Figueres
Figueres is home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a giant fortress, and a toy museum. A compact, walkable city that surprises and delights families of all ages.
0 guides · Costa Brava & GironaExplore →
🇪🇸Costa Brava
Costa Brava blends dramatic cliffs, Blue Flag beaches, medieval villages, and the surreal world of Salvador Dalí into one of Spain's most rewarding family destinations.
Your family guide
Costa Brava with kids: castles, coves and Dalí
“Skip the beaches entirely: the real pull is snorkelling the Medes Islands, then winding through stone villages like Peratallada before sunset over grilled prawns.”
— San & Jo
Costa Brava is one of those places that genuinely surprises families. Yes, there are beautiful beaches, but what makes this rugged stretch of Catalan coastline so special is everything in between: medieval villages with cobblestone streets, a marine reserve teeming with sea life, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and the wonderfully bizarre world of Salvador Dalí. It's a place that stays with you long after you return home.
Stretching roughly 200 kilometres from Blanes up to the French border, Costa Brava packs an enormous variety into one region. You can spend a morning snorkelling above the Medes Islands marine reserve, eat grilled prawns by the harbour at lunch, and wander the stone lanes of Peratallada before sunset. That mix of sea, history, and food is what keeps families coming back.
The coastline itself is dramatic and varied. Clifftop trails connect hidden coves, sandy resort beaches sit alongside wild rocky headlands, and whitewashed fishing villages like Cadaqués still feel like they belong to another era. Whether your family loves nature, culture, or simply a great beach, Costa Brava delivers all three without you having to choose.
Catalonia, SpainNortheastern coast
May to OctoberBest time to visit
200 km of coastlineBeaches, coves and cliffs
Best things to do
Best things to do in Costa Brava
Snorkel the Medes Islands marine reserve
The waters around the Medes Islands off L'Estartit are part of Spain's first marine reserve, and the sea life here is extraordinary. The reserve has been protected for over twenty years, so fish are plentiful and unafraid. Snorkelling here with kids is genuinely special.
Book a glass-bottom boat if your little ones are not yet confident swimmers
Half day
Walk the walls of Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar is one of the most photogenic spots on the entire coast. Its medieval Vila Vella castle walls and towers rise right above a sandy beach, offering sweeping views over the sea. Kids love climbing the ramparts, and the town has a lovely relaxed evening atmosphere.
Arrive early morning to beat the crowds and catch the golden light on the walls
2 to 3 hours
Explore the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres
Salvador Dalí was born in Figueres and designed this museum himself as a total work of art. It is immersive, bizarre, and endlessly fascinating for curious kids. Combine it with a visit to his house in Portlligat near Cadaqués for the full surrealist experience.
Book tickets online in advance, especially in summer, as queues can be very long
2 to 3 hours
Step back in time at Empúries
Empúries is the largest archaeological site on the Costa Brava, with Greek and Roman ruins including streets, mosaics, an amphitheatre, and a basilica. Walking through it feels like a real discovery, and kids who have learned about ancient history at school will love seeing it in real life.
The site sits right next to a lovely beach, so bring swimwear and make a full day of it
2 to 3 hours
Hike the Camí de Ronda coastal path
This legendary clifftop trail links the coves and villages of the Costa Brava, passing hidden swimming spots and dramatic sea views. You do not need to walk the whole thing. Pick a short section between two villages and let the kids lead the way to the next beach.
The stretch between Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc is one of the most scenic and manageable for families
1 to 4 hours
Wander the medieval villages of the Empordà
Peratallada, Pals, Begur, and Besalú are four of the best-preserved medieval villages in Catalonia. Cobblestone streets, hilltop castles, and centuries-old stone buildings make them feel like a film set. Besalú's Romanesque bridge and Jewish quarter are particularly impressive.
Peratallada has excellent local restaurants right in the village square, perfect for a long lunch
Half day
Explore Empuriabrava by boat
Known as the Venice of Spain, Empuriabrava has 25 kilometres of canals running through the town. Renting a small boat and navigating the waterways is a genuinely fun activity for families, and a completely different experience from the rest of the Costa Brava.
Boat rentals do not require a licence for small vessels, so anyone in the family can take the wheel
2 to 3 hours
Our verdict
How Costa Brava scores for families
Kids
A brilliant mix of beaches, snorkelling, ruins, and medieval castles means children of all ages find something to get excited about. Resort towns like Lloret de Mar and Blanes add waterparks and organised activities for extra entertainment.
Culture
The Dalí connection, Greek and Roman ruins at Empúries, and a string of beautifully preserved medieval villages give Costa Brava a cultural depth that is rare for a beach destination. This is history made genuinely interesting.
Food
Fresh seafood, Catalan classics, and simple Mediterranean flavours make eating here a pleasure. Kids tend to love the grilled fish and pa amb tomàquet. Palamós prawns are a special treat worth splurging on.
Nature
Three natural parks, a protected marine reserve, dramatic cliff scenery, and the wild landscape of Cap de Creus make this one of the most naturally diverse coastlines in the Mediterranean.
Budget
Costa Brava is not the cheapest destination in Spain. Peak summer prices for accommodation and restaurants in popular spots can be high. Visiting in May, June, or September gives you great weather at noticeably lower prices.
Planning your visit
How long should you stay in Costa Brava?
3
3 days
Quick taste
One beach base, Tossa de Mar, and the Dalí museum in Figueres. A solid introduction but you will leave wanting more.
sweet spot
7
7 days
Sweet spot
A full week gives you time for beaches, snorkelling at the Medes Islands, a medieval village day trip, Empúries, and a Camí de Ronda hike. This is the pace most families enjoy most.
10
10 days
Deep dive
Ten days lets you slow down, explore Cadaqués and Cap de Creus, visit multiple medieval villages, and still have lazy beach days in between. Absolute luxury.
Fun facts
Things to know about Costa Brava
Dalí said the rocks inspired his dreams
Salvador Dalí grew up looking at the surreal, wind-sculpted rock formations of Cap de Creus. He claimed the bizarre shapes directly inspired his surrealist paintings. Next time your kids see a melting clock, they can picture the cliffs that sparked the idea.
A town with 25 kilometres of canals
Empuriabrava has so many canals running through it that people can travel by boat from one side of the town to the other. That is why it is nicknamed the Venice of Spain, and yes, you can actually rent a boat and try it yourself.
The coast signed a promise to protect itself
Back in 1998, the coastal towns of Costa Brava signed something called the Carta de Tossa, a charter committing to protect the environment alongside developing tourism. It was a rare moment of coastal towns choosing nature over concrete.
Taste Costa Brava
What to eat with your family on the Costa Brava
Palamós prawns
Must tryLa Gamba, Palamós
These are the prawns that locals are genuinely proud of. Intensely red, sweet, and flavourful, they are served simply grilled so nothing gets in the way of the taste. Splurge on a portion at the harbour in Palamós for a memorable meal.
Pa amb tomàquet
Kids love itServed at almost every restaurant on the Costa Brava
This is Catalan comfort food at its simplest: bread rubbed with ripe tomato and drizzled with olive oil. It comes with almost every meal and kids tend to love it immediately. Pair it with L'Escala anchovies for the authentic local version.
Suquet de peix
Local favouriteRestaurant La Cuina de Can Simon, Tossa de Mar
This traditional Catalan fish stew is hearty, warming, and packed with the catch of the day. It is the kind of dish that has been cooked in coastal kitchens here for generations. A great introduction to proper Catalan home cooking.
Crema catalana
Daily treatAvailable at most restaurants throughout the region
Think crème brûlée but with a citrus and cinnamon twist. Crema catalana is the classic dessert of the region and children love cracking through the caramelised sugar top. You will find it on almost every dessert menu.
Arròs negre
Safe choiceRestaurant Els Pescadors, L'Escala
Black rice cooked in squid ink sounds dramatic but tastes rich and deeply savoury. It is one of those dishes that adventurous eaters in the family will remember. Served with alioli on the side, it is a true Costa Brava classic.
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Lloret de Mar combines safe sandy beaches, coastal hikes, a water park, and Catalan culture into one of Spain's most complete family beach destinations.
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Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar combines a real medieval fortress, pristine beaches, hidden coves, and great Catalan food into one of the Costa Brava's best family destinations.
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