Staying in Calonge gives you a different way to choose a beach. Because the town sits slightly inland, you are not automatically tied to the strip of sand in front of your accommodation. Sant Antoni is the easiest option, Torre Valentina and Roques Planes add a rockier Costa Brava feel, while La Fosca and Platja de Castell near Palamós give you two very different days farther north. The driving distances are short enough that the best beach can change according to wind, parking, children and how much walking you feel like doing that morning.
Sant Antoni for a straightforward day by the sea
Sant Antoni is the natural first choice from Calonge. The long beach, flat promenade and easy access make it ideal when the group wants swimming without complications. Food, drinks and an evening walk are all simple to add, so the beach can fill either two hours or the entire day. Families with young children often appreciate this option most because there is no difficult approach and the promenade remains useful after everyone leaves the sand. If you want to understand the coastline in more detail, our Sant Antoni beach guide compares the main beach with the smaller rocky sections.
Torre Valentina and Roques Planes when scenery matters
Drive or continue west towards Torre Valentina and the landscape changes quickly. The long sandy bay gives way to rocks, small inlets and the beginning of the Camí de Ronda. Roques Planes is memorable for its flat rock formations and clear water, but it is not a substitute for an easy sandy beach. We would choose this side with confident swimmers, older children or adults who enjoy exploring. Good footwear helps, and in high summer an early start makes the rocky coast far more comfortable.
La Fosca is the easy alternative near Palamós
North of Calonge, La Fosca gives you another family-friendly sandy bay but with a different atmosphere from Sant Antoni. It feels more enclosed and leads naturally towards S’Alguer if you want to walk a little after swimming. The drive is still short enough that it does not need to become a formal day trip. We like La Fosca on mornings when the group wants a proper beach but also enjoys the idea of lunch in Palamós or a harbour walk later in the day.
Platja de Castell for a more natural beach day
Continue beyond La Fosca and S’Alguer to reach Platja de Castell, where the urban coastline disappears behind fields and woodland. Castell is our choice when the setting matters more than having restaurants directly behind the beach. Bring what you need, leave time for a swim and consider walking a little farther if the weather is comfortable. Our Palamós beach guide explains how Castell connects with the other beaches north of town and when Cala Estreta is worth adding.
Choose the beach that suits that particular morning
With very young children, we would usually favour Sant Antoni or La Fosca. For scenery without a long walk, start around Torre Valentina. For a more natural setting, choose Castell. Calonge’s inland position is useful because none of these choices is a commitment for the whole week. Check the wind, heat and group energy over breakfast and then choose a direction. If that freedom is one of the reasons you are considering the area, our Calonge base guide explains how beach-hopping fits into a wider stay.
Stay in Calonge and choose the coast each day
Browse our holiday homes in Calonge or compare all Quality Renting properties.