Hotels in Costa Brava

Situated right on the stretch of Costa Brava’s golden sands is Calella, an old Spanish village that has grown into one of the region’s favourite beach resorts. Providing a beach break and much more, the palm-dotted waterfront and laid-back attitude is the perfect place to let the worries of everyday life fall away.

Things to do

Make the most of Calella’s beautiful Mediterranean climate and spend as much time as you can outdoors – play games on the beach, sunbathe or swim in the ocean. The resort’s hilly green scenery invites long afternoon walks or bike rides, and back in the town, have a wander round and admire Calella’s old churches. The centre of the resort is the ideal place to sit out and eat lunch, with a good choice of cafes, seafood restaurants plus a few the kids will like. In the evenings, the resort has a sociable and family-friendly nightlife with plenty of pubs and entertainment.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Lloret de Mar | Malgrat de Mar | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca

Lloret de Mar has the golden good looks of a classic Spanish beach destination, with the personality to back it up! Fun, friendly and with something new to offer every day, you could chill out on the quietest part of the beach or head into the thick of the action and try some water sports. The nightlife here is thriving, too, with enough venues and clubs to go to a different one every night during your Lloret de Mar holiday.

Things to do

Take the family to Water World Parc where adults and children can zoom down the slides and ride the waves in the wave pool. The attraction also has a children's lagoon and plenty of restaurants and snack bars where you can quickly recharge your batteries. Or head to the Museu del Mar to learn about the Costa Brava's maritime heritage, then explore the scenic Italian Renaissance themed Santa Clotilde Gardens on a cliff above the resort.

Go to Barcelona, just over an hour away by car, and see its distinctive Gaudi architecture such as the Casa Milà arts venue and the Sagrada Familia church. Wander through the city’s lively tree-lined promenade of La Rambla, where you'll find many of the city's best boutiques, visit the huge indoor market of La Boqueria, and spend some time at the enchanting Gothic Quarter with its quaint narrow streets and vibrant nightlife venues. The Catalonian capital is the perfect daytrip for your Lloret de Mar holidays.

Attractions

Once you step away from the hotels, the bars and the beaches, there’s plenty of interesting attractions to discover. Lloret de Mar has a history stretching back to the Romans, and if you take a wander around the town you’ll find 11th century castles built to defend the locals from pirate attacks, gardens designed in the Italian Renaissance style, and the stunning bronze sculpture, Monument to the Fisherman’s Wife; one of the town’s most iconic attractions.

One of the real gems is the biotope. This artificial reef is an absolute wonder for snorkellers and divers, while still preserving and protecting the fragile ecosystem that lies just under the water, from Cala Canyelles all the way to the centre of Lloret de Mar.

Entertainment

Lloret de Mar holidays primarily focus on the beach during the day, and the town’s thriving nightclubs, bars and restaurants during the evenings. As many hotels are located close to both the beach and the main entertainment centre, you shouldn’t have too far to walk, so a taxi probably won’t be necessary.

Clubs have a relaxed dress policy in general, although beachwear is perhaps a little too relaxed for the more popular clubs and bars, so bring some glad-rags for the evening. You’ll find a lot of bars run by ex-pats, so expect theme nights, big-screen TVs (football is a passion in this part of the country so expect all the bars to be packed when Barcelona are playing), and a friendly welcome wherever you go.

Towns and cities

Lloret de Mar is surprisingly big, and there’s plenty to see and do. However, if you fancy a healthy dose of Spanish high culture then the historic city of Barcelona is only 48 miles down the coast. With fabulous art galleries, museums, parks and top-class shopping on offer, it’s the perfect day trip and should only take you around an hour and a half to reach.

For a slightly longer journey, head north to Perpignan, around 80 miles away and packed with 13th and 14th-century buildings, elegant parks, and the beautiful 14th century Cathedral of St Jean Baptiste.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Calella | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Malgrat de Mar | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca

Take your holidays to Malgrat de Mar, a Catalan town on the popular Costa Brava. If it’s a beach holiday you want, you’ve got it; sun, sea and sand are all on offer here, thanks to a choice of beautiful beaches. You’ll find plenty to explore in the heart of town, too; wander through the cobbled streets and soak up the atmosphere at the local market, before heading up to El Castell for magnificent views out to sea.

Malgrat de Mar holidays are great for kids, too; the little ones will love messing around on the beach, but they’ll also go mad for the nearby Water World and the fun-filled Portaventura Park. You’ll find all this and more just a short hop from Barcelona; the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia is only an hour’s drive away.

Things to do

Start the day right by relaxing on Malgrat de Mar’s beautiful beaches, before taking the kids on a trip to the waterpark. While you’re there, make sure you do a little sightseeing; there’s lots to see in the town itself, like the impressive El Castell that overlooks the town and the bustling weekly market.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Calella | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Lloret de Mar | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca

Escape to the sunny shores of south eastern Spain by booking holidays to Costa Blanca. For those looking for Spain holidays, the region is one of the most popular destinations in the country, with stunning scenery, brilliant nightlife, and an endless array of cultural and natural attractions for you to explore.

This region's award-winning, gentle sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, while for thrill-seekers the giant Terra Mitica theme park is nearby. There’s also a fun-filled water park, Aqualandia, with tubes, slides and rapids which make a great day out for the whole family during your Costa Blanca holidays. Head inland from the sun-drenched resorts for historic towns and villages set in lush mountains. Many of these settlements date back to medieval or ancient times, and give a completely different experience to the usual touristy resorts along the coast.

Things to do

If you're interested in learning more about Spanish history, visit Santa Barbara Castle, a wonderful 10th century fortress near Alicante city centre. Standing on the dramatic rocky summit of Benacantil Mountain, it includes a ruined church, dungeons, cannons, and more fascinating artefacts. You can visit it for free and enjoy stunning views of the coast from the castle walls.

Another sight that's definitely worth putting on your Costa Blanca holidays itinerary is Tabarca, a glorious island just off the coast near the resort of Santa Pola. Originally fortified to protect its residents from pirates back in the 18th century, Tabarca is surrounded by dazzling emerald waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. See the island's historic walls, and enjoy some delicious seafood at one of its sea-view restaurants before you take the ferry back to the mainland.

If you're spending your Costa Blanca holidays in the Benidorm area, spend some time at the Terra Mítica theme park, which is divided into five ancient-themed areas such as Rome and Egypt. From thrill rides to big shows, it's guaranteed to keep you entertained for hours, and is a great alternative to the beach.

Benidorm

In Benidorm you’ll find picturesque beaches, palm-lined promenades, and incredible seafood restaurants with a buzzing, friendly atmosphere. Famed for its fun-loving nightlife, the resort is also home to a quaint old town where you’ll come across beautiful buildings and intimate cafes, serving up coffee and delicious tapas.

Alicante

With its historic sites, sought-after eateries and lovely marina, Alicante is a true all-round resort and a firm favourite on the Costa Blanca map, like Benidorm. As you explore the old town or walk along the seafront, you’ll be transported to another world, while its nightlife is the stuff of legends.

Cultural attractions in Costa Blanca

Beyond the beach, you’ll discover traditional towns surrounded by lush green mountains, perfect for a day of hiking. Explore the castle at Guadalest, walk among the whitewashed buildings of Altea, or take the tourist train to medieval Xàtiva for a fascinating day out in the Spain of times gone by.

Santa Barbara Castle, Alicante

One of Spain’s most impressive fortresses, Santa Barbara Castle has existed for well over 1,000 years and was built on the dramatic slopes of Mount Benacantil. You can reach the castle via a lift, although if you’re up for a challenge, you can also hike to the top.

Placa del Castelle, Benidorm

Visit this beautiful balcony next to the coast, where you’ll enjoy superb views of the city. Observe the historic church and see the cannons that were once used during the wars between Britain and Spain in the very early 19th century.

Theme parks in the Costa Blanca

Spend a day with the family at the Aqua Natura water park for adrenaline-pumping slides, a fun-filled alternative to the beach. It's a great spot to keep the kids happy.

Terra Natura

One of the highlights of any holiday to Benidorm is a visit to Terra Natura, a huge wildlife park with four themed areas. If you’re fascinated by venomous species, then don’t forget to visit the Pangea zone, where you’ll see everything from African scorpions to tarantulas and lizards. Then glide on the zip wire above grazing elephants at the Asia section, where you can see the king cobra, crocodiles, pythons, and other species native to the world’s largest continent. See Mediterranean wildlife at the Europe section, then head to the Americas section to learn about the toucans, jungle turkeys, armadillos, jaguars, and other New World species.

Aqua Natura

This brilliant water park is the perfect place to cool off in the hot summer sun. If you’re looking for an alternative to the hotel pool or the beach, this is the place to be. With adrenaline-pumping water slides, adults and children alike are guaranteed hours of fun. It’s right next door to Aqua Natura, too.

Chill out at the huge wave pool, then zoom down La Cresta, a rollercoaster-themed water chute where you’ll get to experience zero gravity. After, if you’re feeling brave enough, try the Zigzag Giant Slide, where you’ll zoom down 105 metres of twists and turns before you reach the water.

Ride down the 104-metre-long Black Hole, then race family and friends down the 50-metre-long multi track to see who arrives at the bottom first.

Natural attractions in Costa Blanca

Whether you’re relaxing on white sand beaches, hiking through pine forests, or trying out some watersports, holidays to Costa Blanca will certainly tick all of the boxes. From the pretty coves of Dénia to the dramatic landscapes of Montgó Mountain Nature Park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on Spain’s Costa Blanca.

One of the most impressive natural sights is the Serra Gelada-Nord National Park, which has beautiful trails and steep cliffs overlooking the emerald waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Another place to look out for is the scenic Guadalest Valley near Alicante, where you can visit the Algar waterfall and enjoy stunning views over the large reservoir.

Places to stay

Beach-lovers head to Benidorm with its long golden beaches, picturesque old town and vibrant nightlife. Alicante combines great beaches with superb restaurants and a rich cultural history. Its attractive seafront and marina bustle with bars and cafés. As the coast curves around the cape, you reach Dénia and its pretty beaches lying at the foot of Montgó Mountain Nature Park. High cliffs look down over the quiet coves and sparkling blue waters of Jávea. Further north is the lively resort of Gandía and its historic old town, long sandy beach and impressive 14th-century castle.

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Basking in over 320 days of sunshine a year, the Costa del Sol is part of the aptly-named ‘Sunshine Coast’. Once famous for vibrant nightlife, Costa del Sol holidays can now be as up-tempo or as laid back as you want them to be. Family-friendly resorts, such as Benalmadena, offer everything you could possibly need if you’re taking a break with the kids, while couples might prefer the tranquillity of resorts such as Marbella and Pueblo Quinta.

There’s also the opportunity to enjoy a slice of old-school Spain, with a visit to the cobbled streets of Malaga’s Old Town and the Andalusian charms of Nerja. With almost 200 beaches to choose from, holidays to Costa del Sol are ideal for sun-worshippers, while those who’d like to get some sightseeing done will find plenty to see and do.

Things to do

Those with a head for heights will enjoy the awesome views from the cable car from Benalmadena town up to Monte Calamorro. Overlooking Benalmadena, the journey takes you up into the clouds, and on a clear day you can even see the coast of Africa! If you’d prefer something a little less vertigo-inducing, take a gentle walk along the promenade at Fuengirola, or relax in Marbella’s whitewashed old town before checking out the eye-wateringly expensive yachts in the marina.

Alternatively, head to the foothills of the Almijara mountain range to the neighbouring resorts of Nerja and Almuñécar, with their long beaches and palm-shaded promenades. After a day at the beach at Torremolinos, drive into the hills to visit some of the most picturesque "white towns".

Most famous for its beaches, Costa del Sol is home to the sun, sea and sand holiday. With a glass of refreshing sangria in hand, you can relax with a good book at Torremolinos, or splash in the crystal clear Mediterranean seas at the beaches in Fuengirola.

If you’re travelling with the kids, there are plenty of brilliant attractions to explore on your Spain holiday. From the Bioparc Zoo to the sea life centre in Benalmadena, there are endless possibilities for family fun on the Costa Del Sol. At Cocodrilos Park you can see all kinds of crocodiles in their large enclosures.

If you like to be active on holiday, take a scuba diving lesson, or go and see the world’s longest stalactite in the Nerja Caves. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head back to the coast to feast on freshly-cooked seafood at one of the wonderful family-run restaurants.

Places to stay

Head west of Málaga for some of the best-known resorts in Spain. Bustling Torremolinos and its family-friendly neighbour Benalmadena share some of the most exceptional beaches in the Costa del Sol. Further west is Fuengirola with its Blue Flag beaches and ancient castle. Chichi Marbella attracts the wealthy and famous to its beautiful beaches and upscale port.

Estepona combines fun on the beach with a delightful old town of cobbled streets and narrow lanes. The Costa del Sol’s capital, Málaga, has an elegant traffic-free old town and seafront lined with some of the Costa del Sol’s top restaurants.

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One of the few places to really qualify as a paradise on earth, Costa Dorada is the destination of choice for those seeking to combine the sea, sand and fun of traditional Spanish holidays with a slice of real Catalonian culture.The Spanish themselves come here for their breaks, attracted by the long golden sands that give the place its name, which translates as the ‘Golden Coast’. There’s no surprise it's on our list of favourite resorts, whether you’re travelling here with friends, family, or as a couple.

Things to do

You’ll find plenty of things to do on your holidays to Costa Dorada, whether you’re travelling with family, friends or your significant other. Those with children will enjoy a thrilling day out at one of the nearby theme parks, while romantic couples might enjoy a trip to explore sun-bleached Roman ruins or marvel at some of the finest examples of Modernist Architecture, anywhere in the world. Groups of friends with a taste for the Great Outdoors can take advantage of the variety of activities on offer, including golf, water sports and cycling.

If you’re travelling with children, the whole family will love a trip to PortAventura. One of the largest theme parks in all of Europe, it’s packed full of adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, live shows and there’s even a water park. If your kids prefer making sandcastles on the beach, the soft sands of Llevant Beach in Salou are nearby, while the Paseo Maritimo is perfect for a sunset stroll by the sea.

For a sense of history, a visit to Tarragona is a must. It’s a beautiful town dotted with Roman ruins. You can visit the amphitheatre or take a tour of the Archaeological Museum, before enjoying a meal at the vibrant town square. In nearby Reus, you’ll see incredible modernist architecture and a museum dedicated to the town’s most famous resident, Antoni Gaudi.

If you love to be active on holiday, Costa Dorada has everything from scuba diving to horse riding and mountain trekking. Many of the towns, including the charming Sitges, run segway tours as a unique way to see the local area.

No matter when you visit Costa Dorada, the region’s full of vibrant celebrations and fiestas. The Festival of St Joan Catalonia honours the shortest night of the year with fireworks, bonfires and dancing, while Sant Pere Festival in Reus and Sitges International Film Festival of Catalonia are must-sees.

Places to stay

Found in the south of Catalonia, the Costa Dorada stretches 216km down the east coast of Spain facing the Mediterranean Sea. Between Salou and Tarragona is the family-friendly PortAventura resort. Kids will love the thrill of the theme park and can splash their way through the Costa Caribe Aquatic Park. Or pick nearby Cap Salou where you can enjoy a leisurely round of golf or pop to one of the many small beaches and enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Cap Salou | Portaventura | Salou