Mediterranean family odyssey: a spellbinding roadtrip revealing the secrets of the Costa Brava
Looking to escape to Spain?
For your next holiday, head further south to the famous Costa Brava. You'll get a little more exposure to the sun and the sound of vacation waves.
Let yourself be seduced by the Costa Brava
A salty seaside adventure
Looking for a change of scenery on the beach for your next vacation?
Head for the Costa Brava. Coves, beaches, sun and fine sand: the perfect mix we love in this slice of Catalonia on Spain's northeast coast. Start in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a town where there's no shortage of charming strolls along the seafront promenade. Next, head to Empuriabrava, often called the"Venice of the Costa Brava", to navigate its canals and admire its elegant villas.
Looking for a more cultural city? Stroll through the medieval streets of Tossa de mar 's old town and climb up to the castle.
100% natural Costa Brava must-sees
Prefer to get away from the crowds?
We know just where to go! The Costa Brava is home to an exceptional natural side that is less well known to holidaymakers. For lovers of the great outdoors, our first recommendation is Cap de Creus, the last foothill of the Pyrenees. Hiking trails take you past spectacular rock formations, secret coves and breathtaking panoramas.
The Aiguamolls de l'Empordà nature park also ticks all the boxes between sea, beaches and marshes. Did you bring your binoculars? Look out for storks, cormorants and free-roaming horses in this natural area of Catalonia.
Good to know: looking for a spectacular hike? The GR1 winds its way through breathtaking mountain scenery.
Our must-see favorites
The ruins of Empúries
Have you ever walked in the footsteps of the Greeks and Romans?
We have, in the ruins of Empúries at l'Escala near Girona. These visionary peoples settled here, seduced by the gentle way of life and the strategic position of the coast. We can well understand why! Whether you're a history buff or simply curious, admire this ancient city once occupied by these two civilizations.
Now it's time for a little game. Take your little archaeologists by the hand and guess what life was like for the city's inhabitants, through their businesses and beliefs. Do you recognize the agora, the Roman forum, the amphitheater and the thermal baths? That's right, your imagination will be running wild on this tour.
Want to learn more? Take a trip to the monographic museum. Ancient artifacts and works of art unearthed during excavations will transport you even deeper into the past.
Where to stay nearby: Sunêlia Cala Llevado in Sant Feliu.
The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres
Are you familiar with the eccentric world of Dali?
The Spanish painter and emblematic figure of Surrealism dedicated his life to pushing back the boundaries of the imaginary. And to share this vision, he created a museum in his image: surprising, playful and deeply inspiring.
Facing the museum, you'll immediately be captivated by its bold architecture. In front of you, the glass dome seems to float like a magical bubble, while the façades adorned with whimsical motifs catch the eye and arouse curiosity. This structure not only houses works of art, but is itself a work of art.
Inside, each room invites discovery: iconic paintings, surprising sculptures and interactive installations. Holograms and three-dimensional objects even defy traditional artistic conventions. In this museum, you enter the mind of Dalí, a place where logic and dreams are one.
Girona Art Museum
Want to get lost in a museum during the vacations?
The expedition, which sounds a bit boring (from your children's point of view), takes on a completely different form at the Art Museum of the Province of Girona.
First of all, this museum, housed in an episcopal palace, demands your full attention, so much so that the stones of this place exude history. Have you noticed the bright colors of the medieval paintings? Pouting faces are now replaced by wide eyes. A little further on in the gallery, visitors can admire sculptures in original forms, as well as contemporary works from the Romanesque period to the 20th century.
Where to stay nearby: wecamp Santa Cristina d'Aro.
Book your vacation on the Costa Brava
Spain as you've never seen it before
Snorkeling on the Medes Islands
Have you ever swum in one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful marine reserves?
At a time when the finger is pointed at over-tourism and pollution, thearchipelago of the Medes Islands is one step ahead. And with good reason: for over 30 years, the seabed has been protected from pollution and over-travel. So you're the incredibly lucky ones who get to enjoy it.
Armed with your flippers, mask and snorkel, take part in an excursion from l'Estartit. Under the ocean, hundreds of fish reveal themselves to you, including dentex, sea bream and the occasional grouper.
Where to stay nearby? At wecamp Cala Montgo in l'Escala.
Roses Express tourist train
Do your children dream of their letter for the Hogwarts Express?
In Roses, they can embark on an equally magical experience aboard the "Roses Express". This tourist train criss-crosses the bay of Rosas on a variety of excursions designed for adults and children alike.
Like 360° views? One of the routes takes you to the summit of Puig Rom, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views ofAlto Ampurdián and the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà natural park. The Falconera road, meanwhile, offers incredible panoramic views of the bay and the Medes islands. Along the way, you'll learn more about various historical and cultural sites and the Cap de Creus nature park.
Where to stay nearby? At the Sunêlia Rubina Resort in Empuriabrava.
An unforgettable day on the Costa Brava
Breakfast in one of the seaside cafés of Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Meet at the market of Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Stroll among colourful stalls of fruit, vegetables, fish and local artisanal products.
Settle down on the beach for a family picnic.
Kayak excursion to explore the rocky coastline and hidden coves of the Costa Brava.
Enjoy an ice cream at an artisanal gelato shop for a gourmet break in Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
A family table tennis match to end the day on a winning note.
Dinner on the terrace of your accommodation. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes, tapas, and finish with a typical Catalan dessert.
Costa Brava vacation memories
Strolling through Spanish villages
Which charming villages will you explore on the Costa Brava?
The Spanish coast abounds in charming villages scattered along the sea, but also in its hinterland. "In Cadaqués, the white houses are reflected in the crystal-clear waters. It's rumored that Dalí drew inspiration for some of his works here.
Wondering which villages to visit? If you love seafood, Palamós is the place to go, with restaurants along the seafront promenade. Last but not least, Tossa de Mar has a surprise in store for you, with its medieval castle overlooking the Mediterranean. Figueres, Sitges, Peralada, Pals or Palafrugell... The list is long and each village offers something unique. So, take your time and set off on an adventure.
Hiking on the cami de Ronda
Looking for breathtaking scenery?
The 220 km Cami de Ronda passes through several natural parks, including Cap de Creus and the Aiguamolls near Empuriabrava. The beauty of its landscapes can be admired on several well-defined stretches. Which to choose?
Our favorite is S'Agaró in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Here, you'll cover around 5 kilometers of well-groomed path, ideal for little legs. The path winds through a variety of landscapes, from steep cliffs to sandy beaches. Along the way, stop to admire Cap Roig and its botanical gardens. The perfect place for a picnic in the shade of the trees.
Good to know : Originally, hikers were rare on the Cami de Ronda. Instead, the Corps Royal des Carabiniers des Côtes et Frontières d'Espagne patrolled to keep an eye on smugglers.
Escape to the sun on the beaches of the Costa Brava
Sant Pol beach in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Have you ever dissociated the Costa Brava from its stretches of fine sand?
Never, oh never! The two go together like churros and hot chocolate at 6pm. Time for a Spanish-style snack.
Sant Pol beach is no exception, with its coastal dunes bordering the Mediterranean. All around you, gentle waves caress the shore, while colorful umbrellas dance to the rhythm of the wind. And where have the children gone? Well, rest assured, they're having the time of their lives. Between swims, they're also discovering the water sports on the coast.
Almadrava Beach, Roses
Do you know the nickname of this beach?
Canyelle Grosse, because it's bigger than its little sister next door. Indeed,the semi-urban beach of Almadrava follows Canyelles Petites on the road to Cap de Creus.
What to do while your children are building ephemeral sand kingdoms? Relax under the benevolent shade of the maritime pines. The main advantage of this beach is its sheer size. You can spread out your towel without fear of being disturbed by your neighbors. As we all know, this freedom and space are a real asset for spending your days in peace and quiet.
Did you know? The name "Almadrava" comes from an ancient fishing system, called almadraba, once used to catch bluefin tuna, a prized specialty of these waters.
Riells beach in Empuriabrava
Looking for paradise on earth?
Riells beach in the seaside resort of Empuriabrava surely fits your criteria. But there's something special about it - can you recognize it? The beach pays tribute to Saint-Exupéry's Little Prince with a statue of the Little Prince and the fox. If your children don't want a drawing of a sheep, they'll still want to play with you. So let the fun begin with ball games and water pirouettes.
Good to know : if you're feeling peckish, the beach has paillotes serving delicious local specialities.
Which campsites to choose on the Costa Brava?
Where to stay in San Feliu de Guixols?
La vie sur la Costa Brava se résume à peu de mots au camping Sunêlia Cala LLevado à Tossa de Mar près de Gérone. Vous le verrez par vous-même, le farniente et les activités sportives rythmeront le programme de vos vacances. Adoptez dès maintenant le style de vie à l’espagnol : plage le matin, sieste l’après-midi. Un bonheur. Le meilleur moyen de vous reposer en famille à proximité de deux criques aux eaux cristallines. Pour les plus aventureux, nous vous recommandons de prendre de la hauteur avec les chalets dans les arbres. Une expérience insolite qui vous laissera un souvenir impérissable de vos vacances.
Les points forts du camping :
- Parc aquatique avec piscine extérieure et pataugeoire,
- Cours de Zumba, de yoga et de Pilates,
- Clubs enfants et clubs ados,
- Soirée show cooking avec des chefs,
- Plage accessible depuis le camping : plage Cala llevado et Cala lorell.
Where to stay in l'Escala?
Looking for a waterfront family vacation?
The sound of the waves can be heard from sunrise at wecamp Cala Montgó in l'Escala. Settle into our comfortable bungalows, a real cocoon for your family.
You're in for an unforgettable seaside holiday, on the peninsula of the Gulf of Roses. If the view of the Mediterranean is the first thing that strikes you, wait until you discover Cala Montgo beach, just a 10-minute walk from the campsite. Here, you can relax on your towel or try your hand at water sports.
Campsite highlights :
- Geographical location: 1 km from the beach,
- Aquatic area with outdoor pool and solarium,
- Sunny club for children up to 12,
- Mini-golf, yoga classes,
- Open-air hotel restaurant: paella, tapas.
Where to stay in Santa Cristina d'Aro?
Looking for an unusual vacation on the Costa Brava?
At wecamp Santa Cristina d'Aro, pack your bags and head for the hills, farms and beaches. For a family holiday, opt for our family mobile home, designed for both small and large groups. Comfortably equipped to accommodate 6 people, you'll settle into a natural setting. For a weekend or a week's stay, you'll find all the facilities you need for a top-of-the-range vacation.
Campsite highlights
- A 2750 m2 aqualudic area dedicated to relaxation,
- Children's club from age 3,
- Restaurant serving local Mediterranean cuisine,
- Sports facilities: beach padel court, gym...
Where to stay in Empuriabrava?
Saltwater or freshwater? Why choose, when you can enjoy both at Sunêlia Rubina Resort in Empuriabrava?
Set in a bay on the Costa Brava, the campsite is just 300 metres from the Rubina beach. Whether you choose to rent a mobile home or a pitch, you'll enjoy every comfort during your stay. In the morning, relax on the beach with a book in hand. In the afternoon, why not take part in a group class? Meet new friends, share a laugh and create unforgettable memories.
Campsite highlights:
- Direct access to the Rubina beach,
- Aquatic area with paddling pool,
- Children's clubs from age 4 to 12,
- Group classes and dance activities: Pilates, CrossFit and aquagym classes,
- Fitness room with cardio and weights area.