Costa Brava hotel history documents the region's tourism evolution

The historical evolution of the hospitality sector in the Costa Brava is being documented through the preservation of private hotel archives and family testimonies. Recent academic discussions and seminars have highlighted the importance of documenting the heritage of establishments such as Hotel Anabel, Hotel Santa Marta, and La Gavina in s’Agaró.

In Lloret de Mar, the transition of Hotel Anabel from a family-run hostel to a large-scale hotel symbolizes the broader shift from rural and maritime activities to mass tourism during the 1970s. This period saw rapid urban changes and a move toward a model focused on leisure and high visitor concentration.

Similarly, the history of Hotel Aigua Blava in Begur illustrates the region's tourism boom. Founded by Clara Capellà, the business evolved from a local retreat for visitors from Barcelona into an international destination. These narratives emphasize the ‘art of accueil’ (the art of welcome) that defined early generations of hospitality entrepreneurs in the region.