Insights

Early bird - looking forward to summer 2026 by the sea

Scenic view of a turquoise bay with boats, surrounded by lush green hills and rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky.

Summer along the Mediterranean is made up of blue bays, gentle sea breezes and long, warm evenings.

Date posted: 14 November 2025, 4:30pm

Article length: 6 minutes

Follow coastal paths to hidden coves, as boats glide between beaches, and warm nights end in lively squares. For a seaside holiday in 2026, consider Spain's Costa Brava or Mallorca. Each destination combines beautiful beaches, culture, adventure, and peaceful evenings, ideal for sharing special moments.

A festive gathering by a harbor with people in white attire, a decorated boat, and colorful flags, set against a backdrop of buildings and trees.

A lively coastal festival featuring a traditional boat in Costa Brava.

Coastal paths, coves, and Catalan culture on the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is more than just sunny beaches: picture dramatic coves beneath rugged cliffs, medieval towns, and natural parks. Try walking the Camins de Ronda; the walk from Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc is an easy start, shaded by pine trees with steps leading down to clear water for swimming. If you want a bit more excitement, visit L’Estartit and join a guided jet-ski tour through Montgrí Natural Park. You’ll pass the Medes Islands and discover hidden coves near Begur, all without needing a licence.

Keen to try something new? The bay near Roses is a great place to begin kitesurfing. Local schools such as Kitecostabrava offer small-group beginner sessions that last one to four days, teaching you the basics of wind and kite control so you can learn safely and confidently. For a relaxed family activity, take a ride on the Nautilus glass-bottomed boat to see the Medes marine reserve come alive beneath your feet, or cool off at Aqua Brava’s wave pools and slides after a morning at the beach.

Take a break from the coast and explore Girona, where you can walk along medieval walls and enjoy coffee in a quiet square, then head to Figueres for the Dalí Theatre‑Museum if surrealism is on your list. When the heat eases, point the car towards Cap de Creus for wind‑carved rock and horizon‑wide views. Along the coast, enjoy long lunches with simple seafood by the water or creative dishes in Cadaqués, then end your day with a slow drive home through the fragrant coastal roads at sunset.

A scenic coastal view with turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and several sailboats near a lush, tree-covered hill.

Boats in a turquoise cove on the Costa Brava.

Secret calas and island heritage in Mallorca

Mallorca is an island of contrasts. It offers everything from sweeping beaches to hidden calas nestled beneath cliffs. Start your morning with a sunrise kayak around Cala Sant Vicenç, gliding over glassy water to a chorus of cicadas and the gentle dip of paddles. As the breeze picks up, head for the sheltered bays of Alcúdia and Pollença, where you can enjoy a kitesurfing lesson with welcoming local instructors. Next, slip below the surface on the south-west or east coasts to dive among reefs and the odd wreck, spotting barracuda shoals and the occasional sea turtle. For a different perspective, greet the sunrise from a hot-air balloon or follow the sunset, raising a toast above the island. As the day warms up, explore the chambers of the Caves of Artà. Climbers can then head for Sa Gubia or Fraguel, or try coasteering and psicobloc right above the water. Finally, save time for Formentor, where pale-turquoise water invites long swims, and sunset washes the headland in pink.

Alternatively, dedicate a full afternoon to the island’s north. Climb the walls of Alcúdia, wander Pollença’s stone lanes and quiet courtyards, and, if the mountains call, ride the vintage tram between Sóller and Port de Sóller before a shaded stroll along the Tramuntana. Pause for a relaxed beachfront lunch at Patiki Beach, then take the scenic route back via Deià or Valldemossa, where Es Taller pairs gentle music with refined, seasonal plates. Then continue to Playa de Muro or heading inland to Inca, where Ca n’Ignasi serves hearty Mallorcan dishes to share.

Rocky cliffs overlooking a calm sea at sunset, with a flock of birds flying across a colorful sky of pink, orange, and purple hues.

Sunset over Mediterranean cliffs and calm sea in Mallorca.

When to Visit and Planning Tips

Beach season runs from late May to late September. July and August are the busiest months, and the sea is often warmest in late August and September. If you’re on the Costa Brava or in Mallorca, having a car gives you access to secluded coves, charming villages, and natural parks. Book popular activities early, such as boat trips, snorkelling or diving around the Medes Islands or Mallorca’s northern coast, kitesurfing lessons, winery visits, and restaurant terraces, especially in August or during festivals. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, light water shoes for rocky beaches, and a rash vest for frequent swims. Be mindful of local winds, such as the Tramuntana on the Costa Brava. Respect the sea by anchoring only in permitted areas and following local marine reserve guidelines.

If you want help planning your holiday, Emerald Stay can match your dates, preferences, and group size to the perfect villa or apartment. Their team can arrange everything from private skippers and restaurant reservations with sea views to guided walks along scenic coastal paths you’ll remember long after your holiday ends.