5 Things to do in Costa Brava

If you're passionate about water sports, diving, fishing and sailing then holidays to Costa Brava are right up your street. The clear blue Mediterranean waters are mercifully unpolluted and clean, making them ideal for beach-focused holidays. Theme parks keep the kids happy, and even those with a passion for art and culture are well looked after (this is the home of Salvador Dali, after all). During the summer, this is the perfect destination for families, with no chance the kids will ever say those two dreaded words: I'm bored.

Beaches

From the lazy, sandy, family-friendly beach of Platja de Canadell to the remote, smuggler's haunt of Cala Pedrosa and the party-all-night hotspots along Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava's beaches are spectacular.

Don't expect heaving crowds on all of them either: it's easy enough to hop in a car and take a drive along the coast to find yourself your own little slice of solitude, as the entire coastline is lined with coves, inlets and hidden beaches. The more popular large beaches such as the 3-mile stretch of golden sand at Pals are ideal for family holidays, where the kids can build sandcastles all day long, and there are plenty of water sports and entertainment to keep everyone happy.

Water Sports

Costa Brava is famous for its water sports, so if you fancy trying everything from windsurfing to diving, snorkelling or banana-boat rides, this is the place to come. There are PADI-approved diving schools all along the coast, so you can get your open water certificate and go diving with experienced, friendly professionals who know all the best spots. Kayaking is fun, popular, and a great way to explore some of the more hard-to-reach inlets and coves.

Theme Parks

The beach is great, but at some point the kids will need a little bit more in the way of entertainment. Fortunately, Costa Brava is home to some of Spain's biggest and most popular theme parks, so everyone can have a great time. South of Cadaqués you'll find the AquaBrava, with Europe's biggest wave pool and some white-knuckle rides for the older kids, and a pirate ship for the little ones.

For something a little quirky, check out the wonderfully odd Gnomo Park in Lloret de Mar, or the family-friendly Water World Parc, also in Lloret de Mar.