur is definitely worth it if you’re looking for a cute, laid-back coastal town with easy access to some of the best beaches in Costa Brava. 

Just keep in mind that it’s a hilltop town, so you’re not directly on the beach, and renting a car will make your experience a lot easier. 

While there isn’t a ton to do in the town itself, it makes a really great base for exploring nearby coves, scenic viewpoints, and coastal spots. 

And if you visit in the summer, you’ll get the full experience with swimming, beach days, and a more lively atmosphere.

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