I think we may have found the perfect holiday destination this summer. We recently returned form ten days in a beautiful corner of Spain's Costa Brava. If you have any preconceptions about the Spanish costas, the lovely town of Calella de Palafrugell will turn those upside down. This pretty former fishing town is quintessential Spain without any of the tackiness that has blighted other parts of the coast - think colourful fishing boats lined along the shore, rustic tapas bars overlooking sunny plazas, and whitewashed villas strung with fragrant bougainvillea.
It's busy in the height of August and you need to get to the beach early to reserve your plot of sand, but this part of the coast is characterised by lots of little coves, so if one beach is too crowded, you can try your luck a little further around the headland. We loved the central Calella beaches, which offer clear, safe water for little ones to swim in and easy access to cafes and other facilities. But if you like your beaches completely undeveloped, with nothing but turquoise waters to distract you, there are some stunning, hidden coves to explore.
A big plus for families are the beachside restaurants - you can eat pretty much directly on the beach, meaning while you nibble on some olives and savour a crisp rose, the kids can play on the beach well within view. The beaches are full of other children doing exactly the same, well into the evening. This is a very family-orientated resort, and a favourite with Spanish second-homers and tourists, so entertainment is very much geared towards visitors with children in tow - think gentle 'passegiatas' along the beach, followed by a browse round the shops and a quick stop at the ice-cream shop.
Aside from the beach there are some interesting villages to explore - Pals and Peretallada are particularly beautiful medieval villages, the perfect places to while away a lazy afternoon and enjoy a sundowner or two.
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