Where to stay in Costa Brava
Ready to discover where to stay in Costa Brava? Let’s begin! By the way, if you are looking for an unforgettable stay, do not miss my selection of best boutique hotels in Costa Brava.
1. Roses
Roses is a town with approximately 20,000 residents situated in the Alt Empordà region, part of the department of Pyrénées-Orientales. It’s a great option for where to stay in Costa Brava due to its abundant hotel and dining options. Situated near the mountains, Roses boasts numerous beaches and coves, making it an ideal choice for visitors.
Within Roses, some places you can’t miss include the Citadel of Roses, the Visigothic Settlement of Puig Rom, the Trinity Castle, and, of course, strolling through the old town. Don’t miss out on a sunset cruise in Roses. In addition to numerous coves, within the town itself, there is a long beach divided into several independent sections where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Other popular beaches in Roses include Canyelles Petites and Almadraba Beach. If you’re looking for quieter coves, some of the best ones include Cala Murtra, Cala Montjoi, Cala Joncols, and Cala Rostella. Near Roses, you can visit the Natural Park of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà or the Natural Park of Cabo de Creus.
Recommended hotels in Costa Brava
I recommend the Vistabella Hotel. I stayed here with my family many years ago, and I only have good memories. The sea views are beautiful, the breakfast was amazing, and it has a private cove perfect for swimming or snorkeling. It’s a luxurious hotel and a bit pricey, but it’s worth the indulgence.
More hotels in Roses:
- $: Hotel Montmar.
- $$: Hotel Mediterraneo.
- $$$: 1935 Hotel Boutique by Terraza.
2. Cadaqués, the most beautiful town in Costa Brava
Cadaqués is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and a great option where to stay to visit the Costa Brava. In fact, whether or not you sleep in this charming village, I highly recommend stopping by.
There are many lovers of this corner of Girona, among them Salvador Dalí, who acquired a property in the town. Nowadays, it is a museum. If you would like to visit it, I warn you that it is necessary to buy tickets in advance on the foundation’s official website.
In Cadaqués, you can get lost in the narrow streets while discovering a town full of charm, walk along the promenade and delight yourself with the incredible views, and enjoy endless coves in the surroundings. Some of the best coves are Cala Guillola, Cala Jugadora, Sa Sabolla, Cala Culip, and Cala Bona. You can also connect with nature in places like the Natural Park of Cabo de Creus.
You can find out the best things to do in Cadaqués here.
Recommended hotels in Cadaqués
My recommendation is the Boutique Hotel Villa Gala, a place to disconnect and enjoy. It is a 4-star accommodation very close to the sea, with an outdoor pool and garden. All rooms have a terrace overlooking the sea and the village of Cadaqués. They have a bar and restaurant. It is one of the best boutique in Costa Brava.
More hotels in Cadaqués:
- $: Vehí.
- $$: Tramuntana.
- $$$: Hotel Sol Ixent.
3. Calella de Palafrugell, a picturesque village in Costa Brava.
Another great option is Calella de Palafrugell, a very picturesque village full of white houses, narrow streets, small coves, and a magical atmosphere. It is located in the region of Baix Empordà and has just over 20,000 inhabitants. As a curious fact, I will tell you that this town was the one that inspired Serrat to compose his legendary song “Mediterráneo.” Calella de Palafrugell is, without any doubt, one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia.
In the same town, you can enjoy the beach d’en Calau, the beach Port Pelegrí, or Canadell Beach. It is impossible to miss Port Bo, the maritime district of Calella de Palafrugell. I recommend visiting the Castle of Cap Roig, which is located a bit further away. Next to the castle is the cove of El Golfet, which is very nice. Another thing you can do is walk to Llafranc along the Camino de Ronda.
Recommended hotels in Calella
I recommend Hotel Sant Roc. It is located on a hill with incredible views of the sea and the town. Most rooms also have sea views. It has direct access to the beach and a panoramic restaurant. It is only 300 meters from the center of Calella.
More hotels in Calella de Palafrugell:
- $: Hotel Garbi.
- $$: Hotel Port-Bo.
- $$$: Hotel Alga.
4. Tossa de Mar, where to stay in Costa Brava surrounded by history.
Tossa de Mar is another of the most beautiful villages of the Costa Brava and a great option to stay. It has a great historical heritage, which you can discover by strolling through Vila Vella, the only fortified medieval town on the Costa Brava. It is full of cobblestone streets, walls and restaurants. Be sure to visit the Castle of Tossa de Mar.
Other places to see in this town are the Lighthouse of Tossa de Mar and the Parish of Sant Vicenc. As for the beaches, it has 2 urban beaches: Playa Grande and Playa Mar Menuda. If you prefer coves with more charm, you can go to Giverola cove or Futadera cove.
In addition, this option is ideal for those who like water activities, as there are several places where you can snorkel and dive. If you feel like it, you can do a beginner dive in Tossa de Mar.
Recommended hotels in Tossa de Mar
I recommend staying in Gran Hotel Reymar. Hotel with direct access to the Mar Menuda beach. It has an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, spa, tennis court, basketball court and views of Tossa de Mar and the castle. It is possible to book a room with full board.
More hotels in Tossa de Mar:
- $: Hotel Marblau Tossa.
- $$: Hotel Windsor.
- $$$: Mamma Mia Boutique Hotel.
- $$$$: Boutique Hotel Casa Granados.
5. Blanes, the best option for families
Blanes is located in the region of La Selva (Girona). It is the first village of this coast, that is why it is known as the Portal of the Costa Brava. It is a very popular tourist destination, especially among families. The wide variety of beaches, its relaxed atmosphere and the amount of entertainment options for children have made Blanes the perfect place to sleep in the Costa Brava if you are traveling with children.
Apart from strolling through the historic center and the promenade, do not miss the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, the tropical botanical garden Pinya de Rosa, the views from the Castle of Sant Joan, the Hermitage of Sant Joan and the islet Sa Palomera. As for the beaches, you can find Blanes beach and S’Abanell beach, two long beaches with calm waters where you can enjoy numerous activities.
Recommended hotels in Blanes
I recommend Hostal Sa Malica. It is a beachfront accommodation with restaurant, bar and terrace. It has rooms for up to 4 people as nice as the one you can see in the photo. Some have sea views and others overlook the village.
More hotels in Blanes:
- $: Apartaments El Sorrall.
- $$: Hotel Beverly Park & Spa.
- $$$: Nature Tree House.
Peratallada, a charming medieval village in Costa Brava
If you are looking to stay in a smaller and quieter village, I recommend Peratallada. It is one of the most charming medieval villages in Spain and a place that will make you travel back in time. It is a little further inland from the coast (less than 20 minutes drive) but still close to beaches and coves.
History, culture and exquisite gastronomy. All this awaits you in Peratallada. If you stay here or decide to visit this town during your trip to the Costa Brava, do not miss the Sant Esteve Church, the Plaza de Les Voltes, the Torre del Homenaje or the Portal de la Virgen.
Recommend hotels in Peratallada
My recommendation is Hostal Blau. It is a charming accommodation located in a family house of the fourteenth century. The decoration of the establishment is rustic and the rooms are decorated with wooden furniture. Breakfast is included and is prepared with fresh local food. Pets are allowed.
More hotels in Peratallada:
- $: Turisme Rural Ca L’Anguila.
- $$: Hotel Aatu – Adults Only.
- $$$: Mas Valoria.
7. Begur, where to stay in the Costa Brava.
Finally, I recommend Begur, a small town in the region of Baix Empordà with just over 4,000 inhabitants. What stands out most about this town is the incredible natural environment. In fact, near Begur are some of the best beaches and coves of the Costa Brava.
Some of these coves and beaches are Sa Rier, Aiguafreda, Sa Tuna, Fonda, Aiguafreda, Aiguablava or the incredible Illa Roja beach. Be sure to take a walk through the historic center, see the defense towers and visit the remains of Begur Castle.
Recommended hotels in Begur
I recommend staying in Hostal Sa Barraca. It is an adults-only hotel with beautiful sea views. Its attractive natural environment makes it an ideal place to rest and disconnect. All rooms have sea views.
More hotels in Begur:
- $$: Hotel Galena Mas Comangau.
- $$$: Alta House Begur.
- $$$$: La Indiana de Begur.
Map of where to stay in Costa Brava
I have created a map of the Costa Brava to help you choose a hotel.
You will see marked in red the main places to sleep in the Costa Brava (as well as places you should visit during your visit); marked in orange the different hotels I recommend (with their respective links to Booking); and, finally, marked in yellow, the best beaches of the Costa Brava and other places to see.
You can click on each of the boxes in the drop-down menu on the map to see the areas, hotels or places to visit. This will make it much easier for you to organize your trip and choose where you want to stay in the Costa Brava.
Don’t miss my Spain travel guide if you are visiting other areas of the country. Also, if you are visiting the capital of this province, you will like this post on things to do in Girona.
I hope this article about where to stay in the Costa Brava has been very useful for you to organize your trip to this beautiful corner of Catalonia. If you have any questions, I encourage you to leave a comment or write me an email, see you next time!
Photo Peratallada: Chechi Pe / CC BY-NC-ND
