One Week on the Spanish Coasts: Our Family Adventure

In this article:

• Tossa de Mar

• Golden Mar Menuda Hotel

• Dali Museum and Theater

• Cadaques

• Mallorca

• Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village

  
  

Welcome, fellow travelers and sun seekers! Join me as I recount our amazing 7-day family vacation in the breathtaking coastal regions of Costa Brava and Mallorca. After spending two weeks in Barcelona, we were ready for a change of pace and headed for the beaches. Packed with sunshine, sea breezes, and plenty of unforgettable experiences, our trip was nothing short of magical. So grab a seat, fasten your virtual seatbelts, and let's dive into the tales of our escapade in these stunning paradises!

Days 1 and 2: Tossa de Mar – A Beach Lover's Dream

Our adventure kicked off in the charming town of Tossa de Mar, known for its pristine beaches and medieval charm. As we arrived at the Golden Mar Menuda Hotel, we were greeted by sweeping views of the azure Mediterranean Sea. Perfectly situated on the northern end of the beach and an easy 5 minute walk into town, plus a pool and great restaurant, I'd highly recommend this hotel! The clear, blue-green ocean beckoned us, and without wasting a moment, we found ourselves basking under the warm Costa Brava sun. The beaches here are rocky ones, not sandy, so water shoes are recommended - though we made do without!

The gentle waves lapping at the shore, the laughter of children building sandcastles, and the salty breeze in the air – it was pure bliss. When we got tired of the beach, we chilled out at the pool at our hotel, which was a great way to keep our little one swimming while the adults relaxed a bit. Our day was spent frolicking in the waters, indulging in delicious food at beachfront and town's eateries, exploring the castle atop the town's cliffs and soaking in the laid-back vibe of beautiful Tossa de Mar. There is even a trolley car that will take you on a 45-minute tour of the town and is a fun break from walking. Some of our favorite meals were at our hotel's restaurant, Sacalma, which served excellent steaks, duck, and seafood dishes.

Day 3: Dali Museum and Cadaques

On the third day, we set off to explore the surreal world of Salvador Dali at the renowned Dali Museum and Theater in Figueres. The museum was a treasure trove of the artist's eccentric masterpieces, from melting clocks to whimsical sculptures that sparked our imagination. Even our daughter excitedly recounted some of the exhibits the next day!

The highlight of our visit was witnessing Dali's creativity come to life in vivid colors and avant-garde forms. Walking through the halls filled with his works felt like stepping into a dreamscape, igniting a newfound appreciation for the surreal art movement.

After the museum we took a picturesque drive along the rugged coastline to the idyllic village of Cadaques. Nestled against the backdrop of rolling hills and crystal-clear waters, Cadaques charmed us with its whitewashed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets.

As we wandered through the maze-like alleys, we discovered hidden coves, vibrant bougainvillea cascading from balconies, and panoramic vistas that took our breath away. The day culminated in a leisurely seaside lunch, savoring fresh seafood while gazing out at the serene beauty of the Mediterranean.

Day 4: Travel to Mallorca

We packed up our bags and headed for the airport for a quick 30 minute flight to Palma de Mallorca for more fun in the sun. (Quick travel PSA - the line for Air Europa at BCN was INSANE and took us well over an hour to get through, so if you're also traveling this route in height of tourist season, give yourself plenty of time!). We booked the five-star rated Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village, about 45 minutes northeast of Palma. This is a very family friendly hotel - and it was very obvious! There were lots of families here - we dead-headed to the pool after lunch at the hotel and were a bit overwhelmed by the number of kids in the water, though we got used to it quickly enough. The resort provides lots of activities to keep kids entertained - from afternoon magic water carpet shenanigans in the pool to nightly kids disco and acrobat/magic shows. There is also a kids club that runs all day. If you have multiple kids that you want to keep busy, I'd recommend this resort - though if you are looking for a calmer vibe, probably look elsewhere! Note that they have an all-inclusive option to make things even easier if your goal is to not leave the resort much.

After swimming in the pool all afternoon, we wandered across the street to Fusion19, a sushi restaurant for some dinner (which was just ok) and called it a day.

Days 5-7: Swim Time!

We spent the next few days (and that last of our almost 30-day Spain adventure) soaking in the sun by the pool and beach. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we headed for the beach to marvel at the super soft, fine sand and incredibly shallow shoreline that allowed even our 5-year old to wade out about 100 feet into the ocean to swim in the warm waters with schools of tiny fish. The waters were calm and absolutely perfect - and the beach not overcrowded due to the hotel's location. We did have to rent an umbrella and chairs and were lucky to find one - a bit disappointing that a 5-star rated hotel wouldn't have a private beach with lounge chairs provided, but we made the most of it! After lunch, we'd head to the pool to continue the water fun and have some drinks poolside.

Our food highlights included Dakota Tex Mex, whose smash burgers were some of the best my husband had ever had (and that's saying a lot)! I finally found myself a solid salad there also - something I'd been missing on my entire Spain adventure. Sorrento Pizzeria had good pastas and pizzas and Restaurante Boy offered a large variety of steaks (and the best Oreo pie dessert!). All kid-friendly!

As the sun began its descent on our last night, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, we reflected on the past week of joy, laughter, and discovery. The Spanish coasts had woven their magic around us, creating memories that would linger in our hearts for years to come.