Costa Brava with Kids: Family Holiday Guide

Why Choose Costa Brava for Families

The Costa Brava (meaning 'Wild Coast') earns its name from dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and pine-fringed beaches. For families, this translates to adventure and variety that flat, sandy coasts simply cannot match. Children love exploring rock pools, snorkelling in clear water, and discovering secret beaches accessible only by foot or boat.

Variety of beaches - From sandy bays perfect for toddlers to rocky coves for older adventurers
Authentic Spain - Medieval villages, local markets, and genuine Catalan culture
Barcelona access - Day trips to the city take just 1-2 hours
Water parks - Multiple options including Marineland and Water World
Cooler than southern Spain - More comfortable temperatures in peak summer

Perfect for Mixed Ages

Costa Brava works brilliantly for mixed-age families. Toddlers can play safely in the shallows at sandy beaches like Platja Gran in Tossa de Mar, while older children explore cliffs and caves. Parents appreciate the excellent local restaurants and wine.

Best Time to Visit

The Costa Brava season runs from May to October, with each month offering distinct advantages for families.

May-June - Warm weather (22-26C), quiet beaches, lower prices. Sea still cool for swimming but pools are heated
July-August - Peak season with warmest sea temperatures (24-25C). Beaches busy, prices highest, but best for swimming
September - Excellent choice: warm sea, thinning crowds, reasonable prices. Many attractions still open
October - Hit or miss weather, but can be beautiful. Some facilities close mid-month

Sweet Spot

Book accommodation in Tossa de Mar or L'Estartit for late June - you'll catch the start of summer prices dropping while enjoying warm weather and a swimmable sea.

Best Towns for Families

Choosing the right base makes a huge difference to your holiday. Here are the best Costa Brava towns for families:

Tossa de Mar - The top choice for families. Walled old town, excellent sandy beach, good restaurants, and a family-friendly vibe. The castle overlooking the beach captivates children
L'Estartit - Long sandy beach, shallow water, and boats to the Medes Islands marine reserve. Brilliant for snorkelling families
Lloret de Mar - More developed with water parks nearby and lots of entertainment. Better for families wanting activities on tap
Calella de Palafrugell - Picturesque fishing village with small coves. Less tourist infrastructure but utterly charming
Roses - Wide sandy beach, shallow water, water sports, and the Citadel fortress to explore

Best for First-Timers

Tossa de Mar is our top recommendation for first-time visitors. It strikes the perfect balance between authentic atmosphere and practical family amenities. The walled Vila Vella (old town) is like a sandcastle come to life.

Best Beaches for Children

Costa Brava beaches range from long sandy stretches to tiny hidden coves. Here are the best for families:

Platja Gran, Tossa de Mar - Main town beach with lifeguards, gentle slope, and nearby cafes. Castle views make it magical
Platja de l'Estartit - Kilometres of sand with very shallow water. Excellent for toddlers and nervous swimmers
Cala Montgo, L'Escala - Sheltered bay with calm water and good snorkelling around the rocks
Platja de Santa Cristina, Lloret - Blue Flag beach with a beach bar, water sports, and beautiful pine surroundings
Cala Castell, Palamos - Hidden cove reached by a 20-minute walk. Unspoilt and quiet, rewards adventurous families

Essential Packing

Pack water shoes for Costa Brava. Many of the best swimming spots have pebbles or rocks at the water's edge, and exploring rock pools requires sturdy footwear.

Family Activities and Attractions

Beyond beaches, Costa Brava offers plenty to keep families entertained:

Water World, Lloret de Mar - Large water park with slides for all ages, wave pools, and toddler areas. Full day out
Marineland - Dolphin shows, sea lion displays, and a water park. Controversial for some, but children love it
Medes Islands boat trip - Glass-bottom boats reveal underwater life. Snorkelling trips available for older children
Dalí Theatre-Museum, Figueres - Surreal art that children find genuinely engaging. A rainy day winner
Kayaking - Calm bays are perfect for family kayak trips. Many operators offer guided tours suitable for children 6+
Cycling - Via Verde greenways offer flat, car-free cycling through stunning scenery

Rainy Day Winner

The Dalí Museum in Figueres works surprisingly well with children. The bizarre art, optical illusions, and treasure-hunt nature of the building captivate kids who might be bored by conventional galleries.

Day Trips to Barcelona

Barcelona lies within easy reach of Costa Brava, making day trips feasible. Plan carefully to make the most of your time:

Driving - 1-2 hours depending on your base. Traffic heavy on weekend mornings
Bus - Regular services from main towns. Around 12-20 euros per adult return
Train - From Blanes station to Barcelona in 1 hour 20 minutes

For families, we recommend these Barcelona highlights:

Barceloneta Beach - Combine city sightseeing with beach time
Park Güell - Gaudí's fantastical park enchants children. Book timed tickets in advance
La Rambla and Boqueria Market - Fresh fruit smoothies and people-watching
Barcelona Zoo - Excellent facilities in the heart of the city
Camp Nou Tour - Football fans will remember this forever

Day Trip Strategy

Arrive in Barcelona early (by 9am) and plan to leave by 4pm to avoid traffic and tired children. Pick two or three activities maximum rather than rushing everywhere.

Eating Out with Children

Costa Brava restaurants are generally welcoming to families, though the Spanish dining culture differs from the UK:

Timing - Lunch runs 1:30-3:30pm, dinner from 8:30pm. Tourist areas serve earlier
Children's menus - Widely available in tourist restaurants. Expect pasta, chicken, and chips
Tapas - Brilliant for fussy eaters who can pick and choose. Order pa amb tomaquet (tomato bread) - kids love it
Local favourites - Patatas bravas, croquettes, and grilled prawns are usually crowd-pleasers
Ice cream - The gelato culture here rivals Italy. Budget for daily treats

Memorable Meals

For a memorable family meal, seek out restaurants overlooking the sea during sunset. Prices are similar to simpler establishments, and children are mesmerised by the views.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options range from beachfront apartments to family-friendly hotels:

Apartments - Best for families wanting space and self-catering options. Expect 100-180 GBP/night for a 2-bedroom
Family hotels - Many include pools, kids' clubs, and family rooms. Hotel GHT Miratge in Lloret is popular
Camping - Costa Brava has excellent campsites with pools, entertainment, and mobile homes. Budget option
Villas - For larger families or groups, private villas with pools offer luxury and privacy

Pool Essential

Book accommodation with a pool. Even with beautiful beaches nearby, children will want pool time, especially during the hot afternoon hours.

Practical Tips

Car hire - Essential for exploring the coast. Book in advance and specify car seats needed
Sun protection - Mediterranean sun is intense. Factor 50, hats, and UV suits for small children
Siesta time - Plan pool or rest time between 2-5pm when many shops close and sun is strongest
Medical facilities - Good hospitals in Girona and Blanes. Bring GHIC card for EU healthcare access
Language - Catalan and Spanish spoken. English widely understood in tourist areas
Money - Euros. Cards accepted widely, but carry some cash for beach bars and markets

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Budget Guide

Here is what a family of four can expect to spend on a Costa Brava holiday:

Flights - 150-400 GBP return per person depending on season and how far ahead you book
Accommodation - 100-180 GBP/night for an apartment, 120-200 GBP for family hotel rooms
Car hire - 35-60 GBP/day including insurance
Meals out - 80-120 GBP/day for all meals. Less with self-catering
Activities - Water parks around 30-40 GBP per person, boat trips 15-25 GBP per person

Save Money

Shop at Mercadona or Bon Preu supermarkets for excellent quality and prices. Spanish ham, cheese, fruit, and bread make wonderful picnic lunches at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Costa Brava with Kids