Best beaches in Sant Antoni de Calonge: from the promenade to hidden coves

Sant Antoni de Calonge starts with one very obvious beach: a long sweep of sand beside the promenade. But the coastline becomes much more varied as you move west towards Torre Valentina, Roques Planes and the rocky sections in the direction of Cap Roig. That means you can have a completely straightforward family beach day or a smaller-cove experience without changing holiday base. We would use the main beach for convenience and save the western end for mornings when scenery and a little walking matter more than having every facility immediately behind the towel.

The main beach is the easy all-rounder

The broad beach in front of Sant Antoni is the simplest choice when you want a full day without logistical effort. The promenade runs directly behind it, so coffee, lunch and an evening walk fit naturally around swimming. Families like the fact that nobody needs to carry everything down a rocky path, and mixed groups can split up without using the car. It is not a hidden cove, and in July and August it can be busy, but that accessibility is exactly why it works. Arrive earlier for a calmer start and use the promenade again once the strongest heat has passed.

Torre Valentina is where the coast changes character

At the western end of the bay, Torre Valentina marks the point where the long sandy shoreline starts giving way to rockier scenery. It is a useful landmark and a natural place to begin a shorter coastal walk. You can still stay close to Sant Antoni, but the views become much more recognisably Costa Brava. If you are travelling with children and want to know how far to push the walk, our Sant Antoni family guide explains how we would balance the beach, promenade and a little exploration.

Roques Planes is about landscape rather than beach facilities

Roques Planes is not the place we would recommend to somebody who wants a wide strip of sand, sunbeds and easy access with a pushchair. The attraction is the unusual flat rock formations, clear water and the feeling of being on a much rougher piece of coastline only a short distance from the promenade. Wear footwear that grips well and take more care around the water than on the main beach. For confident swimmers and older children who enjoy exploring, it can be a memorable contrast to a normal day on the sand.

Continue towards Cap Roig when walking is part of the plan

Beyond the immediate Torre Valentina area, the Camí de Ronda links a series of rocky coves and viewpoints in the direction of Cap Roig. Treat this as a coastal walk with swimming opportunities rather than a search for one perfect beach. In summer the exposed sections become hot quickly, so an early start makes a big difference. Our Camí de Ronda from Sant Antoni guide gives the route more space and explains where we would turn around depending on the group and the temperature.

Choose by convenience, not by ranking

For toddlers or a day when everybody is tired, the main beach wins easily. For a short scenic outing, start around Torre Valentina. If rocks, snorkelling and a sense of discovery appeal more than facilities, Roques Planes is the stronger choice. The nice thing about Sant Antoni is that none of these options requires a completely different holiday day. You can begin with breakfast on the promenade, explore a rockier section of coast and still be back at the same waterfront for a late lunch. That variety is one of the reasons the area works well for a full week.