Our Visit
Contributor Review – Adriana Miranda
Local Expert. Visited 2024
Even though Cala Estreta is quite well-known, having been featured in several magazines as one of the best beaches on the northern Catalan coast, its remote location keeps it from being completely overrun by tourists and locals (most of the time). July and especially August are the busiest periods for holidaymakers at Costa Brava, so we expect every beach to be crowded!
Cala Estreta is frequented by a vast variety of people: families making a day trip with their coolers and all sorts of water games and toys, free diving and snorkeling lovers, the classic group of teenagers, naturists, and couples who arrive by kayak for a quick dip from nearby beaches. It’s a very chill and welcoming vibe, and we love that nudism is completely optional, so anyone can come along! The best time to visit Cala Estreta is probably May (although it’s still a bit cold), June, and September. We always visit in July or August, which are the most popular months—just know it might get cozy with less space on the sand. The beach is about 100m long and narrow (Cala Estreta means Narrow Cove) and is actually formed by two coves shaped like a “3.” The second cove is where most of the nudist people are. The clear water is a beautiful green-turquoise, and in summer it’s between 21 and 23°C, which is quite cool for some but super refreshing. We absolutely love the coarse sand as it doesn’t stick to you, and you can spend a good amount of time sifting through it and finding tiny little shells. The surrounding pines, cliffs, and rocks make it a classic Mediterranean landscape, and they’re great for shade too! As it’s quite secluded, make sure you bring food and drinks and be aware that there are no toilets nearby! There are two different ways to walk to Cala Estreta. You can park at Castell Beach in Palamos and walk about 20 minutes, or walk from Cap Roig in Calella, which takes 30-40 minutes (7km). We usually walk from Calella, and it’s a beautiful hike but also quite hot! The good thing is that there are other coves you can stop at during the walk if you don’t mind the stairs you need to use for every cove. There’s also the option to arrive straight at Cala Estreta’s stairs by taxi or biking. Our favorite way to arrive is by kayak. If you decide to go that route, keep in mind the wind, as depending on how it blows, it might make the trip back hard. There are also guided kayak tours if you don’t feel comfortable going by yourself. We recommend taking your goggles if you decide to visit Cala Estreta and bringing water shoes if you’re scared of sea urchins or have delicate feet. For those who like to take it easy in the mornings, even though in summer the sun goes down at 9:30 pm, it disappears around 4-5 pm from this beach. If you’re exploring nude beaches in Spain, Cala Estreta is a must-visit for its unique charm and natural beauty. Questions? Comments? Add your thoughts or photos below!
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Getting There
Cala Estreta is located between the coastal towns of Palamos and Calella de Palafrugell. . The beach is approximately 7 km from both towns. From Castell Beach in Palamos, it's a scenic 20-minute walk, while from Cap Roig in Calella de Palafrugell, it’s a slightly longer and more challenging 30-40 minute hike.
By Car:
For those traveling by car, you have a couple of options to reach Cala Estreta:
From Castell Beach in Palamos: Park at Castell Beach and enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk to Cala Estreta. The walk is relatively easy, following a well-marked path that offers beautiful views along the way, making it a great option for a leisurely hike.
From Cap Roig in Calella de Palafrugell: For a slightly longer and more challenging hike, park at Cap Roig. The walk takes about 30-40 minutes (approximately 7 km) and involves some stairs and uneven terrain. This route is well worth the effort as you’ll pass by several other coves, providing plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning coastline.
By Public Transport:
Cala Estreta can also be accessed via public transport, though it involves a combination of bus travel and walking:
By Bus and Walking: Take a bus to either Palamos or Calella de Palafrugell, and from there, follow the walking routes mentioned above. This method allows you to enjoy the local scenery and get some exercise along the way.
By Kayak:
One of our favorite ways to reach Cala Estreta is by kayak. You can rent a kayak from nearby beaches and paddle your way to Cala Estreta. Keep in mind the wind conditions, as they can make the return trip challenging.
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