Planning a family holiday that satisfies everyone from toddlers to teenagers feels like an impossible puzzle. But Spain’s Costa Brava offers a refreshing solution: a coastline where medieval villages perch above pristine beaches, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear coves in the morning and explore ancient castles in the afternoon.
Unlike the crowded package holiday resorts further south, the Costa Brava retains an authentic Spanish character whilst offering excellent family facilities. The region stretches 160 kilometres from Blanes to the French border, giving you genuine choice rather than a one-size-fits-all experience.
After extensive research and family testing, here are some of the best holiday destinations in Costa Brava for families.
Begur – The Adventure Base for Water Sports Enthusiasts
Ideal for: Families with children aged 8+ who love water activities
When to visit: May-June or September for fewer crowds
Practical tip: Book accommodation in Sa Riera village rather than Begur town to avoid the daily 15-minute drive to the beaches. Car hire is essential here – expect to pay around €25-35 per day in summer.
Without question, one of the best villa holiday destinations in Costa Brava, Begur town sits majestically on a hilltop, crowned by a medieval castle that children love exploring (free entry, 20-minute walk from town centre). However, it’s the eight beaches scattered along its 13-kilometre coastline that make this destination special for families seeking aquatic adventures.
Sa Riera beach offers excellent facilities including volleyball nets, pedalo hire (€12 per hour), and a small playground behind the dunes. The beach features several quality restaurants, with the beachfront establishments serving excellent paella and fresh seafood with sea views.
The real gem is Aiguablava beach, consistently rated among Spain’s most beautiful and a favourite filming location for Spanish commercials. Arrive before 10am to secure parking (free but limited to 200 spaces) and rent snorkelling equipment from the beach bar (€8 per day). The protected marine area means you’ll spot octopi, damselfish, and even seahorses in shallow water. The famous Hotel Aigua Blava overlooks this stunning bay, offering upscale dining with children’s menus.
Other family-friendly beaches include Platja Fonda (excellent for rock pooling), Sa Tuna (tiny fishing cove with one superb restaurant), and Fornells (larger beach with sunbed rental and beach sports). Each offers different character – Sa Tuna feels like a secret discovery, whilst Fornells provides more space for active families.
Calella de Palafrugell – Where Culture Meets Convenience
Ideal for: Multi-generational families and culture-loving teenagers
When to visit: July for the famous Habaneras festival
Budget wisely: Restaurants here are pricier than larger resorts (expect €15-25 per person for lunch), but the quality justifies the cost. Book dinner reservations by 2pm, especially at seaside favourite Tragamar (renowned for its rice dishes and seafood, operating seasonally on Canadell Beach).
This postcard-perfect fishing village offers the rare combination of stunning beaches and cultural richness. The three main beaches – Canadell (which holds Blue Flag certification), Port Bo, and En Calau – are within walking distance of charming whitewashed houses lined with traditional fishermen’s huts (many now converted to trendy beach bars).
Canadell beach is the largest and most family-friendly, with facilities including showers, toilets, and a first-aid station. It’s also where the local surf school operates (lessons from €25 for children). Port Bo beach sits in the heart of the old fishing quarter, surrounded by some of the Costa Brava’s most photographed architecture – the colourful boat houses that appear on countless postcards. En Calau offers the most secluded experience, perfect for families seeking tranquillity.
The coastal path (Camí de Ronda) connecting to Llafranc takes 45 minutes with children and offers spectacular photo opportunities along dramatic clifftops. Pack water and start early – there’s limited shade but several strategic benches for rest stops. Many families make this a morning adventure, returning for lunch and afternoon beach time.
Cultural highlights include the Cap Roig Botanical Gardens (€10 adults, children free), which host summer concerts in an amphitheatre overlooking the sea, and the famous Habaneras festival on the first Saturday in July featuring traditional Cuban songs performed by the sea.
Read: How to grill a whole fish on the BBQ
Llafranc – The Golden Mile for Young Families
Ideal for: Families with children under 12
When to visit: June or early July for perfect weather without peak crowds
Local insight: The lighthouse walk (El Far de Sant Sebastià) takes 30 minutes uphill through pine forests but rewards you with panoramic views stretching to the Pyrenees on clear days. The lighthouse houses an excellent restaurant, Hotel El Far, perfect for sunset drinks (children welcome until 8pm) whilst little ones sleep in pushchairs. The walk down is easier and takes 20 minutes.
Llafranc’s gently sloping Blue Flag beach and calm waters create an ideal environment for nervous swimmers and toddlers. The 300-metre stretch of golden sand is backed by elegant early 20th-century villas and modern apartments, giving it a refined atmosphere without being stuffy. The promenade offers pushchair-friendly access, and the beach has excellent facilities including changing rooms, showers, toilets, and lifeguard services during summer months.
The beach enjoys morning sun until early afternoon, making it perfect for families who prefer to avoid intense heat. Several beach bars provide family-friendly dining with high chairs readily available and children’s menus.
Beach equipment rental is reasonably priced (sun loungers €8 per day, parasols €6), and several outlets offer kayak hire (€15 per hour), pedalo rental (€12 per hour), and snorkelling gear (€8 per day). The shallow water extends quite far out – around 50 metres before reaching waist depth for adults – but always supervise children as lifeguards operate limited hours.
The weekly market operates on Thursday mornings, perfect for stocking villa fridges with local produce, and Hotel Llafranch offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of town.
Lloret de Mar – Entertainment Central for Teenagers
Ideal for: Families with teenagers seeking action and nightlife
When to visit: July-August for full entertainment programme
Insider tip: Stay in the Fenals area rather than central Lloret for a quieter base whilst maintaining easy access to attractions. The Hotel Guitart Central Park Aqua Resort provides excellent family facilities including pools, entertainment, and supervised activities for different age groups.
Yes, Lloret has a party reputation, but it’s also excellently equipped for families seeking high-energy activities. The resort stretches along two main Blue Flag beaches – Lloret beach (the busier central area) and Fenals beach (quieter and more family-oriented). Both are well-maintained with lifeguards during summer months and comprehensive facilities.
Water World waterpark (€40 adults, €22 children) provides a full day’s entertainment with slides suitable for all ages, from gentle lazy rivers for younger children to adrenaline-pumping Kamikaze slides for teenagers. For marine attractions, families can visit Marineland in nearby Palafolls (30km away), which combines marine shows with water attractions – the dolphin shows run three times daily.
The main beach stretches for over a kilometre, giving you space to find your ideal spot. Beach sports facilities are extensive – volleyball courts, football areas, and water sports equipment rental. Current pricing for water sports reflects 2025 rates: jet skis (€80-170 per 30 minutes, age 16+), banana boat rides (€15 per person), and parasailing (€35 per person). Book water sports activities in advance during August when demand peaks.
Family-friendly options for evening entertainment include the summer cinema program Cinema a la Fresca (Wednesday evenings in July-August), the Santa Clotilde Gardens (€6.10 entry) which host outdoor concerts perfect for all ages, and various bowling venues throughout the town.
For dining, the seafront promenade offers everything from international fast food to upscale restaurants. Many establishments provide entertainment for children including face painting and balloon artists during summer evenings.
Tamariu – The Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers
Ideal for: Families seeking tranquillity and authentic Spanish culture
When to visit: May-June or September for ideal weather and lower prices
Accommodation tip: Book early as Tamariu has limited accommodation options – just three small hotels and around 40 villa rentals. Villa rentals start around €800 per week in peak season but offer better value than the few hotels. Hotel Hostalillo provides the most family-friendly option with interconnected rooms and a beachfront location.
This tiny fishing village remains refreshingly uncommercialized, with just 200 permanent residents and a single horseshoe-shaped Blue Flag beach that curves around a protected bay. The intimate scale means everything is within easy walking distance – perfect for families who want to leave the car behind and simply relax.
The beach itself is just 200 metres long but beautifully maintained, with fine golden sand and crystal-clear water that stays shallow for around 30 metres. The protected bay creates consistently calm swimming conditions, making it ideal for nervous swimmers and young children. Snorkelling equipment rental (€6 per day) reveals an underwater world of colourful fish and sea anemones just metres from shore.
Local water sports operators offer guided kayaking excursions (expect to pay around €58 per person for guided tours) that explore hidden coves like Cala Pedrosa and Aigua Xelida, accessible only by water. These tours include snorkelling stops and often provide dolphin sighting opportunities.
The village has just two restaurants, both excellent but requiring advance reservations. Es Dofi specialises in fresh fish caught by the local boats that still operate from the beach – children love watching the fishermen return each evening around 6pm. The Hotel Tamariu restaurant offers traditional Catalan cuisine including excellent paella and children’s portions.
Activities beyond the beach include easy coastal walks to neighbouring coves (Aigua Xelida is 20 minutes on foot), visits to the Aiguablava lighthouse (45-minute walk with spectacular views), and day trips to the nearby medieval villages of Pals and Peratallada, both within 30 minutes’ drive.
Practical Planning Essentials
Best travel times: June and September offer ideal weather with significantly lower accommodation costs (30-40% less than August). Avoid July-August if you prefer quieter beaches.
Transportation: Girona Airport (30-45 minutes to most destinations) offers more affordable flights than Barcelona. Car hire is recommended for exploring multiple towns – public transport is limited outside main resorts.
Budget expectations: Villa rentals range from €600-2000 per week depending on location and season. Self-catering saves substantial money given restaurant prices (€80-120 per family meal in popular areas).
Local markets: Palafrugell operates a daily market Tuesday through Sunday, perfect for fresh produce and local crafts.
The Bottom Line
The Costa Brava is regarded as one of the best destinations for family villa holidays in Spain because it offers genuine variety rather than homogeneous resort experiences. Whether your teenagers crave excitement or your toddlers need gentle beaches, you’ll find your perfect match along this diverse coastline.
The key to Costa Brava success lies in matching your family’s specific needs to the right destination rather than simply choosing the most famous name. Consider your children’s ages, interests, and energy levels – then select accordingly for a holiday that creates lasting memories for all the right reasons.
Onwards and southwards next, to Barcelona with the family still very much in tow…
