The perk of staying at a beachfront hotel means you can step straight from your accommodation onto the Costa Brava's sun-kissed shores. This can enhance your Costa Brava experience, as the Mediterranean Sea is a significant influence on Catalonia's culture and history. Though there aren't many beachfront options, this region still offers a few excellent choices for seaside stays.
The Costa Brava is dotted with charming and historic coastal villages, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From medieval fortresses to picturesque fishing villages, the Costa Brava has something for everyone who wants to experience authentic Mediterranean life and escape the bustling city. Consider these options when deciding which coastal towns in the Costa Brava are best for you.
The Basque countryside is an exceptionally scenic stretch along northern Spain, between the Bay of Biscay and the region's inland hills. If you'd like to pair a city escape in Bilbao or San Sebastián with a rural retreat, kimkim visited and vetted several hotels in the Basque countryside, and some of the best come with incredible views, historical charm, and expansive outdoor spaces. Most of these top picks require a car or private transfer, but your reward is a relaxing stay among nature.
In December, Spain's famous beaches are all but abandoned. Those in the know, however, can still plan a diverse adventure in this remarkable country. Whether you want to plan a ski holiday, walking tour of a historic city, or simply eat great food and browse Christmas markets, December in Spain has you covered.
Known for its down-to-earth, authentic character, there aren't many luxury properties in San Sebastián, meaning its mid-range selection is where you'll find the city's best hotels. Kimkim staff traveled to the Basque gem and visited over 30 of its accommodations, and by far, the mid-range hotels were the most impressive. Save a little money while enjoying perks like historical buildings, sea views, outdoor pools, on-site dining, and more.
Ibiza's luxury hotels elevate those five-star perks and add the island's bohemian and hedonistic heritage to the mix. Enjoy fine-dining restaurants that embrace "slow food" and use local ingredients, stay in villas with private pools and chefs, or relax at spas with entire water circuits or at multiple outdoor pools.
Though the beaches of the Costa Brava are some of its main appeals, it's always nice to have the option of cooling off in the pool—and pools are excellent amenities for non-coastal establishments. The best hotels with pools in the Costa Brava range from beachside options to relaxed countryside retreats surrounded by greenery. Either way, you can swim or relax on the sun deck when not exploring the region.
The island of Menorca is a Biosphere Preserve, so rural hotels are aplenty and offer unique experiences on protected farms and heritage land. You'll have a quiet, authentic stay in historical buildings while still indulging in perks like outdoor pools, farm-to-table restaurants, and spa treatments.
Menorca attracts a diverse range of visitors, and as it is a little more laid back than the other Balearic Islands, several affordable accommodation options exist. The only restriction is that Menorca's best standard hotels are in a city, either Mahón or Ciutadella. You'll have to stretch your budget to stay on the beach or in a rural environment, but these cities still provide a lot of entertainment and make great hubs for exploring the island.
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, offers varied landscapes, from the Serra de Tramuntana to its pristine beaches, making it a haven for adventurers and sun-seekers. Menorca, often dubbed the quieter sibling, offers serene bays, UNESCO-listed sites, and a deeply preserved history evident in its prehistoric monuments and charming towns. On the other hand, Ibiza is a blend of vibrant nightlife and untouched natural beauty, attracting both partygoers and those searching for tranquil Mediterranean escapes.