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Family holidays on the Costa Brava in Spain

Written on : 30 September 2024
By : Alexis Steinman
Family holidays on the Costa Brava in Spain

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 bevy of beaches will delight little ones and adults alike. Thanks to authentic medieval villages, natural beauty, and amazing restaurants, there is something for everyone during your family holidays on the Costa Brava. 

Best time for family holidays on the Costa Brava

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 less 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 temperature at 21°C or above.  Spring and fall 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 a local. April 23rd is Sant Jordi (St George's Day) when 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. 

Which Costa Brava beach is good for families?

Which Costa Brava beach is good for families?

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, they have 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 along the restaurant-lined promenade at Tamariu Beach after soaking up the sun and taking a dip in its crystal-clear waters.

Fun activities for kids on the Costa Brava 

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 many fish species. Take a guided bike tour past hidden volcanos in Garrotxa Natural Park, an activity the whole family can enjoy.

Exploring the Costa Brava: Family-friendly day trips

Exploring the Costa Brava: Family-friendly day trips

For cultural outings, head to Girona, a medieval city which has been the setting for Game of Thrones. Be sure to taste xuixo, the local cream-filled doughnuts. The fishing village of Cadaques, one of the best things to do and see when vacationing on the Costa Brava, was beloved by Salvador Dali. Still utterly charming, visit the house where Dali 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 at the Begur Massif cliffs or Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. The largest wetlands in Catalonia, the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà lures 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 water 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 busy all day and night.

The best places to stay on the Costa Brava near Barcelona 

From villas with indoor swimming pools and large open spaces to those 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. 

Mas Plascencia

The perfect spot 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, the Mas Plascencia features tranquil gardens and outdoor terraces, a natural swimming pool, and dedicated house staff. The historic town of Torroella de Montgri and the lovley port of L'Estarit are nearby, as are golf courses and horseback riding. 

Villa Belatta 

This unique 7-bedroom villa abounds with amenities that kids will love: a private paddle tennis court, swimming pool, and paddle boards 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. 

Villa Klem 

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 in the swimming pool that overlooks the sea or the indoor swimming pool and sauna on cooler nights. Villa Klem is only 10km from one of the most charming towns on the Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar, which is famous for its spectacular fortified medieval centre. 

Villanovo on the Costa Brava: Exceptional stays and luxury concierge services 

Our exclusive collection

Villanovo has a wide range of luxury villas on the Costa Brava. We've handpicked the best beachfront villasvillas with a swimming pool, and villas with sea views.  

For the perfect stay, rent one of our luxury villas in prime locations on the Costa Brava like Begur, Cadaques, Llafranc, Tamariu, and Lloret de Mar

A unique experience 

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, like booking a boat trip, childcare, or a private chef for your villa. Last but not least? Every Villanovo stay comes with a travel booklet packed with our insider picks, including plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop and what to do on the Costa Brava.  

Discover Villanovo's selection of luxury villas for Costa Brava

Villa Klem

(2 reviews)
457 € - 1 246 € per night
10 (12 max.) 5 5
" Villa Klem in Lloret de Mar is a 5 bedroom property comfortably accommodating 12 people. The house offers all the equipment and the facilities you..."
Costa Brava - Lloret de Mar

Casa Moore

(3 reviews)
2 200 € - 5 850 € per night
18 10 10
" Casa Moore in Cadaques is a 10 bedroom property comfortably accommodating 18 people. The house offers all the equipment and the facilities you..."
Costa Brava - Cadaques