Just two hours from the French border and near Barcelona, the Catalan coast boasts a diverse shoreline stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to charming medieval villages and the inland countryside. The Costa Brava delights families with its beaches with calm waters, exceptional towns, and a wide range of activities that blend nature and culture. This guide gives you the best things to do and ideas for planning a successful trip in Spain.
The Catalan coast offers a multitude of activities both on land and sea, suitable for all ages. Kayaking and paddleboarding allow you to explore the coves from the water, with departures from Tamariu, Begur, or Palafrugell. Some excursions combine paddling with local wine tasting for a memorable trip along the coastline. Snorkelling and family-friendly diving trips are available around the Medes Islands, departing from L'Estartit, a protected marine reserve where the seabed teems with marine life. Boat trips bring you to secluded coves, difficult to access by land.
On foot, the Camí de Ronda, a historic coastal path, runs alongside cliffs, turquoise coves, and pine forests. Once used to monitor the coast, this coastal path now offers varied hikes, punctuated by remarkable panoramas and stops in fishing villages.
The Catalan coastline brims with family-friendly beaches in safe environments. Aiguablava, near Begur, is captivating with its shallow, turquoise waters, perfect for a peaceful swim. Sa Riera, a vast fine-sand beach, offers water sports for the whole family, while Platja de Pals boasts a stretch of sand ideal for children's games. Further east, Cala Montgó, in L'Escala, benefits from a sheltered bay, perfect for your little ones.
The easily accessible coves of Calella de Palafrugell, a former fishing port with preserved charm, are perfect for peaceful days by the sea. Between rocky reefs and a picturesque atmosphere, this seaside town offers an authentic setting for enjoying the Mediterranean and tasting fresh seafood on your family holidays on the Costa Brava.
The Costa Brava is home to sites that offer a window into natural preservation while enjoying family leisure activities and adventure. Montgrí Natural Park and the Medes Islands are a must-see destination for discovering a protected marine reserve. Departing from L'Estartit, glass-bottom boat excursions allow you to observe the seabed without getting wet, an experience particularly appreciated by children.
Further north, Cap de Creus enchants with its wild landscapes, dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. This natural park on the Costa Brava, which inspired Salvador Dalí, is perfect for walks with kids along its wild coast and craggy rocks.
For a more action-packed day, Water World in Lloret de Mar guarantees a good time with its water slides and pools. Families wishing to extend the adventure can also consider a trip to the Costa Dorada, another Catalan coastline with diverse charms.
In between days at the beach, the Costa Brava offers another, more intimate and cultural side inland. The small medieval villages of the hinterland are perfect for family strolls, where cobbled streets and shaded squares invite you to slow down.
Peratallada, a historical gem of the region, captivates visitors with its ancient fortifications and castle. Equally elegant Pals has an unspoilt historic centre while Begur combines architectural heritage with panoramic views of the surrounding coves.
On the coast, Cadaqués holds a special place in people’s hearts. This white-washed village, steeped in the memory of Salvador Dalí, has a perfect mix of culture and is home to the Portlligat House-Museum, the artist's former refuge transformed into a surreal labyrinth. The village's artistic atmosphere blends with the charm of its narrow streets and the deep blue of the Mediterranean. To stretch out your exploration of Dalí's Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar and its fortified town overlooking the sea are a great complement to your itinerary. These visits, accessible to all ages, offer a natural balance between local culture and family fun.
With private pools and direct access to the beaches, our villas on the Costa Brava offer an ideal setting for a family holiday. Here are a few rentals that are beloved for their comfort and prime locations:
Villa Gamera (Begur): A charming villa situated in a peaceful setting for a family holiday, with a swimming pool and outdoor spaces suitable for kids. Close to the coves of Begur and Calella de Palafrugell.
Villa Amparo (Pals): A villa with shaded terraces, swimming pool and breathtaking views of the sea. A great choice for its quick access to sandy beaches and various water sports.
Villa Klem (Lloret de Mar): A spacious villa featuring a garden, a private swimming pool and living areas that open out onto the outdoors. A great location for exploring medieval villages and walking the Camí de Ronda.
Villa Azulena (Aiguablava): Located just a few minutes from family-friendly beaches, this contemporary-style villa combines comfort and tranquillity, with a swimming pool and terraces where you can soak up the Catalan sun on the Costa Brava.
Villa Costa Brava by Villanovo offers a selection of characterful villas in prime locations across the Catalan coast in Begur, Cadaqués, Llafranc, Tamariu and Lloret de Mar. Most of our villas have a private swimming pool, and all feature outdoor spaces designed to let you and your kids make the most of the mild Mediterranean weather and warm temperatures. The high-end amenities blend seamlessly into the surroundings, combining proximity to secluded coves with easy access to charming villages.
Our concierge service takes care of all the practical details of your stay: booking water sports, private tours, recommending local gems and arranging transfers. To explore the region at your leisure, the concierges will arrange a hire car for you upon arrival – an essential service for reaching the most remote medieval villages. Each family receives a personalised travel guide, a collection of our favourite spots and expert advice, including family-friendly restaurant recommendations and tailored itineraries to discover the hidden treasures of the Catalan coast during your family holidays on the Costa Brava.
