THE Costa Brava has long been a favourite holiday spot for Brits, thanks to its perfect combination of beautiful beaches, great weather, fascinating culture and great food.
Easily accessible from Girona Airport – which Jet2.com & Jet2holidays fly to from nine UK airports – those looking for the classic beachy break can find everything they want at a fraction of the price of similar European destinations in France and Italy.
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When booking a beach holiday, Jet2 offer the whole package. Your package will include flights, hotel, transfers, 22kg baggage and in-resort helpers – so there’ll be nothing to worry about when you’re jetting off to the Costa Brava.
When it comes to beaches, there is something for everyone on the 124-mile coastline – from huge sandy stretches dotted with entertainment and cafes, to tiny hidden coves that can only be reached by boat or clifftop hike.
Those looking for a family holiday should start by checking out one of the area’s coastal towns that have been awarded the Catalan tourist board’s Family Tourist Destination label, including Blanes and L’Estartit.
On the large beaches in bigger towns like these, parents can lounge carefree with a book while their children are entertained at the kids club, or they can get in on the action themselves with activities like water skiing and windsurfing.
For those who like things a bit simpler, there are many quieter coves like the Platja de Santa Cristina in Lloret De Mar with crystal clear waters perfect for both paddling and snorkelling, or really remote spots that can be discovered by walking along the Camí de Ronda coastal path.
Spend the day checking out the best beaches with a relaxing glass-bottomed boat trip along the coast, while also getting a good view of the sea life below.
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There are plenty of different boat trips, some to the protected Medes Islands, others along the coast or to Cap De Creus nature reserve, with many offering a paella lunch, or alternatively hire your own for the day.
If relaxed sightseeing by land is more your thing, the Costa Brava also has several “road trains” – a modern take on the traditional seaside train – with routes around the bay of Roses and Cadaqués that offer great views of areas of natural beauty like the Cap de Creus lighthouse and the Medes Islands.
A leisurely tour is unlikely to satisfy restless kids, but fortunately there are plenty of attractions better suited to them, including an array of waterparks.
There are plenty of waterparks to choose from and they are are all firm favourites with British families. Alternatively, enjoy some classic seaside fun with a ride on the ferris wheel or the bumper cars in Platja d’Aro, or a round of mini golf at one of several courses along the coast.
Shopaholics will also find plenty to keep them occupied, with retail therapy varying from discount outlet shopping near Girona featuring Spanish brands like Mango and Zara to weekly markets in most towns that sell souvenirs, local delicacies and ceramics.
Girona’s Rambla de la Libertad and Tossa de Mar’s traditional Old Town also have plenty of shops selling souvenirs, jewellery, art and clothing.
Of course, it isn’t a proper holiday if your trousers aren’t considerably tighter on the return flight and that is almost guaranteed in this area of the world.
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Catalonians are rightfully proud of their grub, with specialties including a stew of meatballs and cuttlefish, sea and mountain dishes and its traditional tomato bread.
While there might be 19 Michelin-starred eateries in the area, there is no need to shell out for a super fancy meal as plenty of small restaurants and cafes offer delicious dishes that made the area so famous with foodies at far more reasonable prices, to be washed down with wine from the DO Wine Route.
If that still doesn’t seem enough to catch your eye, Spain is well-known for its family-friendly festivals and the Costa Brava is no exception to this.
Time your visit to take advantage of either the International Fireworks Competition and Festa Major de Santa Anna in Blanes or the Cap Roig music festival near Platja d’Aro in July, or there are plenty of small scale events taking place throughout the summer in each town featuring entertainment like street parades, Catalan folk dancing and human towers.
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