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.
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🇪🇸Lloret de Mar
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.
Your family guide
Lloret de Mar with kids: beaches, coves and coastal walks
“Golden beaches, hidden coves and a castle on the hill. Lloret de Mar delivers the classic Costa Brava combination families come looking for.”
— San & Jo
Lloret de Mar sits right on the Costa Brava coastline in Catalonia, and it covers all the bases for families. The main beach is wide, sandy, and calm enough for little ones to splash around safely, while the rocky headlands hide quieter coves just a short walk away. Add a hilltop castle, terraced gardens with sea views, and a water park down the road, and you have the ingredients for a seriously good family holiday.
The town itself has more character than its party-resort reputation suggests. The old town rewards a slow wander through narrow streets, the Church of Sant Romà anchors the centre with its colourful facade, and the seafront promenade is lined with handsome Modernist houses that tell the story of a prosperous trading past. Children are usually more interested in the ice cream, but the history is there to discover.
Lloret de Mar works well as both a beach base and a jumping-off point for day trips. Tossa de Mar is just up the coast, and the city of Girona is close enough for a half-day adventure. Whether your family wants to spend every day on the beach or mix in a bit of exploration, Lloret gives you that flexibility without any fuss.
Costa Brava, CataloniaProvince of Girona, Spain
Mediterranean climateHot summers, mild winters
Girona, Costa Brava AirportNearest major airport
Best things to do
Best things to do in Lloret de Mar
Playa de Lloret and the cove trail
The main beach is the heart of Lloret de Mar: wide, golden, and gently sloping into clear Mediterranean water. Once the kids have had their fill of sandcastles, follow the coastal path to quieter spots like Playa de Fenals or the secluded Cala Boadella, where the water is still and brilliantly blue.
Head to Fenals mid-morning before the sun-loungers fill up
Half day to full day
Castell d'en Plaja
This restored hilltop tower overlooks the main beach and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Lloret de Mar. The climb up is short and the views from the top are genuinely impressive: a great way to give kids a sense of the town's history while burning off some energy before lunch.
Go late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures
45 minutes to 1 hour
Jardines de Santa Clotilde
These cliff-top terraced gardens are one of the most beautiful spots in Lloret de Mar. Marble sculptures, ornate fountains, and lush green terraces lead down to panoramic views over the sea. It is calm, photogenic, and a lovely contrast to the busy beach: even young children tend to enjoy the fountains and wide paths.
Buy tickets in advance during peak summer to avoid queues
1 to 1.5 hours
Camí de Ronda coastal walk
This scenic path runs from Lloret de Mar towards Tossa de Mar, hugging the coastline and passing hidden coves and dramatic sea views. You do not need to walk the whole route: even a short stretch gives your family a taste of the wild Costa Brava landscape that makes this coastline so special.
Wear proper shoes and bring water: the path can be rocky in places
1 to 3 hours depending on distance
Catamaran trip along the Costa Brava
Hopping on a catamaran from Lloret de Mar is one of the most enjoyable things you can do with kids here. The trips hug the coastline, pass sea caves and coves, and usually include a swimming stop in clear water. It is a relaxed way to see the Costa Brava from a completely different angle.
Morning departures tend to have calmer seas and fewer crowds
2 to 3 hours
Water World
Lloret de Mar is home to a major water park with thrilling slides, wave pools, and gentler family rides. It is a brilliant option for a hot day when the beach feels crowded or the kids need a change of scene. Plan to spend most of the day here: there is plenty to keep all ages busy.
Arrive when it opens to get the best spots and shorter slide queues
Full day
Maritime Museum (Can Garriga)
Lloret de Mar started as a fishing village, and this small museum tells that story well. Exhibits cover local fishermen, explorers, and the town's seafaring past in an accessible way. It is a good option for a cooler part of the day or if you want a short cultural break between beach sessions.
Combine with a walk along the promenade to see the Modernist houses
45 minutes to 1 hour
Church of Sant Romà and the old town
The Church of Sant Romà dates from 1522 and sits at the centre of Lloret's old town. Its colourful facade and distinctive cupolas make it one of the most striking buildings in the area. Wander the narrow streets around it to get a feel for the town beyond the beach, and look out for the Monument to the Fisherman's Wife on the seafront nearby.
The old town is quieter and cooler in the morning before the day heats up
1 to 1.5 hours
Our verdict
How Lloret de Mar scores for families
Kids
Sandy beaches, a water park, a hilltop castle, and boat trips make Lloret de Mar a genuinely strong pick for families. There is variety here beyond just the beach, which helps on longer stays.
Culture
More than you might expect. The Modernist architecture, the Church of Sant Romà, the Maritime Museum, and the beautiful Santa Clotilde gardens all add real cultural depth to what looks like a pure beach resort.
Food
Fresh seafood and Catalan cuisine are excellent here. The tapas scene on Carrer de Sant Pere is great for grazing with kids, and there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants serving reliable paella and grills.
Nature
The Camí de Ronda coastal path and the string of coves and beaches give families good access to natural beauty. The gardens of Santa Clotilde are a highlight. It is not a wild hiking destination, but the coastal scenery is genuinely lovely.
Budget
Lloret de Mar sits in the mid-range for Spanish beach resorts. Accommodation and dining are reasonable, though popular attractions and water sports add up quickly in peak season.
Planning your visit
How long should you stay in Lloret de Mar?
3
3 days
Long weekend
Enough for the main beach, a cove or two, the castle, and one evening on Carrer de Sant Pere.
sweet spot
5
5 days
Sweet spot
Time for the beaches, Santa Clotilde gardens, a catamaran trip, Water World, and a day trip to Tossa de Mar or Girona.
7
7 days
Full week
Settle into a slower rhythm, explore more coves on the Camí de Ronda, and really enjoy the evenings without rushing.
Fun facts
Things to know about Lloret de Mar
A statue for the women left behind
On the seafront stands a bronze sculpture called the Monument to the Fisherman's Wife, created by Ernest Maragall in 1966. It honours the women of Lloret who waited at home while their husbands and sons sailed out to sea: sometimes never to return. It is a surprisingly moving piece right next to the beach.
The cemetery with the finest Modernist art in Spain
Lloret de Mar's municipal cemetery is considered one of the finest collections of Modernist funerary sculpture in the whole country. Architects including Puig i Cadafalch designed elaborate Neo-Gothic sepulchres for wealthy merchant families. It sounds unusual, but it is genuinely fascinating and unlike anything most visitors expect to find here.
The town that got rich from the Americas
In the 19th century, many men from Lloret de Mar sailed to Cuba and other parts of the Americas to make their fortunes in trade. When they returned, they built grand Modernist mansions along the promenade. These returning merchants were known as 'Indianos', and their legacy still shapes the look of the town today.
Taste Lloret de Mar
What to eat with your family in Lloret de Mar
Suquet de peix
Local favouriteLa Parrilla, Carrer Santa Llúcia
This is the signature Catalan fish stew: a hearty, flavourful dish made with fresh local fish, potatoes, and a rich broth. It is deeply tied to Lloret's fishing village roots and worth ordering at least once.
Paella
Safe choiceLa Parrilla, Carrer Santa Llúcia
Lloret de Mar serves excellent paella, and La Parrilla on Carrer Santa Llúcia is a family-run spot praised for its generous portions, friendly service, and honest prices. A reliable choice when you want something the whole table will enjoy.
Patatas bravas and croquettes
Kids love itEl Romaní, Carrer de Sant Pere
The tapas scene on Carrer de Sant Pere is where locals and visitors mix over small plates. Patatas bravas and croquettes are universally loved by kids, making them an easy shared meal that keeps everyone happy.
Crema catalana
Must tryEl Romaní, Carrer de Sant Pere
The Catalan answer to crème brûlée: a silky custard with a caramelised sugar crust cracked at the table. Kids love the drama of breaking through the top, and it is available at almost every restaurant in town.
Escalivada
Daily treatLa Parrilla, Carrer Santa Llúcia
A simple Catalan dish of slow-roasted aubergine and red peppers, drizzled with olive oil. It appears as a side dish or tapa across Lloret and is a good way to introduce kids to the flavours of Catalan cooking without anything too challenging.
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