Paula

Lots of seaside towns are beautiful – many in more generic ways and many in quite specific ways. The town of Tossa de Mar along the Costa Brava in Catalonia in Spain is picturesque and beautiful due to its rather specific good looks. Those who book a villa in Tossa de Mar itself or who find a vacation rental on the Costa Brava and come to spend a day in the town will quickly discover, therefore, that it is a place that immediately and permanently etches itself into your memory/

Those who are looking to plan a perfect seaside getaway in Spain this summer could easily already be browsing our incredible vacation rentals on the Costa Brava. However, if you are looking to narrow your search down and find a perfect resort town with dreamy beaches and stunning surroundings, then we highly recommend our villas in Lloret de Mar.

Located 70km north east of Barcelona, along the southern stretch of the beloved Costa Brava, the town of Lloret de Mar has Iberian and Roman origins and is first mentioned in writing in the 10th century. It eventually became an important port town in the 18th century and, as a result, transformed into an affluent community. This led to a large-scale rebuilding of the town and the construction of some stunning Neoclassical palaces that remain throughout to this day. By the 20th century, the first tourists began to converge in the town and summer villas and hotels were built. The civil war and the post-war period thereafter did lead to a pause in the growth of tourism in Lloret de Mar but it was reborn and continued soon after. Lloret de Mar then continued to attract more and more visitors and build its reputation and is now one of the must popular resorts along the Costa Brava and one of the best-known gems in the Mediterranean.

The incredibly pretty town of Lloret de Mar already has truly remarkable good looks – it’s one of the many reasons that we suggesting browsing our villas in Lloret de Mar ASAP – between its lovely beaches, impressive ruins, and charming centre. 

However, in addition to these extraordinary features, it also happens to boast one of the most noteworthy and photogenic botanical gardens in all of Spain. The Santa Clotilde Botanical Garden, or Jardí Botànic Santa Clotilde, is spread across 15 hectares on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea between Cala Boadella and Fenals Beach on the outskirts of the town of Lloret de Mar. 

Santa Cristina d’Aro is a picturesque town located in the Aro Valley, along the beloved and lovely Costa Brava of Spain, just 6km inland from the beaches of Platja d’Aro and S’Agaro. Surrounded by mountains and tree-covered hills with various roads, paths, and trails throughout, it is a perfect destination for those looking to hike, cycle, and explore, and is certainly a scenic spot of incredible beauty to admire throughout a vacation in Spain. It is also an ideal base from which to enjoy the Costa Brava, easily fly into the airport, and to plan day trips to Girona and Barcelona – basically, it’s the best of all worlds! So, those looking to properly escape from daily life and concerns to somewhere charming and peaceful where they can relax on perfect beaches, enjoy nature, and do very little of anything at all as well as some days visiting incredible tourist attractions and famous destination would be well-advised to check out our amazing villas in Santa Cristina d’Aro and our villas on the Costa Brava.

In addition to the wonderful weather and the immense beauty of the landscape, Santa Cristina d’Aro boasts friendly locals who tend to smile and greet those they pass in the street and a proper small town atmosphere that many will enjoy. The town is located just far enough inland from the beaches to be far more tranquil even during the height of the tourist season in the summer months. It is also not particularly touristy so you can expect that warm atmosphere, little businesses, and closures during the middle of the day. While these things might not suit some, those looking to embrace the slow and restful pace of life of a little (but still rather cosmopolitan) Spanish town will enjoy it. And, while you may not have lots of chain stores or high-end brands, there are still bakeries, banks, bars, butchers, cafes, modern supermarkets, restaurants, and more – basically all the essentials you might need! Plus, for anything else, Girona and Barcelona are just 30 minutes and an hour away respectively, making it easy to get what you need. A car would make life easier, but there is a main bus route running right through town and the nearest train station in around 20 minutes away. 

For those looking to enjoy a relaxing seaside vacation in Spain, with the option to plan a day-trip or two into Barcelona, the municipality of Begur and its surrounding villages is ideal. Located along the famous Costa Brava, the area is all pretty sun-washed streets, turquoise waters, pastel buildings, winding alleys, gorgeous beaches, seaside restaurants, and coastal trails. For those looking to unwind and forget the rest of the world for a little while or for those interested in getting out and exploring the natural wonder and outdoor pursuits of this lovely part of the world, it is an ideal base. So, find your villa in Begur and come enjoy all that she has to offer...