Cap Sa Sal: The Best-Kept Secret of the Costa Brava
Perched atop a cliff in Begur, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Spain, stands the majestic building of Cap Sa Sal, an architectural gem that witnessed the evolution of luxury tourism on the Costa Brava. Now converted into an exclusive residential complex, Cap Sa Sal preserves the memory of a golden era of splendor, glamour, and sophistication that once made it the social epicenter of the region.
A privileged location
Begur is located in the heart of the Costa Brava and has about 4,000 inhabitants, although during the summer its population can swell to 40,000. Despite this, it is far from a typical tourist destination, having resisted the kind of overdevelopment seen in other seaside towns in Girona. Its historic center maintains an authentic charm, with preserved buildings and the iconic "Indianos" houses—homes built by locals who emigrated to the Americas and returned to display their newfound wealth.
One of Begur’s defining features is its eight distinctive coves and beaches: to the north near Pals are Platja del Racó, Illa Roja (a nudist favorite), and Sa Riera. Further south are Aiguafreda and Sa Tuna. Even further south lie Platja Fonda, Cala Fornells, and Cala d’Aiguablava.
Origins: a visionary project
The construction of Cap Sa Sal began in 1955, when Begur was still a small village with fewer than 800 inhabitants. The initiative was led by the Enrich family, who owned the land, and the architect Josep Maria Bosch Aymerich, who designed a luxury hotel that would transform the region. The hotel was inaugurated on July 4, 1963, after eight years of construction that included installing running water in the village for the first time.
The name Cap Sa Sal originates from the saltworks built here by the ancient Romans.
The hotel of the Andreu family
Cap Sa Sal was the third hotel venture of the Andreu family. Dr. Andreu and his descendants made their fortune with a pharmaceutical laboratory bearing their name. They also owned the Tibidabo mountain in Barcelona. In 1918, they built the Hotel Metropolitan, later known as La Rotonda, at the corner of Passeig de Sant Gervasi and Avinguda Tibidabo. Later, they managed the Hotel del Lago in Puigcerdà and the Chalet del Golf in Bolvir.
After establishing hotels in the city and the mountains, the next logical step was to build one by the sea—but not just any hotel. It had to be of grand luxury, putting Girona’s coast on par with the French Riviera or the Italian Riviera.
An unprecedented hotel
On July 4, 1963, after eight years of construction, Hotel Cap Sa Sal opened its doors. It boasted 230 rooms and suites, five restaurants, three bars, a tea room, nightclub, ballroom, two swimming pools, and a private jetty. The murals in the lobby were by Josep Guinovart, the interior design by Jordi GalÃ, and the gardens by Nicolau Rubió i TudurÃ.
The first event was a grand party for hoteliers from the province, attended by more than a thousand guests. From the start, Cap Sa Sal was a social success and received the Ministerial Plaque of Tourism Merit.
A celebrity haven
In June 1966, Rock Hudson arrived unannounced. He planned to stay just a few days but ended up extending his visit for over a week. Friendly and down-to-earth, he talked with everyone, water-skied daily, and even cooked alongside the hotel chefs.
That same year, former Empress Soraya stayed at the hotel alongside Franco’s family. Other guests included Carmen Polo, Adolfo Suárez, Elizabeth Taylor, Omar Sharif, Johnny Hallyday, Raphael, La Chunga, and Adolfo Marsillach.
The influx of visitors was so high that access control was implemented: guests received identification cards, and outsiders had to pay 100 pesetas, which could be redeemed for food or drinks inside.
Movie set and event venue
Cap Sa Sal served as a filming location for movies such as Tourism Is a Great Invention, Dynamite Is Served, and the international spy film Some Girls Do. It also hosted NO-DO newsreels, TV series, galas, and major conferences.
The casino project
In 1977, after the legalization of gambling in Spain, Cap Sa Sal applied to become a casino. Although it was the first project submitted, the license ultimately went to Lloret de Mar and Peralada. Without a gaming license, the business was no longer sustainable—staff outnumbered guests, and the summer season was limited to mid-June through mid-September.
From hotel to residence
In winter 1978, the Andreu family sold the hotel for 150 million pesetas. The rooms were remodeled and sold as apartments. In 1979, Cap Sa Sal was officially reclassified as a residential building.
Cap Sa Sal today
Today, the building is a residential complex that retains the essence of its golden age. Cap Sa Sal Turquesa is one of the signature apartments where you can experience this living history.
Summers here are all about the sea, sports, dinners on the terrace with friends and neighbors, local markets, and regional cuisine. The rest of the year, Cap Sa Sal offers peace, rest, long coastal walks, breathtaking sunrises, and serene Mediterranean beauty.
We hope you fall in love with this place, just as we did. Enjoy your stay, the apartment, and the magic that surrounds you.
