We recently returned from a wonderful little vacation in Tamariu on the Costa Brava. I selected Tamariu based on a MumAbroad Spain recommendation of child-friendly Costa Brava beaches.
Tamariu is one of the smaller beaches on the Costa Brava. Located in an area known for quiet beaches and the relaxing scent of sea air mingled with pine trees. Perfectly suited for swimming, Tamariu's small protected bay ensures calm water. The gently sloping beach (albeit with very coarse sand, well, teeny tiny rocks) gives children a nice shallow area for splashing and playing.
Many families were snorkeling, learning to scuba dive or renting kayaks and small boats. I have heard that many beaches and coves along the Costa Brava may only be reached by boat. Once I am ready to brave kayaking with young children, I will let you know if it is true!
Depending on your children's age and ability, you may enjoy hiking the costal trail that connects Costa Brava villages. You can even find a book or read a local newspaper at the Biblioplatja kiosk on the beach.
Photo from la Biblioteca pública de Palafrugell.
We stayed at the Hotel Hostalillo. Although, I was a bit worried after reading some TripAdvisor reviews, the hotel was perfect for our needs. Rated three stars, it was simple, clean and friendly. A quick jaunt down the stairs, and you are on the beach. We enjoyed breakfast served on a terrace overlooking the glistening bay. The kids loved our room - they had their own connecting room with two beds, bathrooms and balcony (book a room for four people).
At night, we strolled the promenade and ate dinner al fresco at the several restaurants serving traditional Catalan seafood. During our nightly walk on the beach, our children met many playmates running around the fishing boats on the sand. Circles of teens gossiped on the sand, while their parents ate dinner a few meters away. There were many Catalan families vacationing in Tamariu along with families from the UK and France. I did hear one American accent from a twentysomething probably wondering where she went wrong in the Costa Brava reservations that they arrived at the "family beach."
