Llafranc Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Cala Llafranc
Llafranc is the most spacious anchorage in the Begur cluster — a wide sandy bay with a pleasant resort village, proper street grid, and better facilities than its smaller neighbours. Less dramatic than Tamariu or Aiguablava but practical for larger boats and for provisioning. The bay's width means it absorbs summer crowds better. The lighthouse on the Punta del Far headland at the N end provides a good orientation landmark and is reached by a pleasant cliff walk.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
41°53.6'N 003°11.9'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand, Posidonia patches
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NW, W, NE
Exposed To
S, SE, E
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m for wider bay at 3–8m. More swinging room than Tamariu — 80m adequate in settled conditions.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreePosidonia Alert — Critical
Posidonia oceanica meadows are present in this anchorage. Before dropping anchor, use the free DONIA app to identify sandy patches. Anchoring on Posidonia is prohibited under EU law and Spanish Law 42/2007 — fines up to €200,000 in the Javea/Costa Brava region. Yellowish-green patches visible from the surface indicate Posidonia — do not anchor there.
The Anchorage
Anchor in 3–6m in the central sandy area of the wide bay. More space than Tamariu and Aiguablava — good for larger boats. Sandy patches are numerous and the Posidonia coverage is lighter than the southern Costa Brava bays. Open to S/SE — the wide bay entrance means SE swell runs in freely.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Llafranc is primarily sand and Posidonia patches with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds.
- Snorkel to verify Posidonia-free hold. Visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand.
Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna, Delta.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Llafranc are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m for wider bay at 3–8m. More swinging room than Tamariu — 80m adequate in settled conditions.
May–October. Better capacity management than nearby bays in peak season.
Navigation Hazards
- Open SE bay — SE Garbi sea breeze builds afternoon chop
- Posidonia in parts — lighter than S Costa Brava but use DONIA app
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. Swimming zone exclusion Jul–Aug in front of beach.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Llafranc village (0nm)
- Restaurant: Multiple restaurants. Small supermarket in village.
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Good choice for larger boats (13m+) when Tamariu is too small.
- The cliff walk to the lighthouse (30 min return) is excellent — views of the entire Begur coastline.
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions can change. Always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and the DONIA app for Posidonia mapping before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Llafranc
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius.
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