Top 10 Costa Brava hotels for families

A hand picked selection of Costa Brava hotels ideal for families.

Planning a family holiday can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding the perfect accommodation that caters to everyone’s needs. Look no further than the Costa Brava, a magnificent destination on the north-eastern coast of Spain that offers a plethora of options for unforgettable family holidays.

The Costa Brava is a great destination for family holidays. The area is renowned for its stunning coastline, charming towns, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal getaway for families seeking sun, sand, and memorable experiences. Children are appreciated throughout Spain and often adults make a huge fuss of them. Generally they are welcome everywhere. And compared with other countries, Spanish kids are allowed to stay up really late.

All the same, some hotels will always be better than others for children. How do you know which ones will suit you best?

And with hotel booking sites returning dozens – or even hundreds of results – how do you find the time to sort through them all? Well here we’ve done the hard work for you.

To make your family holiday planning a breeze, we have hand-picked a selection of the best Costa Brava hotels for families in 2024. Whether you’re seeking proximity to sandy beaches, breath-taking natural landscapes, or luxurious amenities, our carefully curated list will guide you towards the perfect accommodation that suits your family’s needs and preferences. If you’re planning on spending your summer holidays on the Costa Brava this year then this article will help make travelling with kids just that much easier.

Best for sand beaches

Whether it’s the joy of building intricate sandcastles, the thrill of paddling in the gentle waves, the excitement of swimming in the azure waters, or the fascination of exploring rockpools teeming with life, the beach holds a special allure for children. Their unbridled enthusiasm and wonder make it a truly magical experience for the whole family.

To enhance your beach-filled adventures on the Costa Brava, we have carefully selected four family-friendly hotels that are in close proximity to some of the region’s best beaches.

The 4-star S’Agaró Hotel (Platja Sant Pol) is just steps away from one of the Costa Brava’s best beaches and perfect for kids. As well as an outdoor pool set in beautifully manicured gardens looking out to see the hotel has an indoor and pool and fitness area and there is also a spa.

The hotel has a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and a pool side snack bar. There are a number of restaurants a short distance along the promenade and Sant Feliu de Guíxols is close too.

Just outside of Palamós you’ll find another great kid-friendly beach. It can be difficult to park at Platja Fosca if you’re visiting for the day but that is easily solved by staying at Hostal la Fosca (Passeig de la Fosca, 24). It overlooks the beach and has family rooms. The restaurant serves dishes prepared from locally sourced ecological ingredients, including fresh fish from Palamós.

The 4-star Mediterraneo Park (Quevedo) is on the edge of Roses just 200 metres from Santa Margarida beach. The hotel complex has large gardens with a number of pools and various facilities for children, including a water slide and a kid’s club. Adults will enjoy the spa.

As well as the facilities offered by the hotel and the long sandy beach, historical Roses is a short distance away. The town centre is less than a kilometre and Aquabrava Water Park only slightly further.

The 3-star Hotel Medes II (Guillem de Montgrí, 38) in Estartit is modest but close to the port. The hotel has triple and family rooms and a pool that is pretty much ideal for kids. There is also a restaurant on site serving local specialities including seafood.

The former fishing village has a lovely long beach of golden sand and a number of narrow streets to explore. You can watch the leisure boats, fishing trawlers and dive boats down by the port or take a boat excursion over to the Medes Islands a mile from shore.

Cap de Creus and the north

The very northern region of the Costa Brava possesses a distinct character that sets it apart from the rest of the coast. Here, amidst the rugged and awe-inspiring landscape of Cap de Creus, lies a haven that captured the heart of the legendary surrealist artist, Salvador Dalí.

The picturesque town of Cadaqués has long been favoured by artists, including the great surrealist Salvador Dalí who owned a house in nearby Portlligat. Its picturesque charm, with its whitewashed houses cascading down to the sparkling blue sea, has lured countless creative souls. The town exudes an atmosphere of creativity and tranquillity, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its bohemian ambiance.

A great choice here for families is the 4-star Hotel Playa Sol (Riba es Pianc, 3) right next to the tiny Es Pianc beach and with fantastic views of the bay. The hotel has a pool set in beautiful gardens with olive trees and a restaurant open for lunch.

The area has a stark beauty which you can see in some of Dalí’s paintings and the landscape means there are lots of rocky coves to explore. Face mask and fins are must have items!

In nearby Llançà 2-star hotel La Goleta (Carrer Pintor Tarruella, 22) is family-run and decorated in a modern airy style with a number of family rooms with a double bed and two singles. Foodies will love it here as it has one of the best restaurants in town.

It’s a couple of minutes from Llançà’s sandy beach and near the port so great to walk down and watch the boats coming in. As well as easy access to the beach the hotel has a swimming pool available to guests during the summer months.

Also in Llançà is Hotel Carbonell (Carrer Major, 19), a modern 2-star hotel in the old town with a modest sized pool. It’s close to the 13th century watch tower and ten minutes to the beach. Rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and families are well catered for.

Picturesque villages

Some of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava are found near Begur, in central Costa Brava. This rugged stretch of coastline presents a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of larger resort towns, offering a tranquil and authentic experience that truly showcases the region’s natural beauty.

The villages around Begur and Palafrugell are also ideal for anyone who loves rugged coastline rather than long sandy beaches. These hidden gems beckon visitors with their unspoiled beauty, preserved architectural treasures, and a slower pace of life that allows for a deeper connection to the surrounding natural wonders.

In Calella de Palafrugell the 4-star Hotel Alga (Avinguda Joan Pericot i García, 55) is just 200 metres from the beach and has a large swimming pool. Rooms are airy and modern and there are various options for families. The restaurant serves international and Catalan cuisine with a good selection for kids and there is a babysitting service.

Luxury Costa Brava hotels for families

When it comes to travelling with kids, there’s no need to compromise on your own expectations of luxury and comfort. In fact, there are exceptional hotels that go above and beyond to cater to the needs of families, ensuring a memorable and indulgent experience for everyone involved. Here, we present the finest options for luxury hotels that understand the importance of creating a family-friendly environment.

If your kids have any interest at all in history then Hostal Spa Empúries (Platja Portitxol) is idea as it is within walking distance of the Greco-Roman ruins at Empúries, near L’Escala. Built to provide accommodation for archaeologists working on the ruins, it has been considerably expanded upon since and boasts impressive ecological credencials. The 4-star hotel has superb dining using locally sourced ecological produce.

Many guests at the wedding of Elon Musk’s brother to a green activist stayed here, with the ceremony taking place in the ruins. The hotel is steps from the beach and as well as an indoor pool there is a kid’s club.

At the top end of the market you can rub shoulders with the jet set at Alàbriga Hotel (Carretera de Sant Pol, 633) in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Designed to resemble a boat, the family suites have fantastic views over the bay and is close to the beach.

While adults will enjoy the 24 hour butler service and restaurants, children are alo well catered for. Facilities include an outdoor pool, kid’s club and playground and the hotel also offers babysitting services.

You may also find it more comfortable when travelling with your family to stay in a holiday villa or apartment. It’s more like home from home but the downside is you don’t have housekeeping every day.

Or if you want recommendations that match your precise requirements get in touch by email. We’ll give you personalised advice for free.