Costa Brava through the eyes of Natalia
Just north of Barcelona, where the Pyrenees trace the sky and cliffs fall into the sea, the Costa Brava reveals itself—wild yet intimate, weathered yet elegant. This stretch of Catalonia is not defined by spectacle but by subtlety: pine trees tilting toward turquoise coves, honeyed stone villages resting in golden light, and coastal paths that lead to places you didn’t expect to find.
It’s a region that rewards presence over pace. Morning markets, long seaside lunches, late-afternoon swims, and unhurried conversations over a glass of vermouth. This is a place to slow down, to feel, and to notice.
My favourite places in Costa Brava
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Begur
A hilltop town full of character. Winding alleys, terracotta rooftops, and a relaxed bohemian energy. Its charm lies in the layers: medieval textures, artistic spirit, and a timeless view of the sea. -
Tamariu, Sa Tuna & Aiguablava
Not beach clubs or crowded promenades—but quiet coves reached by stone steps or winding paths. These are places to swim in still water, nap under a pine tree, and let the hours stretch. -
Cadaqués
An artist’s haven—whitewashed, sun-bleached, and poetic. The curves of the landscape feel sculpted, and the town moves to its own soft rhythm. It’s where the surreal meets the sea. -
Cala S’Alguer
More a mood than a destination. A hidden fishermen’s cove where time feels paused. Colourful boathouses, quiet rocks for diving, and the kind of stillness you remember long after. -
Palau de Casavells & Empordà
Inland, the coast’s creative pulse continues. At Alzueta Gallery, art, architecture, and heritage blend inside a 14th-century masia. Nearby ateliers and design studios invite you into a world of reclaimed wood, Catalan ceramics, and slow, intentional design. It’s countryside with an aesthetic soul.
Local experiences I love
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Wandering village markets with the smell of fresh peaches and wild herbs
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Coastal walks where pine forests meet sea spray
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Swimming in coves that you reach by foot and leave reluctantly
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Evenings spent over chilled vermouth and the sound of cicadas
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Discovering ceramics in countryside studios full of light and dust
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Watching the sky shift colours from a quiet cliffside terrace
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Exploring art-filled spaces that feel both ancient and avant-garde
Where to eat: Nathalia’s favourite dining spots
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Clara Begur – A soulful and intimate spot in Begur where Mediterranean flavours meet a warmly curated setting. Think grilled fish, local olive oil, and conversation that stretches into the night.
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Compartir, Cadaqués – Inventive, joyful, and grounded in local produce. The sharing plates concept takes on new life here—each dish thoughtfully prepared, beautifully balanced.
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Far Nomo, Llafranc – A Japanese-Catalan fusion restaurant beside the lighthouse. Unexpected flavours, bold pairings, and a view that silences the table.
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Pa i Raim, Palafrugell – A hidden gem serving reimagined Catalan classics in a charming old house. Elegant without being fussy, and deeply rooted in the region.
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Ultramar, L’Escala – Casual and full of energy. Ideal for anchovy lovers, natural wine enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys food that’s flavourful and unfussy.
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Toc al Mar, Aiguablava – Barefoot simplicity. Fresh fish grilled to perfection, served right by the sea. No overthinking—just really good food in a place you won’t want to leave.
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El Pati Blau, Peratallada – Alfresco dining under fig trees in one of the region’s prettiest villages. Long lunches, slow courses, and timeless beauty all around.
Why Nice2stay feels at home here
At Nice2stay, we’re drawn to places with soul—and Costa Brava has it in abundance. Not just in the landscapes, but in the architecture, the food, the way the light falls through shutters.
Our collection here reflects that same spirit. Restored masias with hand-hewn beams. Contemporary coastal villas that still feel timeless. Each one chosen not just for how it looks—but for how it lives. We avoid the obvious and the overdone. We look for authenticity, atmosphere, and connection.
Practical: why Costa Brava is always a good idea
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Easily reached by car from Barcelona (around 1.5 hours)
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Spring and autumn offer the softest light and fewest crowds
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Summer is warm and lively—but still has its quiet corners
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Ideal for road trips, hiking, swimming, and slow exploring
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A haven for food, design, and art lovers alike
In conclusion
Costa Brava is not a destination to be consumed. It’s a coast to be felt, inhabited, and returned to—each time a little differently. Its beauty is layered, its pace patient, its charm lasting.
"I invite you to discover Costa Brava through my eyes—and to find your own rhythm along its winding paths and quiet coves."
- Natalia Swarz, Brand Marketeer Hotels at Nice2stay
Why choose Catalonia?