Hotel Proa Astor

Make the most of the Mediterranean sunshine in Lloret de Mar on Spain's Costa Brava coast. This action-packed Catalonian town is known for its Blue Flag beaches covered with golden sand. Swim in the gentle waters, wander among the historic and modernist architecture or take the coastal path away from the bustle and delve into peaceful coves. 

You could make a family-run Lloret de Mar hostel your home from home or stay at a place that's right by the beach. You can also find a boutique hostel where you'll have a bed with a personal locker and sockets. Most Lloret de Mar hostels have free Wi-Fi, so you can easily get online and post those beach pictures. At a hostel with a bar, a cold beer is never too far away, while one with cooking facilities allows you to prepare your own dinner and save a few euros. 

The centre of Lloret de Mar is based around the lively Lloret Beach, with water sports facilities available at one end and a wide choice of places to eat and drink in the surrounding area. In the streets behind the layer of seafront activity, you can experience a more authentic Catalan atmosphere with lots of striking buildings set around the church square. Further along to the west, around Fenals Beach, it's much quieter with plenty of greenery providing a calming backdrop.

For the best views, head to the top of the hills behind the town where you can wander among ruins that are more than 2,000 years old. There are hiking trails that will get you to the top, and it's also possible to take a bus there. There's a buzzing nightlife scene in the centre of town where visitors from all over Europe mingle together in the many clubs, bars and pubs. For a change of pace, you could check out the riverfront city of Girona, about 30 minutes' drive away, which has some picturesque medieval buildings.

Girona Airport is closest if you're coming in by plane. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus and be in the centre of town in around 40 minutes. There are regular bus services into Lloret de Mar from Barcelona too. You can comfortably get around town on foot, but if you want to pick up the pace, rent a car or flag down a taxi.