The Costa Brava is a beautifully rugged region of Catalonia in Northeast Spain. Stretching along 124 miles of stunning Mediterranean coast, the area is renowned for its beautiful beaches and coves. With wonderful weather, the area is full of unspoilt nature, historical sites and villages, ancient castles and picturesque towns.
Like all of Spain, the Costa Brava is very child friendly, with locals welcoming families. Several of the area’s coastal towns such as Blanes and L’Estartit have been awarded certificates that officially recognise them as Family Tourism Destinations. During summer, both beaches have kids’ clubs, with qualified monitors who organise fun seaside activities – leaving you free to relax and read a book!
The beaches of the Costa Brava are a real lure for families with both large sandy beaches and tiny coves hidden behind pine forests to explore. A third of the Costa Brava coastline is part of the protected Cap de Creus nature reserve, so why not explore it with a boat trip along the coast? At Palamós, the Costa Brava’s main fishing port, there’s a fish museum offering a fascinating ‘Fish Tour’ and you can also watch the daily fish auction. Or why not have a go at sea kayaking, wakeboarding or water skiing?
For those looking for an active day out, take a visit to Parc Aventura (with locations in both Pals and Platja d’Aró). There are facilities for all ages and more than 80 adventure activities suspended in the trees, such as zip wires, bridges, ropes and Tarzan jumps. The region is also home to three fantastic water parks – Aquabrava, Water Worldand Aquadiver. Here the family can play to their hearts’ content with facilities such as wave pools, water slides, hot tubs and artificial rivers.
After all the excitement, take a serene trip on the Roses Express Train, which travels around the bay of Roses on 5 different routes. The Falconera route, for example, offers stunning view of the bay and the Medes Islands. Or take a stroll along the Camino de Ronda nature trail and discover a hidden cove. And for something completely different, why not make a visit to the incredible flight simulator in Empuriabrava? Windoor Realfly allows you to experience a free fall in a wind tunnel, and the minimum age is just 4 years old.
The easiest way to get to the region is to fly to Girona, just a short hop from the Costa Brava. Cheap flights are available with both Ryanair and Thomson. The city of Girona is also worth exploring, with its medieval centre and beautiful cathedral.
Family friendly campsites
Pals, Cypsela
Camping Cypsela is set in a densely wooded area and is just one and a half miles from the beautiful sandy beach of Playa de Pals. During high season, the site runs a free shuttle bus to the beach. The site has a large pool, diving board and a separate children's pool, and the superb restaurant terrace overlooks the pools. You can also join an organised trip to Barcelona.
Tossa de Mar, Cala Llevado
Cala Llevado campsite is set in the heart of the Spanish countryside, surrounded by pine trees and with beautiful views of both the sea and the mountains. The site has access to 4 beaches, where you can try out a wide range of water sports including diving, snorkelling and kayaking. There's a lovely swimming pool and a separate children's pool and kids are sure to love the playground and zip lines.
Lloret de Mar, Santa Elena Ciutat
Camping Santa Elena Ciutat is located close to a number of sandy beaches, between the fishing towns of Blanes and Tossa de Mar. You can try out a number of water sports on the local beaches and hire water skis, canoes and boats. On site there's a lovely swimming pool and a large sun terrace, playground, mini golf, boules, table tennis and a games room. And during high season there's a children's club as well as one for teenagers.
Blanes, la Masia
Camping la Masia is a large and lively campsite on the north end of the Costa Brava coastline, just 300m from a long white sandy beach. As it's a large site, there are multiple pool complexes - each with a large swimming pool, paddling pool for the little ones and sun terraces. During high season there's childrens' clubs and plenty of entertainment by the poolside in the evenings. Enjoy a meal on the campsite or pop down the road to Blanes, which has a variety of traditional Spanish restaurants to enjoy.
Blanes, Bella Terra
Camping Bella Terra is situated next to a gorgeous sandy beach that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing on. The site has two pools - one for swimming and a smaller one with a fountain for little ones, and there's a lovely sun terrace to relax on. Try your hand at tennis or boules and enjoy a meal at the on site restaurant, which serves traditional Mediterranean food. During high season the site has a children's club and also organises activities for teenagers.
Palamos, Kings
Camping King's is just 200 metres from the beautiful sandy beach of La Fosca and is located in the popular resort of Palamós. On site there's a lovely swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees and colourful flowers, as well as a separate children's pool and a playground. During high season there's also a children's club. Make sure to visit the site restaurant for some delicious Spanish dishes.
Palafrugell, la Siesta
Camping la Siesta is situated amongst mature pine trees and is close to the spectacular beaches of the Costa Brava. The fabulous pool complex has two large swimming pools, a children's pool and water slides, along with a spacious sun terrace. Horse mad youngsters will adore the on site pony club and there's a well equipped playground to help keep them entertained. The on site bars and restaurant are also well worth a visit!
Calonge, Internacional de Calonge
Camping Internacional de Calonge is set on a hillside overlooking the sweeping bay of Palamòs. The site has direct access onto the beach via steep steps and a footbridge and is full of sandy coves to explore. In high season there's a tractor train that takes you to your emplacement from the bottom of the hill and children are sure to love it. The pool complex has two swimming pools and a separate children's pool and there's an adjacent bar with amazing views of the coast.
Playa d'Aro, Valldaro
Just a short walk from Playa d'Aro, with its lovely beach and medieval old town, is Camping Valldaro campsite. Enjoying an idyllic setting between the blue seas of the Mediterranean and the Spanish mountains, accommodation is arranged neatly along palm tree lined avenues, with beautiful brightly coloured gardens. The site has a great outdoor pool with a separate children's pool and you can also play a range of sporting activities including tennis, mini golf, football and basketball.
Pals, Interpals
Camping Interpals is located within the heart of a pine wood and is within walking distance of a gorgeous white sandy beach. The site also has lovely views of the Medes and is great for keeping the whole family entertained. There's a lovely swimming pool and children will enjoy the range of activities such as pottery, water games and the outdoor theatre. Hire a bike to explore the coastal villages or play a round of golf at the nearby course.
Santa Cristina d'Aro, Mas Sant Josep
Located just 4 miles from a number of beautiful golden beaches, Camping Mas Sant Josep is ideal for a fun filled family holiday. The stunning pool complex has three pools, numerous water slides, jacuzzi, sauna and even hydro-massage chairs. You can enjoy a number of sports activities such as tennis, golf, diving lessons and an on site gym. There's a site run children's club and mini discos in the evenings for kids.
Estartit, Castell Montgri
Located at the base of Rocamura Mountain, Camping Castell Montgri is a well maintained site with superb facilities. A beautiful beach is just a fifteen minute walk from the campsite - perfect for swimming or trying out some water sports. On site there's are several amazing pool complexes, with lane pools, children's pools, lagoon-style pools, waterfalls and water slides. Each complex has its own restaurant, bar and terrace. Horse riding is available on site and during high season there is a children's club as well as parties and days out for teenagers.
Empuriabrava Rosas, Nautic Almata
Camping Nautic Almata campsite is situated in the sweeping bay of Rosas and is bordered by the Empordá Nature Reserve - a protected marsh land for breeding storks and flamingos. The large site is lined with hibiscus and bougainvillea and there's a lovely swimming pool fringed by palm trees. During high season there's an extensive programme with everything from aqua aerobics to beach volleyball and dance lessons. Enjoy some live cabaret or relax with a drink on the bar terrace.
Colera, Sant Miquel
Camping Sant Miquel campsite is set on the edge of a beautiful forest and is just over a mile from the lovely beaches of the Costa Brava. The site has a lovely swimming pool and separate children's pool and during high season there are lots of activities to try, including Zumba, yoga and sports. In the evenings you can enjoy some live musc or why not join one of the site's wine-tasting trips to Colera's wine cellars.
Pals, Neptuno
Camping Neptuno is a small and relaxed site, shaded by pine trees and only one mile from a lovely beach. The site has a large outdoor swimming pool, as well as a children's pool, jacuzzi, spa and wide terraces to relax on. There are also fantastic playgrounds on site, boasting a small climbing wall, trampolines and a flying fox. You can hire a bike to explore the local area and, in the high season, there's entertainment three evenings a week.
Empuriabrava Rosas, Castell Mar
Camping Castell Mar campsite has a fantastic location right on a lovely golden beach, where you can take a refreshing swim or try your hand at a number of water sports. On site there's a pretty swimming pool and a bar with a great sun terrace. The restaurant serves delicious local specialities, including paella! During high season, there is organised entertainment throughout the day, including sports activities, live music and dance shows.
Palamos, Internacional Palamós
Camping Internacional de Palamos is just 200 metres from a gorgeous large sandy beach, with plenty of space to relax on while the kids splash in the waves. On site there's a small swimming pool with separate children's pool and a poolside bar where you can grab a refreshing drink. The site also has a children's club to keep them busy and happy all day!
