Someone had yelled “¡Olé!” three times that morning, and it wasn’t even noon yet. On a sunny plaza in Seville, I had just eaten an olive stuffed with pimientos when I heard the first sounds of a flamenco guitar played by a busker. An old woman near the church then started to clap in time. “We’re not leaving,” my husband said in a whisper.
That moment, when food, music, sun, and soul all came together, is what Spain is all about. Spain held our attention from the first salty olive to the last night in a small hotel that smelt like flowers and the sea.
If you’re going to Spain and want to do more than just see the famous sites, read our story. It’s full of must-dos, local secrets, and (because we’re us) some very memorable hotel stays.
Costa Brava: Cliffs along the coast and a cosy feel
The Casa Granados is a small hotel in Tossa de Mar.
Imagine stone walls covered in ivy, soft lighting, and sheets that hug you. This hotel looked and felt more like a hidden spot than a place to stay. When the windows were open, the smell of orange flowers filled the room. A breakfast in the garden with honeyed figs and freshly squeezed juice set the tone for the day.
Also loved:
A charming and rustic place to stay is Hostal Plaja i Pati de Can Plaja. The café in the garden is lit up by fairy lights.
Pensio Restaurant Llanca: It’s simple but cosy, and they make their own paella. Quite impressively good.
The Mimoses Apartaments are great for longer stays because you can cook your own meals, and it’s a nice walk to the beach.
Casa rural Alt Emporda Costa Brava: It is tucked away among olive trees and farms.
Vista Roses Mar – Villa Laura is new, right on the beach, and ready for the evening.
Tip: From Tossa de Mar to Cala Pola, you can walk along the coast. Have food and a camera with you. You need both.
Ibiza: Nights of chaos and quiet mornings
This spot, in a quiet part of Ibiza Town, was where we went to start over. Our room was clean, the towels were soft, and there was a soft whirring sound from the ceiling fan when we got back from dancing after the night. Local yoghurt, fresh fruit, and crispy ensaïmadas were served for breakfast.
Favourites from Ibiza:
Apartamentos Llobet Ibiza are right on the beach and come with kitchenettes and lunches served right on the sand.
Villa Can Raes is a luxurious and private place that’s perfect for couples.
There is a pool, palm trees, and a sense of peace at Sa Carroca Villa.
Low-cost but convenient Hostal Ferrer. On the roof, we made friends.
At Can Toni De Sa Bogura, you can find both rustic charm and stylish peace.
Agroturismo Casa Morna is a great place to stay when you want to be in nature but still have a nice bed and great wine.
Take a trip to the Las Dalias night market. Get lost among the lights, eat arepas, and drink mojitos.
Mallorca: Golden Coasts and Green Hills
Finca Son Temet is a hotel.
For one more night, I would teleport here if I could. The way lemon bushes smell when the sun comes up. The peace and quiet of the country. The old tiles under your feet. In that spot, breakfast comes in a wooden basket, and the stars are so close you can touch them.
More magic from Mallorca:
Finca Son Roseta has stone walls, vineyards, and jam that is made from scratch.
Villas Begonias is a beautiful family home with a pool that is great for both kids and wine lovers.
Villa Forte is clean, simple, and full of bird sounds.
Villa Can Ameler has the feel of a traditional finca with modern touches.
Villa Salada has a big yard and even bigger food. It’s only a short drive to the beach.
You should learn the term “una caña, por favour.” You can get a cold drink. Always helpful.
Art, architecture, and all-night tapas in Barcelona and the surrounding area
Hotel: Sunshine Park Hotel (Lloret de Mar)
Sweeter than I thought. It’s clean, in the middle of everything, and just a few steps from the beach. The place isn’t fancy, but it’s a good deal for the price. Plus, they give you a little map that has hand-written restaurant secrets all over it. Gold.
Other ones you should check out:
You can walk to shops and markets from RVHotels Apartamentos El Quijote, making it a great place for families.
Can Pobric: A get-away in the country that’s still close to the action of the city.
There is a deck with mountain views at Hostal San Carlos, and the place is clean and friendly.
Urcatusa Llevant: It’s modern, useful, and close to lots of interesting places to visit.
The Apartamentos Les Palmeres are big and sunny.
The cable car at Montjuïc at sunset is a must. Yes, it’s cheesy. But it was worth it.
Flamenco, History, and Spicy Flavours in Granada, Seville, and Andalusia
The Hacienda del Sol is a hotel in Espona.
We’re lucky this time. We got upgraded by accident and now have a room with a view of the mountains and a shower that rains down. For breakfast on the balcony, there were churros and hot chocolate that was so thick that you needed a spoon.
We also suggest:
Benavista Estepona has the classic beauty of the coast. The pool will be your favourite place to be.
Dama de Noche is a luxurious and laid-back hotel close to Marbella.
Hotel Neptuno: A room in the city with a view from the roof.
Apartamentos Balcon de Carabeo: Terrace with views of the sea = yes.
Colourful and unique is El Jardin BeNerja.
Caritas is a hidden gem with guests who are very kind.
Tip: People from Andalusia eat late. It’s really late. Dinner won’t be served before 9 PM.
The Canary Islands: Volcanic Landscapes and Calm Coasts
El Mocan Luxury Apartment is a hotel in Tenerife.
It’s bright, airy, and close enough to walk to everything. The beds were hard in a good way, and the deck had a view of the ocean. Also, right around the corner is a restaurant that makes the best nut croissants I’ve ever had.
Island runs away:
Be Smart Florida Plaza is a cheap choice close to the beach.
You can see a lot of stars from Malpais Trece. It smells like pine trees too.
Santa Barbara: Simple ease and a great pool.
Villa Tranquilla – As its name says. Just one word: swing.
Ocean Blue House is great for families or large groups.
Tip for the island: Get a car. The roads in the middle of the country add to the fun.
Last Words: Why We Fell in Love with Spain (and Its Hotels)
It’s not just the places that make Spain great; it’s also the cold sangria after a hot walk, the smell of orange blossoms in an alley and the sound of people laughing over snacks in a bar. Plus the places you stay when you’re not going on a trip.
Every hotel had a story to tell, from barefoot meals on finca decks to naps on the beach in Ibiza. They became a part of our Spain, whether they were country, fancy, or just plain weird.
Should we go again? We’re packing up already.
Yes, we are going to learn how to dance flamenco right before we make a fool of ourselves again in Seville.