South of the Pyrenees mountain range along the French border, the Costa Brava is one of the most beautiful seaside destinations in Spain—and the Mediterranean. Its turquoise coves and array of beaches will delight little ones and adults alike. Thanks to authentic medieval villages, natural beauty, amazing food and restaurants on the Costa Brava, there is something for everyone during your family holidays in one of our villas on the Costa Brava.
The Costa Brava is located in northeastern Spain, in the region of Catalonia. Stretching from Blanes to the French border, it is easily accessible from Barcelona and Girona, and is renowned for its Mediterranean coastline, picturesque villages, and cultural heritage.
Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, the region boasts good weather for most of the year. We think the best time of year to visit the Costa Brava is May–June or September–October, when there are fewer crowds and lower prices. Summer is also a wonderful season since the Costa Brava isn't as hot as other Spanish regions. Enjoy highs of 30°C in July and August and water temperatures of 21°C or above. Spring and autumn temperatures range between 18°C and the low 20s, with less sun than in summer.
The Costa Brava hosts plenty of festivals throughout the year to celebrate like locals do. On April 23rd, Sant Jordi (St George's Day), loved ones exchange roses and books. Listen to traditional Catalan music on the first weekend of July at the Habaneras festival in Calella de Palafrugell. In July and August, the Cap Roig Festival showcases international superstars and Spanish musicians in a beautiful botanical garden. Good times can be had across the region on September 11th, the national day of Catalonia.
From fine-sand beaches to secluded coves carved into the wild coast, beaches are the biggest draw on the Costa Brava. In Begur, family-friendly Aigua Blava is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Brava. Its turquoise waters are shallow and calm, ideal for toddlers to swim. Plus, it has ample services like showers, toilets, and lifeguards. Just north, the larger Sa Riera has showers, restaurants, and areas to play summer sports. Empuriabrava is equally famous for its long sandy beach and numerous canals that give the village its 'Venice of Spain' nickname. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and fresh seafood along the restaurant-lined promenade at Tamariu Beach after soaking up the sun and taking a dip in its crystal-clear waters.
There are plenty of things to do to keep kids entertained on the Costa Brava. Discover the secluded coves of this wild coast by boat. Family fun for toddlers, teens, and adults, your Villanovo concierge will happily take care of the booking. Snorkelling is one of the best water activities for kids on the Costa Brava. Head to the Medes Islands, a protected national park that abounds with fish species. Take a guided bike tour past hidden volcanoes in Garrotxa Natural Park, an activity perfect for family holidays.
For cultural outings, head to Girona, a medieval city that has been the setting for Game of Thrones. Be sure to taste xuixo, the local cream-filled doughnut. The fishing village of Cadaques, one of the best things to do and see when vacationing on the Costa Brava, was beloved by Salvador Dalí. Still utterly charming, you can visit the house where Dalí painted his Surrealist artwork, eat delicious seafood, and stroll past fishing boats.
When you want to spend the day outdoors, marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of the Begur Massif cliffs or Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. The largest wetlands in Catalonia, the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, lure many bird species, particularly during migration in March–May and August–October. In Lloret de Mar, the water slides at Water World — one of the largest aqua parks in Europe — provide thrills for the whole family, from toddlers to teens. Lloret de Mar has a wealth of activities like go-karting, mini-golf, and a fun nightlife, plenty to keep you entertained all day and night.
Yes, the Costa Brava is an excellent choice for families. With sandy beaches, calm coves, charming villages, and cultural sites to explore, the region appeals to all ages. Many of our villas also include private pools and family-friendly amenities, ensuring both comfort and convenience for a memorable holiday.
From villas with swimming pools and large open spaces to villas with direct access to the sea, family-friendly villas are often better suited for family gatherings than hotels on the Costa Brava. Check out our guide on where to rent a villa on the Costa Brava, whether you prefer to be near a medieval village or on the coast.
The perfect haven for your family holidays on the Costa Brava, this 19th-century Catalan farmhouse (masia) has been renovated into a welcoming home with a family room for children and teenagers. Located in the middle of a natural park and opposite the Medes Islands, Mas Plascencia features tranquil gardens and outdoor terraces, a natural swimming pool, and dedicated house staff. The historic town of Torroella de Montgrí and the lovely port of L’Estartit are nearby, as are golf courses and horseback riding.
This unique 7-bedroom villa abounds with amenities that kids will love: a private paddle tennis court, swimming pool, and paddleboards for exploring Sa Riera Beach below. In addition to epic views, Villa Belatta is one of the few villas on the Costa Brava that offers direct access to the sea. Located in the town of Begur, you'll find beaches, hikes, and history in close proximity.
With stairs that lead directly to the beach below, this 5-bedroom villa boasts stunning sea views thanks to its cliffside perch. Pamper yourself in the sun by the swimming pool that overlooks the sea or the indoor swimming pool and sauna on cooler nights. Villa Klem is only 10 km from one of the most charming towns on the Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar, which is famous for its spectacular fortified medieval centre.
Villanovo has a wide range of luxury villas on the Costa Brava. We've handpicked the best beachfront villas, villas with private swimming pools, and villas with panoramic sea views. Many of these properties are ideal for group holidays, combining privacy with generous living spaces where families and friends can gather in style.
For the perfect stay, rent one of our luxury villas in prime locations on the Costa Brava like Begur, Cadaqués, Llafranc, Tamariu, and Lloret de Mar. In Begur, travellers can also admire the town’s medieval architecture, a reminder of its rich heritage and timeless charm.
Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can focus on your holiday on the Costa Brava. This personalised service adapts each trip to your needs, whether it's booking a boat trip, childcare, or a private chef for your villa. Last but not least, every Villanovo stay comes with a travel book filled with our insider tips – from the best restaurants on the Costa Brava and authentic places to eat, to handpicked bars, shops, and tailored recommendations on what to do in the region.
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