Countryside hotel in Catalonia

Can one holiday really offer something for everyone? Probably not, but a stay in a countryside hotel in Catalonia comes pretty close. Here you’ve got dozens of walks right on the doorstep, offering different levels of challenge according to your abilities; a superb horse riding centre 1km down the lane) and a watersports centre nearby, on one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes – both excellently equipped for visitors with accessibility needs, as it happens; mountain biking and road cycling through Pyrenean foothills and a volcanic national park; potential for archery, ziplining and even dedicated triathlon training, and for those interested in a more cultural, less active take on their holiday, abundant lovely villages, towns and cities from Girona to Figueres (home of the renowned Salvador Dali Museum) and the Catalan capital, Barcelona. Top that off with delicious regional cuisine, and plenty of lesser-visited Costa Brava beaches a short distance away, and we’d be confident that almost anyone would find a stay here immensely satisfying.

Fun in the Catalan sun begins with a historic, stone-built former pilgrims’ house that now serves as a environmentally friendly boutique sports and spa hotel, located a short distance from Girona and suitable for everyone from families interested in a fun, active holiday to cyclists and triathletes in training and those suffering from sports-related injuries. On-site facilities include a gymnasium, sauna, massage room and a 25m outdoor pool, ideal for a lazy day when you don’t feel like stretching your muscles.

Large, en suite family rooms are available, on a bed and breakfast basis but one that can also include home-cooked evening meals with zero food mileage (eating local is the best way to cut your carbon footprint on holiday, doncha’ know) – although of course it must be said that Catalonian cuisine is typically meat-heavy. But different diets can be catered for, and packed lunches or picnics provided for walking.

You don’t need a car here, especially as transfers can be arranged and there is so much to do in the local area. But if you do want to hire one for day trips to Girona (30 minutes away), Figueres with its prestigious Dali museum (30 minutes), Besalú with its famous bent bridge, cobbled streets and ancient Jewish quarter (5 mins) or Barcelona (90 minutes), to admire its colourful Gaudi-designed architecture then they’re all within easy reach. As are numerous idyllic Costa Brava beaches where you’re not likely to find the crowds you’d encounter in more well-known locations, especially outside of summer.

Walking is a sheer delight in this part of Spain, especially because there’s no need for transfers to the trailhead. You’ve got no end of trails starting right at your hotel, that might take you into the Garrotxa Volcanic Zones National Park (with 40 extinct, grass-covered volcanic cones and lava flows creating a fascinating landscape) or up into the hills.

You can take either guided or self guided cycling trips on good quality bikes, following peaceful roads and country trails. You might row or kayak on the picturesque Lake Banyoles, try your hand at archery, get an adrenaline fix with a high ropes course, or cool off with a swim in a natural rock pool.

And if you’re in training for a triathlon or cycling, then you could hardly find a better destination for a holiday. Avail yourself of the services of pro coaches either one-on-one or as part of a small group. Sports massages and injury therapy can also be provided.

Inland Costa Brava is dry and sunny pretty much year-round with winter highs of 17°C to 21°C and typically one week of heavy rain in November. The best time to stay at a countryside hotel in Catalonia is between April and early June, and in the autumn months from September onwards, when you will find it cooler. Late afternoons in summer see the occasional thunderstorm and you should be prepared for the occasional heatwave if travelling then. March to June, and October, are the best months for activity holidays here. While the landscapes are a lush mix of green and gold in summer, it can get close to 33°C in July and August by 4pm, so really you need to do your walking and cycling in the mornings when it will be around 18°C to 28°C and enjoy the onsite pool, rivers and lake in the afternoons. If you are tied to school summer holidays however, you can shape a tailor-made itinerary to focus on water sports, beach time and pool days.