On the beach with children

When the good weather arrives, the beach is one of the tourist attractions that everyone likes, especially families with children, since the huge variety of seaside activities on offer guarantee hours of playtime, physical exercise and entertainment. What's more, on the Costa Barcelona there are six towns that hold the Family Holiday Destination seal, which means they're particularly attentive to children's needs. Would you like to know which ones they are?

Calella is one of the towns with the Family Holiday Destination (FHD, or DTF in Catalan] seal. And it's no coincidence, because this seaside town is one of the longest-established summer tourist destinations in the regions of Barcelona. In Calella you can stay in hotels that provide cots and babysitting services, eat in restaurants that offer high chairs and children's menus, go for a swim in crystal-clear, shallow water, or learn a water sport... all without breaking the bank.

Pineda de Mar is another great place for an unforgettable summer break. Blue Flag beaches, a nautical station, several children's play areas and leafy squares are some of the most enjoyable attractions in the town for families. Others include the walking and cycling routes in the Montnegre-Corredor Natural Park.

Head just a little further north and you'll come to Santa Susanna, a town where you're sure to have a great time. If you're fascinated by the world of pirates, you'll love the watchtowers route. These watchtowers were built between the 15th and 17th centuries to warn of raids by corsairs.

Malgrat de Mar also holds the FHD seal. The town has four lovely beaches, but Astillero Beach stands out in particular because it's equipped with a kids’ club and a beach library. Children will love the 40,000 m2 play area of Francesc Macià Park with its fairy tale-themed sculptures. And if you like animals, make sure you visit Marineland, a dolphinarium, marine zoo and water park located in the neighbouring town of Palafolls.

Vilanova i la Geltrú boasts long, safe, fine-sand beaches with calm water that are perfect for families. What’s more, its nautical station organises all sorts of unique experiences, both at sea and on dry land, for kids who are keen on activities and adventures. After the beach, head to the Railway Museum, an exciting place to explore the history of trains.

There’s no time for families to get bored in Castelldefels, thanks to a quality-certified beach that stretches more than five kilometres, with calm water, fine sand and comprehensive amenities. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, both in the water and in the Garraf Massif. And for those on the lookout for something different, at the Canal Olímpic de Catalunya (Olympic Canal of Catalonia), right next to the beach, you can try out water skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding in the Wakepark, or relaxing while the little ones have fun in the water inflatables park.

  • Meanwhile, mountain enthusiasts will love Berga, in the Pirineus Barcelona region. Like the municipalities of Avià, Capolat, Castellar del Riu and Cercs, it’s a Family Holiday Destination, where in addition to mountain excursions you can enjoy water sports at the Baells Reservoir.


More information:

Calella Tourist Board
Pineda de Mar Tourist Board
Montnegre-Corredor Natural Park
Santa Susanna Tourist Board
Malgrat de Mar Tourist Board
Vilanova i la Geltrú Tourist Board
Castelldefels Tourist Board
Garraf Park
Berga Tourist Board