Hotel Hostalillo, Tamariu

Advantages: Quiet and tranquil, breathtaking scenery, not too commercialised.
Disadvantages: none

...but I know it well. It is easy to walk to from Calella, particularly in the evening when there are amazing views along the coastal path. There is a row of hotels and restaurants lining the seafront, which has a long beach. Margaret Thatcher stayed in one of the hotels here once! This will either be encouraging or discouraging I expect, depending on your individual political opinion! Tamariu This is the least built up and least touristy of the three villages. To get to it you drive down a windy coastal road with cliffs to the right off you that drop down to the sea. The village is very small with one long road which leads up to a locally run campsite, a couple of restaurants, a few houses and a couple of shops, and another which just leads to some more housing, and then a few minor roads. Along the seafront there is another road which... Read review

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Advantages: Not overly touristy, good value, quite easily accessible, very relaxing
Disadvantages: A little far away from the big cities

...significantly on weekends when locals flock to the beach for some topless sunbathing. Don't worry if you don't speak too much Spanish as most menus are in English and the local shopkeepers and hotel owners can speak enough English to guide you through. It is possible to get to Tamariu on public transport, but I would highly recommend a hire car. We got a train from Barcelona to Girona (about 1.5 hours and 6 euros) and hired a car from the Train Station Avis. This proved a great way to see the area. Driving to Tamariu from Girona takes a bit over an hour but is quite an easy drive. Cheap airlines fly from London to Girona (I believe Ryan Air). Overall, if your looking for a getaway be it romantic or family (both are well suited) then this is a hidden gem.... Read review

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Advantages: Not too crowded, good accommodation, good weather, Spanish culture
Disadvantages: Barcelona's traffic, lack of genuine sandy beaches

...In July 2000, I spent two weeks in the resort of Tamariu, about 100km north of Barcelona on the Costa Brava. After an early start - 3.30 in the morning, we flew British Airways from Heathrow to Barcelona. When we arrived at Barcelona, the car hire process was long and having to stand in a queue for an hour was frustating. The problems outside were worse however, Barcelona being one of the most confusing cities i've ever been to, but still, i liked the place. When we finally arrived in Tamariu, I was fairly impressed with the apartments, after being used to 1 bedroom apartments, this was a new experience, the apartments Sol Pin, used by The Travel Club of Upminster in Britain each had 2 bedrooms, a 2 toilets and a seperate living area. The pool was big, and had a terraced area where you could sit and sunbath. This probably made up... Read review

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