Despite being popular with visitors, the Costa Brava remains a quintessential Spanish locale, so you'll find plenty of authentic, down-to-earth standard hotels that still provide all the amenities you'll need. Kimkim's top picks offer everything from beachfront retreats to city escapes, allowing you to enjoy this stunning coastal region known for its rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and clear blue waters.
The Costa Brava is known for its picturesque coastal towns and beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for visitors to Spain. Finding the perfect mid-range hotel can be overwhelming, but fear not; the following is a list of the best options that offer great value without compromising on quality and comfort, from seaside resorts to charming boutique hotels.
Though you can experience all the Costa Brava offers in three to five days, spending one week in the region is your best bet. Seven days or more allows you to combine cities like Girona and Begur with plenty of time on the coast. And with a more leisurely pace, you can prioritize activities you enjoy most, such as hiking the famous Camí de Ronda coastal trail, trying water sports like kayaking or snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach.
The Costa Brava is known for its stunning beaches, charming towns, and exquisite culinary experiences—all perfect for a luxury stay. The region offers 5-star hotels with perks and amenities to elevate your visit, like spas, fine-dining restaurants, and private beaches. This article highlights five top picks for Costa Brava luxury hotels, all providing an unforgettable experience.
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.
Discover the rich history and culture of the Costa Brava with a visit to one of its charming medieval villages. Each village offers a unique experience that takes you back in time, from fortified castles to quaint cobbled streets.
Costa Brava is home to over 300 miles of coastline, meaning you'll have plenty of beach choices, each offering its own charm and atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a lively scene, complete with restaurants and water sports, or a more peaceful, secluded setting for relaxing and sunbathing, you'll find several options on the Costa Brava.
In northeastern Spain, the Costa Brava offers stunning beaches, picturesque landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. How you plan your trip can make a significant difference in the quality of your vacation. From the medieval charm of Begur and other towns to the bustling city of Girona and the tranquil fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, there are several options to consider when planning a Costa Brava excursion.
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is a city full of rich history, culture, and cuisine, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a taste of authentic Spanish life. Whether you have just one day or several to explore the city, there are plenty of experiences to enjoy in Madrid. If you're in the former category, read on to learn how to make the most of 24 hours in Madrid.
Discover the charming city of Girona, nestled in the heart of Catalonia and steeped in history, in just 24 hours. From winding medieval streets to a beautiful cathedral and museums, you can roam one of the world's best-preserved Jewish quarters. Indulge in the world-renowned culinary scene, explore the rich history, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Girona.
With over 40 museums in Madrid—including the world-famous El Prado Museum—you might not know where to start when it comes to choosing what's right for you. Should you follow the crowds to the Prado, indulge your sports interest at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, or try something new at CaixaForum Madrid? Though there are many more to consider, we've broken down our picks for the top museums in Madrid to help you decide which experience is best for you.
Seville has a rich cultural heritage, and flamenco is one of its most beloved traditions, a passionate and exhilarating art form that combines music, singing, and dance. With so many flamenco shows, deciding which is best for you can be challenging. Read on for tips on choosing the best flamenco show in Seville that suits your particular interests, whether combining the experience with dinner or enjoying a more intimate venue.
This 10-day road trip takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Costa Brava and the Spanish Pyrenees, offering plenty of chances to explore the region's diverse cultural and natural wonders. From vibrant cities like Barcelona and Girona to the rugged coastline of Costa Brava and scenic Val d'Aran, you'll enjoy Northern Spain's history, cultural heritage, and gastronomy.
This 10-day journey through Andalusia pairs cultural hotspots with quiet corners in the countryside. You'll visit vibrant cities like Seville, Granada, and Málaga, but save time for unique experiences in the region's white villages, national parks, and charming Las Alpujarras. Along the way, you'll experience the region's authentic culture and a few areas not typically seen by visitors.
Embark on a 10-day journey through the landscapes of Andalusia, exploring the vibrant city of Seville, the pristine beaches of Andalusia, and Spain's picturesque White Villages. You'll experience rich cultural heritage, sample regional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the local way of life—a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural immersion.
A road trip through Northern Spain offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural roots and diverse landscapes, from the coastal heritage of San Sebastián to the rolling vineyards of La Rioja. This 10-day excursion includes opportunities to explore unique traditions, cuisine, and architecture that define this corner of Spain, with stops in historic Pamplona and vibrant Bilbao.
For wine lovers and foodies, this road trip in northern Spain takes you along the incredible Basque coastline with its rugged sea cliffs, charming fishing villages, and gastronomic cities, then into the rolling vineyards and hills of La Rioja and Navarra. Blend city walks with small towns, food tours, and an overnight stay at a winery in Spain's most famous wine region, Rioja.
Experience the rich history and stunning beauty of Andalusia, Spain's southern region, as you drive through the classic destinations of Seville, Cádiz, Málaga, Granada, and the white villages. This 10-day road trip includes viewing intricate architecture, savoring traditional cuisine, and enjoying scenes of rolling hills and quaint villages dotted with whitewashed homes.
Eat and drink your way through northern Spain on this 11-day gastronomic adventure. Begin in Barcelona, exploring the city and its surroundings on a tapas tour, a local organic winery tasting, and a sunset sailing experience. While digesting, experience Gaudí's world-famous architectural delights and sunbathe on city beaches. Take a train to San Sebastián and visit the world's first underwater winery, then wind your way to Bilbao to sample the Basque Country's famous pintxos and Txakoli wine.
Thanks to Ibiza's cultural heritage of indulgence, even its mid-range hotels offer perks that you might expect at a luxury property. You can save a bit on your budget while still enjoying amenities like outdoor saltwater pools, yoga sessions, spas with water circuits and hammams, sunrise rituals, and sustainable eateries.
Though a relatively small island with a reputation for beach clubs and partying, Ibiza has a surprisingly large focus on agritourism. It's also known as the "rural island" compared to others in the archipelago, so you'll have plenty of choices for idyllic countryside stays with fun perks like farm-to-table eateries and outdoor yoga sessions.
As a small island with a bohemian past, Ibiza is home to many eco-friendly lodgings, most with a focus on sustainable food. By booking one of these accommodations, you'll stay in a hotel using local, seasonal food, perhaps from its garden, and employing initiatives like reducing waste and energy and water use. This all comes together to create an authentic stay in harmony with Ibiza's heritage.
As a small island, some travelers prefer to use one of Ibiza's cities as a start or end point or a hub for day trips. Luckily, the island's two cities, Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni de Portmany offer plenty of history, culture, and gastronomy, so they're worth a visit even on their own.
To truly embrace Ibiza's bohemian, hedonistic vibes, you might want to add an outdoor pool to your hotel must-have list. It's challenging to find lodging on the island without a pool, but some options stand out from the rest, with multiple pools, incredible views from the sundeck, private options in rooms, or even personal terraces with hot tubs.
Despite being the smallest of the three main Balearic Islands, Ibiza has just as many beaches as Menorca and some of the best stretches of sand in the archipelago. The island's hotels take advantage of the coastline and offer several beachfront lodgings. Many of our recommendations come with perks like private areas of the beach, spas, fine-dining restaurants, and multiple outdoor pools.
Ibiza's reputation as a coastal beachfront oasis and party scene means you'll find plenty of glitzy, posh lodgings. However, you can still find a handful of standard hotels offering comfortable and unique stays, ranging from urban to rural options and stylish to niche designs.
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.
Ibiza has some of the best boutique hotel options of all the Balearic Islands, thanks to its bohemian history and hedonistic heritage. These cultural aspects bring the island's roots into your hotel room with natural decor and rustic furnishings. And to truly indulge the Ibizan way, enjoy perks like spas, fine-dining eateries, infinity pools, live music, and even sunset rituals.
With the entirety of Menorca being a Biosphere Reserve, you'll find a few options for eco-friendly hotels that complement the island's sustainability efforts. Our top picks offer accommodation that fits a range of budgets and feature initiatives around reducing energy, purifying water naturally, and conserving land.
Many travelers prefer to stay or base themselves in Ciutadella de Menorca, as it's the perfect gateway to the island's northern and western coasts. If you're looking for a more active vacation, this is an excellent region. And Ciutadella offers historic charm and direct access to the island's Cami de Cavlls trail that wraps around Menorca, meaning the picturesque Sa Farola Beach is just a 20-minute walk.
Many travelers like to start or make their hub in Mahón, one of Menorca's main cities and home to an airport and a major ferry port. It's recommended to stay in the city, as it has a captivating historic center, a vibrant waterfront promenade bustling with activity, and lively markets. As a bonus, all below hotel recommendations sit in charming historic properties.
Pools are a standard amenity in the Balearic Islands, and Menorca offers some of the best hotels with refreshing swimming spaces, whether outdoor, indoor, or private. The following properties put a focus on their pools for complete relaxation and rejuvenation, offering perks like sunbeds directly in the water, natural saltwater options, and serene gardens.
It's no surprise that the Balearic Islands offer some truly indulgent properties, but Menorca adds historic and authentic charm to its five-star hotels. So though you can enjoy all the posh perks like outdoor pools, spas, beachfront locations, and rooms with private pools, the below top picks also stay true to the rustic island vibes.
Menorca is one of those places where its mid-range hotels live up to its luxury options, so you can enjoy an indulgent stay without pushing your budget too much. Leading mid-range properties offer five-star perks like beachfront locations, spas, gourmet restaurants, outdoor pools, and historic buildings.
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.
If you want to pamper yourself while in the Balearic Islands, Menorca is a great place to do so. With its laid-back vibes and focus on the environment, you'll find several options for spa hotels with perks like thermal circuits, heated seawater pools, steam rooms, sensory showers, oxygenating sunbeds, massages, aromatherapy rooms, saunas, and more.
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.
You'll find Menorca's best boutique hotels spread out across the island. Though because of the historical nature of their buildings, many are in the vibrant center of Mahón or Ciutadella. All offer unique stays with plenty of authentic character, and you'll find amenities like on-site restaurants, spas, outdoor pools, and happy hours.
With over 80 beaches and some of the most idyllic coastlines in the Balearic Islands, Menorca is an excellent place for a beachfront hotel. Staying near the coast makes it easy to enjoy the seaside and water sports, but it also offers a quieter experience away from the cities, so you can truly immerse yourself in the island's relaxed, natural vibe.
Whether you're standing elbow-to-elbow with the city's residents eating traditional tapas in a casual tavern or indulging in innovative contemporary Spanish cuisine in a stylish setting, dining out in Madrid isn't just about eating; it's a social experience. With more than 3,000 restaurants and an abundance of local, high-quality ingredients, the city has something to satisfy every palate and budget. Read on for a list that will lead you to some of Madrid's best croquettes, pintxos, tortillas, torrijas, and more.
Spend one week exploring three provinces of northern Spain with a road trip starting in San Sebastián. Enjoy urban walks, hiking, and sailing, then head to La Rioja and Navarra to visit cities like Pamplona and Logroño and enjoy the countryside and its vineyards. End in Bilbao, uniquely known for its eclectic public art and modern aesthetic.
Explore Spain's Andalusia province, starting in Seville with its historical monuments, tapas, and flamenco, then visit a few Pueblos Blancos ("White Villages"), including the picturesque Ronda. Before returning to Seville, you'll explore the coastal city of Cádiz, one of the world's oldest cities, for history, wine, and time at the beach.
This seven-day road trip starts along Andalusia's coast in the port city of Málaga. Enjoy a beach day and explore the Old Town, then head to Ronda and visit a few of Spain's famous Pueblos Blancos. After wine tasting and soaking up the history of Cádiz, you'll end your time in Seville by exploring its main sites and watching authentic flamenco.
Spend a week driving through Andalusia on this seven-day itinerary, starting in Seville. Explore the city's monuments, tapas, and flamenco, then head south to Cádiz, one of the world's oldest cities. Your next stop is the whitewashed Ronda set atop a dramatic gorge, and you'll end your trip in Granada in the Albacín district and at the Alhambra.
This Spanish itinerary offers a mix of gastronomy in Basque and outdoorsy fun in Catalonia for the ultimate winter adventure. Arrive in San Sebastián, a picturesque city on the Bay of Biscay with a notable food scene where you'll bike and sample local pintxos with a private guide. Then head uphill to the forested mountains of the Pyrenees for three days of snowshoeing followed by cozy evenings surrounded by nature (and a fireplace).
Explore Andalusia's stunning nature reserves, sample regional tapas dishes, and take a journey through Spain's fascinating history on this 10-day road trip. Begin with historical tours of Picasso's birthplace in Málaga before venturing to Ronda—described as Spain's most romantic town by Ernest Hemingway. Watch a classical Spanish guitar concert by top musicians, be dazzled by the fiery flamenco dance, and enjoy guided hikes through dunes, forests, and coastlines.
Immerse yourself in Northern Spain's breathtaking natural beauty, medieval history, and world-class gastronomy on this 13-day road trip. Traverse the dramatic Basque coast, sail to the stunning beaches of the Cíes Isles, and explore the foodie hotspot of San Sebastián. Along the way, you'll discover the world's first winery under the Cantabrian Sea, tour the best of Bilbao's pintxos bars, and marvel at the masterpieces of the legendary Guggenheim Museum.
Discover the wonders of Spain's northern Basque Country with this elegant six-day itinerary. Take in the gastronomy and viticulture of Bilbao and San Sebastián as you combine the best of the region's art with its stunning natural beauty. Along the way, you'll uncover the treasures of the Guggenheim, explore the rolling vineyards of La Rioja, and set sail to a romantic 13th-century fishing village.
Two weeks in Spain with your family is an ideal length of time for exploring more of the country, enjoying memorable experiences, and/or visiting unique places. Our three recommended itineraries give you options like active excursions across the Canary Islands, combining Spain and Portugal into one epic trip, or traversing the country from north to south.
This two-week family vacation combines Portugal's beaches, palaces, and flavors with Spain's flamenco, royalty, and parks. Start your trip in Portugal with highlights kids and adults love, including playing on the beach, sailing in the ocean, and spotting dolphins. Then, make your way to Spain, where unique cultural experiences await, including sites like Granada's Alhambra, Madrid's Plaza Mayor, and Seville's Royal Alcázar.
