Where to Stay in Costa Brava Spain: Best Areas & Hotels

Costa Brava is one of my favorite places in Spain, with its gorgeous coves, charming coastal towns, and insanely turquoise waters.

I live in Barcelona, so I’ve spent a lot of time exploring this beautiful stretch of coastline, and I always find myself wanting to go back!

But with so many different towns to choose from, figuring out where to stay in Costa Brava can be a little overwhelming.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best areas to stay in Costa Brava, along with some of the best hotels in each town, to help you find the perfect spot for your trip.

Here are a few of my top picks for the best hotels in Costa Brava Spain:

#1 Finca
Victoria

✔ Luxury adults-only boutique hotel
✔ Swimming pool & spa near Sa Riera Beach

↳ Check rates Here

#2 La Bionda Begur

✔ Gorgeous adults-only boutique hotel
✔ Beautifully designed rooms in central Begur

↳ Check rates Here

#3 Elisabeth by the Sea

✔ Rooftop pool with sea views
✔ Prime beachfront location in Tossa de Mar

↳ Check rates Here

Meaning “rugged coast”, Costa Brava is a beautiful stretch of coastline in northeastern Spain that extends from just north of Barcelona all the way to the French border.

It’s not just one town, but an entire region made up of dozens of towns and villages, so I think it helps to break it up into three main areas in Costa Brava:

1. Southern Costa Brava: Some of the main towns are Blanes, Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, S’Agaró, and Platja d’Aro.
2. Central Costa Brava: Some of the main towns are Palamós, Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, Tamariu, Begur, and L’Estartit.
3. Northern Costa Brava: Some of the main towns are L’Escala, Empuriabrava, Roses, and Cadaqués, which is near Cap de Creus (the easternmost point of mainland Spain).

For this guide, I’m mainly focusing on the coastal towns rather than the inland villages, since I think the beaches and seaside scenery are the biggest reasons to visit.

You can use the map below to see where my recommended areas are located and get a better idea of which part of Costa Brava you’d like to stay in.

Begur is my top pick for where to stay in Costa Brava because it’s in a great central location for exploring the surrounding coastal towns and beaches.

The town itself sits on a hill overlooking the coast, so you’re not right on the water, but some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Brava are just a 10-minute drive away.

Begur is a really charming medieval town with narrow cobblestone streets, cute shops, great restaurants, and a historic castle at the top of the hill with great views of the coastline.

And nearby, you’ll find some incredible beaches and hidden coves, including Sa Tuna and Aiguablava, which are two of my favorites in the area.

The only downside is that Begur is definitely better if you have a car, especially if you want to explore the nearby beaches and other towns.

I actually visited without a car, and while it’s doable, getting around was kind of a pain since the roads down to the beaches are incredibly steep and it’s a long walk back uphill.

If you’re planning to rent a car, though, I think Begur is one of the best places to base yourself for a Costa Brava trip.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Begur:

• Finca Victoria: A beautiful luxury boutique hotel in Sa Riera (near Begur) with gorgeous interiors, a swimming pool, and a spa. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to splurge on somewhere special.

• La Bionda Begur: I stayed at this adults-only boutique hotel and I’m honestly kind of obsessed with it! It’s a super cute property with just 7 rooms, and mine had the most gorgeous copper bathtub that I’m still dreaming about. You can read my full La Bionda Begur review for all the details!

• Hotel Aiguablava: A great family-friendly option if you’d prefer to stay closer to the beach rather than in Begur’s town center. It has beautiful sea views, a swimming pool, and easy access to the gorgeous Aiguablava cove.

Tossa de Mar is one of my favorite towns to visit in Costa Brava, and it’s known for its beautiful medieval castle and old town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The historic old town (known as Vila Vella) is surrounded by medieval stone walls, with narrow cobblestone streets, cute shops, and restaurants inside.

There are also some gorgeous beaches and hidden coves nearby, and you can hike along the Camí de Ronda coastal trail for incredible views of the castle and coastline.

Now, it is a bit touristy and can get crowded during the summer months, but I still love it.

It also has lots of restaurants, shops, and stores, so you have everything you need within walking distance without feeling too remote.

Plus, you can get there by direct bus from Barcelona, which makes it a great option if you’re visiting Costa Brava without a car.

I think Tossa de Mar is a really great combo of beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and convenience.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Tossa de Mar:

• Elisabeth by the Sea: A stylish boutique hotel right near the beach with modern rooms, beautiful sea views, and a rooftop pool. A great choice if you’re looking for something a little more upscale in Tossa de Mar.

• Gran Hotel Reymar: A beautiful beachfront hotel overlooking Mar Menuda Beach, with gorgeous Mediterranean views, a swimming pool, and direct access to the beach. Perfect if you want a relaxing seaside stay with lots of amenities.

• Hotel Diana: A charming boutique hotel in a historic modernist building right across from Tossa de Mar’s main beach. It has a gorgeous location overlooking the medieval castle walls, plus you’re just steps away from the old town’s shops and restaurants.

Cadaqués is definitely one of the prettiest towns in Spain, with its whitewashed buildings, colorful bougainvillea flowers, and beautiful Mediterranean views.

It’s a charming little fishing village with narrow cobblestone streets, cute shops, waterfront restaurants, and some nice beaches and rocky coves nearby.

One of the most popular attractions is the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in nearby Port Lligat, which is just a short walk from the center of Cadaqués.

You can also visit Cap de Creus Natural Park, which has some incredible rugged coastal scenery and where you’ll find the easternmost point of mainland Spain.

The only downside is that Cadaqués is located at the northern end of Costa Brava, so it’s not the most convenient base for exploring the rest of the region.

There’s also just one winding road in and out of town, which can make getting around a bit of a hassle.

For that reason, I think Cadaqués is best if you plan to stay put for a few days and enjoy the town rather than use it as a base for exploring all of Costa Brava.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Cadaqués:

• Boutique Hotel Villa Salvador: A beautiful adults-only boutique hotel with stylish rooms, a saltwater swimming pool, and a peaceful setting near the coast. It’s a great option if you want somewhere quiet and relaxing away from the busier town center.

• Boutique Hotel Villa Gala: A gorgeous upscale boutique hotel with beautiful sea views, elegant rooms, and an outdoor swimming pool. It’s also within walking distance of Cadaqués’ town center, so you can enjoy the views without being too far from the restaurants and shops.

• Hotel Playa Sol: A waterfront hotel overlooking the bay of Cadaqués, with bright, comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and beautiful Mediterranean views. Its location is a big plus, with the beach and town center just a short walk away.

Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc are two of the most beautiful towns in Costa Brava, and they’re right next to each other, just a 10–15 minute walk apart.

These are the picture-perfect Costa Brava towns you see in photos, with gorgeous whitewashed buildings lining the bright blue Mediterranean water.

I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes when I visited because the scenery was just that beautiful!

The water here is some of the clearest I’ve seen in Costa Brava, and you can actually see little fish swimming around you while you’re in the sea.

Both towns are pretty small, but they have some great waterfront restaurants, beautiful beaches, and a really charming coastal atmosphere.

They’re also in a great central location for exploring other parts of Costa Brava, although I’d definitely recommend having a car since public transportation options are pretty limited.

If you’re looking for a beautiful seaside town where you can spend your days swimming, enjoying the scenery, and eating at waterfront restaurants, I think either one is a great choice.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc:

• Hotel Sant Roc: A charming hotel in Calella de Palafrugell with gorgeous panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s set on a hillside overlooking the coast, with a beautiful terrace and easy access to nearby beaches.

• Hotel Isabella’s Llafranc: A stylish boutique hotel right on the waterfront in Llafranc, with beautiful sea views and a Mediterranean-inspired design. Its beachfront location is a huge plus, with restaurants and the beach just steps away.

• Hostal Sa Teula: A small boutique hotel in Llafranc with modern, comfortable rooms and a Mediterranean feel. It’s just a short walk from the beach, restaurants, and waterfront promenade, and is a good option for a more affordable stay.

Tamariu is a tiny beach town in Costa Brava that’s perfect if you’re looking for somewhere small and quiet to relax by the sea.

There’s really not a whole lot here besides a beautiful sandy beach, a handful of shops, and some waterfront restaurants, but that’s part of its charm.

The town sits along a gorgeous little bay with crystal-clear turquoise water, surrounded by rocky cliffs and pine trees.

You can also walk along the Camí de Ronda coastal trail to explore some of the nearby beaches and hidden coves.

Tamariu is generally pretty peaceful, although the beach can get crowded during the summer months.

I’d definitely recommend having a car if you stay here, since public transportation is limited and you’ll probably want to explore some of the surrounding towns.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Tamariu:

• Hotel Hostalillo: A beautiful hotel overlooking Tamariu’s bay, with gorgeous sea views and a terrace right above the water. It’s a great choice if you want to wake up to Mediterranean views and be just steps from the beach.

• Hostal Boutique Es Niu: A cute, modern boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and a more intimate feel. It’s located just a short walk from Tamariu Beach, so you can enjoy the town’s restaurants and waterfront without needing to drive.

• Hotel Tamariu: A charming, family-run hotel right on the beachfront in Tamariu, with comfortable rooms and a restaurant overlooking the sea. Perfect if you want a simple, traditional seaside stay with the beach right outside your door.

Sant Feliu de Guíxols and S’Agaró are two neighboring coastal towns in southern Costa Brava that have a more local feel compared to some of the region’s more touristy destinations.

They’re probably not the most charming towns in Costa Brava, but they’re still really nice and have a more authentic atmosphere.

Sant Feliu de Guíxols is the larger of the two, with a nice waterfront promenade, lots of shops and restaurants, and a historic Benedictine monastery that’s worth checking out.

S’Agaró is a bit smaller, known for its beautiful beaches, calm waters, and scenic Camí de Ronda coastal walkway.

Another big plus is that both towns are pretty walkable, with beaches, restaurants, and shops within easy reach.

You can also get to Sant Feliu de Guíxols by direct bus from Barcelona, so it’s a convenient option if you’re visiting Costa Brava without a car.

I think these towns are a good choice if you want somewhere a little less touristy but still have beautiful beaches and lots of amenities nearby.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Sant Feliu de Guíxols and S’Agaró:

• Eden Roc Hotel & Spa: A beautiful seaside hotel in Sant Feliu de Guíxols with gorgeous Mediterranean views, swimming pools, and a spa. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a relaxing stay with resort-style amenities.

• Hotel Montjoi: A more affordable option set on a hillside overlooking Sant Feliu de Guíxols, with beautiful views of the bay and an outdoor swimming pool. It’s a good choice if you want sea views without spending a fortune.

• Alàbriga Hotel & Home Suites: A gorgeous five-star luxury hotel with spacious suites, incredible sea views, and an upscale pool area. Perfect if you’re looking to splurge on a more luxurious stay in Costa Brava.

I’ll be the first to admit that Platja d’Aro is not the most beautiful or charming town in Costa Brava.

It’s pretty built up and touristy, with fast food restaurants, popular retail stores, and a more commercial feel than some of the smaller coastal villages.

But hear me out, because there are actually some good reasons to stay here!

I chose to stay in Platja d’Aro when my parents came to visit because it has a really long, flat sandy beach, which is a lot easier to access than some of the rocky coves you’ll find elsewhere in Costa Brava.

My dad has some mobility issues, so having a wide beach without lots of stairs or rocky entries was a big advantage for us.

Since it’s a popular vacation destination, you’ll also find larger hotels with swimming pools, lots of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.

And if you want to explore some of Costa Brava’s more beautiful scenery, there are still some gorgeous little coves and beaches nearby.

Plus, there are direct buses from Barcelona, so it’s another convenient option if you don’t have a car.

I think Platja d’Aro is a good choice if you prioritize convenience, beach access, and hotel amenities over staying in a picture-perfect coastal village.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Platja d’Aro:

• Hotel Cala del Pi: A beautiful five-star adults-only luxury hotel overlooking a gorgeous little cove, with incredible sea views, a spa, and an outdoor swimming pool. A great choice if you’re looking for a more upscale and relaxing stay in Platja d’Aro.

• Park Hotel San Jorge: A seaside hotel set on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, with beautiful views, a swimming pool, and access to nearby coves. It’s a great option if you want to enjoy Costa Brava’s coastal scenery while still being close to Platja d’Aro.

• Hotel Aromar: I stayed here with my parents and thought it was a great option for a convenient beachfront stay. The rooms are pretty basic but modern, and we had a big balcony overlooking the beach.

There are a few other towns in Costa Brava worth knowing about, although they wouldn’t necessarily be my top picks for places to stay.

• Lloret de Mar: This is one of Costa Brava’s biggest party destinations, so I wouldn’t recommend staying here unless you’re looking for nightlife. The beaches and coastline are actually really beautiful and worth visiting on a Lloret de Mar day trip, but I’d personally stay somewhere else.

• Roses: Located in northern Costa Brava, Roses is a popular beach resort town with a long sandy beach, lots of hotels, and restaurants. It’s a bit more touristy and built up than some of the smaller coastal villages, so it wouldn’t be my first choice if you’re looking for that charming Costa Brava atmosphere.

• Blanes: This is technically the first town in Costa Brava and the only coastal town you can reach directly by train from Barcelona. The Marimurtra Botanical Garden is absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out on a Blanes day trip, but the town itself isn’t overly charming.  It’s not a bad place to stay, but there are other towns I’d recommend first.

• Pals and Peratallada: These are two beautiful medieval villages located inland, with cobblestone streets, historic stone buildings, and lots of character. They’re both really cute and worth visiting on a day trip, but I think they’re a little too small and far from the beaches to be my top choices for an overnight stay.

If you can, I highly recommend renting a car for your Costa Brava trip.

Many of the smaller coastal towns and beaches aren’t well connected by public transportation, and some areas are incredibly hilly.

Having a car gives you the freedom to explore different towns, stop at scenic viewpoints, and visit some of the more remote beaches and coves that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

It’s definitely the easiest way to get around, especially if you’re planning to stay for a few days and explore different parts of the region.

Just keep in mind that parking can be a little difficult, especially in the busy summer months.

It’s still possible to visit Costa Brava without a car, but you’ll need to be a little more strategic about where you stay.

Here are the main public transportation options:

• Trains: The R1 Rodalies train from Barcelona goes as far as Blanes, the first town in Costa Brava. You can also take trains to Girona or Figueres, but you’ll need to connect by bus to reach the coastal towns.

• Long-Distance Buses: Moventis operates buses from Barcelona to several Costa Brava towns, including Tossa de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Platja d’Aro, Begur, and Cadaqués. Most depart from Barcelona’s Estació del Nord, and you can check schedules and book tickets through Omio or on the Moventis website.

• Local Buses: There are also buses connecting some of the smaller towns, although routes can be limited, especially outside the summer months. I recommend checking Google Maps for available connections and schedules.

If you’re not renting a car, I’d recommend choosing a town with direct bus connections from Barcelona and enough restaurants, beaches, and things to do within walking distance.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when booking your hotel in Costa Brava:

• Book a sea view room if you can: Costa Brava is one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in Spain, so I think it’s worth spending a little extra for a room with a sea view. Just imagine waking up to those gorgeous Mediterranean views!

• Check for air conditioning: Summers in Costa Brava can get pretty hot, and not all hotels or vacation rentals have air conditioning. Double-check before booking, especially if you’re visiting in July or August.

• Confirm parking options: If you’re renting a car, make sure your hotel has parking or there’s a public parking lot nearby. Parking can be difficult to find in some of the smaller coastal towns, particularly during the summer months.

• Be prepared for uneven terrain: Many Costa Brava towns are built into hillsides, with steep streets, cobblestone paths, and lots of stairs. If you have mobility concerns or don’t want to walk uphill every day, pay close attention to your hotel’s location and how far it is from the beach.

• Avoid August if possible: August is one of the busiest months in Costa Brava, when many locals and European tourists head to the coast for their summer vacations. Beaches get crowded, hotel prices go up, and parking can be a nightmare. I’d recommend visiting in June or September if you have some flexibility.

Choosing where to stay in Costa Brava really comes down to the kind of trip you’re planning and how you plan to get around.

If you’re renting a car and want to explore different towns and beaches, I think Begur is the best area to stay in Costa Brava because of its central location.

If you’re traveling without a car, I’d lean toward Tossa de Mar, which has beautiful beaches, lots of restaurants, and direct bus connections from Barcelona.

For a relaxing beach getaway, Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, and Tamariu are all gorgeous options, while Cadaqués is perfect if you want to stay in one place and enjoy the scenery.

Just think about how much exploring you want to do and how important it is to have beaches, restaurants, and shops within walking distance.

With the right home base, you’ll have an amazing time exploring this beautiful part of Spain!

READ NEXT:

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• Is Costa Brava Worth Visiting? Travel Guide + Tips