Best areas to stay in the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava starts at Blanes, the gateway town, just along the coast from Barcelona, where life revolves around the seafront and the two long, sandy beaches. The next town along is popular tourist spot Lloret de Mar, with its medieval hilltop castle and fantastic beaches. In between the two, the verdant clifftops are interlaced with hiking routes and there are numerous quiet coves to drop down into. Tossa de Mar also has an ancient castle and a quaint old town, with winding cobbled streets leading to stunning sea views. Head north-east along the coast from Tossa de Mar and you’ll drive a scenic coastal road with stunning views, until you reach Sant Feliu de Guíxols. This town is a big hit with families, thanks to its shallow, sandy beaches, great amenities and the short drive from the airport. Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc are two of the most picturesque towns on the coast, having retained their fishing-village-like architecture and atmosphere. Right up on the border with France, Cadaques is a white-walled, red-roofed postcard of a town with a pebble beach and a lively yet laid-back tourist scene.

It’s no wonder Lloret de Mar is one of the most popular places to visit on the Costa Brava. It has two stunning, town beaches and dozens of pretty coves within a few minutes’ drive or short walk of the town. The town is bustling, with a thriving seafront, an impressive church with a picture-worthy roof, sculpted botanical gardens and a pretty castle perched above the settlement. There are also multiple options for hikes starting from the town itself and ending at exceptional swimming beaches. Adults looking for a peaceful escape should head to the four-star Delamar - Adults Only Hotel. It’s just a few metres from the beach and has an outdoor pool, luxe massage area, and a rooftop pool, bar and sunbathing space with sea views. The Cleopatra Spa Hotel is a little further from the shore, but equally well-rated with its own spa and massage menu, as well as a secluded outdoor pool. You can also book a room with a hydromassage tub. Hotel Marsol is right on the promenade for prime beach access. If you’ve had your fill of sea swimming, you can retreat to the rooftop pool or the modern spa, or simply sip a chilled drink on your seaview balcony. There’s a bar and restaurant right on the promenade too.

Just thirty minutes from the airport, Platja d’Aro is a paradise for families, whether you’re coming with one tiny tot, teens or a mix of ages. The main draw is the wide, sandy beach that stretches out in front of the town, promising a shallow entry to the sea and little or no water sports activity to disturb the peace. There are also several smaller, sandy calas (or coves) as you move up the coast, just minutes from the town centre. Behind the beach, the long promenade is perfect for pram strolls and there are also several playgrounds. There’s a large, green park and an amusement park too, as well as a huge choice of restaurants and cafes to suit every taste. Aparthotel Ciutat de Palol is located just off the main seafront area, a short walk from the main beach and just a ten-minute stroll from Rovira beach and Cala sa Cova. The aparthotel is a great option for families, with the flexibility and space of staying in an apartment with a kitchenette and dining area, and the option to use the hotel restaurants. Or, have the best of both and order takeaway from the restaurant to your apartment. The two and four-person apartments can include a baby package with a high chair, baby bath and cot – so you can travel light. You’ll also love the kids’ club, sports areas and entertainment. You could also stay at the Cosmopolita Hotel Boutique & Spa – a child-friendly resort right on the beach with a fantastic outdoor pool and an on-site spa for the grown-ups. You’ll stay in a three or four-person family suite, thoughtfully designed to feel spacious and relaxing.

Cadaqués is so close to the French border you can almost touch it. It’s sheltered by two jutting headlands, topped with wooded nature reserves and criss-crossed with hiking routes. Its rocky coastline makes it a dream for snorkellers and scuba divers, with plenty of day trips available. Honeymooning couples should definitely book a scenic boat trip at sunset for a truly romantic experience. Hotel Playa Sol occupies a prime spot, with a small beach directly in front of the building and stunning views across to the town (but it’s still only a six-minute walk from the main seafront and town). The hotel is modern and relaxed, with an outdoor pool, romantic outdoor dining area surrounded by olive trees, and a bar looking over the water. Guests can also get active with basketball, tennis and paddle courts, or use the hotel’s bikes and kayaks. For a very budget-friendly option, try two-star Hostal Vehi in the heart of the old town. The rooms are simple, with all the essentials, and often under £100 per night. You can’t beat the location and there’s a breakfast option too. Or for something more luxurious, Boutique Hotel Villa Gala should be your choice. It’s beautifully decorated in Mediterranean style with a private outdoor pool and plenty of sunny spots for dining and lounging. You can even book a boat tour with a picnic created by the hotel’s restaurant – ideal for honeymoons or a special occasion.

Although popular for its scenic coast road, Costa Brava is actually a very easy place to visit without renting a car. Blanes is in a prime spot on the coastline between Girona and Barcelona, and it’s on the train line between the two cities. You can also easily arrive from the airport by bus. It’s a popular camping and caravanning destination, with two long, sandy beaches, and seemingly endless promenade and a bustling marina. There are plenty of hotels too, like top-rated Hotel Beverly Park & Spa. It offers spacious and modern rooms, suites and apartments, and has a large outdoor pool, kids’ pool, and an on-site spa. Petit Palau is a budget-friendly adults-only option that’s also very popular. It has an outdoor pool and lounging area, a small, private spa and a restaurant too.

With its beautiful medieval castle, charming narrow streets and stunning beach, Tossa de Mar is a great choice for couples, friends and families too. You’re spoilt for choice here, with two beautiful town beaches and the petite Es Codolar beach at the foot of the castle. Just out of town Cala Pola and Cala Giverola are exceptional places to spend an afternoon swimming and sunbathing. Hotel Windsor Tossa is chic, peaceful and (perhaps best of all) adults-only, so there’s no chance of disturbance. The petite and pretty hotel is decorated in calming and chic neutral tones, and boasts an outdoor pool with a sunny area to lounge. You can enjoy a bountiful buffet breakfast, tuck in at the snack bar and sip on cocktails next to the pool, or you’re just a few minutes’ walk from the main beach and the historic old town. Those looking to indulge in some serious R&R should make a beeline for the Golden Bahia de Tossa & Spa. It’s set a little further back from the beach, but has an impressive poolscape to keep you occupied, as well as plenty of outdoor space for lounging. The on-site spa is very reasonably priced if you just want to sample the pool, sauna and jacuzzi, and you can add on treatments and massages from the menu. The pièce de résistance here is the roof terrace with bar and pool. Hostal Boutique Sa Nansa is perfect for holidaymakers seeking a low-key escape with a personal touch. The beautifully decorated interior draws on natural wood, white and blue hues for a Mediterranean aesthetic, with modern amenities and heritage decor. You can choose from deluxe rooms with or without a balcony or go all out and book the penthouse suite with its sunny terrace.