Sustainable tourism on the Costa Brava: the best eco-hotels for a greener stay
April 1, 2025Stay sustainably on the Costa Brava with our guide to the best eco-hotels and responsible travel tips.
A watercolour painting of the Earth. Photo by Elena Mozhvilo
The Costa Brava is known for its rugged coastline, charming medieval villages, and rich cultural heritage. But like many popular destinations, it faces the challenge of balancing tourism with environmental responsibility. In recent years, sustainable travel has become a priority, with a growing number of eco-conscious hotels leading the way.
Choosing an eco-hotel is one of the easiest ways to make your trip more sustainable. From solar-powered retreats to boutique hotels that prioritise local sourcing and waste reduction, there are plenty of options for travellers looking to minimise their impact while enjoying a comfortable stay.
This guide explores what makes a hotel truly eco-friendly, highlights some of the best sustainable stays on the Costa Brava, and offers practical tips on how to travel more responsibly in the region.
What makes a hotel eco-friendly?
Not all hotels that call themselves “eco-friendly” are truly sustainable. Some adopt small green initiatives, while others are built from the ground up with sustainability in mind. Here are the key features that set genuine eco-hotels apart.
Renewable energy and energy efficiency
A true eco-hotel minimises its reliance on fossil fuels by using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or geothermal power. Many also incorporate energy-saving measures such as LED lighting, insulation to reduce heating and cooling needs, and smart systems that optimise electricity and water usage.
Water conservation and waste reduction
The Costa Brava, like much of the Mediterranean, faces seasonal water shortages, making conservation a priority. Sustainable hotels often:
- Install rainwater collection and filtration systems.
- Use water-saving technologies in showers and toilets.
- Reduce single-use plastics by providing refillable water stations and biodegradable toiletries.
Locally sourced and organic food
Food production has a major environmental impact, and eco-hotels aim to reduce this by offering locally sourced, organic, and seasonal produce. Many work with nearby farms, serve organic wines from the Empordà region, and avoid industrially processed ingredients. Some even grow their own fruit, vegetables, and herbs.
Sustainable building materials and design
Eco-hotels often use reclaimed wood, natural stone, and other locally sourced materials in their construction. Many are designed with passive cooling and ventilation systems to reduce the need for air conditioning. Some also restore historic buildings rather than constructing new ones, preserving local heritage while reducing environmental impact.
Commitment to nature and biodiversity
A hotel’s surroundings play a big role in its sustainability. The best eco-hotels:
- Avoid overdevelopment in fragile coastal or forested areas.
- Support local conservation efforts and reforestation projects.
- Use landscaping that encourages biodiversity rather than artificial lawns and non-native plants.
More than just marketing: avoiding greenwashing
With sustainability becoming a selling point, some hotels engage in “greenwashing”—making exaggerated or misleading claims about their eco-friendly practices. Genuine eco-hotels are transparent about their initiatives, often hold recognised certifications (such as EU Ecolabel or Biosphere Certification), and provide clear details on how they reduce their environmental impact.
Choosing the right eco-hotel means looking beyond labels and considering the actual practices in place. In the next section, we’ll explore some of the best eco-hotels on the Costa Brava that put sustainability at the heart of their operations.
The best eco-hotels on the Costa Brava
The Costa Brava has a growing number of eco-friendly accommodations, from boutique hotels in restored buildings to coastal retreats designed with sustainability in mind. Here are some of the best eco-hotels in the region, each offering a greener way to experience the Costa Brava.
Hostal Empúries (L’Escala)
A pioneer in sustainable tourism, Hostal Empúries is one of the most eco-conscious hotels in Catalonia. Located right on the beachfront near the ancient ruins of Empúries, this hotel has been awarded the prestigious LEED certification for its environmental design. It runs on renewable energy, uses recycled water for irrigation, and has a strong commitment to local, organic food in its restaurant.
Why stay here?
✔️ Beachfront location with a low environmental impact.
✔️ Zero-carbon philosophy and eco-friendly architecture.
✔️ Organic restaurant sourcing ingredients from local farms.
Hotel Aiguaclara (Begur)
Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century colonial house, Hotel Aiguaclara combines historic charm with sustainability. The hotel follows a zero-waste approach, avoiding single-use plastics and prioritising local suppliers. The owners have worked to maintain the original architecture, reducing the carbon footprint associated with new construction.
Why stay here?
✔️ Located in the heart of Begur, within walking distance of beaches.
✔️ Commitment to reducing waste and supporting local businesses.
✔️ Family-run with a personalised, eco-conscious approach.
Can Mascort Eco Hotel (Palafrugell)
Housed in a restored 17th-century building, Can Mascort Eco Hotel blends heritage with sustainability. The hotel prioritises low-impact renovations, uses locally sourced materials, and serves a seasonal breakfast made with regional ingredients. A herb and flower garden adds to its eco-friendly charm, while the Roman-style caldarium provides a relaxing, energy-efficient spa experience.
Why stay here?
✔️ Sustainably restored historic building in Palafrugell.
✔️ Seasonal, locally sourced breakfast.
✔️ Herb garden and caldarium for a natural, low-energy retreat.
Cabanes Dosrius (Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park)
For those looking to completely disconnect, Cabanes Dosrius offers an off-grid stay in the middle of the Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park. These treehouse-style lodges are built using sustainably sourced wood and have minimal impact on the forest. They rely on solar energy, and the water supply is carefully managed to minimise waste.
Why stay here?
✔️ Unique treehouse accommodation in a protected natural park.
✔️ Completely off-grid with a focus on conservation.
✔️ A peaceful, technology-free retreat in the forest.
Talaia Plaza EcoResort (Sa Riera)
Nestled in a Mediterranean pine forest, Talaia Plaza EcoResort offers an eco-conscious glamping experience near Sa Riera beach. Accommodation includes canvas safari tents and wooden eco-lodges, designed to blend with the surroundings. The resort promotes organic farming, tree-planting workshops, and sustainable dining at its restaurant, Brasa i Flama, which sources ingredients from its on-site vegetable garden.
Why stay here?
✔️ Eco-friendly glamping with low-impact design.
✔️ Organic vegetable garden supplying fresh ingredients.
✔️ Tree-planting and sustainability workshops.
Each of these accommodations demonstrates that sustainable travel doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. Whether you prefer a seaside escape, a countryside retreat, or a completely off-grid experience, there are plenty of eco-friendly options on the Costa Brava.
How to make your stay more sustainable
Staying in an eco-hotel is a great step toward responsible travel, but there are other ways to minimise your environmental impact while visiting the Costa Brava. Small choices can make a big difference in supporting sustainability.
Choose eco-friendly transport
- Public transport – Trains and buses connect many towns along the Costa Brava, reducing the need for car hire.
- Cycling and walking – Many coastal paths, such as the Camí de Ronda, allow you to explore without relying on vehicles.
- Electric car hire – If you need a car, look for rental companies offering electric or hybrid vehicles.
Support local businesses
Eco-tourism is also about sustaining the local economy. Instead of large international chains, choose:
- Family-run restaurants that use regional ingredients.
- Local markets for fresh produce and handmade products.
- Independent shops instead of mass-produced souvenirs.
Reduce waste and conserve resources
- Bring a reusable water bottle—many towns have public drinking fountains with clean, fresh water.
- Avoid single-use plastics by carrying reusable shopping bags and cutlery.
- Be mindful of water use, especially during drier months when conservation is critical.
Respect nature and cultural heritage
- Stick to marked trails when hiking to protect fragile ecosystems.
- Avoid overcrowded beaches and explore lesser-known areas.
- Choose tour operators that follow responsible wildlife and environmental practices.
By making conscious choices, you can help ensure that the Costa Brava remains a beautiful and sustainable destination for future travellers.
Why sustainable tourism on the Costa Brava matters
The Costa Brava’s natural beauty, from its rugged coastline to its forested hills, is a major reason people visit. But tourism also puts pressure on the environment, particularly in high season. Overcrowding, pollution, and resource consumption can take a toll on the very places that make the region special.
Eco-hotels play an important role in reducing tourism’s impact, but sustainable travel isn’t just about where you stay—it’s about how you experience a destination. Choosing greener transport, supporting local businesses, and respecting nature all contribute to a more responsible way of travelling.
By staying in an eco-friendly hotel and making mindful choices, visitors can help protect the Costa Brava while still enjoying everything it has to offer. Sustainable tourism isn’t about giving up comfort—it’s about finding ways to travel that support, rather than harm, the places we love.
Tags: Eco-hotels, Sustainability
