Costa Brava is a coastal region in northeastern Spain stretching from Blanes up to the border of France. It's known for sandy beaches, peaceful villages and mountain landscapes. The characteristic rugged coastline gives Costa Brava its name, which translates as 'wild coast'.
Lively resorts and tranquil villages punctuate the coast, the most popular of which are Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar in the south, Platja d'Aro and Begur in the middle, and Roses and Cadaqués in the north. These three regions are known as Selva, Baix Empordà and Alt Empordà.
There is a wide variety of accommodation in Costa Brava, from luxury hotels atop rocky headland to country retreats with mountain views, so whatever your budget or requirements, there will be somewhere to suit you.
Budget
If you don't want to spend a fortune on accommodation there are ample budget hotels in the main resorts.
Right in the action there's Hotel Windsor in the centre of Tossa de Mar and you'll have use of the nearby Hotel Marina Tossa which has two pools and a tennis court.
If you want somewhere a bit quieter there's the family-run guesthouse Pension El Amigo in Lloret de Mar, not far from Lloret Beach and the shopping area.
In Platja d'Aro the TripAdvisor award-winning Hotel Bell Repos offers bicycle hire so you can explore the nearby cycling routes. For a bit more money you can enjoy a laid-back holiday at Medplaya Hotel Monterrey.
Heading north there's the family-run Bell Aire Hotel in L'Estartit, a short walk away from the beach, shops and restaurants, as well as El Rei de Mar diving centre if you want to discover the Medes Islands Marine Park.
In Roses there's Hotel Risech next to Roses Beach, or there's the slightly more expensive Hotel Grecs located on a hillside with stunning views of Costa Brava. Both are a short car journey from the Dalí Museum in Figueres. To be in the beautiful fishing town of Cadaqués stay at the centrally located Hotel Tarongeta.
Self-catering
If you want to cook for yourself, there are a few self-catering options around, mostly mid-range.
In Lloret de Mar there's Trimar Apartments with a swimming pool, sun terrace and modern rooms with well-equipped kitchens and dining areas. For families there's Bolero Park Apartments which has an adult and kids' pool, and all rooms have a private terrace and kitchen area with a cooker, toaster, microwave and fridge.
Or if you'd prefer to stay in Tossa de Mar there's the Medplaya Aparthotel Esmeraldas with a buffet restaurant and fully-equipped apartments.
Heading north there's the two-star Apartamentos Miami in L'Estartit, ideal for young groups with its barbeque facilities and central location. Alternatively in Empuriabrava there's Xon's Platja Hotel with a range of activities and entertainment so it's great for families. Both have equipped kitchenettes and are near supermarkets.
All inclusive
If you want to get more for your money, there are a range of all-inclusive options in Costa Brava's main resorts.
In Tossa de Mar one of the cheaper options is the castle-like Aparthotel San Eloy, part of the Medplaya chain. Or for a bit more money there's Tossa Beach Hotel which includes your room, meals, snacks, drinks as well as activities and entertainment.
If you want to be in Lloret de Mar, H Top Hotels chain have a few all-inclusive options in the area which offer a free bus between hotels, drinks, snacks, entertainment and half price excursions.
The three-star H Top Gran Casino Royal Hotel is ideal for young couples and groups looking for somewhere central, while H Top Royal Beach Hotel near Platja de Fenals Beach is perfect for families and couples as is H Top Royal Star Hotel.
On the beach
There is no shortage of beach hotels with stunning sea views, so you can afford to be picky to find one to suit you
If you want a cheap hotel in the lively Tossa de Mar, stay at the beachfront Hotel Cap d'Or at the base of the village castle. Just across Platja Gran Beach is Hotel Diana, a modernist boutique hotel with direct beach access and views of the castle. For a bit more money you can stay at Gran Hotel Reymar which has use of the more private Mar Menuda Beach.
For those who want a reasonably priced hotel in Roses, go for Hotel Univers, a pleasant three-star in front of the marina and a quick walk from the beach, or Prestige Victoria overlooking Santa Margarita Beach has a range of facilities and entertainment making it great for families. At the top end there's the luxury five-star Hotel Vistabella set between two beaches and has panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Over in Platja d'Aro, a cheaper option is Hotel Planamar situated on the beach, and has a rooftop pool. More expensive is the four-star Hotel Aromar next to the seafront promenade and hosts art exhibitions in the summer. A bit more pricey is Cap Roig built into the rocks of the Platja d'Aro coast where you can relax in the spa or sunbathe on a private beach.
Camping
There are some well-equipped camping areas in Costa Brava if you want to enjoy the amazing scenery and not pay a fortune. Most offer a range of lodging and entertainment.
Camping Las Dunas is great if you want to be near the beach at the Bay of Roses as is Camping Joncar Mar. Or there's Kim's Camping in Llafranc with a range of accommodation including studios, bungalows, mobile homes, apartments, chalets and camping pitches.
Camping La Siesta in Calella de Palafrugell is great for families with its extensive activity programme, and so is Camping Playa Brava in Pals with a kids club and night time entertainment. The four-star Camping Cala Llevado in Tossa de Mar which has a romantic offer of a camping spot by the sea.
In the countryside
There are plenty of country retreats if you want to get back to nature. They can be pricey but there are a few cheaper options.
Ses Arrels is a four-star boutique hotel in the peaceful Vall-Llobrega area of Baix Empordà. This restored 14th century country house is surrounded by forests and vineyards, and boasts a living room with a fireplace.
The luxury Hotel Mas Salvi is a restored manor house from the 17th century, tucked away in the Carmany green belt, or there's Mas Tapiolas a traditional Catalan country house with rustic-style rooms overlooking the Santa Cristina d'Aro countryside.
Less expensive is La Goleta, where you can explore the Cap de Creus National Park, or Hotel Restaurant Mas Palou is a cosy restored farm house where you can enjoy views of Alt Empordà and the Bay of Roses.
With a golf course
There are a plethora of golf courses in Costa Brava and if you want one right on your doorstep, head to one of these hotels.
If you want to go self-catered there's Aparthotel & Village Golf Beach, surrounded by forest. It's a short way from Golf Platja de Pals golf course and there are plenty of others in the vicinity.
A bit more expensive is Hapimag Mas Nou, a golfer's paradise situated in the middle of Club Golf d'Aro with professional golf teachers so you can try out the sport or improve you technique, or the four-star Hotel Golf Costa Brava in Santa Cristina d'Aro has views of its first-class golf course.
Top end
There is a lot of luxury accommodation to choose from whether you want to be in a stunning location or have the finest facilities.
If you want a hotel with a sea view there's the four-star Silken park Hotel San Jorge in Platja d'Aro which overlooks the Cap Roig headland, symbolic of Costa, and has direct access to the pictureque Bella Dona and Sant Jordi Coves.
Or there's Begur's Parador de Aiguablava hotel situated on the Punta D'es Muts enclave, surrounded by pines and offers a magnificent sea view. At Port Salins in Empuriabrava you can enjoy a barbeque at the restaurant's terrace with stunning views of the Bay of Roses.
For somewhere family friendly, stay at Hotel Acapulco which offers family rooms and the kids will have their own pool. If you want to unwind in a well-equipped spa head to Evenia Olympic Palace, or if you want to get active, the modern Terraza Hotel next to the Bay of Roses which offers a range of water sports, and the hotel can recommend walks and treks in the area.
At the very top end is the stylish five-star Guitart Monterrey nestled in exotic gardens, boasting a spa, three restaurants and a private beach club. For something truly opulent, stay at Hostal de la Gavina in S'Agaro which has classic Mediterranean architecture, while the pool looks onto the beach and bay of Sant Pol. To stay somewhere with character head to Hotel La Malcontenta in Palamós which is in a resorted 19th century country mansion.
With a spa
There is a range of spa hotels for every budget, with most in the resorts of Lloret de Mar and Platja d'Aro.
The three-star La Palmera Hotel and Spa in Lloret de Mar is inexpensive and offers a Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, outdoor pool and Jacuzzis, or for something a bit different there's the Egyptian-themed Cleopatra Spa Hotel.
If you want more choice there's Hotel La Terrassa Spa Centre in Platjo d'Aro which offers massages and other treatment, or for an all-inclusive experience there's Guitart Central Park Resort and Spa in Lloret de Mar with five different pools, waterfalls, a gym and a solarium.
For those with cash to splash there's S'Agaro Hotel Spa and Wellness surrounded by gardens on Sant Pol Beach in the idyllic S'Agaro Bay. Over in Lloret de Mar there's Hotel Astoria Park with a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2012 why not relax in the hot tub on the rooftop terrace and marvel at the views of Costa Brava.
Another four-star in Lloret de Mar is Hotel Rosamar and Spa which has amazing sea views from the spa centre, or there's Double Tree by Hilton Hotel and Spa Emporda in a stunning location in Torroella de Montgri with a luxury spa and fitness centre.
At the very top end is the five-star Salles Hotel and Spa Cala de Pi in Platja d'Aro where you can enjoy direct access to Cala del Pi Beach and use the spa with indoor heated pool, waterfalls, ice fountains, a Finnish sauna and Turkish bath.
Family friendly
Whether you're on a budget, want to be near a beach or need good facilities for kids, there is a hotel to suit you.
At the cheaper end there's Prestige Goya Park not far from Roses' Santa Margarita Beach. Set in attractive gardens this complex has two pools, a children's play area, a mini-golf course and a games room. In the same town is Prestige Coral Platja with indoor and outdoor pools, a kid's club and regular theme nights.
Hotel Giverola, located in the bay of Cala Giverola near Tossa de Mar is ideal for families with a children's playground, family rooms, babysitting, a children's pool and a waterslide.
If you want a family friendly self-catering hotel choose Aparthotel Comtat Sant Jordi in Platja d'Aro which has a fully-equipped kitchenette and on-site supermarket, while there's a play area for children. If you'd prefer all inclusive, go for H Top Royal Star Hotel in Lloret de Mar offering a kid's club, children's pool and you can enjoy a family day out at the nearby Water World water park.
A bit more expensive is the four-star Golden Bahia de Tossa hotel boasting three pools surrounded by palm trees, a spa, mini golf, bicycle rental and a babysitting service.
Romantic retreats
These hotels are mostly found in the smaller coastal villages and tend to be at the higher end, although there are some mid-range options available.
If you want the best for your honeymoon, stay at the five-star Aiguaclara Hotel in Begur, a restored colonial mansion. Winner of TripAdvisors' Travellers' Choice 2013 for Best Service, this chic boutique hotel boasts a chill-out terrace, lounge bar and garden restaurant. Or there's Hotel Santa Marta in Lloret de Mar offering a 'Romantic Getaway' package you'll get champagne in your sea view room, aperitifs on the terrace, a gourmet meal as well as spa access.
Or there's the four-star Hotel Blau Mar in Llafranc with classy decor, an infinity pool and all rooms have a private terrace or garden with sea views. A bit less expensive is Hotel Eden Roc in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, situated on a peninsula. Relax in the spa or feast on a traditional meal overlooking the gardens.
In the mid range is Tamariu's Hotel Hostalillo, a charming, modern hotel located in a tranquil cove surrounded by pine trees where you can dine overlooking the sea. At Hotel Canyelles Platja in Roses you'll be able to enjoy direct access to the beach of Canyelles Petites and sip on cocktails in the beach bar.If you'd rather be close to the action there's the stylish Hotel Excelsior in Lloret de Mar with a rooftop spa and hot tub overlooking Lloret Beach.