Many visitors stop at enchanting Barcelona, or the sunlit Costa Brava, but there's far more to Catalonia than its hotspots. Framed by the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees, the region’s interiors are a patchwork of vineyards, nature reserves and hills, studded with medieval villages and crisscrossed by rivers and walking trails. With everything from indulgent country house hotels and slick high-rises to simple B&Bs, the best places to stay in Catalonia reflect the region’s dazzling variety, too. There really is something here for everyone!

Famed for its fabulous food, art and architecture, Barcelona is one of Spain’s most colourful cities. It has long been a favourite amongst foodies and artists for good reason. Take your time exploring the city on food, absorbing its galleries, museums, architectural wonders, fantastic restaurants and real sense of soul. Much smaller Girona is another gem, with a burgeoning array of excellent restaurants and plenty of heritage attractions. Just an hour from Barcelona, it makes for a brilliant weekend escape from the city. To delve yet further into Catalonia’s past, consider visiting Tarragona and Alcanar.

The wild cliffs and sandy coves of the Costa Brava are Catalonia’s other wonder. Our Gurus have picked out some terrific hotels in charming Begur, seaside Cadaqués, little Llafranc and beyond. Spend your days soaking up the sunshine, immersing yourself in the art of Salvador Dalí and going your diving, snorkelling and sailing skills before returning to unwind at one of the best places to stay in Catalonia.

The Best Places to Stay in Catalonia

FOR FOODIES

• Ohla Hotel serves innovative French and Catalan dishes at Michelin-starred Caelis, under the guidance of chef Romain Fornell. This Barcelona hotel now has four highly regarded culinary spaces, as well as 74 elegant rooms and suites, close to the cathedral.
• Miramar Rooms offers five striking suites in Mar d’Amunt on the Cap de Creus. Savour Paco Pérez's sensational cuisine through the tasting menu or traditional menu, paired with wines chosen by sommelier Toni Gata.
• Hostal Sa Rascassa has five simple guest rooms just steps from the beach. The big draw is the sensational restaurant — part of the reason that this little bolthole was twice voted best hotel in the world. Savour the fresh catch of the day with family and friends in a refreshingly relaxed setting.
• The Wittmore, hidden down a tiny street in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, has a seriously cool club-like feel and a real sense of privacy. The big draw is the restaurant, where local legend Albert Ventura crafts superb regional cuisine with a modern twist. One for hip foodies.
• Alma Barcelona is a very trendy modernist hotel just off Barcelona's Passeig de Gràcia. The rooftop terrace bar and lounge is a great gathering point, whilst the moody Jardin del Alma restaurant dazzles with its seasonal Catalan cuisine. A gastronomic delight from renowned chef Gio Esteve.
• La Boella, a 12th-century estate inland of Tarragona, is a foodie's dream. A working vineyard, the property also produces its own olive oil. Take gastronomic tours, feast at the fine dining restaurant, and unwind in elegant rooms either in the contemporary wing or the traditional main house. A gem.

FOR ROMANCE

• Hotel El Far, perched high above Llafranc alongside the lighthouse of Sant Sebastia, is a gorgeous nine-bedroom boutique pad. Expect dazzling ocean views from the terrace and private balconies, and romantic rooms decorated in pastel tones. A chic escape with stacks of soul — and a terrific traditional restaurant for keen foodies.
• Hotel Neri in Barcelona has been transformed from a 17th-century palace into a 22-room contemporary hotel. Think romantic guest rooms with soft pastel shades and tactile silks. Sunbathe in the solarium, cool off in the pool or enjoy a rejuvenating massage. There's a lovely restaurant and restful library, too. One for couples.
• Mas Pastora offers elegant rooms in a restored 18th-century farmhouse and contemporary wing, both overlooking large gardens and a saltwater pool. Pick this place for the romantic feel and the sense of seclusion — though you're not at all far from Llafranc. Adults only.
• Primero Primera is a family-owned boutique hotel in Barcelona's residential Tres Torres neighbourhood. A collection of 30 rooms, suites and apartments, feature lovely parquet flooring and lots of natural light. The decor is tasteful and understated, and the public areas are cosy spaces with squashy leather armchairs and an open fire for when the weather cools. Easygoing yet very romantic.
• L'Horta D'En Rahola is a family-run hotel on the edge of Cadaqués' old town. The four guest rooms feature soothing blue and white tones, and the shared spaces include a lounge, gardens and swimming pool. The restaurant, which has been running since 1963, has a fantastic reputation for rustic regional cuisine. An adults-only favourite.

For Families and Groups

• Hotel Historic has rooms and apartments — many of which sleep 4 guests — in a heritage building just 100 metres from Girona's cathedral. Pick this place for the self-catering options, private balconies and flexible espaces if you're travelling with friends and family. Expect exposed stone walls and coffered wooden ceilings.
• Apartments SixtyFour offers a collection of self-catering spaces with high ceilings, muted tones, wooden floors, and well-equipped kitchens. Great for families and groups, this is a luxurious yet private base for exploring Barcelona.
• Mas de Torrent is a gorgeous country house hotel with chic contemporary interiors and 20 garden suites, each of which has private access to the gardens. The summer programme of children's entertainment makes this a superb family favourite.
• Hotel Playa Sol, on the coast in Cadaqués, is a lovely seaside hotel with individually decorated rooms, suites and apartments. Come with friends and family or kick back as a couple in comfortable, unfussy spaces just steps from the beach and the heart of town. Highlights include the hot tub, tennis, table tennis, petanque and a heated swimming pool — all at reasonable rates.

For a Rural Escape

• Mas Carreras 1846, an exquisitely restored country home in the Baix Empordà countryside just outside Girona, is a delight. The 11 elegant rooms feature exposed stone walls and some antique pieces, plus there's an outdoor pool and verdant gardens. Wonderfully restorative.
• Les Hamaques has five gorgeous white-on-white guestrooms with a mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings. Set in rural surroundings, it's appealingly close to the beach of Santa Marti d’Empuriés and to the area's Greco-Roman ruins. Expect a tranquil atmosphere and lots of privacy, with pretty gardens best viewed from private terraces with hammocks. Dinners can be organised on request.
• Hotel Moli del Mig is a former 15th-century mill, now transformed into a designer spa hotel. Everything is sleek, light and airy, with pale polished floors and huge windows making the most of views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. Try kayaking, riding and cycling, before kicking back at the spa or swimming pool. An off-the-beaten-track favourite.

For a Beach Break

• Tancat de Codorniu is a beautiful boutique hotel just outside Alcanar. Think elegant contemporary rooms and suites — some of which have space for families — and views of the mountains or the beach. Verdant gardens, a swimming pool and an excellent seafood restaurant await. Just 200 metres from the beach, this is a perfect pad for couples, friends and families.
• Hotel Terramar is a simple yet attractive little spot close to the coast in Llafranc. Contemporary rooms offer flexible options for families, and the beach is just nearby. Dine at the hotel's excellent fish restaurant, or explore the bars and eateries of the town. A great value beach break choice.
• Hostal Empuries, set on an unspoilt beach near L'Escala, has spacious family rooms with contemporary interiors, plus on-site activities including paddleboards, boats and bicycles to hire, plus a weekend kids club. A beach holiday for all ages.
• Hotel Aigua Blava, set right on the beach, has airy contemporary rooms, suites and apartments for couples, friends and families. Cool off in the saltwater pool, play tennis on the hotel courts, or dine at the excellent restaurant. Brilliant for a beach break.

FOR Great Value

• Hostal 977 is a chic little guesthouse in historic Tarragona. Interiors feature wood and stone elements, along with crisp white textiles. Guests share access to a kitchenette, and there are stacks of places to eat nearby. A relaxed, friendly little spot with a great sense of style and reasonable rates.
• Bellmirall is a seven bedroom B&B close to the Girona's cathedral and the Museo d'Art. Rooms are small but stylish, with stone walls and parquet floors. Breakfasts are served on the terrace and rates are very affordable. Simple and friendly.
• Hotel Pulitzer, set just off Barcelona's Plaça Catalunya, offers very reasonable rates given its excellent location. The shared spaces — buzzy rooftop bar, cocktail bar and plam-fringed restaurant coutryard — are all very inviting. Rooms are small and comfortable, with minimalist design and clean lines.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Depending on your destination, fly to Girona-Costa-Brava Airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport or Reus Airport. The region is also well connected to the rest of Europe by rail.
• Catalonia is wonderful for a road trip, particularly if you intend to explore beyond the cities and along the Costa Brava! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Expect hot and humid summers, with temperatures averaging at around 26°C - 30°C between June and August. For fewer crowds and cooler weather travel in April, May or late September, when the cities and coast are still immensely appealing.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Barcelona.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Catalonia.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.