North of Barcelona, the Costa Brava mixes sheltered coves with proper resort infrastructure. Kids snorkel in clear, calm bays; teenagers get kayaking, coasteering and bike trails; adults get Salvador Dalí, medieval villages like Pals and superb Catalan cooking. The Camins de Ronda coastal paths link many beaches, turning the walk itself into the day's adventure.
Featured in Ten brilliant family holidays every age will actually enjoy · Family
North of Barcelona the package-holiday coast gives way to pine-backed coves, whitewashed fishing villages and roads that switchback between them. String together Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc and Tamariu, walk sections of the camí de ronda coastal path between swims, and detour inland to Dalí's surreal museum at Figueres. June and September deliver warm sea without the August squeeze; order arroz negro at a beachfront chiringuito.
Featured in Ten coastal drives for a honeymoon on wheels · Romantic