My family and I live just a short drive from the Costa Brava, so we’ve spent lots of weekends and holidays exploring its beaches and seaside towns. Over the years, we’ve discovered which places are the best to visit for families. If you’re planning a family holiday on the Costa Brava, choosing the right beach town can make a big difference. Some places are perfect for young children, while others are better for families who enjoy coastal walks, charming old towns and water activities.
In this guide, I’ll share our favourite Costa Brava beach towns for families, based on our own experiences exploring this beautiful coastline with our children.
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Short on time? Check out the best family-friendly beach towns on the Costa Brava
L’Estartit – Best for young children and boat trips
Begur – Best for older kids, beautiful coves and coastal walks
Calella de Palafrugell & Llafranc – Best for an authentic family holiday
Tossa de Mar – Best for beaches and castle views
Blanes – Best for family activities and entertainment
Why the Costa Brava is perfect for a family holiday
The Costa Brava offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, family-friendly beaches, and authentic charm, which is why it is the place to go with your family. The beaches along the Costa Brava are safe and clean, and the water is shallow and calm, which is ideal for kids. On top of that, you can enjoy the amazing food that Catalonia has to offer, from tapas to churros, which my kids absolutely love.
Children are adored in Spain, and they’re always welcome in restaurants, which isn’t always the case in other countries. Since food is such a big part of my holiday fun, I love being able to stop anywhere that looks inviting for a meal.
The best Costa Brava beach towns for families
Now, let’s discover my favourite Costa Brava beach towns for families. All of these destinations have their 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. L’Estartit
L’Estartit is one of my family favourites on the Costa Brava because it has everything you need for a relaxed family holiday. The beach is the highlight of the town. It is long and wide, with a lively promenade that is great for a stroll or a bicycle ride. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops along the promenade as well.
The surrounding Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park also give you plenty of opportunities to explore nature nearby.
Things to do with kids
Spending time on the beach is one of the main things to do in L’Estartit. The wide sandy beach and shallow water make it a great place for families with younger children. Building sandcastles and playing in the water can keep most kids entertained for a long time. But if you want to do something more adventurous, I highly recommend taking a boat trip to the nearby Medes Islands. My kids still talk about our last trip, when they were so excited to see schools of colourful fish in the water. Older children can also go snorkelling around the islands, or you can explore the coastline by kayak. There are guided excursions from L’Estartit that take you along the Montgrí coast and past small coves and caves that are difficult to reach by land.
If your family enjoys nature, you can take a walk along the seafront towards the Pletera wetlands. This is part of the natural landscape surrounding L’Estartit and there are family routes where children can learn more about the dunes, wetlands and wildlife along the way.
If you are in L’Estartit on a Thursday, head to the weekly market. It’s a nice way to spend an hour or two, especially if your kids enjoy browsing the stalls for little treats or souvenirs. The market takes place every Thursday morning.
Where to stay in L’Estartit
You’ll find many accommodation options in and around L’Estartit. We once had a very pleasant stay at Hotel Medes II, which was great with our kids. The staff are super friendly and helpful and they offer family rooms. The hotel is just a short walk from the beach and there is a swimming pool too.
If you like camping a great place to stay is Camping El Delfín Verde, located between Begur and L’Estartit. This is a real paradise for children as it has a waterpark and multiple pools. You can read all about this and other Costa Brava campsites in my guide of the 7 best Costa Brava campsites for families.
2. Begur
Begur is a charming old hilltop town and I think it’s one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Brava. You can stroll through narrow streets and feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The town itself is not directly located on the coast, so walking from the town to the beach isn’t an ideal option with kids. There are loads of incredible beaches arount the town though, so it is perfect to base yourself nearby and visit Begur whenever you want.
Begur is particularly suited to families with slightly older children who enjoy exploring, swimming and walking. Some of the beaches around Begur involve stairs or steep paths, and the coastal paths can be quite hilly, so it isn’t always the easiest destination with a stroller or very young children.
Things to do with kids
When we’re in Begur we love walking along the coastal path to discover the beautiful coves like Aiguablava, Sa Tuna, or Sa Riera. These beaches are simply breathtaking with the crystal-clear water, fishing boats and the dramatic rocky cliffs. During the summer time we usually bring our swimming gear and choose a cove for a refreshing dip in the sea. We also love the small beach restaurants for lunch, or sometimes we take a picnic and enjoy it right on the beach.
If you’re travelling with younger children, Sa Riera is probably the most convenient beach around Begur. It’s a larger sandy beach with plenty of facilities, easy access and shallow water. Aiguablava is better if your kids like snorkelling. Its sheltered bay has fine sand and clear, shallow water.
In the town of Begur you can climb up to the castle for incredible views over the coast. My kids always love to visit a castle, so of course we visited the one in Begur. Although it isn’t as much intact as some castles, with some stories about princes and prinsesses they were super excited and really enjoyed the place.
Where to stay in Begur
When visiting Begur during the summer months we often go to Camping Begur. It’s a lovely campsite surrounded by a forest, just outside of Begur. There are animals and 2 pools on-site and the supermarket is right next to the campsite, which we always find super convenient.
Our go to place in Begur when we don’t go camping is Hostal Ses Negres. Its stylish and very clean (family) rooms offer a relaxing stay when visiting the town with kids. The best thing is the location as it’s just a few steps away from the beach of Sa Riera.
Reading tips
If you want something other than just beach time, you can visit beautiful medieval villages while staying at the Costa Brava. Both Peratallada and Pals are worth a visit and are within a short drive from Begur and Calella de Palafrugell. You can read more in this guide of the 15 most beautiful villages in Catalonia you must visit.
3. Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc
Calella de Palafrugell is a charming, whitewashed fishing village, with colourful boats on the sand and narrow streets. In summer, it can get quite crowded since it’s such a small town, but still, the beauty of this place definitely makes it worth visiting. What I love most about Calella de Palafrugell is that it hasn’t lost its local charm. Even in summer, it still feels like a real village, not a resort.
When we’re there, we love spending time exploring the little coves and rock pools. My kids can stay there for hours, looking for shells and crabs or playing in the sand. But it’s also nice to take a short walk along the Camí de Ronda coastal path towards Llafranc.
Llafranc has a relaxed atmosphere and it is definitely one of the best family-friendly beach towns that the Costa Brava has to offer. It has a lovely promenade with cafés and restaurants, where you can enjoy a long lunch. The beach is wide and sandy with enough space to play. And if you are here during the warmer months, the water is calm and clear and perfect for the youngest ones to play in.
Whether you stay in Calella de Palafrugell or Llafranc, both villages offer that ideal mix of authenticity and seaside beauty that you will certainly fall in love with.
Why families love it
Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc are perfect for families who want to experience the Costa Brava’s authentic side. The beaches are calm and safe, everything is within walking distance, and the atmosphere is wonderfully laid-back. You can easily explore both villages in one stay since they are so close together.
Where to stay in Calella de Palafrugell or Llafranc
If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to stay near Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc, I recommend Kim’s Camping. The campground offers several accommodation options and you’ll find lots of family friendly facilities. They have a playground, kids club, animation, two pools and a water play area.
Hotel Alga is another place I can recommend when staying around Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc. The hotel has a swimming pool and family rooms for up to four people. It’s also within walking distance of the beach and the centre of Calella de Palafrugell, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.
4. Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar looks like a perfect postcard, with its medieval walls rising above a beautiful beach, it’s easy to fall in love with it. For us, it’s the ideal mix of history and seaside fun, a place where the kids can build sandcastles in the morning and explore a real one in the afternoon.
The town’s main beach, Platja Gran, is spacious, clean, and has a fantastic view of the old fortress. The water is calm and is shallow near the shore, making it ideal for swimming with young children. In the late afternoon, it’s a good time to wander through the cobblestone streets of the Vila Vella, the old walled town. It’s a tough climb, but it’s so worth it for the incredible panoramic views over the coastline.
My kids absolutely love Tossa de Mar. As I mentioned before, they’re fascinated by castles, and visiting them is one of their favourite things to do during our trips.
Why families love it
Tossa de Mar has everything a family could wish for: beautiful beaches, a walkable historic center, and amazing food.
Where to stay in Tossa de Mar
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Tossa de Mar, Hotel Delfín is a great option. It’s located just a short walk from Platja Gran (the main beach) and the old town, making it easy to explore Tossa de Mar on foot. The hotel has a rooftop swimming pool and offers comfortable family rooms.
Camping is also a great option if you want to stay in Tossa de Mar. Located near the most beautiful small bays is Camping Cala Llevado, which also offers incredible sea views and a natural feel. The campsite has a lovely swimming pool and family-friendly facilities.
5. Blanes
Blanes is one of the larger mentioned seaside towns, with a friendly, lively atmosphere and plenty to see and do for all ages.
What we like about Blanes is the long sandy beach which is perfect for children, with shallow water and lifeguards on duty in summer. There’s a lovely promenade lined with palm trees, you can find lots of playgrounds and there’s always a place to stop for ice cream or tapas. Around the corner, near Marimutra Botanical Garden, you can find another beach which is fun for kids: Cala de Sant Francesc. The water is shallow and great for playing. My kids were super excited about climbing all the rocks when we were there.
If you are up for something more than the beach, you can visit the Marimurtra Botanical Garden too. It’s filled with exotic plants and offers breathtaking sea views from the cliffs. Kids can spot butterflies, birds and lizards. Also, you can walk up to Sant Joan Castle for amazing views over the coastline. Another activity that kids will surely enjoy is the Marineland waterpark. It’s only open during the summer months though.
Why families love it
Blanes is the perfect Costa Brava getaway if you are looking for a lively beach town with plenty of family-friendly things to do.
Where to stay in Blanes
If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to stay in Blanes, I can recommend Hotel Blaumar. It’s just a short walk from the beach and has several swimming pools, including a children’s pool, as well as a playground. The hotel also has family rooms, making it a convenient option for families with children.
Camping Bella Terra is another great choice. The campsite is right next to the beach and has two swimming pools, one of which has several slides. There’s a restaurant, several playgrounds an animation team and a supermarket on site.
Travel tip
While you’re in Blanes, don’t miss Parc Polivalent Francesc Macià in nearby Malgrat de Mar. This imaginative park is a paradise for kids, with giant play structures like a huge slice of cake, a giant shoe, and a candy house, perfect for climbing and fun photos. There are also sensory play areas, tall slides, and a skate zone, making it great for all ages. Read more about this and other fun playgrounds in our guide on the best playgrounds between Barcelona and the Costa Brava.
Practical tips for your Costa Brava family trip
Over the years, we’ve learned a few things that make family trips along the Costa Brava even more enjoyable. Most importantly try to stay flexible, which is actually true for a holiday with kids anywhere. Below I’ve put together some more tips specifically for this region.
Best time to visit the Costa Brava
Try to visit outside the busiest summer months, because the Costa Brava can get quite crowded and hot during July and August. Late spring and early autumn are our favourite times to visit the Costa Brava. The weather is still wonderful, the sea is warm enough to swim, and the beaches are far less crowded, but it’s still lively.
Getting around
You can find the Costa Brava on the coast between France and Barcelona. The most convenient is Girona Airport, since you’ll be able to reach the coastal towns within one hour. The international airport of Barcelona is not that far either, depending on the location it’s between a 1- and 2-hour drive.
If you can, I would recommend using a car when visiting the Costa Brava with your family. Some of the most beautiful coves and hidden beaches are tucked away beyond the main bus or train routes, and having your own car makes it easy to explore at your own pace, especially with kids. You can easily rent a car at both airports.
If you prefer to travel by public transport, just know that it can be time-consuming, as many of the Costa Brava towns are not very well connected. Blanes is the only town that has a train station. There are direct buses going to some of the other towns from Barcelona, like Begur. For some you will have to take two or more buses to reach your destination. You can find all bus information here.
Safety
The Costa Brava is mostly very safe, and violent crime is very 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.
When heading to the bigger Costa Brava beaches, lifeguards are present during the summer months. When they are there, you can look for the beach flag, which tells you if swimming is safe or not (green means safe swimming, yellow means be careful and red is no swimming allowed). Smaller coves often don’t have lifeguards, so be sure to watch your children like a hawk.
Restaurants and eating out with kids in Spain
One of the great things about travelling in Catalonia is the food. My kids love local favourites such as patatas bravas and calamares. 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 along the Costa Brava.
Supermarkets & Baby Essentials
You can find supermarkets in all towns along the Costa Brava. Mercadona is one of my favourites, but you can also find other options like Carrefour, Lidl and loads more.
All supermarkets sell diapers, wipes, baby food, formula and sunscreen but sometimes a pharmacy (Farmacia in Spanish) will have more options for your child.
What to pack
Swim suits are essential when you visit the Costa Brava beach towns in the warmer months. Sunscreen is another necesity for your children and brands like Nivea and Garnier are easy to find in Spain, but if have a favourite brand at home, please bring it with you.
Also, don’t forget to pack water shoes, especially for the little ones, because these are perfect for safely exploring the rocky coves and tide pools that make this coastline so special.
Frequently asked questions about a family holiday on the Costa Brava
After reading this article there might still be some questions left, which is why I’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions.
Is the Costa Brava good for a family holiday?
Absolutely. The Costa Brava is a great destination for families because you can combine sandy beaches and swimming with coastal walks, boat trips, historic towns and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.
Which Costa Brava town is best for families?
There isn’t one single best town for every family. The best place for your family depends on what you’re looking for. L’Estartit is a great choice for sandy beaches and activities, while Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell are ideal if you’re looking for a more authentic Costa Brava experience. Tossa de Mar combines a beautiful beach with a medieval old town, and Blanes is a good option if you want plenty of facilities and activities for children.
Where should I stay on the Costa Brava with children?
The Costa Brava offers loads of accommodation options and it also depends on your own preferences which place to stay gives you the best experience. with kids you might want to stay at a quieter location from where you can discover multiple sites.
We always love to go to a campsite with our kids. This way you get to spend a lot of time outdoors, have lots of facilities and even entertainment if this is what you are looking for.
Our guide with the best campsites on the Costa Brava might help you choose where to stay during your family holiday.
Which Costa Brava beaches are best for young children?
Look for beaches with easy access, sand and shallow water. L’Estartit, Llafranc and Platja Gran in Tossa de Mar are some of our favourite options for families.
Keep in mind that conditions can vary depending on the weather and sea conditions, so always check local beach safety information when you visit.
What is the best time to visit the Costa Brava with kids?
Late spring, June and early autumn are some of our favourite times to visit. July and August are the busiest months, but they’re also the most reliable if swimming and hot summer weather are your main priorities or if you are dependent on the school holidays.
Final thoughts
Having spent years exploring the Costa Brava with my own family, I can honestly say there’s no better region in Spain for a seaside escape with kids. Whether it’s the charm and authenticity of Calella de Palafrugell or the lively atmosphere of Blanes, each town offers its own version of paradise. So if you’re dreaming of a family holiday filled with sun and sea, you’ll find it all on the Costa Brava.
