Where to stay in Costa Brava: Best areas and hotels + Map

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Where to stay in Costa Brava

Let’s dive into the best places to stay along the Costa Brava. These are:

• Roses.
• Cadaqués.
• Calella de Palafrugell.
• Tossa de Mar.
• Blanes.
• Peratallada.
• Begur.

Below, I’ll share more about what makes each of these towns a fantastic choice for your stay. Plus, I’ll recommend several hotels catering to different budgets, so you can find the perfect fit for your trip.

1. Roses, near incredible beaches

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 Montmar. A 3-star hotel in the town center offering double and family rooms, some with private balconies. Breakfast features local products.
• $$: Hotel Mediterraneo. Located 180 meters from the beach, this 3-star hotel offers a garden, two outdoor pools, a wellness center, a bar, and a restaurant. In summer, guests can enjoy live shows. Double and triple rooms are available.
• $$$: 1935 Hotel Boutique by Terraza. This charming 4-star hotel provides double rooms in various tiers and one- or two-bedroom apartments, all with private terraces. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, private parking, and complimentary bicycles. Breakfast is made with local products.

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 hotel 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 hotels in Costa Brava.

More hotels in Cadaqués:

• $: Vehí. A simple yet well-maintained 2-star hotel with excellent reviews. Located in the town center, it offers single, double, and triple rooms. There is a bar on-site, and breakfast is available.
• $$: Tramuntana. An adults-only hotel featuring tasteful and harmonious decor. Centrally located, it offers standard and superior double rooms. Guests can enjoy breakfast and relax in the common lounge.
• $$$: Hotel Sol Ixent. This is an adults-only 3-star hotel located on the outskirts of Roses, near the coast. It offers double rooms, some with partial sea views. Amenities include an outdoor pool, free parking, a bar, and breakfast service.

3. Calella de Palafrugell, a picturesque village in Costa Brava

One of the best places to stay in Costa Brava is Calella de Palafrugell, a beautiful town with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, small coves, and a magical atmosphere.

This picturesque town, located in the Baix Empordà region, has just over 20,000 residents. Fun fact: It’s the place that inspired Joan Manuel Serrat to write his iconic song Mediterráneo. Without a doubt, Calella de Palafrugell is one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia.

While you’re there, make sure to visit Playa d’en Calau, Playa Port Pelegrí, or Playa Canadell. Don’t miss Port Bo, the town’s charming maritime district.

A bit further from the center, you’ll find the Castle of Cap Roig, a must-see. Right next to the castle is El Golfet Cove, a peaceful and beautiful spot. You can also take a scenic walk along the Camino de Ronda to the neighboring village of Llafranc—a lovely experience!

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. A 3-star hotel located just outside the center of Calella. It offers double and family rooms, as well as bungalows and studios. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a bar-restaurant, free private parking, and breakfast service.
• $$: Hotel Port-Bo. This 3-star hotel is centrally located and features double and family rooms, along with apartments for larger groups. Guests can enjoy a pool, a restaurant, and breakfast service.
• $$$: Hotel Alga. A 4-star hotel in Calella de Palafrugell offering double and family rooms. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar with a terrace, a paddle tennis court, a games room, a gym, and private parking.

4. Tossa de Mar, where to stay in Costa Brava surrounded by history

Tossa de Mar is one of the most beautiful villages of the Costa Brava and a great option to stay. This town has a great historical heritage, which you can discover walking through Vila Vella, the only fortified medieval town on the Costa Brava. It is full of cobbled 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.

Near Tossa de Mar, you can also consider staying in Platja d’Aro.

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. A 2-star hotel in the heart of Tossa de Mar. It offers double and family rooms with balconies, and a delicious breakfast is served each morning.
• $$: Hotel Windsor. A 3-star hotel for guests over the age of 16, located in the center of Tossa. It features an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by hammocks, a bar, a restaurant, private parking, and breakfast service. Choose from double, triple, or family rooms.
• $$$: Mamma Mia Boutique Hotel. An adults-only boutique hotel with a charming terrace and bar. All rooms come with balconies, and a tasty breakfast is available.
• $$$$: Boutique Hotel Casa Granados. A 4-star hotel housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion. It boasts a stunning garden with a swimming pool, a terrace with breathtaking views, a bar-cafeteria, and a restaurant. Double rooms and suites, all elegantly decorated, are available.

5. Blanes, the best area to stay in Costa Brava 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 hotel 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. A beachfront hotel offering studios and apartments, all with balconies and sea views. There is also an on-site restaurant.
• $: Hotel Beverly Park & Spa. A 4-star hotel located on the outskirts of Llanes, very close to the beach. It offers double, triple rooms, and suites. Facilities include an outdoor pool, a spa, a gym, a children’s play area, a bar, and a restaurant. Breakfast is served.
• $$$: Nature Tree House. A unique hotel located in the countryside near Blanes, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Guests can stay in wooden cabins and enjoy the garden with a pool. The hotel also offers free private parking, breakfast service, and complimentary bicycle rentals.

6. 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.

Near Peratallada, further along the coast, you will find the village of Pals, one of the most beautiful in the area, so be sure to visit it!

Recommend hotels in Peratallada

My recommendation is Hostal Blau. It is a charming hotel 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:

• $$: Turisme Rural Ca L’Anguila. A charming hotel situated on the outskirts of Peratallada. It features a garden, a patio, and a lounge for common use, all within an idyllic natural setting perfect for rest and relaxation. The hotel offers double and triple rooms and serves an excellent breakfast.
• $$: Hotel Aatu – Adults Only. A 4-star adults-only hotel located on the town’s outskirts. It offers double rooms, triple rooms, and suites. The property boasts a lovely garden with a swimming pool, a bar, a common lounge, and free private parking. Breakfast is included.
• $$$: Mas Valoria. A stunning hotel also located on the outskirts of the town. Guests will love its charming décor, beautiful surroundings, and lovely garden with a swimming pool. The property also includes a common lounge, a terrace, private parking, and breakfast service.

7. Begur, great area 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:

• $$: Hotel Galena Mas Comangau. Beautiful hotel located in a country house of the XVIII century. They have double rooms of different categories, some with views and others with terraces, but all very cozy. There is a terrace, bar, and restaurant. There is also private parking and breakfast service.
• $$$: Alta House Begur. This 3-star hotel in the center of Begur offers double and triple rooms, some with terraces. There’s also an outdoor pool, bar, breakfast, and a terrace with lovely views.
• $$$: La Indiana de Begur. Charming boutique hotel in the historic center of Begur. It has a lounge for common use, a beautiful terrace, a bar, and free private parking. Breakfast is served and looks very good.

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.

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!