With its wild coves and long sandy beaches, Catalonia boasts two coastlines with very distinct characters. The Costa Brava charms visitors with its fishing villages, unspoilt landscapes and turquoise waters. More family-friendly, the Costa Dorada offers large, accessible beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere. Two regions with contrasting atmospheres, ideal for renting a villa in Spain, but which cater to different holiday preferences.
From Portbou to Blanes, the Costa Brava stretches along the Catalan coastline in the northeastern corner of Spain near the French border. Mainly within the province of Girona, the dramatic cliffs, pine forests and turquoise coves create a spectacular setting. This region in northern Catalonia, which is more rugged and rocky than its southern neighbour, captivates visitors with its distinctive character and its close connection to nature, which plays a key part in the Costa Brava’s beauty.
Hidden coves alternate with fishing villages of sun-bleached houses, dotted with bustling fishing ports. In Cadaqués, Salvador Dalí’s legacy still permeates the narrow streets and the striking landscapes of Cap de Creus. Further south, Tossa de Mar boasts ancient ramparts overlooking the Mediterranean, whilst Begur and Pals offer a more peaceful atmosphere amidst stone houses and panoramic sea views. The beaches of Aiguablava and Sa Riera are among the most sought-after coves for their crystal-clear waters and unspoilt surroundings. In Blanes, the botanical gardens perched above the sea offer a different perspective on the coast, with Mediterranean vegetation and panoramic views stretching to the horizon.
The Camí de Ronda runs along the coast between cliffs and pine forests, linking secluded beaches and stunning viewpoints. The Medes Islands attract scuba diving enthusiasts, whilst water sports such as kayaking, sailing, kitesurfing and snorkelling are the perfect way to spend a day along the coast. The inland area is blanketed with vineyards and olive groves and peppered with medieval villages, which are a delight to explore on bike rides or hikes in a peaceful atmosphere.
The Costa Brava is also an ideal destination for travellers seeking a more scenic and contemplative holiday. The villas here are often situated on the hillsides or near secluded coves, offering unobstructed views, terraces overlooking the sea and a more intimate atmosphere.
The Costa Brava is particularly well suited to travellers seeking enchanting landscapes, secluded coves and a more intimate atmosphere. It is ideal for families with teenagers, couples, and groups of friends looking for variety, authenticity and direct access to nature, in a more rugged and unspoilt setting.
To the south of Barcelona, the Costa Dorada (Costa Daurada) offers a more open and calm coastline than that of the Costa Brava, one that is less rugged and more accessible. Known as the Golden Coast for its many hours of sunshine and honey-coloured sand, its long sandy beaches stretch for several kilometres in a wide-open, sun-drenched setting. The water is generally shallow and access is easy, making it a region particularly well-suited to family holidays.
Salou and Cambrils have a lively yet relaxed seaside atmosphere, with seafront promenades, bustling harbours and restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean. Tarragona, about an hour from Barcelona, has both city beaches and historical heritage in a setting that is vibrant all year round.
In addition to the beloved coastline, the region boasts a remarkable Roman heritage in Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring an ancient amphitheatre and city walls overlooking the sea. The proximity of PortAventura theme park completes the family-friendly offering, whilst the Ebro Delta offers a wilder landscape, dotted with lagoons and nature observatories. In the hinterland, the Prades Mountains provide cool respite and a welcome contrast during the summer.
The Costa Dorada is ideal for travellers looking for a relaxed and effortless seaside holiday, filled with long mornings on the beach and quieter afternoons by the pool at their villa. The villas on the Costa Dorada are particularly appealing to families with young children or multi-generational holidays, thanks to their large gardens, child-friendly swimming pools and proximity to accessible beaches in a relaxed setting.
The Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada offer two very different experiences on the Spanish coastline. The former will appeal more to travellers drawn to spectacular scenery, secluded coves, fishing villages and more intimate experiences. The latter is ideal for families and travellers looking for long, accessible beaches, calm waters and facilities suitable for all members of the family.
The Costa Brava remains an ideal destination for those looking to combine culture, nature and exploration between the sea and the mountains. The Costa Dorada, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed seaside holiday experience, with a wide variety of landscapes ranging from beaches to Roman heritage sites and unspoilt nature.
Villanovo offers a refined collection of villas in Spain, carefully selected for their elegance, location and high-quality amenities. From villas with private pools and seaside properties to homes with private tennis courts and residences overlooking unspoilt Mediterranean landscapes, each villa is designed to offer privacy, comfort and a refined lifestyle.
Our selection includes villas on the Costa Brava, notably in Begur, Pals and Cadaqués, as well as on the Costa Dorada, in the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca), and in Andalusia and on the Costa Blanca, around Málaga and Marbella. From small coastal towns and unspoilt beaches to elegant seaside resorts, each region offers a different flavour of the Spanish coastline.
Villanovo’s dedicated concierge service provides bespoke services tailored to each guest’s preferences throughout their stay, from arranging a private chef and house staff to organising water sports, cultural excursions and boat trips at sea. A personalised travel guide is provided before arrival, highlighting the best local spots, restaurants and experiences.
