Costa Brava

I liked Tossa Del Mar - I was there for a day trip. It is a coastal resort with a small beach. I liked the medieval old town with its narrow twisting streets (and overpriced tapas bars) in the centre with steep climbs offering lovely views across the ocean, some lovely restaurants and some good shopping. It is close to the mountains in the north and within driving distance of Roses and Cadaques. It seemed a lot quieter than some Costa Brava resorts - the other people there seemed to be a more middle aged crowd than party aged teens, and I didn't come across anywhere with wall to wall nightclubs and British food cafes, though they might exist. I am not a large, loud resort person at all and I would very happily stay there again.

For even smaller, Cadaques and Bay of Roses has a mountain setting and some beautiful coastline away from the main village, with rocky cliffs, mountains and isolated clean beaches. As these places are much smaller, accommodation is in more limited supply, but they are prettier and quieter than the busier and louder resorts closer to Barcelona.

If you want a place that screams resort, Lloret de Mar, Malgrat de Mar and Blanes will fit the bill - loads of big concrete hotels named after American cities or states with swimming pools, toy train set ups, souvenir shops, crepe stands, bars, bars, bars... I came through Lloret one night and the miles of brightly lit discos and hotels was near hypnotic, though I wouldn't fancy staying there.

If you can survive without a beach, I loved Girona and I have promised myself that next time I go to Barcelona I will go there for at least overnight. It is surrounded by hills, and there are some fabulous viewpoints from the archeological gardens in the city centre. It is so quiet during the siesta time too - we had the cathedral and streets mostly to ourselves. The historic streets of the old town and squares of the new town are pretty, and kids will like the parks, riverside and arheological gardens as there is much to climb on.

Oh sorry - I forgot the bit about the transport. For Roses and Cadaques, trains and buses are very limited and car hire would be essential. Also, for Tossa De Mar, public transport is limited so I would recommend car hire if you want to get around. Everywhere else listed is accessible by regular, fast trains from Barcelona and Girona, though if you want to get into the more isolated parts of the coast and the mountains car hire will help.

This is one of my favorites places, Hostal Empuries, near L'Escala and the ruins of Empuries. It is not a hostel, but a small hotel. Perfect for kids because the small cove is right outside the hotel door. Can walk to the ruins and L'Escala.

Also look up Santa Cristina near Lloret del Mar. Definitely need a car to visit the Costa Brava unless you have a lot of time to spend making bus connections. I don't care much for Roses, the town; too built up and "package holiday" for me. There is a nice nature refuge nearby, though. Let me know if you want more details.

Badger

Mi vote is for Tossa too. Touristy but not so big and family atmosphere. Yes, the old town is impressive.

It's no so difficult from Barcelona. You can take a train to Blanes (each 30 minutes, 1h 20m on the way). From Blanes railway station there are buses waiting trains and directly to Lloret. In Lloret another bus (20 minutes to Tossa).

From Barcelona North Bus Station there are direct buses to Tossa de Mar (via Lloret, but you don't need to get off of bus. Each hour -more or less- about 1h 30m on the way). Ask for SARFA buses. SARFA has other lines to some places in Costa Brava like Palamos, Palafrugell, Begur (awesome, worthwhile) and Roses. You can check schedules and prices (in English), here: SARFA