10/08/2020
Only a few hours by plane from Belgium and France, Spain is the perfect destination for those who want to escape to the sun for a family holiday. With its mountains, metropolises, typical villages, transparent water and fine sandy beaches, this country is a real treasure. Hotels, restaurants and other good addresses, Little Guest offers you a complete practical guide to help you during your future holidays on the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada!
State: Kingdom of Spain
Capital city: Madrid
Political regime: Parliamentary monarchy
Languages: Castilian, Catalan, Basque
Currency : Euro
Located in the extreme north-east of Spain, in the province of Girona, the Costa Brava is a charming 160km coastline linking the towns of Portbou and Blanes.
In addition to its breathtaking countryside, travellers come here especially for the many white sandy beaches and the sunshine that is omnipresent throughout the year.
If you want to discover the best of Catalan festivals and traditions, ancient castles and picturesque small towns or unspoilt nature and pretty coves, this region is ideal for you and your little tribe!
The Costa Dorada is 216 km long in the south of Catalonia, and goes from Cunit to Alcanar.
Whether you’re a fan of peaceful walks among the palm trees by the water, historical city centres or lively evenings, you’re bound to find your happiness at the « golden coast »!
In addition to their beautiful beaches and coves, the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada also offer beautiful cities that you will want to visit.
Here is our selection of 4 towns and villages not to be missed during your holiday along the Balearic Sea :
Palamós is the holiday destination that is sure to appeal to everyone. Hidden paradisiacal beaches, green and imposing nature, warm blue waters, old town, there is something for everyone.
This small coastal town has a very special connection with the marine world and everything that attracts people to it.
For example, don’t miss the famous Fishing Museum to discover all the secrets of this ancestral discipline through didactic exhibitions.
Palamós is also the ideal place to learn about diving thanks to the many companies and their qualified instructors who will be delighted to show you the Mediterranean seabed.
For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, head to the Explora Park to discover great rope courses for all levels, with the added bonus of a sea view. Success guaranteed for the whole family!
Famous for its medieval architecture and old town surrounded by ancient walls, the « City of a Thousand Seats » is a must if you visit the Costa Brava.
Walk along the ramparts to enjoy the best view of the city, before descending to the Rambla de la Libertat, Girona’s main artery where shops and restaurants mingle.
Also, don’t miss a visit to the Arab Baths, a mythical 12th-century place that has been remarkably spared by time.
To end the day in style, stroll along the banks of the Onyar river while admiring the view of the pretty, colourful houses.
How could you see the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada without passing through the Catalan capital, which is located just between the two stretches of coastline?
The city is known from all for its cosmopolitan and festive atmosphere, but above all for the richness brought by the famous artists who chose it to settle down like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró or Antoine Gaudí.
Between the Sagrada Familia, the Casa Batlló, the Montjuic Castle or the Picasso museum, art and history fanatics will find something to occupy their days.
Football enthusiasts, for their part, should not miss a visit to the legendary Camp Nou, located right next to the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I. We advise you to go there at the opening to avoid the crowds.
Finally, food lovers will also find what they are looking for in the small streets full of restaurants and shops to fall in love with! Don’t miss the Boqueria market and its colourful stalls.
Capital of the Costa Dorada, Tarragona is the ultimate port city!
Also known from all for its historical and architectural wealth, don’t miss the impressive Roman ruins classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Archaeological Museum for a fascinating journey back in time.
After your visits, you can take a stroll along the Ramblas Vella and Nova. At the end of the latter, don’t miss the Balcon del Mediterraneo for a breathtaking view of the sea.
Finally, take a walk around the port and head to the El Serrallo district, which boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in the area.
Housed in the heart of the PGA Catalunya Resort, this hotel is the perfect place for families in general and golf lovers in particular!
The Camiral enjoys an ideal location, set in a natural setting between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees, but within easy reach of the beautiful city of Girona (10 minutes) and Barcelona (1 hour).
Nothing has been left to chance when it comes to the decoration and furnishings of the 145 rooms and suites and the hotel in general. Indeed, the hotel has been entirely fitted out by a renowned Catalan decorator who has managed to perfectly combine pure architecture, large spaces and luxury.
A true paradise for children, they will not know where to start! The Forest Park with its zip lines, monkey bridges, and adventure trails will delight little daredevils (in complete safety, of course) while young nature and animal lovers will enjoy horseback riding or even the pontoon dedicated to fishing.
Looking for a luxurious haven of peace in the heart of vibrant Barcelona? We got it!
Nestled in the heart of stunning 25,000m² gardens, the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful retreat close to the heart of the action.
For the record, the hotel opened in 1992 to welcome the Spanish Royal Family for the Olympic Games and was completely renovated in 2019. A top-of-the-range establishment, therefore, with 432 comfortable and luxurious rooms and suites.
Of course, children are not left out to find something to do between the sports activities, culinary workshops and other activities of the various kids-clubs.
We are particularly fond of The Terrace, the hotel bar where you can enjoy a good coffee in the morning, a gourmet snack in the afternoon or a delicious cocktail at aperitif time!
Located on the coast of Tarragona, Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel and Spa ***** and its 144 rooms and suites, offers an ideal balance between the calm of the beach and the renowned festive atmosphere of the Catalan coast. Recently refurbished, the hotel will ensure you have an exceptional stay and will make you want to discover the Balearic Sea.
The hotel’s chic, minimalist architecture will delight adults who like to wake with a sea view as well as younger guests with a variety of kids’ clubs to keep them entertained.
Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel and Spa ***** makes a point of organising activities for children such as arts and crafts or animation sessions.
Our favourite part of the hotel? The beach where you can enjoy cocktails at the bar!
What a pleasure to be in a country as rich in gastronomy as Spain!
In addition to the must-tries that never fail to delight our taste buds, such as the famous tapas, Iberian hams, and other paellas, we recommend that you try the regional specialities of the places you visit.
Why not try Trinxat, this dish of Catalan origin made with cabbage, potatoes, and ventresca (a salted product comparable to bacon) and finish on a sweet note with a crema catalana, a a dessert closed to a « crème brûlée » flavoured with aniseed and cinnamon.
Here are some ideas of restaurants where you and your family can enjoy delicious food during your stay on the Costa Brava :
At the Costa Dorada :
We hope that all these tips will be useful for your next holidays at the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada!
¡Hasta pronto!
Margaux, 24 ans, passionate about travelling, from Namur