The most beautiful hotels on the Costa Brava, Spain: sleeping from Girona to Cadaqués
Ah yes, Catalonia and the Costa Brava. Dramatic cliffs, hills covered in pencil pines and hidden coves such as Cala Macarelleta and Sa Tuna. There are picturesque fishing villages such as Cadaqués (where Dalí lived) and trendy beach club where locals eating paella. The northern beaches are wilder and cooler than the southern areas and if you go inland, you will come across those wonderfully typical authentic medieval villages. Where do you want to sit? We will tell you in our Substacks, but here at least your bed is made: The most beautiful hotels on the Costa Brava, Spain: sleeping from Girona to Cadaqués.
Further north, towards the French border, you arrive in Cadaqués: a picturesque village with a sheltered bay and still a (pretty) well-kept secret. The eccentric house that once belonged to Salvador Dalí, perched on the edge of nearby Port Lligat, is the most famous cultural attraction here.
At the end of Avinguda Víctor Rahola, between the olive trees, lies Villa Salvador, a new adults only boutique hotel with just 16 rooms on two floors – more a dream of a private home than a hotel. Airy white textiles, abstract art and local crafts everywhere.
The hotel terrace has a saltwater pool and sea views, while the casual-chic restaurant has a suquet (a Catalan bouillabaisse) that is so good you may ask for a second helping.
If, like us, you like to stay in a hotel where the restaurant is just as attractive and good as the bedrooms, you should definitely visit this region Mas Generós put on the agenda, a sustainable adults only eco hotel in Fonteta, about 20 kilometers from Girona. A rural hotel and all peace. There is an outdoor pool in the garden and - besides being a very comfortable and beautiful accommodation - the hotel regularly organizes concerts, workshops, yoga classes and other cultural activities.
Have you discovered that through Booking.com you can not only arrange your stay, but also plan your complete travel experience with flights, attractions, car rental and airport taxis?
Create a vibe a la Wes Anderson (the inspiration for home is what you call 'on') and a more than warm welcome from both Carla's who run the hotel, make sure that this is truly a hotel to never forget. Or to book a trip to the Spanish Begur right away. Hotel La Bionda is perfectly located in the old center of Begur, that too, although the main reason to book is that aforementioned cordiality and the beautiful interior. Every detail has been thought of (for example, it smells really nice in the hotel) and that starts every morning with a perfect breakfast. The tasteful pied-à-terre is both historic and oh so 2025. There are only eight rooms, all of which have been given women's names (Charlotte, Carmen, Joséphine...), all eight full of color and good looking details. Although the terrace that opens onto a green garden is also a good asset, as is the roof terrace where cocktails and glasses of wine from the region's vineyards can be tasted.
The concept of The Hamaques is based on the French chambres d'hôtes, a small-scale accommodation furnished as if you were staying at someone's home, but with the privacy of a hotel. Finding the address is a bit of a challenge, but that's a good sign: undisturbed lounging in a perfectly matching picture in prospect. Owners Dominique (interior designer) and Ino (journalist) run their lodging with passion: when you step through the narrow gate into the quiet garden, you enter the intimate world that the two have skillfully created. The garden is full of pots of lavender, there is a rustic table under a pergola, there is a swimming pool and, of course, hammocks hanging in the trees.
Among the winding streets of Begur is also the Cluc Hotel. Quirky simplicity here, for a very good price. No, no oohs and aahs this time for the interior or the pampering luxury, but just a good hotel in a very good location. The boutique hotel is housed in a colonial building from the late 1800s, with only twelve rooms spread over three floors. Lovingly selected furniture, an atmospheric reading lounge and inspiring quotes on the walls. A stone's throw from the center, but far enough from the Costa Brava hustle and bustle.
One of our favourite addresses in the area is Aigua Blava, not least because you can find a beach bar here. Toc al Mar find – save, go, and thank us later. The latter also applies to Hotel Aigua Blava, a lovely hotel on top of a cliff, overlooking the coastline full of turquoise bays and rocky outcrops. Inside a bit faded glory and a bit too businesslike (but still beautiful and very neat anyway), but you really come here for 'the outside'. Not a tourist trap by the way: because the hotel is quite remote (with a car you can get everywhere), it is the kind of peace that you only find when the Mediterranean Sea is your backyard.
Chances are you'll fly to Girona if you're going on holiday here. Driving straight to the coast is one idea, but spending a few days in this city at the beginning or end of your trip is an even better idea. The new boutique hotel Palau Fugit (Carrer de Bonaventura Carreras I Peralta 4) is a great example: an 18th century mansion converted into luxury accommodation filled with carefully curated artwork by local artists, bespoke furniture, beautiful local textiles and period features. All oohs and aahs here! Not cheap, but highly recommended!
The latest is Esperit Roca, a culinary hotel in a new building on the side of an imposing fortress overlooking the hills of the Empordà.
Okay, one more: Hostal Ses Negres is such a lovely family hotel with a great price-quality ratio and just really cool looks, right on the beach. Case of nothing more to do.