The best family beaches on the Costa Brava: Perfect destinations to enjoy with the little ones

The Costa Brava is known for its stunning coastline and hidden coves, but it is also an ideal destination for family fun. If you’re looking for a place where the little ones can play, swim and enjoy themselves in a safe and fun environment, these are some of the best family beaches on the Costa Brava that you can’t miss.

1. Platja Gran (Platja d’Aro)

Platja Gran de Platja d’Aro is one of the most popular beaches for families looking for comfort and fun. It is a wide beach, with fine, golden sand, ideal for children to play and build sand castles. In addition, it has all the necessary services: lifeguards, showers, umbrella and sunbed rental, and restaurants very close by.

Advantages: Easy access, complete services and a wide range of activities.
Best for: Families with young children looking for comfort and fun.

2. Sant Antoni Beach (Sant Antoni de Calonge)

Located between Palamós and Sant Antoni de Calonge, this beach is one of the best options for families due to its tranquility and relaxed atmosphere. The waters are shallow and very clean, perfect for children to swim carefree. In addition, there is a long promenade with play areas, restaurants and ice cream parlors for family enjoyment.

Advantages: Calm waters, family atmosphere and nearby services.
Ideal for: Families looking for a relaxed day at the beach with walking options.

3. Cala Giverola (Tossa de Mar)

Cala Giverola is a beautiful cove located a few kilometers from Tossa de Mar, perfect for families looking for a more natural environment but with amenities. Its access is easy and it has a range of activities such as kayaking and snorkelling, which will make both children and adults enjoy the sea to the fullest.

Advantages: Natural environment, water activities and crystal clear waters.
Ideal for: Families looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation in a more intimate environment.

4. Pals Beach

Platja de Pals is one of the most extensive beaches on the Costa Brava, which means that there is always space to play and relax without crowds. Its waters are clean and have a gentle slope, ideal for children to have fun on the shore. In addition, near the beach you can find bars and picnic areas, perfect for spending the whole day.

Pros: Lots of space, beach services and relaxed atmosphere.
Ideal for: Families who prefer wide and less crowded beaches.

5. Llafranc beach

Platja de Llafranc, in the picturesque coastal town of the same name, is a family beach par excellence. Surrounded by a charming promenade with restaurants and shops, this beach of golden sand and calm waters is perfect for a family day out. In addition, the small slope of the water makes it ideal for children to play safely at the edge.

Pros: Lovely atmosphere, calm waters and good food options.
Ideal for: Families looking for a quiet beach in a beautiful setting.

6. Port Bo Beach (Calella de Palafrugell)

If you are looking for a beach with a special charm, Port Bo Beach in Calella de Palafrugell is an excellent choice. It is a small beach of sand and stones, ideal for families who prefer a quieter and more authentic atmosphere. It’s also known for its crystal clear waters, perfect for kids to explore with diving goggles.

Advantages: Calm and authentic atmosphere, crystal clear waters.
Ideal for: Families looking for a picturesque and less touristy place.

7. Tamariu beach

Tamariu Beach is one of the jewels of the Costa Brava, with clean waters and a beach of golden sand ideal for the little ones to play and enjoy the sea safely. This beach has all the necessary services, including nearby restaurants and shops, as well as being one of the most recommended for its tranquility.

Pros: Shallow waters, full services and family atmosphere.
Ideal for: Families looking for a safe and comfortable beach.
Tips for Enjoying Family Beaches on the Costa Brava
1. Get there early: During the summer months, some beaches can fill up quickly. Arriving early will ensure you a good spot to settle in with the family.
2. Sun protection: Don’t forget to bring parasols, sun cream and hats to protect the little ones from the sun.
3. Beach toys: Shovels, buckets and balls are essential for children to have fun building sandcastles and playing in the water.
4. Water and food: Many beaches have bars nearby, but it is always advisable to bring water and some snacks to keep the little ones hydrated and with energy.

The Costa Brava offers a wide variety of family beaches that combine the beauty of the landscape with tranquility and safety for the little ones. From wide beaches with all services to charming little coves, every corner of this Catalan coast is perfect for enjoying a day with the family. Do not hesitate to discover these wonderful places on your next getaway!

Natural Parks of the Costa Brava: Discover the Wild Nature of Catalonia

The Costa Brava is not only famous for its beaches and coves, but also for its incredible natural wealth. Its natural parks offer a perfect environment to enjoy biodiversity, take hiking trails and explore unique landscapes full of fauna and flora. In this post, we explain which natural parks on the Costa Brava you can’t miss and which activities you can do there.

1. Cap de Creus Natural Park

The Cap de Creus Natural Park is one of the most unique landscapes on the Costa Brava. Located at the easternmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, this park is known for its impressive cliffs, rock formations shaped by wind and sea, and crystal clear waters. This environment has inspired artists such as Salvador Dalí and offers a magical experience to those who visit.

Activities:

Hiking trails, snorkeling, kayaking, bird watching.

Points of interest:

Cap de Creus Lighthouse, Cala Culip, the ruins of the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery.

2. Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park

The Aiguamolls de l’Empordà are one of the most important wetlands in Catalonia. This natural park stretches between the municipalities of Castelló d´Empúries and Sant Pere Pescador and is a paradise for ornithology lovers. The wetlands are home to hundreds of bird species, especially during migrations. The landscape is made up of lagoons, dunes and wetlands, making it a perfect place for leisurely walks and wildlife spotting.

Activities:

Bird watching, walking or cycling routes, observation of native flora.

Points of interest:

The bird observatories, the mouth of the river Fluvià, the Cortalet lagoon itinerary.

3. Montgrí Natural Park, the Medes Islands and Baix Ter

This natural park offers a perfect combination of mountain, sea and wetland landscapes. The Medes Islands, located off the Estartit coast, are a protected enclave of great importance for diving due to their underwater wealth. The Montgrí massif, with the castle at the top, dominates the horizon, offering spectacular views of the coast and the Empordà.

Activities:

Diving and snorkeling in the Medes Islands, hiking in the Montgrí massif, boat trips.

Points of interest:

Montgrí Castle, the Medes Islands, the dunes of Gola del Ter beach.

4. Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park

Although it is inland, a few kilometers from the Costa Brava, the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is a unique place worth visiting. With more than 40 volcanic cones and several lava flows, this park offers spectacular landscapes and hiking trails through beech forests, such as the famous Fageda de Jordà. In addition, you can visit charming medieval towns such as Besalú or Santa Pau.

Activities:

Hiking, bicycle routes, visits to medieval towns.

Points of interest:

La Fageda de Jordà, the Croscat volcano, the Santa Margarida volcano.

5. Albera natural site of national interest

The Albera Natural Park is a mountainous area that acts as a natural border between Spain and France. This protected area stands out for its biodiversity and for being the habitat of the last Mediterranean turtle populations in Catalonia. In addition to its trails and landscapes, the area has interesting historical remains, such as dolmens and medieval castles.

Activities:

Hiking, cultural visits to dolmens and castles, observation of native fauna.

Points of interest:

Castle of Requesens, Dolmen de la Creu d’en Cobertella, sanctuary of Our Lady of the Field.

Tips for Enjoying the Natural Parks of the Costa Brava

Wear comfortable shoes:

Many of the parks offer hiking trails of varying levels, so good footwear is essential.

Camera or binoculars:

If you like nature and wildlife, we recommend bringing a camera or binoculars, especially in parks such as Aiguamolls de l’Empordà.

Respect the environment:

It is important to follow the rules of each park to protect the natural environment. Remember to pick up your trash and respect the local flora and fauna.
The natural parks of the Costa Brava are a natural treasure that offers a wide variety of landscapes and activities for all tastes. From the wild cliffs of Cap de Creus to the wetlands of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà and the underwater wealth of the Medes Islands, the Costa Brava is an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Do not hesitate to explore these wonderful corners and enjoy the biodiversity offered by this unique region of Catalonia!