Camping with children in Catalonia

With the high peaks of the Pyrenees, beautiful Mediterranean coasts and biodiverse natural parks, the dreamlike landscape of Catalonia is just as varied as the offers at the child-friendly campsites in Catalonia. The younger ones can have fun in the water parks or playgrounds and are looked after in the children's club, leaving parents time to treat themselves to a massage or relax in the whirlpool.

Destinations

Nature-loving families should take a closer look at the 5-star campsite Les Medes. It is located in L'Estartit, not far from the sea. It is surrounded by picturesque fields and the Montgrí Nature Park and the Medes Islands are within easy reach. The campsite is therefore ideal for cycling tours or walks with the whole family. At the campsite, the little ones can let off steam in the outdoor pool and the adults can enjoy a massage. La Torre del Sol in Mont-roig is also recommended for camping with children in Catalonia. Swimming fans will love the campsite, as there is a long beach right in front of it. The neighbouring pine forest provides natural shade. A squash court, a half-pipe for skaters and a fitness park provide sporty leisure activities. Outdoor music is also played for entertainment, while La Torre del Sol campsite also offers childcare for two to five-year-olds and entertainment programmes for older children, such as air rifle shooting. Meanwhile, parents can relax in the spacious tropical wellness area, either in the huge whirlpool with its many hydromassage loungers or in one of the smaller pools with warm seawater.

Top tips

• Campsites for families with children are well represented in Catalonia. A tourism office in the country has named thirteen family-friendly Catalan locations. The town of Salou on the Costa Daurada is a pioneer in this respect. In this holiday resort, families can expect playgrounds on the numerous beaches, lots of leisure entertainment such as the Bosc Aventura high ropes course and a tourist train that is especially fun for children.
• The town of L'Estartit, which is located right next to the Montgri Nature Park, is a real insider tip for camping with children in Catalonia. In addition to the kilometre-long sandy beach and the park as a natural oasis, you can also explore the Medes Islands from here by boat. The bottom of the excursion boats is made of glass, so you can marvel at the underwater world of the sea with dry feet. The nautical centre in L'Estartit even offers dives for children aged eight and over.

Activities and excursions

On, in and under the water: when camping in Catalonia, there are of course a whole host of activities centred around the Mediterranean, but also around the beautiful nature inland. Or how about a trip to Barcelona with the children?

Boat trip with the catamaran around Salou

In Cambrils on the Costa Daurada, travelling along the Catalan coastline on a catamaran is a spectacular experience. These large, wide and stable boats can often even accommodate a pushchair. As long as the little ones are seaworthy and adventurous, this trip is a wonderful experience for the whole family. Every now and then, the boat takes a break at a wonderful spot to go swimming and snorkelling.

A spectacular water fountain

On the four-kilometre hike through the Vall de la Llosa valley, there is a special highlight: the Molí del Salt water fountain, which is particularly worth seeing in April and June. Adults can enjoy the idyllic nature and children can take snapshots with the grazing cows and horses.

Wild West in the botanical garden

The Marimurtra Botanical Gardens in the town of Blanes are located right on the Costa Brava. Rare plants from Mexico, South Africa and a desert landscape of American cacti await holidaymakers. With an atmosphere like the Wild West, it is not surprising that children play cowboys and Indians here. After a peaceful walk in the botanical gardens, why not take a refreshing dip in the Costa Brava?

Barcelona through children's eyes

Barcelona is hard to miss on a camping holiday in Catalonia - even with children. As well as its world-famous sights, this city steeped in history has many programme items on the list that will arouse the curiosity of young and old alike: For example, the Barcelona Chocolate Museum, where popular comic characters can be seen as chocolate sculptures, or the Tibidabo amusement park with roller coaster and the Barcelona Zoo in the Park de la Ciutadella, with dolphin show and petting enclosure.

Events

Catalonia attracts visitors all year round with a variety of events. You can also learn a lot about the country and its people outside the campsite.

February

• Carnival: In Solsona there are traditional dances and a special parade for children.

April

• Diada de Sant Jordi: 23 April is particularly interesting for parents throughout Catalonia, as it is the day of lovers.

June

• Nit de Sant Joan: In Barcelona, the summer solstice is celebrated with a big festival on St John's Day.

December

• Epiphany: A procession of the Three Kings is organised on the Costa Brava, during which the streets are flooded with sweets.

December - January

• Nativity plays: In Amer, the Christmas story is re-enacted in a popular way.