Tamariu Reviewed
If you’ve ever dreamt of a place where the sea is impossibly blue, the sun seems to always shine, and your biggest worry is whether to have another glass of sangria or risk a third, then Tamariu, on the Costa Brava, might just be your paradise or your slightly chaotic daydream come true.
Tamariu is one of those tiny, almost-too-cute-to-be-true Spanish fishing villages that somehow avoided the giant tourist trap makeover. It’s like someone whispered to the town, “Stay quaint, stay charming, stay Instagrammable,” and everyone nodded in agreement. Unlike its flashier neighbours like Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar, Tamariu hasn’t been overrun by the kind of tourism that makes you question humanity and your life choices. Here, you’ll find narrow cobbled streets, little whitewashed houses, and seafood restaurants where the fish probably swam in the Mediterranean this morning and is on your plate tonight unless the chef took a detour for a siesta, which, honestly, is part of the charm. The beach itself is small, yes, but in a “cosy secret cove” way rather than “claustrophobic sardine tin” way. The sand is golden, the water crystal-clear, and the occasional local paddleboarder gives you that smug, effortless vibe you’ll definitely try to emulate, probably fail but at least you’ll look funny doing it. If sunbathing isn’t your thing, the surrounding cliffs offer hiking trails with views so ridiculously picturesque you might feel the sudden urge to text everyone you’ve ever met about it. Honestly, Tamariu could ruin normal beaches for you forever.
Eating and drinking here is an adventure disguised as a routine. Tapas bars abound, and you’ll likely spend an afternoon hopping between them, sampling patatas bravas, prawns, and more wine than is strictly necessary. Just embrace the fact that “just one glass” is a myth. If you’re feeling extra cultured or just very curious, you can try local specialities like suquet de peix, a fish stew that tastes like someone bottled the sea and added magic.
One thing that hits you immediately in Tamariu is that life moves at a pace that could generously be described as “leisurely.” If you’re the type who checks your phone every five minutes, be warned: this place will make you feel like your notifications are a distant memory from another life. It’s liberating, frustrating, and slightly terrifying all at once, but in a very Spanish way.
So yes, Tamariu is beautiful. Yes, the beaches are idyllic. Yes, the food and wine will make you question why you ever settled for anything less. But it’s not just a postcard; it’s a reality check that maybe life could be slower, funnier, and a lot more about enjoying the small stuff, even if that small stuff is just sitting on a cliff, staring at the horizon, and wondering why you ever thought email was important.
In short: Tamariu is tiny, charming, and completely capable of making you forget your city-smart, stressed-out self. And that, frankly, is worth the trip.
