Just back from a fab holiday in Malgrat de Mar, Costa Brava with the kids. I went with my Mum, my 3 year old and my 18 month old and we had a brilliant time. I found the deal on a deals website called Voyages Detective and it ended up only costing 400 euro for all 4 of us, all-inclusive with breakfast, lunch and dinner in a 4 star hotel!
It worked out at 200 euro per adult and kids under 4 go free. We had the option to book our flights via the site but we decided to book our journey separately as it was the first time using that site.
The Europa Splash is a sophisticated and well decorated hotel, with top notch amenities, great food and helpful staff. It was really family friendly and had plenty of kids entertainment. We weren’t sure what to expect with the food but it really was fantastic. I have to say, we couldn’t fault the hotel at all! We had a triple room with a sea view and they provided a cot.
The location was ideal, it is situated directly across from the long sandy beach and is set amongst the shops along the main street. The train line ran along the front of the street, however, the noise level wasn’t bad at all. The train station was only a 10 minute walk and the town of Malgrat de Mar has everything you would need. It is a lovely town with interesting shops, restaurants and sights to see.
We were happy to wander the bustling streets and take in the lively atmosphere. There were plenty of play areas to choose from, even a restaurant nearby our hotel had a playground at the back which was really great, with water feature and fountains and all lit up at night.
Spain is very child friendly and the locals make you feel very welcome. They are smiley and entertaining and have absolutely no problem with children being out and about at night. The was great because it meant we could stop by a tapas bar in the evening for a drink before dinner. Dinner was set up from 7.30-9.30 which was great as it meant you could stay out a bit later and not have to rush back to the hotel.
The hotel room was modern and relaxing, very clean and a high standard with an impressive interior and exterior design. We loved the mural on the bedroom wall and our walk-in shower was gorgeous! The pool was fab and the kids splash pool is really something else! The splash pool is only open for the peak season but there is a sister hotel only a few minutes walk away where they have the most epic splash pool available (if the one at this hotel isn’t available). Both have water slides and pirate-ship water features. Suitable for all ages as it is a low level water, apart from some of the slides but a kids paradise and even the adults would love it! It has to be seen to be believed!!!
It was our first time trying all-inclusive and we were impressed. They even had an option to take away a packed lunch if you were planning a day-trip. You just had to order the day before and they would have it ready for you to collect before you leave. A great service and the staff were really accommodating.
We decided to go on a little train ride with the kids on the first day, which they loved and it brought us around the town, stopping at the tourist attractions if you wanted to hop off and on again. My 18 month old actually fell asleep on my lap she was so tired so we didn’t get off at the parks but decided we would go the following day.
There is a huge park with lots of kids play things and another main attraction was the Castell at the top of the hill which you can get a free lift up to. At the top there is a stunning view of the area looking down on the town and seascape. The fortress is worth visiting and they have a kids play park there too.
The beach is very long so you can do a beach walk alongside or on the beach. The weather was perfect, not too hot but just right at this time of year in September. I imagine Malgrat de Mar gets very busy in summer but it wasn’t too hectic since the kids are all back to school now.
There is a lovely frozen yoghurt bar in the main town, near the train station called Ice Paradise. I got the most amazing frozen yoghurt with marshmallows, mini Oreo cookies and smarties and the little ones got one absolutely yummy strawberry ice cream.
Having the train station close by was really handy. We arrived from Barcelona which took about an hour but only cost around 6 euro, so cheap! On the way home we travelled by train to Girona direct which was also handy. We had a double pram which was a little difficult to manoeuvre but most of the train stations in the area have lifts so that was good.
Santa Susanna is within walking distance and they have a nice market every Sunday morning there. It is worth visiting as it is a nice tree-lined walk. You can also get a little train if you want to explore the hills and scenery. You can visit other coastal beach areas this way too. There are plenty of beautiful coastal towns to visit, all which can be accessed by car/bus/train with ease. Blanes is worth checking out, Lloret de Mar and Tossa del Mar, all uniquely charming.
There are cruises you can go on including one with a glass bottomed boat. All are fairly reasonably priced and can be booked anywhere, but shop around for the best deal anyway. The info centre were extremely helpful and friendly. They even gave us a colouring set with markers and apron to colour in. They also gave us some waterproof camera/passport bags so its worth calling into them if you need any help. They have a kids colouring in table and chairs for keeping the little ones entertained while there. Great service!
There was a really nice atmosphere in Malgrat de Mar and we would definitely go back. Happy memories and fantastic value for money. We worked it out as 40 euro per person per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, wine and board) and not forgetting that the kids go free (which saves a fortune on food). You couldn’t pass it up for that price. I would probably spend 200 euro a week on groceries staying at home on a normal week!
If you are looking for a fun-packed and enjoyable family holiday, I highly recommend Malgrat de Mar in Costa Brava. The Europa Splash well exceeded our expectations and i would jump at the chance to go back again. The kids club was great, there was face painting and crafts, then a kiddies disco most nights.
The private spa was absolutely out of this world! Our package included a free visit to the spa for an hour each. My Mam wasn’t bothered so i got to go twice! So incredibly relaxing, having the place to yourself is fantastic. The ultimate rest and relaxation with a hydro pool, sauna, steam room, rainforest showers and jacuzzi’s.
We have fond memories of Malgrat de Mar, Costa Brava with the kids so hopefully we will go back again next year! Have you been to Costa Brava? Let us know where you enjoyed staying in the comments.
If you like this, you may also be interested in this
recommended to you
