• Spain Costa Brava - Watercolour Painting Retreat
  • painting holiday in spain
  • painting holiday in spain
  • painting holiday in spain

WATERCOLOUR PAINTING RETREAT IN SPAIN

Holiday Highlights

  • Seaside Serenity in TamariuStay in a charming hotel overlooking the Mediterranean, where the tranquil cove and golden light create the perfect painter’s retreat.
  • Explore Historic Villages & Coastal GemsCapture the charm of medieval Peratallada, picturesque Pals, and the vibrant fishing harbors of Calella de Palafrugell and Sa Tuna.
  • Immersive Watercolor TechniquesEnhance your skills with expert-led tuition, learning how to sketch, layer washes, and bring Spanish landscapes to life in your journal.
  • Savor the Flavours of SpainEnjoy fresh seafood, local cheeses, and fine Catalan wines, experiencing the rich culinary culture that makes this region unforgettable.
  • A Hassle-Free Artistic EscapeEverything is arranged for you; accommodation, meals, transport, and tuition, so you can relax, paint, and enjoy every creative moment.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN SPAIN

Your Seaside Retreat in Tamariu

Nestled on the rugged coastline of Spain’s Costa Brava, Tamariu is a charming former fishing village where time seems to slow down. With its golden crescent beach, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque promenade lined with whitewashed buildings, this hidden gem offers the perfect setting for a relaxing and inspiring painting retreat in Spain. The village retains an authentic, laid-back atmosphere, where the sound of gently lapping waves and the scent of pine trees fill the air, making it an artist’s paradise.

A Hotel with Breathtaking Sea Views

Your accommodation is perched above Tamariu’s scenic cove, offering uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. The comfortable and spacious rooms all feature stunning sea views, allowing you to wake up to the sight of shimmering blue waters and the fresh scent of the ocean breeze. The hotel provides a peaceful and relaxing retreat, with modern amenities and an inviting terrace where you can unwind with a sketchbook in hand or simply take in the beauty of the surroundings.

Dining with a View

Each morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the hotel’s terrace, where you can take in the breathtaking panorama of the bay as you sip your coffee. In the evenings, we’ll gather for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, savoring delicious Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. With the sea as your backdrop and the warm ambiance of the restaurant, every meal is a delightful way to reflect on the day’s painting experiences and share stories with fellow artists. This carefully chosen accommodation ensures that every aspect of your painting retreat in Spain is both inspiring and relaxing.

WHAT WE’LL BE DOING

Your journey begins in vibrant Barcelona, where you’ll meet your fellow artists before we whisk you away to our charming coastal retreat in Tamariu. Settle into your hotel overlooking the turquoise cove, breathe in the fresh sea air, and unwind. As the sun sets, we’ll gather for welcome drinks and a delicious dinner, sharing our excitement for the creative adventure ahead.

Step back in time as we explore Peratallada, a medieval village where golden stone walls, ivy-covered archways, and winding cobbled streets create a painter’s dream. Set up your easel in the quiet square or by the ancient well and capture the play of light on weathered facades. After a relaxed lunch in a shaded courtyard, we’ll return to the hotel, where the afternoon is yours to unwind or continue painting before dinner.

This postcard-perfect fishing village is a delight for the senses, with whitewashed houses, bobbing fishing boats, and the sound of waves against the shore. Spend the morning painting along the harbor, where reflections dance on the water. Then, savor fresh seafood at a seafront restaurant before heading back to the hotel, where you can relax or refine your sketches at your own pace.

The honey-colored stone and medieval towers of Pals make for an enchanting painting session. Wander its narrow streets, stopping to sketch archways, balconies draped in bougainvillea, and hidden courtyards. After a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel, where the afternoon is free to rest, reflect, or develop your watercolors before another delicious dinner.

Today, we’ll journey to Girona, where an expert-led walking tour will reveal its fascinating history—from the towering Gothic Cathedral to the colorful houses lining the Onyar River. Stroll through the winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter, sketching atmospheric scenes or enjoying a café con leche in a sun-dappled plaza. The afternoon is yours to explore, paint, or shop, before returning to our peaceful retreat.

The hidden cove of Sa Tuna is a masterpiece of nature, where rugged cliffs embrace a secluded bay of crystal-clear water. Find the perfect spot to paint the deep blues and ochres of the Catalan coast, as fishing boats sway gently nearby. After a morning of painting, we’ll enjoy lunch at a beachside restaurant, before returning to the hotel to relax or add finishing touches to your work.

Our final painting day takes us to a spectacular botanical garden, where vibrant flowers, sculpted terraces, and panoramic sea views provide endless inspiration. Capture the beauty of Mediterranean flora in your journal before a picnic lunch under the shade of olive trees. The afternoon is free to pack, reflect, or continue painting, before we gather for our farewell dinner, celebrating a week of creativity and new friendships.

After a leisurely breakfast with a view, it’s time to bid farewell to the Costa Brava. We’ll depart around 10:00 AM, returning to Barcelona with sketchbooks full of memories and a renewed passion for watercolor.

* This is a sample itinerary. All of our itineraries are unique as we take the final group size and the ages of the participants etc into consideration. You will be sent a final itinerary before the tour commences.

Discover the Magic on our painting retreat in Spain

NON-PAINTING PARTNER PROGRAMME

Bringing a partner who doesn’t want to paint? This area is filled with beauty and history and is a wonderful area to explore even if you are not painting. Your non-painting partner is welcome to join us. Just get in touch for discounted prices.

FAQs

  • 7 nights’ accommodation
  • All meals, with wine and beer included
  • All transport during the holiday
  • Transfers: We’ll collect you from Barcelona Airport T1 at 13:00 on arrival day, and drop you back between 11:00–12:00 on departure day. If you’re arriving at a different time or place, we’ll be happy to help arrange a bespoke pick-up (additional cost).
  • Painting materials, plus a gift of a sketching journal and a canvas brush roll.
  • Chairs, painting tables, or easels provided for your comfort

Everything is taken care of so you can relax, create, and enjoy the experience.

  • No experience? No problem. We welcome complete beginners and seasoned painters alike. You’ll be gently guided step by step, with plenty of encouragement, so you can relax, enjoy, and discover your own style.
  • Breakfast between 7:30–8:30 (timing depends on the day’s painting location)

  • Transport to the painting site, with a short demonstration from Simon

  • Choose your spot and paint with Simon’s guidance and support

  • Lunch around 13:00, then more painting either on-site or back at the accommodation until about 16:30

  • Optional aperitif at 18:00 before enjoying dinner together

A relaxed pace that balances painting, good food, and time to unwind.

  • The easiest way to join our Costa Brava holiday is by flying directly into Barcelona.

If you’re unsure about the best route, just let us know — we’ll be happy to help plan your journey.

  • Yes, we also host holidays in France, Croatia, and Costa Brava, Spain.

Booking your holiday is simple:

  • Click “More Info” on your chosen holiday page to book securely through our platform.

  • A £1000 deposit secures your spot; the balance is due 6 weeks before departure.

  • Holidays (except France) must be booked at least 1 month in advance – but spaces fill quickly, so don’t wait too long!

Secure your place today so that you can start looking forward to your painting holiday.

Paying for your holiday is simple with our secure platform WeTravel:

  • Bank transfer – pay directly from your local bank account, in your own currency, with no extra charge.

  • Credit card – also available, with a small service fee (shown at checkout, varies by country).

  • Payment plans – let us know if you’d like to spread your payments.

We’re here to make things as easy and flexible as possible.

We understand that sometimes plans change, which is why we’ve tried to make our cancellation policy as fair as possible. 

Our cancellation terms are: 

  • More than 90 days before departure: 90% of your deposit will be refunded. 
  • 60–90 days before departure: 50% of your deposit will be refunded. 
  • 30–60 days before departure: 80% of the total holiday cost is payable. 
  • 1–30 days before departure: 100% of the total holiday cost is payable. 

If we are able to resell your place, we will reimburse your payment, less 50% of your original deposit, which is retained to cover administration costs. 

For this reason, we strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation cover, at the time of booking. 

Villages & Coves

Spain – Costa Brava

When:18th – 25th SEPTEMBER 2027

Tutor:SIMON ROBERTS

Medium:WATERCOLOUR

Duration:7 NIGHTS

From:£3,758.00 PER PERSON

Including:All tuition, painting equipment, accommodation, meals & transport during the holiday

Availability:10 SPACES

  • painting holiday in spain beach scene
  • painting holiday in spain
  • painting holiday in spain
  • painting holiday in spain

WATERCOLOUR PAINTING RETREAT IN SPAIN

Holiday Highlights

  • Seaside Serenity in TamariuStay in a charming hotel overlooking the Mediterranean, where the tranquil cove and golden light create the perfect painter’s retreat.
  • Explore Historic Villages & Coastal GemsCapture the charm of medieval Peratallada, picturesque Pals, and the vibrant fishing harbors of Calella de Palafrugell and Sa Tuna.
  • Immersive Watercolor TechniquesEnhance your skills with expert-led tuition, learning how to sketch, layer washes, and bring Spanish landscapes to life in your journal.
  • Savor the Flavours of SpainEnjoy fresh seafood, local cheeses, and fine Catalan wines, experiencing the rich culinary culture that makes this region unforgettable.
  • A Hassle-Free Artistic EscapeEverything is arranged for you; accommodation, meals, transport, and tuition, so you can relax, paint, and enjoy every creative moment.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN SPAIN

Your Seaside Retreat in Tamariu

Nestled on the rugged coastline of Spain’s Costa Brava, Tamariu is a charming former fishing village where time seems to slow down. With its golden crescent beach, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque promenade lined with whitewashed buildings, this hidden gem offers the perfect setting for a relaxing and inspiring painting holiday in Spain. The village retains an authentic, laid-back atmosphere, where the sound of gently lapping waves and the scent of pine trees fill the air, making it an artist’s paradise.

A Hotel with Breathtaking Sea Views

Your accommodation is perched above Tamariu’s scenic cove, offering uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. The comfortable and spacious rooms all feature stunning sea views, allowing you to wake up to the sight of shimmering blue waters and the fresh scent of the ocean breeze. The hotel provides a peaceful and relaxing retreat, with modern amenities and an inviting terrace where you can unwind with a sketchbook in hand or simply take in the beauty of the surroundings.

Dining with a View

Each morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the hotel’s terrace, where you can take in the breathtaking panorama of the bay as you sip your coffee. In the evenings, we’ll gather for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, savoring delicious Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. With the sea as your backdrop and the warm ambiance of the restaurant, every meal is a delightful way to reflect on the day’s painting experiences and share stories with fellow artists. This carefully chosen accommodation ensures that every aspect of your painting holiday in Spain is both inspiring and relaxing.

WHAT WE’LL BE DOING

Your journey begins in vibrant Barcelona, where you’ll meet your fellow artists before we whisk you away to our charming coastal retreat in Tamariu. Settle into your hotel overlooking the turquoise cove, breathe in the fresh sea air, and unwind. As the sun sets, we’ll gather for welcome drinks and a delicious dinner, sharing our excitement for the creative adventure ahead.

Step back in time as we explore Peratallada, a medieval village where golden stone walls, ivy-covered archways, and winding cobbled streets create a painter’s dream. Set up your easel in the quiet square or by the ancient well and capture the play of light on weathered facades. After a relaxed lunch in a shaded courtyard, we’ll return to the hotel, where the afternoon is yours to unwind or continue painting before dinner.

This postcard-perfect fishing village is a delight for the senses, with whitewashed houses, bobbing fishing boats, and the sound of waves against the shore. Spend the morning painting along the harbor, where reflections dance on the water. Then, savor fresh seafood at a seafront restaurant before heading back to the hotel, where you can relax or refine your sketches at your own pace.

The honey-colored stone and medieval towers of Pals make for an enchanting painting session. Wander its narrow streets, stopping to sketch archways, balconies draped in bougainvillea, and hidden courtyards. After a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel, where the afternoon is free to rest, reflect, or develop your watercolors before another delicious dinner.

Today, we’ll journey to Girona, where an expert-led walking tour will reveal its fascinating history—from the towering Gothic Cathedral to the colorful houses lining the Onyar River. Stroll through the winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter, sketching atmospheric scenes or enjoying a café con leche in a sun-dappled plaza. The afternoon is yours to explore, paint, or shop, before returning to our peaceful retreat.

The hidden cove of Sa Tuna is a masterpiece of nature, where rugged cliffs embrace a secluded bay of crystal-clear water. Find the perfect spot to paint the deep blues and ochres of the Catalan coast, as fishing boats sway gently nearby. After a morning of painting, we’ll enjoy lunch at a beachside restaurant, before returning to the hotel to relax or add finishing touches to your work.

Our final painting day takes us to a spectacular botanical garden, where vibrant flowers, sculpted terraces, and panoramic sea views provide endless inspiration. Capture the beauty of Mediterranean flora in your journal before a picnic lunch under the shade of olive trees. The afternoon is free to pack, reflect, or continue painting, before we gather for our farewell dinner, celebrating a week of creativity and new friendships.

After a leisurely breakfast with a view, it’s time to bid farewell to the Costa Brava. We’ll depart around 10:00 AM, returning to Barcelona with sketchbooks full of memories and a renewed passion for watercolor.

* This is a sample itinerary. All of our itineraries are unique as we take the final group size and the ages of the participants etc into consideration. You will be sent a final itinerary before the tour commences.

Discover the Magic on our painting retreat in Spain

NON-PAINTING PARTNER PROGRAMME

Bringing a partner who doesn’t want to paint? This area is filled with beauty and history and is a wonderful area to explore even if you are not painting. Your non-painting partner is welcome to join us. Just get in touch for discounted prices.

FAQs

  • 7/ 9 or 10 nights of accommodation, depending on destination
  • All meals, including beer and wine
  • All transport during the holiday
  • Transfers depending on the destination
  • Painting materials, plus a gift of a high-quality painting journal and travel brushes
  • Chairs, painting tables, or easels
  • No, we cater to all abilities, even complete beginners. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
  • Breakfast between 7:30–8:30 (depending on travel to the painting location)
  • Transport to the day’s painting site, where Simon provides a quick demonstration
  • Choose your vantage point and paint with Simon’s guidance
  • Lunch around 13:00, followed by more painting on-site or back at the accommodation until 16:30
  • Optional drink at 18:00 before dinner

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is Spain’s second-largest airport and a major hub for international travel. Travelers from the USA have several direct and connecting flight options to reach Barcelona efficiently.

1. Direct Flights to Barcelona (BCN)

Several major US cities offer non-stop flights to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), making travel quick and convenient. Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, Iberia, and Spanish carrier LEVEL operate direct flights from the following cities:

  • New York (JFK & EWR – Newark)
  • Miami (MIA)
  • Los Angeles (LAX)
  • San Francisco (SFO)
  • Chicago (ORD)
  • Boston (BOS)
  • Washington D.C. (IAD)

These direct flights typically take between 7.5 to 10 hours, depending on the departure location.

2. One-Stop Flights via European Hubs

If you’re flying from a US city without a direct flight, a one-stop connection through a major European hub is often the best option. Common connecting airports include:

  • Madrid (MAD) – Iberia, American Airlines
  • London Heathrow (LHR) – British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – Air France, Delta
  • Frankfurt (FRA) – Lufthansa, United Airlines
  • Amsterdam (AMS) – KLM, Delta
  • Lisbon (LIS) – TAP Air Portugal

Flights from these hubs to Barcelona (BCN) take around 1–2 hours, making for relatively short layovers.

  • Yes, we also host holidays in France, Croatia, and Costa Brava, Spain.
  • Click “More Info” on the desired holiday on the holiday page to book securely via our booking platform.
  • A £1000 deposit secures your spot, with the balance due 6 weeks before departure.
  • Holidays (except France) must be booked at least a month in advance, but spaces fill quickly, so don’t wait!
  • Our payment platform – WeTracel allows you to pay directly from your bank account in your local currency free of charge.
  • Alternatively, you can pay by credit card. This option carries a small service fee, which varies by country and will be shown when you book
  • We understand that sometimes plans change, which is why we’ve tried to make our cancellation policy as fair as possible. Our cancellation terms are: 
    • More than 90 days before departure: 90% of your deposit will be refunded. 
    • 60–90 days before departure: 50% of your deposit will be refunded. 
    • 30–60 days before departure: 80% of the total holiday cost is payable. 
    • 1–30 days before departure: 100% of the total holiday cost is payable. 

    If we are able to resell your place, we will reimburse your payment, less 50% of your original deposit, which is retained to cover administration costs. 

    For this reason, we strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation cover, at the time of booking. 

Villages & Coves

Spain – Costa Brava

When:18th-25th SEPT 2027

Tutor:SIMON ROBERTS

Medium:WATERCOLOUR

Duration:7 NIGHTS

From:£3,758.00 PER PERSON

Including:All tuition, painting equipment, accommodation, meals & transport during the holiday

Availability:10 SPACES