Seal of approval
Parents looking for an assurance of a great family experience should look out for one of the 22 places that carry the Family Holiday Destination (FHD) seal of approval.
This marque is awarded by the Catalan Tourist Board to towns to show that they cater fully to the family market – particularly for accommodation, eating and leisure facilities.
FHD towns guarantee:
• Specialised services for families
• Particular attention to public safety
• Large programme of entertainment and activities for children
Five great family trips
Catalonia offers a world of experiences for families – from active pursuits such as hiking, mountain biking, horse-riding, kayaking and even paragliding, to the fabulous cuisine and centuries of culture and history.
With the nearest ski slopes within two hours of Barcelona and Girona, you can even ski in the morning and walk along the beach in the afternoon!
Mountain adventures
Muntanyes de Prades
This area of natural beauty known as El Baix Camp is the perfect setting to combine nature and adventure, with numerous hiking, mountain bike or horseback trails for all ages and abilities. There are wild cats, squirrels, foxes, falcons, geckos and salamanders to spot, and more active families can take on long-distance trails, such as the GR 7, the GR 65 and paths that link towns to the coast and inland Catalonia.
The great outdoors
Berga, Pyrenees
At the foot of the Serra de Queralt mountains, Berga is a gateway to the Pyrenees, linking the peaks with the plains. This area is ideal for families to explore together and is also close to Barcelona with its many cultural attractions. You can enjoy walks and hikes, go mountain biking and even paragliding. Try water sports on the La Baells Reservoir and ride a real mine cart at the family-friendly Cercs Mining Museum.
Watersports heaven
Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit
This idyllic Costa Brava resort is home to the Parc Natural de les Illes Medes – the Medes Islands, a marine paradise perfect for scuba diving and kayaking, or for taking boat rides on glass-bottomed boats. You can go snorkelling to discover the islands’ undersea life – an aquatic myraid of dazzling flora and fauna – or fly over the waves in a sailboat or on a windsurfer!
Nature at its finest
Vall de Boi
For nature lovers, a stay in Vall de BoÍ in Catalonia’s north west is an absolute must. Star attraction here is the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park – a spectacular beauty spot with almost 200 lakes and streams. It’s ideal summer walking country, with over 60km of trails and country paths. Search for the lair of the marmot, see butterflies of a thousand colours, and help shepherds feed their sheep.
Explore the valleys, lakes and rivers
Les Valls d’Àneu
Les Valls d’Àneu was the first destination in inland Catalonia to be awarded the Family Holiday Destination seal of approval thanks to its superb natural setting. Go birdwatching at Mollera d’Escalarre, in the Alt Pirineu Natural Park; search for brown bear in the Bonabé forest; go canoeing and on La Torrassa reservoir; or white-water rafting on the Noguera Pallaresa.
