The best hotels in Costa Brava (Spain)
COSTA BRAVA BEST PLACES TO STAY
The Costa Brava is the coastline that starts from the village of Blanes (a little less than 1 hour drive North of Barcelona) and continues all the way to the border with France. A local journalist christened the area as “Wild Coast”, inspired by its rocky cliffs and rough landscape. Here you’ll find spectacular natural sceneries, but also quaint white-washed villages and even busy holiday resorts.
And the term Costa Brava doesn’t only refer to the coastline, but also the many countryside villages in the immediate inland, with its vineyards and farming lands, pine tree forests, medieval buildings that will remind you of the Italian Tuscany. There’s even golf courses. It’s the Emporda county! Some will apply the term Costa Brava even to Girona city and Figueres, but in my opinion that’s too far from the sea to qualify for “Costa Brava”. If you need hotels in Girona, I have another post for you. For this one I’ve only considered hotels that were maximum 15 minutes drive from the closest beach (but most of them are even closer!).
Best Costa Brava hotels on beach
The beach is by definition one of the main attractions that make people come to the Costa Brava. It's mostly rocky beaches with impressive cliffs in the sides, and pine trees almost touching the water. But there's also some sandy beaches, specially in the seaside villages (where the sand tends to be quite thick) and in the Bay of Roses (where the sand is finer, but still not superfine).
If beachtime is what you need, do not miss our selection of luxury Costa Brava hotels on the beach:
1
Hotel Alabriga, 5*GL
If you are looking for 5 Star Grand Luxe hotels in Costa Brava, I’m afraid there’s only one and that’s the Alabriga. So if you want the utmost luxury in the area, look no further. Spectacular suites and penthouses, buttler service, awesome sea views, lush gardens, a luxurious spa, sophisticated restaurants and bars…
LOCATION: Sant Feliu de Guixols (outside the village, closer to S’Agaró).
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 1 minute walk.
POOLS: 1 outdoor heated pool and 1 hot tub.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Spa and gym.
2
Hotel Santa Marta, 5*
Surrounded by sea and Mediterranean pine woods, the Santa Marta is the perfect place to relax. Silence and calm, a beautiful spa, outdoor yoga classes, outdoor pool and jacuzzi, restaurants with sea views…
LOCATION: Lloret de Mar (outside the village, by the beach)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: Direct access to the beach.
POOLS: 1 outdoor pool, 1 outdoor jacuzzi, 1 indoor heated pool and one indoors jacuzzi.
BOARD TYPES: Room only, bed & breakfast, half-board.
3
Hotel Vistabella, 5*
The Vistabella is a gorgeous 5* boutique hotel, famous for its spectacular sunset views. It features a signature spa with indoor pool and outdoors hot tub besides sauna and all kind of exotic treatments. It’s got also an impressive choice of restaurants and bars with 5 different venues within the premises. It’s a great choice for people enjoying little rocky beaches away from the crowds.
LOCATION: Roses (in a quaint suburb, by the coast)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: Direct access to the beach.
POOLS: 1 indoor heated pool and 1 outdoor jacuzzi.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
4
Hostal Spa Empuries, 4*
A certified LEED Gold for sustainable hotels, this is one of the most iconic luxury hotels on Costa Brava, Spain. It stands out for its spa, with indoors heated pool with water jets and waterfalls, another pool for lengths and a variety of saunas, therapeutic showers and treatments… with its own organic brand of cosmetics. They also offer private and group yoga lessons.
LOCATION: L’Escala (outside the village, by the beach)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: Direct access to the beach.
POOLS: 2 indoor pools.
BOARD TYPES: Room only, bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Next to Roman and Greek ruins. Gym.
5
Hotel Aigua Blava, 4*
A great place for active vacationers: it features an outdoors pool, a tennis court and ping-pong tables. It’s also suitable for families with kids, that will enjoy its playground. And within minutes you can reach several almost virgin little beaches surrounded by cliffs and pine trees. The breakfast buffet, severed with views over the Mediterranean, is memorable.
Do not confuse it with the Parador d’Aiguablava, a 4* hotel nearby with a similar name that belongs to a chain sponsored by the Spanish Government (but do check it out if your goal are spa hotels in Costa Brava – not as close to the beach, though).
LOCATION: Begur (outside the village, in the coast)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 1 minute walk.
POOLS: 1 exterior pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast, half-board.
OTHER FEATURES: The Cami de Ronda hiking trail that connects the Costa Brava beaches passes next to the hotel.
Top Spa hotels in the Costa Brava
6
Hostal de la Gavina, 5*GL (Leading Hotels of the World)
Hostal de la Gavina is another of the iconic luxury Costa Brava hotels in Spain, a deluxe resort founded in 1932, and now run by the forth generation of the Ensesa family. The list of famous guests includes Ava Gardenr, Elizabeth Taylor, Orson Welles, Sean Connery, Jack Nicholson, Dalvador Dali and Lady Gaga.
Its spa offers unbeatable views over the Mediterranean, and it features a water circuit, saunas, massage cabins where they use signature cosmetics and a small gym. They organize private outdoor yoga and pilates lessons, and they also offer personal fitness trainers, as well as tennis, swimming, biking, football and dance lessons for adults as well as kids.
LOCATION: S’Agaró (in a quaint suburb)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 1 minute walk.
POOLS: 1 exterior seawater pool, 1 indoor pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: 9 restaurants and bars.
7
Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa, 5* (Relais & Chateaux)
This hotel is housed inside a restored “masia-style” farmhouse from the 1700’s. The Spa (for 16yo and older) has a surface of 600sqm / 6458sqf, and it includes a heated pool, hot and steam saunas, water circuit, treatment cabins, fitness room and room for directed activities such as yoga (free weekly lessons), meditation or pilates. In their treatments they use high end signature and organic products. The hotel also features paddle and tennis courts exclusive for the hotel guests and can provide personal trainers on request.
LOCATION: Torrent (countryside near the village)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 15 minutes drive.
POOLS: 1 exterior pool, 1 indoor pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Restaurant run by the 2-Michelin star winner chef Ramon Freixa. 2 prestigious golf courts witin 10km / 6 miles from the hotel. Vinyard and orchard. Helipad.
8
Rigat Park & Spa, 5*
The Gran Hotel Monterrey is a holiday and business spa surrounded by lush gardens with palm trees. Its spa includes an indoors heated pool, a waterfall, water jets, jacuzzi pool, Finish sauna and Turkish bath, therapeutic showers and rest area. They also have massage cabins and a VIP treatment room for couples.
LOCATION: Lloret de Mar (by the beach)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 10 minutes walk.
POOLS: 2 outdoor pools, 1 indoor pool.
BOARD TYPES: Room only, bed & breakfast, half board.
OTHER FEATURES: Tropical gardens. Casino.
9
Gran Hotel Monterrey, 5*
LOCATION: S’Agaró (in a quaint suburb)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 1 minute walk.
POOLS: 1 exterior seawater pool, 1 indoor pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: 9 restaurants and bars.
10
Terraza Hotel & Spa, 4*
The Terraza Hotel & Spa is a classy beach hotel in the Bay of Roses. Their spa (for 16yo and older) is located in the hotel rooftop, and it features a heated pool with waterfall and a jacuzzi, both outdoors but covered with a glass dome and spectacular views over the sea. There’s also a solarium and chill-out zone, hammam, hot sauna, ice fountain and therapeutic showers. There’s also a state-of-the-art gym in the -1 floor, and they have bikes that guests can borrow for free.
LOCATION: Roses (by the beach)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: Direct access to the beach.
POOLS: 1 exterior pool, 1 indoor pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast, half board.
OTHER FEATURES: Gardens. Pets are accepted. Non-smoking hotel.
Best hotels on Costa Brava with golf course
11
Hotel Peralada Wine Spa & Golf, 5*
The combined offer of Hotel Peralada is hard to beat: an exclusive hotel, one of the few Wine Spas in Europe, a 2-star Michelin restaurant and one of the best golf clubs in Spain. The Club Golf Peralada features 18 holes with 4 tees each, and par 71. There’s also a Pitch & Putt with 9 holes of double tee, a golf school and buggy rentals.
The hotel spa, with a heated pool in the old cellars, offer treatments that use high end cosmetics based on the antioxidant properties of grapes. There’s also an outdoor pool in the gardens.
LOCATION: Peralada (in a countryside subburb)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 13 minutes drive.
POOLS: 1 indoor and 1 outdoor pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Wine cellar, casino and historical fortress partly open to the public in the vicinity.
12
Mas Tapiolas, 4* Superior
Mas Tapiolas is a 4* Superior hotel for nature lovers, located in a green valley with pine and oak trees presided by an old monastery. The premises feature a Pitch & Putt with 18 holes and a 36 handicap for both men and women. The hotel also features a 400sqm / 4305sqf spa, with heated pool with water jets and waterfalls, a pediluvium, warm beds, hot sauna and steam bath, ice cave, salt cabin and 3 treatment rooms. They also offer sessions of forest bathing.
They have two hotel premises, the hotel itself and the “Suites Natura”, each with either double jacuzzi or private heated pool with waterfall and chromotherapy. The hotel and the suites share an outdoor pool with Bali beds, a cozy reading room with fireplace, a kids playground and paddle courts.
LOCATION: Solius (countryside)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 15 minutes drive.
POOLS: 1 outdoor and 1 indoor pool, plus the Suites Natura feature either a jacuzzi or a private heated pool each.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Award winning restaurant. Private wine tastings in their own cellar.
13
Hotel Terra Verda, 4*
The Terra Verda is the only one of all the hotels in Costa Brava with access to two 18-hole golf courses. It’s the Empordà Golf Resort, consisting of the courses Emporda Links and Emporda Forest designed by Robert Von Hagge. Emporda Links has a Scottish and Irish feel, with its lakes and hills, whereas Emporda Forest is a more Mediterranean setting, with its paths around pine tree woods.
LOCATION: Gualta (countryside)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 8 minute drive.
POOLS: 1 outdoor seawater pool.
BOARD TYPES: Room only, bed & breakfast, half board.
OTHER FEATURES: Dog friendly. Fitness room. In-room massage treatments.
14
La Costa Beach & Golf Resort, 4*
This beach resort is perfect for holidays, golf or even business conventions. It offers direct access to the Golf de Pals course, the oldest in Costa Brava created in 1960. It’s considered one of the best in Spain and it’s hosted many international competitions. The course was designed by Sir F.W. Hawtree, it features 18 holes, with a 73 Par and 36 Handicap.
The hotel also features one large tropical pool with areas for kids as well as for swimmers, and in the Summer they organize aquagym sessions there, too. There’s a playground for children, 2 tennis courts, 1 paddle court, 2 artificial grass soocer fields and ping-pong tables.
LOCATION: Pals (residential suburb by the beach)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 1 minute walk.
POOLS: 1 large tropical pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast, half board.
OTHER FEATURES: Beauty salon with treatment cabins. Gym. 10000 sqm / 2.5 acres of gardens and woods.
15
Hotel Golf Costa Brava, 4*
This is the hotel of the Golf Costa Brava course, a course featuring 27 holes famous for its welcoming country club feel made to make you feel at home. The course, designed by John Hamilton Stutt, offers two itineraries, each with different characteristics and appeals.
LOCATION: Solius (countryside)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 12 minutes drive.
POOLS: 1 outdoor pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast, half board.
OTHER FEATURES: Gardens.
Luxury Costa Brava boutique hotels
16
La Malcontenta Hotel, 5*
From all the many boutique hotels in Costa Brava, there’s only one 5-stars: La Malcontenta. This boutique hotel is located in a tastefully restored Catalan masia farmhouse from the 1500’s, surrounded by a protected natural area. Its luxurious rooms are decorated in a romantic style, some have a bathtub by the bed (for your sexy getaway), other have a private garden, other are duplex… There’s even one in the old cellar with a unique round vault.
LOCATION: Palamos (countryside outskirts)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 10 minutes drive. Or if you prefer, the only virgin beach of the Costa Brava is only accessible on foot or by bike (5 minutes ride).
POOLS: 1 outdoor pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast, half board.
OTHER FEATURES: Gardens. Bike facilities.
17
Sant Pere del Bosc Hotel & Spa, 5*
This luxury boutique hotel is located in a 1000 year old benedictin monastery, restored in the early 1900’s by the famed modernist architect Puig i Cadafalch. Each room of the Hotel Sant Pere del Bosc has been designed with a personal touch – there aren’t two that are the same. Some feature an Elizabethan bathtub for a romantic night, some other have a private terrace with jacuzzi or hot tub. Other are decorated with historical antiques… Every stay can be a different experience!
LOCATION: Lloret de Mar (countryside outskirts)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 15 minutes drive.
POOLS: 1 outdoor salt-water pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Signature spa based in arts and art-therapy experiences.
18
Albons Country Boutique Hotel, 5*
The Hotel Albons is ideal for people that love contemporary architecture: its design has been awarded the FAD architecture price! The rooms decoration is elegant but without unnecessary frills. The Albons is also perfect for those who enjoy the quietness of the countryside. All the rooms feature views to the gardens: the ones in the ground level have direct access to the pool, whereas the others have better views of the Emporda county.
LOCATION: Albons (countryside outskirts)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 10 minutes drive.
POOLS: 1 outdoor pool.
BOARD TYPES: Room only, bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Gardens. Pet-friendly.
19
Villa Gala, 4* Superior
Its Mediterranean decoration with whites and blues but modern style, and it’s views over the white-washed town of Cadaques and its emblematic bell tower make this boutique hotel a little gem. The name, Gala, is a tribute to Salvador Dali’s wife and muse: both owned a Summer house that is located a quick ride outside of the village. The hotel features a minimalist garden with sunbeds and a refreshing pool.
LOCATION: Cadaques (village)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 3 minutes walk.
POOLS: 1 outdoor pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Treatments cabin and in-room massage service.
20
Hotel El Convent, 4*
The hotel building is a historical convent, that according to an old legend was built by some sailors that made a promise to a saint if their ship survived a storm. Nowadays tastefully transformed into a boutique hotel surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, it continues to be a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking shelter… from their stressful city lives. The suites (the most exclusive, at the top of the convent tower) incorporate jacuzzi in the bathroom. The other accommodations are either hotel double rooms or garden bungalows.
LOCATION: Begur (residential area in the outskirts)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 4 minutes drive.
POOLS: 1 outdoor pool, private jacuzzi in the suites.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast, half board.
OTHER FEATURES: Gardens. Facilities for bikers.
Adults-only hotels on the Costa Brava
21
Cala del Pi Hotel, 5*
The luxury experience that the Cala del Pi has designed specially for its adult guests include from a spa, to high end cuisine and cooking classes, outdoor pool with pool bar, chill out with haimas and Balinese sofas and more. The spa is complete with heated pool equipped with water beds and benches and waterfalls, water jets, jacuzzi, steam and dry saunas, pediluvium, salt and ice caves and more. In their cabins you can receive a pleasurable offer of organic and vegan treatments. The rooms have incredible views over the sea and are decorated with vibrant colors and sensual shapes.
LOCATION: Platja d’Aro (residential beach suburb)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 1 minute walk.
POOLS: 1 outdoor pool, 1 indoor pool, 1 indoor jacuzzi.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Fitness room. Reading room.
22
Casa Coco Nature Hotel & Spa, 4* Superior
This hotel is reserved to people aged 16 or older looking for slow travel and a bohemian and eco-friendly style. The Spa, of Thai inspiration, features a jacuzzi with views over the palm trees that surround the hotel, and it also incorporates a hot sauna and a relaxation area. They offer solo and couple treatments. Don’t miss their rooftop bar, with a vintage Volkswagen van turned cocktail bar and a rooftop pool guarded by pink flamingo sculptures.
LOCATION: Lloret de Mar, edge of the village next to some countryside.
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 8 minutes walk.
POOLS: 1 rooftop outdoor salted-water pool, 1 indoor jacuzzi pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast, half board.
OTHER FEATURES: Souvenir shop.
23
Hotel Mas Ses Vinyes, 4*
This gorgeous modernist farmouse with foundations that date from the 1600’s houses an adults-only hotel destined to pamper you. Enjoy its spa with shared or private use, equipped with heated hydro-massage pool, hot and wet saunas, frigidarium cold water pool and treatment cabins. or relax by the infinity pool with views over the valley. The all the rooms have a terrace, and either a shower or a bath tub, but they also have some with private jacuzzi in the room.
LOCATION: Begur (countryside outskirts, closer to Palafrugell than Begur village)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 13 minutes drive.
POOLS: 1 outdoor pool, 1 indoor pool, private jacuzzi in selected rooms.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast, half board.
OTHER FEATURES: Restaurant.
24
Horta d'en Rahola, 4*
An old family farm turned boutique hotel for the joy of adult guests. This hotel has a young and Mediterranean vibe that invites to relax under the pergolas covered in pink bougainvillea flowers. The rooms are simple, but nicely decorated with blue and white touches. Some have windows, some have a balcony, other have a terrace.
LOCATION: Cadaques (village)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 5 minutes walk.
POOLS: 1 outdoor pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Lush Mediterranean garden.
25
Es Portal Gastronomic Boutique Hotel, 4*
Another countryside manor turned boutique hotel, this one stands out by its gastronomic offer: a restaurant that specializes in local rice varieties as well as other local specialties. Even the breakfast buffet is composed of locally-source products. The rooms transpire the history of the place, with its stone walls and wooden beams. And the garden pool with its outdoors cafe becomes the place to hang out. This hotel admits teens 14yo and older.
LOCATION: Pals (countryside outskirts)
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 8 minutes drive.
POOLS: 1 outdoor salt-water pool.
BOARD TYPES: Bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Garden. Historical details in some rooms.
Best hotels in Costa Brava for families with kids
26
Hotel Golden Bahia de Tossa & Spa, 4* Superior
This luxury hotel stands out for its waterpark. The largest pool has a beach-like access and it features two jacuzzi that are open even outside of season. Then there’s a baby pool, a pool with water games and the star: the pool with a pirate ship and slides! The premises also include a Kids Club and a playground.
LOCATION: Tossa de Mar.
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 10 minutes walk.
POOLS: 2 exterior pools and 1 indoor heated pool.
BOARD TYPES: Room only, bed & breakfast, half-board, full-board.
OTHER FEATURES: Sport court (soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton) and gym. Adults-only spa (over 18yo).
27
Hotel Rosamar Garden Resort, 4*
This hotel is very family oriented. It’s waterpark is impressive: with three outside pools (one of them for babies), lots of slides, a pirate ship, a river with canoes, and water guns. And some really cool dinosaur decoration! There’s also activities and shows for kids and a mini-golf.
LOCATION: Lloret de Mar.
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 5 minutes walk.
POOLS: Three exterior pools and one indoors heated pool.
BOARD TYPES: Room only, bed & breakfast, half-board, full-board, all-included.
OTHER FEATURES: Sport court (soccer, basketball, archery), ping-pong tables, lawn bowling and fitness room. Adults-only spa (over 18yo).
28
Hotel Gran Garbí Mar, 4*
If waterparks are what you enjoy, this hotel won’t disappoint you. Its aquapark “Aquasplash” features 2 60m/200ft tube-style slides, a 3-track open slide and an adrenaline-filled whirlpool slide. There’s also the coolest kids pool with a castle-shaped water playground with 6 slides and water jets.
LOCATION: Lloret de Mar.
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 5 minutes walk.
POOLS: Three separate outdoor pool areas, one with outdoor jacuzzi.
BOARD TYPES: Room only, bed & breakfast, half-board, full-board, all-included.
OTHER FEATURES: Sport court (soccer, basketball, archery), ping-pong tables, lawn bowling and fitness room. Adults-only spa (over 18yo).
29
Pola Giverola Resort, 3*
This is another fun hotel for families with kids that has several pools (one of them with a super long slide), plus a Kids club, minigolf and a beach volley court. And they also organize activities for kids and teens. But my favorite thing about it is that they have a funicular that connects the hotel with the beach below. That is so much fun! What kid wouldn’t like that?
LOCATION: Tossa de Mar.
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: Direct access via funicular!
POOLS: One interior pool and 3 exterior pools.
BOARD TYPES: Room only, bed & breakfast, half board.
OTHER FEATURES: Spa and gym, 9 tennis courts.
30
Hotel Garbí, 3*
This hotel surrounded by gardens is perfect for kids that love nature: there’s a fountain with goldfish, a pond with ducks and a bird sanctuary with canaries and other small birds. There’s two playgrounds (one outside and one outside) and two ping-pong tables. But what makes this hotel unique is its mini-train with an itinerary around the hotel premises that includes tunnels and is over 60m/200ft long!
LOCATION: Calella de Palafrugell.
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST BEACH: 10 minutes walk.
POOLS: One exterior pool (Summer only), one exterior jacuzzi.
BOARD TYPES: Room only, bed & breakfast.
OTHER FEATURES: Gardens.
Did you enjoy my ideas for where to stay on Costa Brava?
Marta
Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.
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