I feel a bit spoilt when writing this, but some weeks ago we actually took a vacation from our Barcelona life… I mean, we’re in Barcelona for 5 weeks without working, but felt like we needed a little break to unwind by the sea. Maybe we are extremely spoilt, however that’s one of the charms of Barcelona: It’s an amazing city close to incredible nature. If you drive south you’ll find never ending sandy beaches. If you drive north, you’ll find the Costa Brava coast with rocks and wild nature. And if you drive inland, you’ll find mountains and valleys. What other city can brag of this diversity?

We love the Costa Brava (I’ve written about it previously here). Whenever we have the opportunity, we go there. This time we went to the Empúries area and stayed at the extremely charming seaside hotel Hostal Spa Empuries (affiliate link).

 

A weekend by the sea at Hostal Spa Empuries, Costa Brava

 

We’d long wanted to stay at this seaside hotel, which we’ve been recommended by family. However, they have been fully booked the previously times we have been on the Costa Brava stretch. But now was the time and as my in-laws were visiting us in Barcelona earlier this month, it was the perfect opportunity to bring them along and show them the area too.

We booked the standard rooms (cheapest) and were pleasantly surprised to find a super bright and lovely room with a large balcony overlooking the garden. And the tiles… I love tiles and I love yellow, do I have to say more?

Just in front of the hotel is the Chiringuito (beach bar). We had mixed weather during the weekend, so it wasn’t really the time for sipping cocktails here, but just imagine coming here in summer!

As said, we had mixed weather while there. On Sunday morning we woke up to what seemed like a storm. But this also has it’s charm. The breakfast restaurant has immense windows to the sea, and looking at the waves splashing into the rocks was like looking at a live painting!

 

 

A few snaps from the hotel

 

The area

Hostal Spa Empuries is located within walking distance to the old town of L’Escala. After the old town, comes the main town of L’Escala, but we never went there as the old town was large enough to stroll around for a couple of days.

The area is known for their anchovies. There are various specialty boutiques selling and serving this little local fish. If you’re really into it, then there’s also an anchovy and salt museum!

 

Nice to know

• As always we booked via Hotels.com (affiliate link) to obtain our Welcome Rewads (this stay actually gave us the nights we needed to get a free night 🙂 )
• The hotel is located a 2 hours drive from Barcelona city center
• There’re two restaurants on site; a bistro and a fine dining restaurant.
• There are various activities in the neighbouring area; water sports, hiking, visiting the small villages around and discover the roman ruins just next to the hotel.
• For a great lunch, walk to the little neighbour town Sant Martí and eat at L’Esculapi.