Best family-friendly beach towns in Costa Dorada

My family and I have explored many of the beaches and seaside towns along the Costa Dorada in Spain over the years. From wide sandy beaches to charming coastal towns, we’ve discovered which places are the best for families. If you’re planning a family holiday on the Costa Dorada, you can find my top picks for the best family-friendly beach towns in this article.

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Why the Costa Dorada is perfect for families

The Costa Dorada is located just south of Barcelona and stretches all the way towards the Ebro Delta. This part of the Spanish coastline offers golden sandy beaches with shallow waters that are incredible for children to play in while you’re on a family holiday. The beaches are safe and many of Costa Dorada’s beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag, an international certification that recognises excellent water quality, safety and environmental standards.
The thing I love most about family holidays on the Costa Dorada is the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Sunny beach days and delicious food make it a destination that keeps drawing us back to this region.

The best coastal towns on the Costa Dorada

Now, let’s discover my favourite coastal towns on the Costa Dorada for families. I’ve visited all of these destinations myself, and each has its own unique character. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, young children or teenagers, you’ll find a town that perfectly matches your family’s holiday style.

1. Cambrils

If I had to choose just one beach town on the Costa Dorada to recommend for a family holiday, Cambrils would be my first choice. It’s a charming town with a relaxed, authentic character. Cambrils has a calmer atmosphere compared to nearby Salou, but still offers plenty of restaurants, shops and family-friendly accommodations.
The beaches are the main attraction here. Cambrils has wide golden-sand beaches with calm, shallow water, making them perfect for families with young children. Beyond the beach, there’s a long and beautiful promenade lined with palm trees that is great for a stroll or a cycling trip. The charming fishing harbour is another highlight and gives Cambrils much of its authentic character. The historic town centre is a bit further inland, but also worth a visit.
Cambrils is known as one of Catalonia’s best destinations for seafood lovers. I remember being amazed by the amount of restaurants when we first visited. So there’s always enough choice if you like to try out the Spanish cuisine.

Things to do with kids

Whether your family loves outdoor adventure, beach days, or theme parks, Cambrils offers plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. The beaches of Cambrils are very wide and therefore great for visiting on your family trip. My kids can easily spend hours building sandcastles and swimming in the calm, shallow sea. The most central beaches are Platja del Regueral and Platja de la Llosa. These are among the best beaches in Cambrils for families and also the most centrally located.
If you’re looking for another activity, renting bikes is also fun. You can cycle along the palm-lined promenade for as long as you want since it runs parallel to the sea for kilometres. The route is almost completely flat, making it suitable for all ages. Most rental companies also offer child seats or kids’ bikes.
Parc Samà is worth a trip too. These botanical gardens just inland from Cambrils offer beautiful flora and fauna. Your kids will love spotting peacocks roaming freely, visiting the turtle lake, and exploring the hidden grottoes.
But one of my favourite things to do in Cambrils with kids is visiting the fishing harbour in the late afternoon. Watching the fishing boats return with their catch is a fun experience. The exact arrival time varies slightly throughout the year, but late afternoon (around 16.30-17.30) is generally the best time to visit.
If your kids are into theme parks, you could easily head to PortAventura World in nearby Salou. The themepark is located just a 10-minute drive or bus ride away and offers exciting rides for all ages. You can also spend a day at their waterpark, Caribe Aquatic Park, during the summer months.

Where to stay

We love staying at Ecocamp Vinyols, a small-scale rural campsite with a pool and farm animals that your kids can feed each morning. This campsite is especially nice if your kids are a bit younger. They offer camping pitches and wooden bungalows. The beach and town of Cambrils is a bit further away (12 minutes by car), so keep that in mind.
If you’re not a fan of camping or want to be closer to the beach of Cambrils, I can totally recommend Estival ElDorado Resort. It’s located right on the beach, they have an entertainment team and there are several pools, one of which is especially designed for children. Another fun thing that I love about this place is that they offer windsurfing and paddle surfing courses starting at the age of 6.

2. Calafell

Located on the northern end of the Costa Dorada, Calafell is another one of my favourite destinations for families looking for a relaxed beach holiday. Calafell has a long and beautiful promenade lined with restaurants and shops. We’ve visited Calafell many times because our friends have a holiday home here and my kids always love coming back. The town has a very relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. You won’t have to worry about cars passing by quickly because large parts of the promenade are completely pedestrianised. We always love going to the beach here and afterwards head to one of the amazing restaurants to have a long lunch. Calafell is especially famous for its five kilometres of continuous, golden sandy beaches where the shallow water provides safety and guaranteed family fun.

Things to do with kids

Spending a day at the beach is the highlight of any family holiday in Calafell. The wide sandy beach is perfect for keeping children entertained for hours. During the summer months, you’ll find inflatable water parks and activities such as paddleboarding or kayaking.
But if you or your kids want to take a break from the sea, there are plenty of other things to do. One of them is a fun playground right on the beach next to Plaça del Manila. There’s also plenty to see for younger children along the promenade. One stop my kids never want to miss is the Gelateria La Valenciana, where they serve delicious ice cream.
Another option that children will love is Calafell Aventura. This small amusement park is within walking distance of the promenade and offers hours of fun for kids.
A little further inland, you’ll find Castell de la Santa Creu de Calafell, which is definitely worth a visit if you and your family like castles. It’s located in the old town centre, where you can stroll around as well.
Another popular family attraction is the Calafell Slide. It’s located on a hillside just outside the village centre. This giant slide lets kids and parents ride down a 700-metre winding metal track.

Where to stay

In Calafell I love staying at Hotel Apartamentos Solimar. The location is perfect, just a few minutes away from the beach. This is perfect if you don’t want to walk too far with the kids after a day at the beach. Also, Solimar has two swimming pools, an animation team and a buffet restaurant with good food.

3. Salou

Salou is probably the best-known beach resort on the Costa Dorada and a fantastic choice for families looking for plenty of entertainment. The town has a lively atmosphere, a long promenade lined with palm trees, countless restaurants, shops and family-friendly accommodation options. There’s always something happening in Salou, especially during the summer months. Think of street performers, evening markets, festivals, and more.
The beaches in Salou are incredible and offer calm, shallow water, like in most of the towns on the Costa Dorada. They are perfect for swimming and relaxing, but you’ll also find many activities here.
Keep in mind that Salou is one of the busiest destinations on the Costa Dorada. During July and August, the town and its beaches can become very crowded. If you are looking for a more authentic atmosphere, I’d recommend choosing one of the other family-friendly destinations mentioned in this article.

Things to do with kids

The beaches of Salou offer perfect family entertainment. Platja de Llevant and Platja de Ponent are the largest beaches in town and offer lots of facilities. There are many smaller bays further away from central Salou too. Activities on the beach range from playgrounds to jet ski hire and anything in between. Boat trips are also fun when you are on holiday in Salou with children.
Another fun activity is walking or cycling along the coast. The promenade has a bike path and if you want you could even cycle to Cambrils. You can also take a guided family bike tour.
Besides the beach and the sea, one of the best things to do as a family is visit PortAventura World. This enormous resort is home to PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land and Caribe Aquatic Park, making it easy to fill two or even three days with roller coasters, water slides and family rides.
For more adventurous families with older kids there’s a possibility to go ziplining at Bosc Aventura Salou.

Where to stay

H10 Mediterranean Village is one of the best places to stay in Salou as a family. The hotel has everything you need for kids, large pools with slides, a playground and an entertainment programme. The hotel is located close to the beach, but the centre of Salou is a bit further away. This is something we personally liked, because it’s in a quieter area of town.

4. Altafulla

Altafulla is one of the Costa Dorada’s hidden gems. Unlike the larger beach resorts, it has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it perfect for families who are looking for a quiet beach holiday. Altafulla has a charming old town centre which is worth exploring. One unique aspect is the old stone archway that connects the town with the beautiful sandy beach. The beachfront is lined with traditional houses overlooking the sea. Here you’ll also find a handful of shops and restaurants.
The beach of Altafulla is spacious and generally has calm, shallow water, making it ideal for families with young children.

Things to do with kids

While Altafulla isn’t packed with attractions, that’s exactly what makes it such a relaxing destination for families. You can spend the day swimming and building sandcastles on Altafulla Beach, enjoy an ice cream along the promenade or explore the charming old town with its narrow streets and historic archway. I also highly recommend walking to nearby Tamarit Beach and Tamarit Castle, one of the most beautiful spots along the Costa Dorada.

Where to stay

Altafulla Mar Hotel is perfect for families with small children as it’s just a short walk away from the beach. They have a nice pool, a playground and an animation programme for your kids to enjoy. If you want to discover more of the Costa Dorada, you can also easily take a train since the train station is nearby.

5. L’Ampolla

L’Ampolla is a charming fishing village on the edge of the Ebro Delta Natural Park. One of the best things about L’Ampolla is that you can easily combine relaxing beach days with exploring the surrounding nature.
The town itself has a peaceful atmosphere and is much less touristy than many other beach destinations on the Costa Dorada. I personally love to walk along the seafront, watching the fishing boats in the harbour and discovering a variety of beautiful beaches. This combination of beaches and nature makes L’Ampolla a wonderful destination for families.

Things to do with kids

Platja de les Avellanes is one of the small beaches in L’Ampolla and it’s a great place to spend a few hours with your family. Afterwards, be sure to grab an ice cream from La Xixonenca and enjoy it while watching the fishing boats in the harbour.
We’ve also spent a lot of time at Platja de l’Arenal, located between the town centre and the Ebro Delta. Parking is easy and, even during summer, it often feels quieter than some of the other beaches. That’s one of the reasons we’ve returned several times. My kids always enjoy looking for seashells here, but the shallow water makes it a great beach for swimming with younger children as well. There are not a lot of facilities here though.
After a morning at Platja de l’Arenal, we usually have lunch at Bama Beach Club. It’s just a short walk from the beach and it’s one of our favourite places in L’Ampolla to enjoy a relaxed family lunch.
If you like to check out another beach, I highly recommend Platja de Cap Roig. It’s one of my favourite beaches on the Costa Dorada thanks to its beautiful natural surroundings and clear water.
If your family enjoys hiking, don’t miss the scenic coastal walk between L’Ampolla and Cap Roig. I once hiked this route with my husband and 7-year-old daughter and we all loved it. The trail is easy enough for most children and the views along the way are incredible.
For a completely different experience, visit the nearby Ebro Delta Natural Park. You can explore these wetlands on foot, by bike or by car, whichever suits your family best. Children can spot flamingos, rice fields and a wide variety of birds along the way. It’s a fantastic day trip for families who love nature.

Where to stay

A great option for families wanting to stay in L’Ampolla is La Inopia, an amazing 3-bedroom house with a pool and located near the beachfront. If this place isn’t available, I can also recommend staying at Camping TAIGA on the edge of the Ebro Delta. There’s a kids club, a playground and 2 pools, one of which is especially for kids.

6. L’Ametlla de Mar

Another Costa Dorada town that I love visiting with my kids is L’Ametlla de Mar. It still feels like an authentic fishing village, with a charming harbour. Unlike most beach towns along this coast, L’Ametlla de Mar is known for its small hidden coves and rocky coastline.
In the town centre, you’ll find Platja de l’Alguer, a beautiful cove with turquoise coloured water.
We’ve visited L’Ametlla de Mar several times as a family, and my kids always love exploring the different coves. Every beach feels a little different, making it fun to spend the day discovering a new favourite spot.

Things to do with kids

I recommend spending the day at one of the coves around L’Ametlla de Mar. The easiest place to go is Platja de l’Alguer, since it’s conveniently located. It’s also great with kids, because it’s easy to reach and the bay offers shallow water, where they can play and swim safely.
Depending on the age of your kids, L’Ametlla de Mar is also an ideal place to go snorkelling. The crystal-clear water and the calm sea let them discover the underwater world comfortably.
Exploring the scenic coastal path, which connects many of the town’s beautiful coves is another fun family option, but if this is too much for your children, a walk around the picturesque fishing harbour while watching the fishing boats come and go is a great activity as well. Make sure to also enjoy an ice cream or some fresh seafood at one of the restaurants overlooking the harbour.

Where to stay

By far my favourite place to stay in L’Ametlla de Mar is Camping Ametlla. They have a fun animation team for the whole family, several swimming pools and a nice playground.

Practical tips for your Costa Dorada family trip

As a mom I know being well prepared for your family holiday saves you a lot of stress and winey kids. Therefore I’ve put together a list of things to keep in mind while you’re visiting the Costa Dorada with your family.

Best time to visit the Costa Dorada

Spring and Autumn are the best months for visiting the Costa Dorada. The temperatures are pleasant and the beaches are quieter, although there’s still some life there. I love the months of May, June, September and October, because it’s not too hot if you want to add some sightseeing to your holiday.
The summer months of July and August have the warmest weather and the liveliest atmosphere. Accommodations often offer entertainment programmes and swimming pools are sure to be open during these months. Keep in mind that these months are also the busiest and most expensive.
Winter months can also be lovely on the Costa Dorada. The sun is visible on most days, which is nice for sightseeing, beach walks and playing on the beach. For swimming it’s too cold during these months, at least for most people.

Getting around

The Costa Dorada is located on the coast below Barcelona, which means it’s not far from the international airport of Barcelona. Also Reus Airport can be convenient when visiting this coastal area of Spain. Both airports are within a 1.5-hour drive of most towns in the area.
The most convenient way to get around the Costa Dorada is by car. If you don’t travel with your own car, I recommend renting a car at the airport. This gives you more flexibility and freedom to visit all places you want to visit. The one thing you have to keep in mind is parking. Try to look for accommodation options with parking.
Larger destinations can also be reached by public transport from Barcelona. If you are dependent on public transport it might be easier for you to stay closer to the airport and spend your holiday in a beach town like Sitges.
If you want to visit other towns on the Costa Dorada that’s easy, since there is always another beach town close by. You could rent a bike to cycle from Cambrils to Salou or take a train from one place to the other.

Safety

Costa Dorada is considered one of Spain’s safest family holiday destinations. Having visited this area many times, I’ve never felt unsafe. Violent crime is rare in tourist areas. Pickpocketing can occur in busy places, especially in larger resorts and markets, so keep an eye on your belongings. In case of an emergency, the number to call while in Spain is 112.

Restaurants and eating out with kids in Spain

Eating out is a big thing in Spain and you will often see Spanish families when going out to a restaurant. Children are welcome in almost every restaurant, and most of them have special kid’s menus and high chairs as well. Changing facilities are often provided too, although I’ve noticed that these are a bit less standard.
One thing that you should bear in mind is that the Spanish eat very late at night. This is something that we find difficult sometimes, because local restaurants start to fill up after 21.00. Some restaurants catering to tourists open their doors earlier, but this is not always the case. We therefore mostly go for lunch if we want to eat out with the kids in Spain.

Supermarkets & Baby Essentials

Supermarkets are to be found everywhere along the Costa Dorada. Mercadona is one of my favourites, but you can also find big brands like Carrefour, Lidl, Aldi, and others.
All supermarkets sell diapers, wipes, baby food, formula and sunscreen, but sometimes a pharmacy (Farmacia in Spanish) will have more options for your child.

Beach Facilities on the Costa Dorada

Lifeguards are present on most popular Costa Dorada beaches during the summer season. Look for the beach flag system (green, yellow, red). Many beaches here have a gentle slope into the sea, making them ideal for young children. Sometimes you’ll find pebbled beaches, so bring water shoes, especially if you are going on holiday around L’Ametlla de Mar.
On most beaches you’ll find showers during the summer months. Toilets can sometimes be a bit harder to find, but around most of the larger beaches you can find them, often at beach bars.

FAQ

Is Costa Dorada safe for families?

Yes, the Costa Dorada is considered one of the safest coastal regions in Spain for families. Many beaches have calm, shallow water and lifeguards during the summer season. As with any popular tourist destination, it’s always sensible to keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas.

Which Costa Dorada beach is best for toddlers?

Calafell is among the best beach towns for toddlers. It has wide sandy beaches, gently sloping shores and calm water that’s perfect for young children.

Are Costa Dorada beaches sandy?

Yes, most beaches along the Costa Dorada are wide sandy beaches with fine golden sand. While there are a few small coves, especially around L’Ametlla de Mar, most family-friendly beaches are sandy and ideal for children.

Can you buy diapers in Costa Dorada?

Yes, every supermarket sells diapers on the Costa Dorada. Baby wipes, formula and other baby essentials are widely available in supermarkets too.

Is Costa Dorada better than Costa Brava for families?

Both regions are excellent for families. Costa Dorada is known for its long sandy beaches and calm waters, making it particularly suitable for young children. Costa Brava offers a more rugged coastline with picturesque coves and charming fishing villages, making it a great choice for families who enjoy combining beach days with sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Where should families stay in Costa Dorada?

This really depends on what type of holiday you are looking for, as all destinations in this article offer different experiences. Cambrils is my favourite all-round destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere, excellent restaurants and family-friendly promenade.

Is Cambrils better than Salou for families?

It really depends on what your family is looking for. Cambrils is a great option for families who prefer a relaxed atmosphere, a charming harbour and plenty of restaurants. Salou, on the other hand, offers more entertainment and a lively promenade. Both destinations have beautiful sandy beaches and are excellent choices for families.

Are there Blue Flag beaches in Costa Dorada?

Yes. Many beaches on the Costa Dorada have been awarded the Blue Flag, an international certification for excellent water quality, safety and environmental standards. While not every great beach has a Blue Flag, it’s a useful indicator if you’re looking for clean, well-maintained beaches with good facilities for families.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, school-age children or teenagers, Costa Dorada offers a beach town to suit every family. From wide, calm beaches to hidden coves, there’s no shortage of fantastic places to enjoy a relaxing family holiday.