The best beaches on the Costa Brava to go with children
Children and the beach are a winning combination. However, not every beach is suitable for spending the day with younger members of the family, whether because of the type of sand, accessibility, crowds or the additional services available. We all know that the Costa Brava has beaches and coves for every taste, but which are the most suitable for visiting with your children? There are more than 200 kilometres of coastline, featuring cliffs, dunes, pine forests and more urban areas. Below, we review the most interesting options, bearing in mind that you will always find a Grans Hotels de Catalunya property nearby, allowing you to organise an unforgettable stay in this small natural paradise.
We will travel from north to south, beginning in Cadaqués, where you will find Platja d'en Ros. With sand and pebbles, its shallow water makes it perfect for children, and access is also very easy. Once on the beach, the views over Cadaqués Bay are picture-perfect. Here you will find Hotel Playasol, in one of the finest locations in the town and featuring a garden and swimming pool.
The Hotel Playasol, located in Cadaqués, one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava, is a seafront hotel on the Costa Brava, set in the quiet bay of the town and just a few minutes’ walk from the center. Surrounded by the unique landscape of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, it stands out as the only hotel in the area combining a small beach right in front with a large garden of olive trees and pines, creating a truly special place to unwind.
This beach hotel offers modern in a Mediterranean style, with double, triple and family options. Most feature a balcony or terrace with sea views and views over Cadaqués, while others face the garden, pool or private patios. Its thoughtful design and peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for both romantic getaways and family stays.
Among its facilities are a heated outdoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi under the olive trees and a wellness area with steam sauna and sensory shower. The hotel also features a restaurant, a breakfast room with sea views, a bar with terrace facing the beach —one of the most iconic views in Cadaqués— and spacious gardens to relax.
In addition, its location allows guests to discover some of the most beautiful hidden coves of Cap de Creus, enjoy activities such as kayaking or cycling, and practice sports like tennis, table tennis or pétanque. It also has a private garage, a highly valued feature in Cadaqués. It is a very complete option for those looking for a hotel in Cadaqués with sea views, direct beach access and an authentic Costa Brava experience.
We now head towards Roses, where Almadraba Beach and Salatar Beach stand out. The former is one of the most popular thanks to its fine sand and generous size, which gives families plenty of space and peace of mind, as well as its shelter from the Tramuntana wind. It can be reached by car or by taking a pleasant walk along the coastal path. Nearby is Almadraba Park Hotel, perched above the sea and featuring inviting terraces with a saltwater pool.
Salatar Beach is located in the urban centre of Roses, making it very easy to access and placing shops and restaurants close at hand. In addition to its fine sand and extensive size, it has volleyball nets and a windsurfing school.
Boats resting on the sand and a strong seafaring heritage
A little further south, still in the Alt Empordà, is the beach in L’Escala, also known as the Boats Beach, where the town’s busy fishing past remains very much alive. This coarse-sand beach lies in the heart of the town, so there are frequent organised activities that children will thoroughly enjoy.
Halfway between the Alt and Baix Empordà lies Cala Montgó, offering every service and situated beside the coastal path that climbs towards Punta Ventosa and the Punta Montgó tower, formerly used to warn residents of approaching pirates. Its rounded shape and shelter from the Tramuntana wind make it an excellent beach for children to play. Nearby, you will find Mas Pinell Beach in Torroella de Montgrí-L'Estartit. With the Medes Islands dominating the seascape, it is a long beach with dunes and native vegetation. This is one of the most special places from which to watch the sunrise at the mouth of the River Ter. Here you will find Hotel Can Miquel, featuring a heated swimming pool, extensive gardens and an outdoor grilled-meat restaurant directly opposite the sea. It is one of the best places to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the Costa Brava. In L’Estartit, you will also find Hotel Les Illes, with its family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The Hotel Can Miquel, located in the spectacular Cala Montgó, one of the most beautiful coves on the Costa Brava, is an excellent beach hotel for those looking to enjoy the Mediterranean in a privileged natural setting. Just 4 km from L’Escala, one of the most charming fishing villages on the coast, the hotel is surrounded by the impressive landscape of the Montgrí Massif.
This Costa Brava hotel features 37 double rooms, 4 of them adapted and 2 with private gardens. They stand out for being spacious and bright, with a full bathroom and terrace overlooking the pool, gardens, the Montgrí or the sea. All rooms can be converted into triple rooms, and the superior rooms, are ideal for families.
Among its facilities, the hotel offers an outdoor pool, heated pool, tennis courts, large garden areas and a private garage for guests. It also features a wellness area with massage services, perfect for relaxing after a day at the Costa Brava beaches. All in a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for unwinding and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle.
One of its main highlights is the Can Miquel Restaurant, located right in Cala Montgó, by the sea. From its terrace or large windows, guests can enjoy refined Mediterranean and market cuisine while overlooking the beach, along with an excellent wine selection. It is a perfect choice for those looking for a hotel in L’Escala, well located and with direct access to one of the most special coves on the Costa Brava.
Located opposite the port of L’Estartit, the Hotel Les Illes is a hotel on the Costa Brava very well positioned to enjoy both the beach and sea activities. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and right next to access to the Medes Islands, one of the most important diving areas in the Mediterranean.
One of its main highlights is its own diving center, making it one of the best options among hotels on the Costa Brava for scuba diving. From here, dives are organized in the Montgrí Natural Park and the Medes Islands, where you can see groupers, schools of fish, seahorses and nudibranchs.
It is also a very convenient area for families. L’Estartit beach features fine sand and shallow waters, making it an ideal beach for children. From the port, excursions such as the Nautilus (a glass-bottom boat) depart, very popular with families. There are also options for kayaking, sailing or bike rental.
The hotel has 63 comfortable and functional rooms, equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. Thanks to its location and type of experience, it is a very practical option for those looking for a hotel on the Costa Brava close to the sea with plenty of activities nearby.
In Pals, there is an entire world to discover. Among the many options, make sure you visit Grau Beach, north of Platja Gran, of which it forms a continuation. This is the municipality’s final stretch of beach, ending at Les Basses d’en Coll and lying very close to the rice fields. It has coarse sand and is easily reached by car. Like the rest of this stretch of coastline, the beach is very open and exposed to the waves, adding another element of fun for the more adventurous members of the family.
In Pals, you will find Hotel La Costa Beach & Golf Resort, with direct access to Golf de Pals.
Right by Grau de Pals Beach, in Pals, the Hotel La Costa Golf & Beach Resort combines sea, nature and sport in one place. From here, you can step directly from the hotel onto one of the longest and most natural beaches on the Costa Brava or access the Golf de Pals, located right next door, in a peaceful setting surrounded by dunes and pine forests.
More than just a hotel, it functions as a true resort designed for multi-day stays without the need to travel. It offers 120 rooms overlooking the pool or the golf course, and a wide range of facilities: a tropical pool with beach-style area, tennis and paddle courts, football fields, table tennis, pétanque and children’s play areas. Additional services include bike rental, nearby water sports and babysitting on request, making it one of the most complete hotels on the Costa Brava for families.
The experience is enhanced by its gastronomic offer, spread across several spaces, including the La Habana Beach Club, located by the sea, where guests can enjoy rice dishes from Pals and Mediterranean cuisine almost with their feet in the sand. A very convenient concept to combine beach days with great food without leaving the hotel.
From here, it is also easy to explore the area: nearby are coves such as Illa Roja and Sa Riera, as well as sections of the Camí de Ronda with spectacular views. It is a very practical option if you are looking for a beach hotel with plenty of activities, direct sea access and a well-preserved natural setting on the Costa Brava.
We arrive in Begur, where Sa Riera Beach takes its name from the stream that divides it into two sections. One offers the traditional sight of small moored boats, while the other is a true paradise for the whole family, with a large sandy area, a coastal path for leisurely walks and every additional service right there. For exceptional rest and dining, you will find Hotel Aigua Blava, offering privileged sea views in one of the most iconic locations on the Costa Brava.
Located in the Aiguablava Bay, just a few minutes from the centre of the medieval village of Begur, Hotel Aigua Blava is one of the most exclusive hotels on the Costa Brava. This hotel boasts privileged views over the Mediterranean and an exceptional location, just a short walk from Aiguablava Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Brava. Surrounded by crystal-clear coves and picturesque villages such as Pals and Peratallada, it is the perfect base for discovering some of the most spectacular corners of the Catalan coastline.
Many of its rooms feature spacious panoramic terraces and stunning sea views. Guests can also enjoy a heated swimming pool with Pool Bar, a wellness area with treatments and massages, tennis, volleyball and badminton courts, as well as an excellent breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean.
Its outstanding dining experience includes the panoramic restaurant, La Terrassa and La Rocalla, renowned as one of the finest culinary destinations in Begur thanks to its Mediterranean cuisine, breathtaking sea views and carefully selected wine list. With direct access to the Camí de Ronda coastal path, guests can walk to Aiguablava Beach or discover hidden coves such as Platja Fonda and Cala del Maralet, making every stay a unique experience for couples and families looking to enjoy a true luxury hotel on the Costa Brava.
Tamariu Beach, meanwhile, is characterised by the white houses that shelter it, separated from the sand by a pleasant promenade. Boats are often anchored offshore, while the natural setting dominated by Mediterranean pine trees is a true treasure.
Nearby, in Llafranc, the town beach has two clearly defined areas: one occupied by boats resting on the sand and another for swimmers, with fine sand and around 40 metres of width where children can play. Here, we recommend staying at Hotel Llafranch, opposite the sea and offering quality traditional cuisine, or Hotel Terramar, with its family atmosphere and clear commitment to guest comfort.
Located on the seafront promenade of Llafranc, one of the most beautiful fishing villages on the Costa Brava, the Hotel Llafranch is a charming hotel with history and character, founded in 1958, and now one of the area’s landmarks. Its location, just steps from the beach and in the heart of the village, allows guests to enjoy one of the most pleasant bays on the coast, with the sea always close by.
This hotel on the Costa Brava has 28 rooms, all different, some with sea views and views over Llafranc’s harbor, and others facing the village center. Its style combines tradition and comfort, creating a warm and शांत atmosphere, ideal for both romantic getaways and relaxed family stays.
The experience is completed by its gastronomic offering, where traditional Catalan cuisine takes center stage, made with fresh, local products. The hotel features different dining spaces, including the main restaurant, seaside terraces and nearby options such as La Plaça, La Caleta and Trattoria Otto, offering varied atmospheres. It also has an exclusive terrace and solarium for guests, perfect for relaxing with views of the surroundings.
Its location is also an excellent starting point to explore the Baix Empordà, with easy access to hidden coves, sections of the Camí de Ronda and charming villages. Thanks to its authenticity, location and atmosphere, it is one of the most recommended hotels on the Costa Brava for those seeking a seaside.
Located right in front of Llafranc Beach, the Hotel Terramar is one of those places where everything revolves around the sea: the sand just a few steps away, the seafront promenade right in front and the peaceful atmosphere of one of the most pleasant spots in the Baix Empordà. Its location allows you to enjoy the beach at any time of day and go out for dinner or a walk without needing a car.
This Mediterranean-style hotel offers comfortable and bright rooms, many with sea views and balcony, ideal for waking up to the sound of the waves. Its friendly, family-oriented atmosphere makes it a great option for both couples and relaxing seaside stays.
Within the hotel, the restaurant offers cuisine based on the Mediterranean diet, with fresh, local and seasonal products, highlighting the chef’s “Land & Sea” concept, accompanied by wines with Empordà designation of origin. It also features a mini gym and bike area, perfect for those exploring the Costa Brava by bicycle.
Its location also provides easy access to one of the most beautiful sections of the Camí de Ronda, between Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell, as well as crystal-clear coves and other charming nearby villages. Thanks to its seafront setting and welcoming atmosphere, it is one of the most practical hotels on the Costa Brava for enjoying beach, gastronomy and relaxation.
Rocky reefs that shape the beaches
We are now in Calella, where the rocky reefs between the coarse sand and the sea create different areas on Port Bo Beach, also known as the Boats Beach. Easily accessible both on foot and by car, the beach offers every service and the iconic seafront view of this picturesque Costa Brava village. For a dream stay, consider Hotel Alga, peaceful and family-friendly; Hotel Garbí, with its heated swimming pool and garden; and Hotel Sant Roc, perched above a cliff with direct access to the sea.
The Hotel Alga, in Calella de Palafrugell, is an elegant hotel on the Costa Brava located just 200 meters from Port Bo Beach and the seafront promenade. Set in the area and surrounded by more than 7,000 m² of gardens, it combines proximity to the sea with a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding in one of the most beautiful villages on the coast.
This beach hotel with pool on the Costa Brava offers 59 modern and comfortable rooms, some with sea views. Its well-kept and versatile atmosphere makes it an excellent option for couples, families or getaways with friends. It is also pet-friendly, allowing guests to travel with their pets comfortably.
Among its facilities are two outdoor pools, paddle and tennis courts, a gym, a games room and spacious gardens for relaxing. It also offers massage services, ideal for completing a restful stay after a day at the beach or exploring the nearby Camí de Ronda between Calella and Llafranc, one of the most beautiful on the Costa Brava.
On the gastronomic side, the El Càntir Restaurant, led by chef Pere Malagelada, offers Mediterranean cuisine based on local and seasonal products. There is also a snack bar by the pool, perfect for enjoying light meals, cocktails or an outdoor aperitif in a pleasant setting.
The Hotel Garbí is a welcoming hotel in Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava, set in a privileged natural environment just a short walk from the beach. Its location makes it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy the sea and unwind in one of the most authentic corners of the Mediterranean.
The Hotel Garbí is a family-friendly hotel on the Costa Brava, but it is also an excellent option for couples. Families will find a wide range of services designed for children, including an outdoor train, play area, playground and creative spaces with drawing materials. Meanwhile, couples can enjoy comfortable rooms with stunning sea views, some of them featuring a private jacuzzi on the terrace.
After a day exploring Calella de Palafrugell or discovering the Costa Brava and its coastal paths, guests can relax in the outdoor pool with jacuzzi, stroll through the spacious gardens or enjoy the open-air restaurant, where local cuisine is served in a pleasant setting. Everything invites you to slow down and enjoy a seaside holiday.
Hotel Sant Roc, located in the picturesque village of Calella de Palafrugell, is an exclusive hotel on the Costa Brava, perfect for travellers seeking a stay by the sea. Its privileged location, virtually on the beachfront, provides easy access to some of the area's most beautiful coves, including Cala Foradada and Cala de Sant Roc, renowned for their crystal-clear, shallow waters.
This welcoming Mediterranean-style hotel stands out for its sea-view rooms, many featuring private terraces from which guests can admire spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the Costa Brava. The hotel also offers suites, including family suites, making it an excellent choice for both romantic getaways and family holidays, combining comfort, tranquillity and an exceptional natural setting.
One of its greatest highlights is the El Balcó de Calella Restaurant, considered one of the finest restaurants in the area thanks to its spectacular sea views. Here guests can enjoy refined signature and market cuisine, prepared with fresh Mediterranean ingredients in an outstanding setting.
Located directly on the Camí de Ronda, along the section between Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc, one of the most beautiful stretches in Catalonia, the hotel is ideal for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Its proximity to the village centre also provides easy access to shops, restaurants and the local atmosphere, as well as the region's leading summer events on the Costa Brava.
Hotel Sant Roc completes the experience with a delightful seafront chill-out terrace, the perfect place to enjoy a drink or cocktail at sunset while taking in one of the finest panoramic views of Calella de Palafrugell. During their stay, guests can also enjoy nearby services and activities such as massages, boat trips and bicycle rental in Calella and Palafrugell, as well as the special Sant Roc Nights, featuring live music throughout the summer season.
With a distinctive appearance shaped by its characteristic breakwaters, Sant Antoni de Calonge Beach is one of the longest in the area, with one and a half kilometres of fine sand. It offers extensive services and activities, including a children’s club, while the gradual depth of the water makes it perfect for visiting with children. In the same municipality, away from the urban centre, Cap Roig Cove gives this section of coast its distinctive character. With coarse sand and a rocky seabed, it is an excellent choice for anyone who loves diving into clear water.
In Platja d’Aro, two beaches stand out: Cala Rovira, with coarse sand and a steep slope into the water, and Platja Gran, opposite the seafront and offering more than two kilometres of coarse sand. At one end is Cavall Bernat and at the other, the mouth of the River Riudaura. In this municipality, which boasts an exceptional coastal path, make sure you discover Hotel Aromar, located directly on the seafront promenade, and Hotel Costa Brava, in a privileged setting.
The Hotel Aromar, located on the seafront in Platja d’Aro, on the Costa Brava, is an excellent choice for enjoying a holiday by the Mediterranean. Situated right on Platja Gran, a wide sandy beach ideal for families, this beachfront hotel offers direct access to the sea and allows guests to enjoy one of the liveliest destinations on the Catalan coast, with plenty of leisure, shopping and atmosphere.
This hotel in Costa Brava stands out for its modern and elegant style, with designer rooms featuring white and pink marble tones that reflect the blue light of the sea, creating a bright and unique atmosphere. Many rooms have balconies with direct sea views, including exclusive panoramic rooms, ideal for a romantic getaway or a relaxing family stay. It is also a pet-friendly hotel, so pets are welcome.
Among its facilities, the large outdoor area stands out, featuring a modern pool with waterfall, solarium and children’s pool, perfect for enjoying the pleasant climate. Its terrace, located on the seafront promenade, allows guests to combine beach days with relaxing moments by the sea, while the Mestral restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine based on local products, varied and of high quality.
Thanks to its location, Hotel Aromar provides easy access to both leisure and shopping areas as well as some of the most beautiful nearby coves. Overall, it is an ideal option for those looking for a hotel with sea views, a lively atmosphere and all the comforts to fully enjoy the Costa Brava.
Between Cala Rovira and the Platja Gran of Platja d’Aro, the Hotel Costa Brava is set in a privileged location overlooking the sea, surrounded by pine trees and with direct access to the beach via the Camí de Ronda. Its frontline, elevated position allows guests to enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
With 63 rooms, some fully renovated, the hotel offers different room types, from double and superior rooms to family rooms and junior suites. Many feature a balcony with sea views, making it an especially attractive option for a romantic getaway or for those who want to wake up facing the sea on the Costa Brava.
One of its main highlights is the Restaurant Aradi, where Empordà-style “sea and mountain” cuisine takes center stage, using local products such as fresh fish and seafood, seasonal vegetables and local meats. Dining on its terrace, literally above the sea, is one of those experiences that define the stay.
Beyond gastronomy, the hotel invites guests to relax on its terraces, enjoy its bar with views and spaces such as the Cuixart Lounge, ideal after a day at the beach or strolling through the lively center of Platja d’Aro, just a few minutes away. Open all year round, it also allows guests to discover the Costa Brava outside the high season.
Thanks to its unique location, views and atmosphere, it is one of the most interesting hotels on the Costa Brava for those seeking sea, romance and a Mediterranean-style experience.
Our route around the best Costa Brava beaches to visit with children ends in S'Agaró, where Sa Conca has a very distinctive appeal thanks to two clearly differentiated sections separated by a small islet. One has a sandy seabed and the other is very rocky, so you can take your pick. An added advantage is that it is always easy to reach, either by car or on foot after a pleasant walk along the coastal path. Here, consider Hotel Sant Pol, where you will have a wide range of family activities within easy reach and convenient access to the beach.
The Hotel Sant Pol, located in front of Sant Pol Beach in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, is a charming seafront hotel on the Costa Brava, set in one of the most beautiful and family-friendly bays in the area. With direct beach access and next to the seafront promenade, it is an ideal option to enjoy the Mediterranean in a peaceful setting, with shallow waters and a wide sandy beach perfect for families. It is also just a few minutes from Platja d’Aro, one of the liveliest areas on the Costa Brava, full of shops, leisure and atmosphere.
The hotel offers 22 rooms, many with views over Sant Pol Bay, and some superior rooms featuring a private jacuzzi, ideal for a more special getaway. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, designed for both couples and families looking to relax by the sea in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Its location makes it a perfect base for both beach enjoyment and outdoor activities, with easy access to cycling routes (Greenways), hiking trails or the local via ferrata. In addition, Sant Pol Beach offers services such as sunbed rentals, water sports and children’s play areas in the water.
The hotel features the traditional Sant Pol Restaurant, specializing in rice dishes, fish and seafood, as well as other spaces such as Villa Laura and Villa Maria. A very complete option for those looking for a beach hotel on the Costa Brava, well located, with sea views and close to lively areas.
Photos: PTCBG image archive.
