Collaborative Post¦ Travelling as a family can sometimes feel like a balancing act. You want somewhere beautiful and interesting, but also relaxed enough for children, easy to get around, and not painfully expensive. As a mum from who loves exploring new places with my family, I’m always searching for destinations that tick all those boxes.
Recently, we discovered a place that did exactly that: Girona and the Costa Brava in north-eastern Spain. It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and stress-free family holidays we’ve had in years. Between the medieval streets, delicious food and stunning Mediterranean beaches, it’s the sort of destination that seems to keep both parents and kids happy.
If you’re looking for your next European family getaway, Girona might just surprise you.
A charming city that children love exploring
Girona is one of those cities that instantly feels welcoming. It’s smaller and calmer than places like Barcelona, but still packed with history, character and things to see.
Our children absolutely loved wandering through the Barri Vell, the historic old town. The narrow-cobbled streets feel like a maze, with little squares, hidden staircases and colourful corners appearing around every turn. It felt a bit like stepping into a storybook.
One of the highlights for the whole family was walking along the ancient city walls. From the top, you get wonderful views over the rooftops and churches of Girona. It’s a surprisingly fun activity for kids too, because they can run along the walls and explore the different towers along the way.
Another favourite spot was the famous row of colourful houses along the River Onyar. It’s one of those views that makes you stop and take photos immediately.
Easy day trips to the Costa Brava
What makes Girona especially perfect for families is its location. In less than an hour, you can swap medieval streets for some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.
The Costa Brava is known for its crystal-clear water, hidden coves and charming seaside villages. We spent a couple of days visiting places like Calella de Palafrugell and Begur, where the beaches are small, scenic and far less crowded than many Mediterranean hotspots.
For families, it’s ideal. The water is clear and calm in many of the coves, perfect for swimming or snorkelling, and the coastal paths offer gentle walks with spectacular views.
One day we explored the coast in the morning, then returned to Girona in the evening for dinner in the old town. It felt like getting two holidays in one.
Food that keeps everyone happy
Spanish food is usually a safe bet for family trips, and Girona didn’t disappoint. The city has everything from small bakeries and cafés to traditional restaurants and lively tapas bars.
Our mornings usually began with coffee for us and pastries for the kids in one of the small cafés near the old town squares. Later in the day, we often stopped for a relaxed lunch where everyone could choose something they liked.
Tapas works especially well with children, as there are always simple dishes like grilled vegetables, potatoes, bread with tomato, seafood or small meat dishes to share. Even our pickiest eater managed to find favourites.
And of course, there’s always gelato afterwards while wandering through the evening streets.
A relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere
One of the things we loved most about Girona was how relaxed everything felt. The pace is slower than in bigger cities, and it never felt overwhelming with children.
Most of the historic centre can be explored on foot, which makes sightseeing easy. We rarely needed taxis or complicated transport, and many attractions are simply discovered while walking.
There are also plenty of parks, open squares and riverside paths where children can stretch their legs after a morning of exploring.
Finding the perfect place to stay
When travelling with family, accommodation can make a huge difference to the overall experience. Hotels can feel cramped with children, which is why we often look for holiday apartment rentals in Girona instead.
Having a bit more space, separate bedrooms and a kitchen make family travel far more comfortable. It also allows you to mix eating out with simple meals at home, which can help manage the holiday budget.
During our stay we came across Bravissimo Girona, a company offering beautifully designed apartments in some of the best locations in Girona and along the Costa Brava. Their apartments combine stylish interiors with practical family-friendly spaces, which is exactly what you want after a day of exploring.
Staying in the heart of the city also meant we could step outside and immediately find ourselves in the middle of Girona’s charming streets.
Easy to reach from the UK
Another big advantage of Girona is how simple it is to reach. There are regular flights from the UK to Barcelona or Girona Airport, and from Barcelona you can take a fast train that reaches Girona in around 40 minutes.
It makes the destination surprisingly accessible for a long weekend or a week-long family break.
A destination the whole family will remember
Girona and the Costa Brava combine everything that makes a family holiday special: history, beaches, wonderful food and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Whether you’re exploring medieval streets, swimming in turquoise coves or enjoying dinner in a quiet square while the kids watch the world go by, it’s the kind of place where memories are made naturally.
For families looking for a beautiful yet easy European getaway, Girona might just become your new favourite destination.
Cover photo by Lucas Chizzali on Unsplash