Sa Forcanera cove, a hidden spot at the gates of Costa Brava

More than a century ago, the journalist Ferran Agulló wrote in La Veu de Catalunya ‘Oh, our Costa Brava, without equal in the world’. It was 1908 and it was the first time someone used that term to refer to the Catalan coastline that stretches from Blanes to the French border at Portbou. Its abrupt shapes, with the increase in tourism in the 60s, ended up giving the name to this area of Catalonia. Among its 214 kilometers of extension hide a multitude of small. One of them, free from the overcrowding of others, is the Sa Forcanera cove, a perfect place to take a dip in summer.

The keys of Sa Forcanera cove

Located between Santa Anna beach and Sant Francesc cove, Sa Forcanera cove is at the foot of the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, in the municipality of Blanes, known for being the ‘gateway to the Costa Brava’.

Blanes

Municipality of Blanes, gateway to Costa Brava. | Shutterstock

This rocky cove is also small and quiet. However, its calmness has a trick, as it is only accessible by sea. But this need not be a problem. If you can not go by boat, you can rent a kayak or canoe from the port of Blanes, just one kilometer away, and reach the small beach. By land, it is also possible to access through a private road, but this is, logically, closed to the public.

Although far from being overcrowded or being the typical beach, it should be noted that in the waters of Sa Forcanera there are usually some boats moored. Therefore, be careful with maritime traffic. In addition, more and more curious people come to visit this enclave by canoe, as everyone wants to get to know it.

Places near Sa Forcanera

The cove of Sa Forcanera is located at the foot of the cliff that supports the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, the best Mediterranean botanical garden in Europe. Built in 1950 by Karl Faust on the slopes of the mountain of San Juan, the complex has more than 4,000 plant species, most of them exotic, spread over three spaces. From its entrails, it is possible to contemplate spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the small cove of Sa Forcanera can also be seen. One option could be to visit this work of art and then dive into the waters of the sea to which it pays homage.

Marimurtra Garden

Linnaeus temple in the Marimurtra Garden. | Shutterstock

For those who prefer an uncomplicated dip the cove of Sant Francesc and the beach of Santa Ana are good alternatives. Sant Francesc, also known as Bona cove, is located on the outskirts of Blanes. Thanks to the quality of its waters and the variety of its services this sandy beach receives year after year the blue flag. However, in summer you have to go knowing that it will be crowded, as it is a semi-urban beach. On the other hand, the small Santa Anna, located just behind the port of Blanes, is also a beach that can be accessed on foot or by car. Here it is common to practice scuba diving and in the summer its occupancy rate is, again, high.

Also, if you are going to visit these places, it is almost obligatory to stay for a walk around Blanes. The gateway to the Costa Brava is best known for the quality and beauty of its beaches, but it is also worth taking a stroll through its streets, dotted with elegant eighteenth-century houses with touches of Catalan Gothic style. At 150 meters above sea level, the castle San Juan stands as the ideal place to contemplate the landscape of Blanes. In addition, if the visit is at the end of June even better. On these dates takes place the International Fireworks Competition, a centuries-old tradition of the area.

Sa Forcanera cove

Sa Forcanera cove, in Blanes, | Shutterstock

All the charm of Costa Brava in a quiet environment

The waters and the location of this almost secret place have nothing to envy to other famous coves and beaches of the Costa Brava, such as Estreta or Rustella coves. However, its exclusive access makes Sa Forcanera a much more isolated enclave than others, a perfect place for rest and disconnection.


About the author