MC, <BR>I'd encourage you to go further up the Costa Brava, even beyond Tossa to the Aiguablava-Calella-Pals-Begur area, which we find much more attractive, less touristy (fewer concrete highrises, fast food joints, T-shirt shops), still *relatively* unspoiled, prettier environs and beautiful vistas. We enjoy the friendly, family run Hotel Aiguablava (
www.lugaresdivinos.com) right on the cove, or there's the modern, somewhat sterile Parador right across the water. I've also read a lot lately about the El Far de Sant Sebastia (
www.lugaresdivinos.com)in neighboring Llafranc-same owners as the more exp. Relais Chateaux Mas Torrent in Pals. Or for a splurge, you might enjoy the Old World luxury resort, Hostal de la Gavina (host to royalty and celebs in its heyday) in S'Agaro (see
www.lagavina.com), although the area surrounding it is in the midst of a condo building frenzy. <BR> <BR>For your fifth night, I'd like to recommend a very green, beautiful, wonderfully restful area not often visited by foreign tourists, just about an hr. from Barcelona (only 48 miles)-the Parque Natural de Montseny. The mineral water town of Viladrau, in the heart of the park, is pristine and quite pleasant, filled with elegant turn of the century homes. We've enjoyed the family run Hotel de la Gloria, and the 3 star Xalet La Coromina (
www.innsofspain.com) is also very nice and has fine dining. Or for something still in the Nature Reserve of Montseny but a bit closer, you might enjoy the larger Husa Hotel Sant Bernat, in Montseny itself (although we prefer the pretty town of Viladrau). See it at
www.lugaresdivinos.com or
www.simply-trvel.com <BR>Karen Brown's Charming Inn Guide of Spain recommends the Hotel Aiguablava and the Hostal de la Gavina (
www.karenbrown.com) <BR> <BR>While the fortress/castle Parador of Cardona is in a dramatic spot, we found it rather isolated, and it wouldn't be on your direct route back down the coast from Aigublava to Barcelona(
www.parador.es or
www.karenbrown.com) <BR> <BR>Hope this gives you some ideas. <BR>Maribel