13 things to do on the Costa Barcelona with kids
When the Spanish coast is one of the most popular places for UK families to visit for their sun, sea and sand fix, the most surprising thing about the Costa Barcelona is how few make it to this particular stretch.
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The city gets the most fame, but as the tourist office’s slogan goes ‘Barcelona es molt mes’ – there’s much more to Barcelona. They’re not wrong, as I discovered on my whirlwind four-day visit to the area.
So forget the Costa Brava to the north and the Costa Dorada to the south, here are 13 reasons why you should visit the Costa Barcelona with kids.
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The Costa Barcelona beaches
Obvious, perhaps, given you’re by the coast but who wants a seaside holiday without a beach?
From the long golden sands of Calella and Castelldefels to the smaller coves, including Roca Grossa and the peaceful sands near Camping La Tordera, just outside Malgrat de Mar, there are plenty of places to set your beach towel.
Even the sand is on parents’ side, brushing off with a quick flick – unlike too many other beaches I could name, where it appears to glue itself to every limb, shoe and possession.
Venture a little way further south from Castelldefels and there are more beaches to discover as well as a string of things to do in Sitges with kids
The watersports
Plenty of beaches offer watersports, you might say. But how many have Olympic standard watersports? The Canal Olimpic was built for the Barcelona Olympics in Casteldefells, just outside the city itself and there’s still canoeing and windsurfing on offer.
But the real fun is further up the manmade channel, where you can try cableskiing – think water-skiing without a boat, you can also attempt a cable version of wakeboarding or for beginners (like me), there’s an ‘easy’ version kneeling down.
I managed to come off at the first corner twice in a row, while small children whizzed past making it look effortless. It’s available for ages six and up and is some of the most fun I’ve ever had with a wetsuit on.
Alternatively, head to Calella’s watersports centre with banana boating for age five and up, canoeing, catamaran sailing, parasailing among others.
Visit a vineyard
Wait a second – vineyards in a list of family-friendly activities? Yes, you read right.
Alta Alella is fantastic for parents as well with its beautiful views over the vines down to the sea and some wonderful wines, including organic versions, sparkling and a red dessert wine, but there are also some very clever activities for kids.
If you can book as a small group, they’ll arrange these in English, otherwise they run in Catalan on various dates during holidays so younger kids would still have fun joining in pretending to be a grape, discovering the different between local Pansa Blanca and Chardonnay on a vineyard tour and getting to taste the incredibly fruity first pressed grape juice along the way.
Check out the posts from One Tiny Leap and A Modern Mother about our day.
Discover a child-friendly city
Calella was one of my favourite spots, from its lighthouse (now home to a lovely museum on communication) through its pretty streets where we were lucky enough to visit during the Festa Major, the festival of the town’s patron saint, to the beach and seafront.
And one of the things which really helped it stand out was its family-friendly side.
Plenty of places talk about being a family-friendly city but this lived up to the description: free activities on the beach during the summer, storytelling at the library, little signs dotted around the town to entertain kids, kids’ areas throughout the festival market rather than a sad corner with a few pencils… I could go on.
Read more about how to spend one day in Calella with kids
See a castle
Perched above the town of Castelldefels, the castle is a fascinating mishmash with the original fortress expanded over the years and a rather more modern lift inside (useful with buggies) as you head up to the old ramparts and discover historic graffiti.
Acting as a prison during the Spanish Civil War, it was originally built in the 16th century to protect against invasions and defending against Berber pirates. Check out the impressive paintings and let your imagination turn to knights and dragons.
There are limited opening hours.
Visit a playground
The play area at Malgrat de Mar deserves a fancier title than merely a playground – and it’s easily one of the best things to do in Malgrat de Mar with kids.
Stretching as far as five football pitches, there are different areas for different ages including basketball, slides, castle-style climbing areas, huge toadstools and bright crayon sculptures to clamber on, plus the chance to make music while bouncing and balancing.
Check out this video for a taste of the fun
I can verify that this appeals to a much wider age range than children! It’s very popular with local kids as soon as school ends, and makes a fun alternative to the beach. Officially called Parc Francesc Macia, it’s around a 15 minute walk from the sea.
Sleep in a safari tent
The campsites along the coast – or campings, as they’re called – have a variety of family-friendly accommodation, including cabins if you don’t fancy sleeping under canvas.
However, if you’re happy with a short walk to the shower block, the new safari tents at Camping La Tordera have some very fun beds for kids and are definitely a cut above the basic.
All the sites we stayed at had impressive facilities, from pool and play areas to different sports courts and restaurant.
Head into the woods
The natural park of Montseny has been named a biosphere reserve, and when you head out into the woods, it’s as if you’ve walked into a separate world.
Our guide, told us the legend of the water maiden as we passed one of the pools and it’s no surprise that myths and fables have grown up in this beautiful place.
Wandering along wooded paths past waterfalls and cork trees, we also tested out some of the very fun activities to try with kids, including making perfume from plants, art using the leaves, flowers and mud nearby, and a ‘treasure’ hunt for some of the natural treasures in the area.
Save some time to see Montseny village (pronounced more like ‘Mon-senne’ than ‘Mon-senny’) to wander the cobbled streets, past brightly coloured buildings to the Fleca, or bakery, for some coca – not Coke but a traditional pastry, including coca de crema filled with a custardy cream.
The tourist office can help arrange an English-speaking guide and there are walks on various themes.
Read more about our visit to Montseny National Park
Discover hot springs
The hot springs at Caldes de Montbui date back centuries. The Romans knew about them and over the years, they’ve been used for everything from washing clothes to attempting to cure illness (not least syphilis, although that’s one fact you might not want to share with kids).
There’s a small museum by the tourist office with some craft activities as well as tours, available in English for groups of around 10 or more.
Start by the lion fountain in the square opposite where hot water steams out – it really is hot at around 70C, and consider the fact that the drop you’re feeling started life as rain over 10,000 years ago, soaking down 4km beneath the earth before being pushed up through a fault towards the surface.
If you’re travelling with older kids, you can also visit Els Banys Termals El Safareig, the thermal baths – suitable for over fives, although probably best for children tall enough to stand in the baths. Swimming hats are essential.
Soak up the sun
Just two hours from the UK into Barcelona’s airport, then a short journey onwards – usually no more than an hour – it’s one of the easiest places to have a sunny break close to home as so many airlines serve the city.
The Mediterranean was still warm enough to paddle happily in late September and there’s an average of seven hours sunshine even in winter.
Enjoy some great food
At times, it seemed our four days was one round of eating and more eating – and that really is as good as it sounds. From the beach bars to snacks from local bakeries and stalls at the festival in Calella, we found fantastic Spanish food.
There’s paella, of course, as well as a baked option and fideua, a version with noodles which we tried at Nui Beach Club.
Or ham and cheese galore, accompanied by bread rubbed with tomato (and garlic if you want) which is incredible addictive. At Camping El Pasquelet just outside Caldes de Montbui, we discovered traditional Catalan dishes including ‘canalones’ (not Italian after all, it seems).
Spot footballers
Admittedly this one isn’t guaranteed, but while we were indulging in some equally fantastic food at Casanova Beach Club in Castelldefels including some wonderful sea food, Neymar wandered in.
If you’re like me, you’ll look politely blank as someone explains this excitedly to you. If you’re a football fan, you’ll be booking a table straight away.
A lot of the FC Barcelona players live in Castelldefels, and this particular beach club is as stylish as it is family-friendly, so head over on a Sunday afternoon for a late, long leisurely lunch and you could well be lucky.
Visit Barcelona
There is far more to this area than Barcelona – but if you’re spending more than a few days here, it would be strange not to see the city once.
There’s a good train service from the resorts along the coast, including Calella and Malgrat de Mar, with the route hugging the coast so you’ve got some lovely views as you journey in.
Check out some of my ideas of things to do in Barcelona with kids
Then, as a bonus for parents, there’s no need to find parking and you’re right in the heart of Barcelona, whether you fancy seeing some glorious Gaudi, visiting the aquarium or zoo, taking one of the family tours, or the many other attractions.
After which you can escape the crowds once more and head back to your tempting piece of coast.
For more, check out the great destination guide from Travel Loving Family as well as A Modern Mother’s own 12 reasons to visit.
PIN FOR LATER: COSTA BARCELONA WITH KIDS
Disclosure: My trip was courtesy of the Costa Barcelona tourist board. All opinions, lack of footballing knowledge and paella addiction are my own.
Banana boat image courtesy of Maria Belfort/One Tiny Leap. All other images copyright MummyTravels
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This all looks wonderful – and I love the image of you all at the playground!
Thanks! Those were so much fun, bouncing from one to the other and making a little tune.
We are there beg of Nov – these tips are awesome #cutytripping
Oh great timing – some more posts to come as well so will get writing 🙂 Have a fantastic holiday
You had me at vineyard… i just love Barcelona. We got engaged there and it holds so many special memories. The bouncy playground looks a hoot too #citytripping
I did love the fact our itinerary effectively went ‘land at airport. Go straight to vineyard’. And what wonderful memories to have there, it must be such a special place for you to return to.
I love how ,such water is involved in this list – I’m happy as long as I’m by the water!
Yes, being by the sea always makes me happy, and the river and waterfalls were a beautiful alternative.
Pretty much the ideal holiday spot I reckon, with all that AND Barcelona (an absurdly child-friendly city in its own right). Hot springs, vineyards and beaches….heaven.
Absolutely – the perfect combination: city with coast nearby, wine, forests… well, I won’t repeat myself but it really is wonderful.
Completely agree with all 13 of these reasons to visit Costa Barcelona Cathy! What a fabulous region to explore with kids especially. #CityTripping
Thanks Lisa – it is such a great area, isn’t it.
Everything looks fun… with kids or without! 😉 it looks a nice destination with several & different things to do! thanks for sharing :))
xx
Umberta
Thanks – and absolutely, wine + exploring the forests + beach + food works for pretty much every age 🙂
Ooh I like the idea of roughing it in a Safari tent! I once did that as a kid when we did a school trip to Catalina Island and it was pretty awesome! #CityTripping
Much more fun than an ordinary tent, for sure.
Ha – I love the idea of parent-friendly sand! I have no idea who Neymar is either, but even so I’m definitely won over by your description of the Costa. As you said, visiting wouldn’t have occurred to me but it makes so much sense – beautiful beaches, and a fascinating city close by. And anywhere offering child-friendly wine tasting sounds idyllic! #citytripping
At one stage, I decided I had sand from three different countries in my shoes (despite repeated emptying) so very happy not to add to that crunchy tally. Even without the footballers (and we were absolutely the wrong group to be impressed there!), it is such a fantastic place to visit.
those safari tents look great! #citytripping
Definitely a cut above an ordinary tent.
13 fabulous reasons. I am particularly amazed by the age of the water fact. That woodland looks rather magical as do the beaches – reason enough for me to explore the area – and I’ve not even mentioned the wine! Love the array of family activities available and well done on your music making! #citytripping
Thanks – that astonished me too. I was expecting it to take time to soak through the earth and be pushed back up but 10,000 years or more? We couldn’t even quite work out what would have been going on on the surface in 8000BC!
Was surprised to see the vineyard in your post about kids! It’s awesome that they let the kids try the grape juice!
Also loving the safari tents! How fun! Even as an adult, I’d love to do that! 🙂
They have done such a fantastic job – the games are brilliant (however old you are) so worth trying to get a group together and arranging it in English.
This looks fantastic!! I must confess that I’ve passed through a few times and – Barcelona aside – never considered for a moment that it would be a good place to stop and visit. Looks like I was completely wrong, and I’ll have to slow down and explore more the next time I’m in the area. Thanks for the inspiration!
My pleasure – I definitely think you’re not alone there. But very much worth stopping to explore.
I’m not a big fan of visiting beaches in the middle of a big city because they’re almost always not that good but oh my, that is gorgeous! I’ve never thought that Barcelona has that kind of beach. It’s wonderful. 🙂
So many things to do there! Weekend trip doesn’t seem to be enough.
This isn’t the beach in Barcelona itself – you do have to go outside the city, but this is Costa Barcelona, so the coast alongside. You can get to some gorgeous beaches in about an hour.
I totally completely utterly agree about the sand. Wasn’t it wonderful, I just brushed my toddlers down and we were off. It makes a HUGE difference! Especially to the state of your accommodation 🙂
My son also loved the musical bouncers in Malgrat de Mar – I’ve got a great photo of him midair as he bounces high! (Though you ladies bounced pretty high too!) Looks like you had a fab trip.
#citytripping
It seems like such a small thing but normally sand just gets everywhere so I was very happy! And we did have to get off the musical bouncers in the end, as we were being eyed up by a toddler who presumably thought it was his turn. It’s an impressive playground!
Hot Springs you say? *rushes off to check flights*
#citytripping
They were *blissful* as well. And a church with a fascinating history. Worth a Wednesday visit 🙂
I buy into EVERYTHING Spain, so, of course, this sounds AWESOME!! I can’t believe Neymar walked in?!?! What a fun trip for you (the other stuff, forget the footballer, haha)! #citytripping
It really is amazing – lots of the best bits of Spain all packed in together. And we were so nonplussed when he walked in – there was this whole buzz and we were sat there going, who? who? 😀
Costa Barcelona sounds lovely. All of those ideas are wonderful. I would especially like to explore the reserve. I’ve rediscovered my love for hiking in the woods on a recent family trip to a national park so anything involving nature is my thing. #citytripping
Montseny was such a beautiful spot – although people go to the area for the beaches, walking through the woods with our guide was a definite highlight. So beautiful.
That paella looks great. I’ve not been to Barcelona, (or anywhere near there.) I’l add this to my list for when I go to Spain again. Thanks for sharing. #citytripping
All the food was fabulous – I hope you do manage to get to this corner of the country
It’s astonishing how much fun visiting just outside a major city can be. I mean, I’m sure Barcelona is fabulous, but that playgound sounds great!
It was a lot of fun – you’re never too old to go on a slide (apparently)
Looks amazing – the wine and food particularly appeals! Barcelona is always a good idea but i didnt know much about the surrounding areas! #citytripping
The food and wine were both amazing – it’s hard to beat drinking it in a vineyard in the sunshine too.
The hot springs are calling my name..as is the wine tasting. And the video is hysterical! Looks like you all had a fabulous trip, and if we ever finally make our Barcelona trip happen I’m earmarking this as it does look like there’s so much to do beyond the city. #citytripping
They were wonderful – and we had a lot of fun on the trip (especially that playground!) I hope you can get a few days there if and when you visit Barcelona.
The vineyard and wandering in the woods sound like great reasons to visit Costa Barcelona!
Absolutely – lovely to have those even apart from the beach.
Fabulous list! Thank you! We’re hoping to visit the area while we’re in Paris, travelling across by train. Thanks for the tips, I’ll include these in our itinerary.
Pleasure – hope you do get there, it’s such a lovely part of Spain.
This post really does bring back some lovely memories! And the video always makes me laugh 🙂 xx
Me too – such a fun reminder.
For someone from tropical, I would probably skip the waterspots ;p. I dont mind the beach though. And the way you describe the sand, I dont think i want to miss the Costa! Absolutely love 6, 7 and 8 in your list! must learn more of the places and register it in my brain!
That’s fair – I’d take tropical waters over Spain (and Spain over the UK…) 😀
I really enjoyed following your photos and posts about this area and you are right: despite Spain being so popular, I had never even heard of Costa Barcelona! It sounds great for families and so much to do. I go to Barcelona often so next time, I’ll explore!
Thank you! Definitely worth it when you’re next in the city.
Well, you’ve got me. And I don’t even have kids. Montseny looks absolutely beautiful, and I’m a big fan of hot springs. I’m a big fan of Spain actually so this is an easy one – yes please I’d love to go!
It was stunning at Montseny, such a lovely place to wander – and definitely easy to enjoy without kids as well!
Think I did this a long time ago. At least the beach looks familiar 🙂 Love the safari tents! Wanna try that!
What was your favourite part?
Barcelona does seems to be very beautiful. I would also like to visit with my kids and whole family there. The water sports and Castle look exciting and amazing. My kids will surely enjoy there. Thanks for this post.
I think it’s great for families – such a lovely area and so much to see.