A Postcard-Perfect Cove on Our Doorstep

Some beaches you have to drive an hour to find. Cala Sa Boadella isn't one of them. This stunning little cove, tucked between pine-covered cliffs and lapped by the clearest turquoise water you'll see on the Costa Brava, is just a 10-minute walk from our penthouse in Fenals.

It's the kind of place that makes guests stop mid-stride the first time they see it. The deep blue Mediterranean, the green pines hanging over the sand, the sound of cicadas in the trees — it feels far more remote than it actually is. And because it's a small cove rather than a big resort beach, the atmosphere is calm, quiet, and wonderfully family-friendly.

If you're already dreaming of holidays where the most strenuous part of your day is choosing between the beach and the pool, our family penthouse in Fenals is built for exactly that.

Getting There from the Penthouse

The walk to Sa Boadella is genuinely one of the most beautiful short strolls on the Costa Brava. From the penthouse, you head down to Fenals Beach and follow the cliffside coastal path (Cami de Ronda) south. The path is paved, well-signposted, and lined with pines and scenic viewpoints over the sea.

• Walking time: about 10 minutes from the penthouse door
• Distance: roughly 700 metres
• Difficulty: easy, mostly flat with a few gentle steps down to the cove
• Pushchair access: the upper coastal path is fine, but the final descent has stone steps — a baby carrier works best for little ones

On the way you'll pass right by the Jardines de Santa Clotilde, so it's easy to combine a beach morning with a garden visit (more on that below).

What Makes Sa Boadella So Special

The Water

The water at Sa Boadella is what people picture when they hear "Costa Brava". Clear, calm, and shifting between turquoise and deep blue depending on the depth. The cove is sheltered by cliffs on both sides, which means waves are almost always gentle — even on breezier days when bigger beaches get choppy.

The seabed slopes gradually for the first few metres, which is reassuring for parents of confident young swimmers. Beyond that, the depth drops off, so it's also lovely for adults who want a proper swim.

The Setting

Sa Boadella feels wilder than the main beaches in Lloret de Mar. Aleppo pines lean out over the sand, providing patches of natural shade — a real luxury on hot summer afternoons. The cliffs on either side are dotted with the kind of dramatic rock formations that kids love to explore (carefully).

The sand is a mix of fine grain and small pebbles near the shoreline. Water shoes are useful for the first metre of entry, especially for sensitive little feet.

The Atmosphere

This is a relaxed, Mediterranean cove — not a party beach. You'll hear families chatting, kids splashing, and the occasional swimmer ordering a drink from the small beach bar. No loud music, no jet skis, no chaos. It's the kind of beach where time slows down.

Good to know: Sa Boadella has a long-standing tradition as a "clothing-optional" beach at its southern end. The northern half (closest to the access path) is where most families gather, with everyone in normal swimwear. It's a calm, respectful atmosphere and not at all an issue for families who stick to the main area.

Perfect for Families: Why Kids Love It

• Calm, shallow entry — ideal for children getting confident in the sea
• Rock pools to explore at the edges of the cove (low tide is best — bring a little net)
• Snorkelling in the clear water — even close to shore you'll spot small fish darting around the rocks
• Natural shade from the pine trees for setting up base with toddlers
• Small enough to keep an eye on everyone — no wandering off to a beach the length of a football pitch

Pro tip: Pack a cheap pair of snorkel masks (you can buy them at any supermarket in Lloret). Kids who normally complain about beaches turn into little marine biologists the moment they can see the underwater world.

Practical Information

Facilities

• Beach bar (chiringuito): open in summer, serving cold drinks, ice creams, simple snacks and sandwiches
• Sunbed and umbrella rental: available in peak season for a small daily fee
• Toilets: basic facilities near the beach bar
• Showers: outdoor freshwater showers for rinsing off sand and salt
• Lifeguard: seasonal lifeguard service during summer months
• Wifi / phone signal: generally good — reception is solid across the cove

Opening and Best Times

Sa Boadella is a public beach with no entry fee and no closing time, but the most pleasant hours are:

• Early morning (before 11am): quiet, soft light, perfect for a peaceful swim
• Late afternoon (after 4pm): the worst of the sun is gone, the water is at its warmest, and the cliffs cast lovely shade

In July and August the cove can get full by midday, so arrive early to claim your favourite spot under the pines.

What to Pack

• High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+ for kids — reapply every 2 hours)
• Sun hats and rash vests for prolonged sea time
• Water shoes for rocky entry
• A small picnic — the beach bar is good for snacks but limited for full meals
• Plenty of water
• A book — you'll want to stay longer than planned

Combine It with the Santa Clotilde Gardens

One of the joys of Sa Boadella is that it sits right below the Jardines de Santa Clotilde, the beautiful clifftop botanical gardens we've written about here. A perfect family morning looks like this:

1. 9:30am — walk from the penthouse to the gardens
2. 10:00am — explore the gardens for an hour or so while it's still cool
3. 11:30am — head down the path to Sa Boadella for a swim
4. 1:00pm — lunch under the pines (or back home for siesta)

It's one of those quietly magical mornings that costs almost nothing and gives the kids stories to tell for years.

Why We Send Almost Every Guest to Sa Boadella

There are bigger beaches on the Costa Brava. There are beaches with more facilities, more restaurants, and more action. But for sheer beauty, calm water, and that "we found a secret place" feeling, Sa Boadella is hard to beat — especially when it's just 10 minutes from your front door.

After a morning of swimming, snorkelling, and pine-scented siestas on the sand, there's nothing better than walking back up the coastal path to your family penthouse in Fenals. A cool shower, lunch on the terrace, and the kids tired out in the best possible way. That's Costa Brava family holiday life — and Sa Boadella is one of the best reasons to come and live it.