As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to Catalonia, Paul Bloomfield picks out a selection of places to stay, from the Pyrenees to the coast.
Catalonia's wide range of accommodation options mirrors its diversity. In cities such as Barcelona and Girona you can bed down in hip hostels and boutique hotels, while among the peaks of the Pyrenees nestle cute mountain lodges, spas, and campsites with bargain prices but million-dollar views, and along the coast you’ll fine historic resorts and traditional cob-and-thatch fishermen’s cottages.
Food is never far from mind in these establishments – most have fine restaurants or bars in which to sample the local flavours, from mountain cheeses in the Pyrenees to duck and seafood on the coast or the freshest peas, mushrooms and asparagus. Wherever you stay, expect a good night’s sleep, a culinary treat and a warm welcome.
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Traveller's Guide to Catalonia:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Local food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Places to stay in Catalonia
La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda, Costa Brava
There’s a touch of Scotland in this beautiful restored 12th-century former rectory in volcanic La Garrotxa Natural Park. The house itself is decidedly Catalan, albeit imbued with a contemporary flair, its wood beams, whitewashed walls and tiles augmented with clever design touches such as ancient doors repurposed as bed headboards. But tartan blankets, a range of single malt whiskies and events including a Burns Night supper reflect the Caledonian heritage of one half of the pair who own and run this wonderful guesthouse – Scot Roy Lawson and his Catalan wife Goretti. Seven homely bedrooms (doubles and twins that can be combined for families) have views across oak-wooded valleys and hills. Fine dinners are available, along with secure bike storage – the house sits alongside the Ruta del Carrilet greenway cycle trail between Olot and Girona. larectoriadesantmiquel.com
Mas Ardèvol, Falset, Costa Daurada, Catalonia, Spain
Set in a beautiful spot outside Porrera, Mas Ardèvol has 5 spacious, elegantly decorated rooms, a natural swimming pool, and provides easy access to the Montsant mountains and the sundial route in Porrera. Specialises in traditional Priorat cuisine. masardevol.net
Hostal Spa Empúries, Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain
Hostal Spa Empúries was built over a century ago as lodgings for archaeologists excavating Roman and Greek remains. Today this historic hotel with sea views has been sensitively renovated with a modern touch, including two restaurants and a spa. hostalempuries.com
Mas Salagros Ecoresort, Costa Barcelona, Spain
Just 20km outside Barcelona, this eco-resort is Spain's first certified Bio Hotel. Centred around Roman-style baths, Mas Salagros offers hiking, cycling and classes including yoga and pranayama, as well as three stunning restaurants and bars. massalagros.com
Hotel deth País, Val d’Aran, Catalonia, Spain
Set in a peaceful location in the Val d'Aran this unique hotel has 18 comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving delicious local food, and services for skiing, hiking, mushroom-foraging and more. hoteldethpais.com
Hotel Port d’Àger, Lands of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
Situated in the Montsec Mountains, the Hotel Port d’Àger boasts spectacular views, cosy rooms, and a large range of cultural and sporting activities. hotelportdager.com
Hotel Restaurant l’Algadir del Delta, Terres de l'Ebre
This beautiful family-run hotel, the first in Catalonia to gain Ecolabel certification, has eleven spacious double rooms, a pool, fitness centre and library, as well as a sustainable restaurant serving delicious local cuisine. hotelalgadirdelta.com
Cerdanya Eco Resort, Lleida Pyrenees, Catalonia, Spain
A family-friendly eco site in the heart of the Pyrenees, Cerdanya offers a huge range of accommodation and activities, with something to please all ages and dispositions. On site is a pool and spa, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars. cerdanyaecoresort.com
Nou Camping, Lleida Pyrenees, Catalonia, Spain
Located by the National Park of Aigüestortes, this family-friendly campsite offers 150 pitches, some with pre-assembled tents, as well as cosy wooden cabins. Includes an on-site shop, delicious restaurant, heated swimming pools, games room, and more. noucamping.com
Hostal Twentytú, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Close to Plaza de Les Glories (only 3 underground stops from the centre of Barcelona), Hostel Twentytu has 62 rooms for two to four people, all with ensuite bathrooms. An award-winning eco hostel with great facilities and views of Barcelona. twentytu.com
For information on local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities, see our
