Daily Times

Searching for the ultimate summer holiday destination? Look no further than the sunny shores of Spain’s Costa Brava. The scenic northeastern coast is the perfect place to kick back and relax with an array of fun-filled family activities, great food and local culture at your fingertips. You will be spoiled for choice from the minute you step off the plane at Girona Airport; whether you want to explore breathtaking beaches, keep busy with outdoor sports or simply soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.

So, here we reveal just why the bustling Costa Brava is your best bet for the best kind of beach holiday this summer.

Costa Brava translates as the ‘wild coast’ – and there’s plenty of rugged scenery to feast your eyes on. Explore the 214km stretch of beautiful beaches – all while you soak up the sunshine.

Lloret de Mar is one of the go-to destinations for impressive views, crystal clear waters and natural beauty – all perfect for upping your social media game. And the best bit? All of the area’s coastlines boast the Blue Flag, which means it comes up to stringent tests, and Spain has held the number one position since the award start in 1987.

Stay in some of the best hotels in the business, with friendly in-resort customer helpers on hand to help at all times. Just don’t forget your Factor 50!

While us Brits have long associated this area with long, leisurely holidays, there’s a lot more to the Costa Brava than meets the eye!

Make time in your schedule to take a tour of Girona City and lose yourself in the picturesque medieval streets while learning about Catalonia’s epic past. The Jewish Quarter is almost identical to how it was 500 years ago and is one of the best preserved original neighbourhoods in the world.

The capital of the region boasts a rich history dating back over 2000 years and is the perfect place to kick off your break in a cultured style.

Stroll along the banks of the River Onyar, lined by quaint brightly-coloured houses overhanging the water, or climb the 14th century city walls for a walk of a lifetime as you uncover the city’s secrets.

After a long day in the sunshine, what’s better than a glass of vino and some tempting tapas?

Whether you’re after a post-pool snack or an impressive Michelin-starred restaurant, the Costa Brava caters for every taste and occasion.

Head down to the medieval Vila Vella (Old Town) in charming Tossa De Mar and dine by the waterfront.

Be sure to try the local specialties such as Catalan fish stew, which is jam packed full of the flavours of freshly-caught seafood. Also, make sure to book a food tour or a winery visit for an authentic experience and a day to remember. Make sure to enjoy it with one of the amazing wines from Spain’s DO Empordà, a vineyard-packed region that hails back to the Roman times.

There’s a reason why the Costa Brava is one of the top family destinations.

Treat the kids to a day out one of the many water parks in Lloret de Mar or if water sports are more your thing, why not hire a kayak and paddle out to sea, enjoying the views at your leisure?

There’s also plenty of opportunities for windsurfing, jet skiing and sailing – not forgetting the Medes islands off the coast of L’Estartit, a real treasure trove for divers.

Meanwhile, if you want to experience the marine life up-close-and-personally then spend a few unforgettable hours snorkelling through the clear, turquoise waters of Platja D’Aro.

A hive of activity, the Costa Brava has plenty to offer those looking for culture.

Celebrating Spain’s master of surrealism, Salvador Dali, fans flock to the weird and wonderful Dalí Theatre-Museum in his hometown of Figueres, the late icon’s house in Cadaqués and his castle in Pubol on the Dali Trail.

Flying out in May? To get your holiday off to a spectacular start, make sure you check out the Temps de Flors flower festival in Girona.

Meanwhile, the Cap Roig Festival is a must for music fans, who can expect to rock out to the likes of Liam Gallagher and Sting while they perform against the beautiful backdrop of the Botanical Gardens.

For those looking to keep fit, there’s plenty of ways to top up your tan while indulging in your love of outdoor sports.

Rent a bike and tackle the coastal path to experience envy-inducing sea views, with the Mediterranean glistening down below.

Stop off at the clifftop Santa Clotilde Gardens in Lloret De Mar to capture picture-perfect snaps.

The pretty town of Roses is the perfect location for golf fans, with six of the country’s best courses within a 45 minute radius and the Aiguamolls nature reserve close by.