A tourist wants to go to Barcelona and relax on the beach, but you doubt what to advise him?
There is an opinion that the Costa Brava region is more suitable for young people, and the Costa Dorada for families with children. However, experts are in no hurry to agree with such a categorical division. In fact, they say, recreation for children, youth, and the elderly is possible in each of these regions. You just need to take a closer look at the resort towns that can provide suitable infrastructure for each client.
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In general, Catalonia includes three large resort areas: Costa Barcelona, which includes the capital of Catalonia and several resort towns; on the southern side it is adjacent to the region Costa Dorada, from the northeast - Costa Brava.
The main arrival airport for both resorts is the same - El Prat International Airport in Barcelona, which is located between the regions. Arrivals are also made to the city of Reus, from here it is closer to the resorts of Cambrils, Salou, La Pineda.
Costa Brava, due to its geographical location, it is a little cooler than the Costa Dorada, the sea takes longer to warm up, and some resort towns are open to the wind. There are more bays framed by rocks. The depth at many resorts begins almost immediately after entering the sea. The resorts of this region will be of interest to those tourists who want not only to relax on the coast, but also to travel to neighboring cities (and sometimes countries - it is more convenient to go from the Costa Brava on one- or two-day excursions to France and Andorra).
A railway runs along the coast. For example, you can get to Barcelona from Santa Susanna and subsequent towns in one and a half hours. Further north the road goes only to Blanes; you will have to take a bus to the towns of Lloret de Mar and Tossa.
In addition to many other attractions, of particular interest here is the so-called “Dali Triangle” - three towns directly connected with the famous surrealist. These include the theater-museum in Figueres, the Gala castle in Pubol and Dali's house-workshop in Port Lligat.
The choice of accommodation on the coast is very large: from city hotels to villas on the beaches. It is considered a fairly economical region, however, the price tag for some 3-4* hotels may be higher than at other resorts, since this area is perceived as a continuation of the French Cote d'Azur, although the hotels and rooms themselves are often quite small. There is a larger selection of 5* hotels here, for example, in Lloret de Mar there are five hotels of this category on the coast (while there are only two along the entire Costa Dorada).
Costa Dorada suitable for those tourists who focus on a beach holiday and plan literally several trips (for example, to Barcelona for shopping or an excursion). It is worth offering resorts in the southern region to families with children who love extreme sports. The popular amusement park Port Aventura will be of interest to both children and young people.
Warn tourists that if they are accommodated in a hotel within the park, they will have to travel to the sea by transport.
The beaches in the south are distinguished by fine golden sand and a gentle entrance to the sea. Some resorts have such shallow water that they can be safely recommended for families with infants.
Read more about children's tourism in Catalonia
There is also a railway line and the journey to Barcelona takes about an hour.
The hotel base here is more modern than on the Costa Brava, and is already more familiar to a tourist who has had holiday experience in Turkey and Egypt - the territory and rooms are larger than in the Costa Brava.
Let's take a closer look at the resort towns of the regions. Resorts are listed in order of distance from Barcelona.
Costa Brava
Blanes - the southernmost city of the Costa Brava, located on the shore of a spacious bay formed by a cape and two reefs protruding far into the sea. In the vicinity of the city there is an abundance of rocks growing out of the sea. The city is interesting for history buffs - the watchtower of the San Juan Castle has been preserved here (they are allowed into it on certain days), a Gothic fountain, and in the nearest suburb there is a Romanesque basilica of the 12th century. There are two botanical gardens, and not far from Blanes there is a water park and a zoo. Blue Flag beaches are sandy and pebble with infrastructure and water activities. Shallow water.
Lloret de Mar- “Mecca of party people”, many bars and nightclubs, discos and flamenco shows. There are casinos, shops, museums, theaters, parks (for example, the gardens of Santa Clotilde). It is considered the most well-equipped resort in terms of sports facilities and has a water park. The beaches are wild and public and have the Q mark of the ICTE Institute. The depth begins quite close to the shore.
Tossa de Mar is a picturesque town of interest to history buffs. It preserves the walls and cylindrical towers of the 12th century fortress. The monument is called "Vila Vella" and is declared a National Treasure. The old town is suitable for couples or newlyweds. The beaches are sandy, located both in the city itself and in a dozen quiet bays located outside its boundaries.
Playa de Aro- a small resort town consisting of a main street on which all active and public establishments are located. It has its own amusement park. There is also a water park and a nature park nearby. The coastline has eight small golden sandy beaches, some of which are located in rocky bays. You can find secluded wild beaches, and some are fully equipped with infrastructure, including a special children's area with attractions and water slides.
Roses- a resort in the very north of the Costa Brava near France. It can be quite windy, which can be a minus for relaxing on the beach, but a plus for surfing. Ample opportunities for water sports. There are bars, restaurants, shops, several historical attractions. Sandy beaches, some can only be reached on foot, infrastructure is not available everywhere.
The following cities conventionally belong to the Costa Barcelona region, but since they are quite far from Barcelona itself, many tour operators offer them as Costa Brava resorts.
Calella— the resort is suitable for a relaxing holiday, although there are opportunities for water sports. The beaches are sandy, but the depth begins quite quickly, which is worth warning tourists with children about in advance. There are historical sights. The town often hosts various festivals, so look in advance at the calendar of events for the tourist’s holiday dates. If the client came for peace and quiet, it may be necessary to redirect him to another resort.
Pineda de Mar- a calm resort with a long sandy beach and developed infrastructure. Many attractions from the Middle Ages.
Santa Susanna- a city suitable for families with children and older tourists. Minimum entertainment, quiet embankment. The beaches are sandy, the only thing that tourists with children should pay attention to is that the sea becomes deep pretty soon, but on the shore there are many other entertainments that can interest a child, for example, children's clubs.
Malgrat de Mar- a resort for families with children and older tourists. It is noted that there is a large amount of fresh fruits and vegetables. The beaches are sandy, with all the necessary infrastructure.
Costa Dorada
Sitges- a resort for young people, many restaurants, bars, discos and nightclubs. Located close to Barcelona, hence the price tag is slightly higher than in other resorts. Long sandy beaches that are quite crowded. It makes sense to recommend secluded bays where there are fewer people. At a considerable distance there is a nudist beach, and behind it there is a beach for people with non-traditional sexual orientation.
Calafell- is divided into three parts: Calafell - the old village, Playa de Calafell - the entertainment and shopping part of the city, Segur de Calafell - the beach and sports area. The resort has a family tourism certificate from the Catalan Government Tourism Agency. There are sports fields for golf, football and basketball, tennis courts and swimming pools. Sandy beaches, the sea is shallow and warms up well.
El Vendrell- a resort for a relaxing beach holiday, sea water contains iodine. There are museums and ancient monuments. The beaches are sandy, shallow water. The harbor has sports yachts, catamarans, motor boats, and sea boats. You can rent a sailboat and go on a mini-cruise.
Coma-Ruga- a small resort for a relaxing, healthy holiday. The sea water here contains a high concentration of iodine, and the thalassotherapy center offers treatments using water from local mineral springs and healing mud. The beaches are sandy, long, and the entry into the sea is gentle. The infrastructure is there.
La Pineda- a quiet and peaceful resort, there are fewer tourists here than in Salou. Beaches with clean white sand, flat bottom, water warms up well. Suitable for families with children: many green parks, children's clubs at hotels, special children's menus in cafes and restaurants, an abundance of shallow pools and splash pools, special entertainment programs and animators.
Salou is a popular resort that has an old center, a port and a promenade with fountains. The most modern hotels are located here, as well as discos, restaurants, and shops. The rest of the attractions are outside the city, but are easily accessible. The main advantage for holidays with children or young people is the proximity of the Port Aventura park. Sandy beaches are located behind the road and promenade. The entry into the sea is gentle, all the necessary infrastructure is there.
Cambrils- the resort is usually divided into three parts: historical, port, where hotels and entertainment centers are located, as well as Villa Fortuny - this is a special area for tourists. The beaches are sandy, gently sloping. Developed infrastructure, there is a yacht club, sailing school and other water activities.
The editors of the site would like to thank Stanislav Ivanov (travel agency “E-tickets”, St. Petersburg), Maria Karpenko (travel agency of the “Coral Travel” network), specialists from tour operator companies Anex Tour, Evroport, Coral Travel, More Travel, and also for their assistance in creating the materialCatalan Tourism Agency.
