15 Things to do in Costa Barcelona with teens
If you are planning to visit Barcelona with teens, do not miss the opportunity to check out Costa Barcelona, the 6 regions that surround the catalan capitol.
We visited recently with the Tourist Board to check out what the area has to offer for families – especially ones with older kids and teens.
From the long sandy beaches to Catalan culture to its strong heritage of wine tourism, there is something for families of all ages. Roaming the charming towns and villages, such as Sitges, are an excellent way to spend an afternoon. The facilities at Mareseme and Castelldefels are great for kids. There is water sports and cycling. If you tire of the beach (and who does?) there are mountains and protected natural spaces at Montserrat Montseny Biosphere Reserveor or take advantage of it’s gastronomy & Wine tourism, featuring the Penedes wine region. All this coupled with nice people and a mild climate year round make it popular destination for families.
A Modern Mother’s list of what to do in Costa Barcelona with teenagers!
1. Go to the Beach
With 100 kilometers of coastline, Costa Barcelona has a beach for everyone! From the long sweeping beaches of Castelldefels, Calella and Santa Susanna to the private coves near Vilanova to the chic Sitges vibe. Many, such as Malgrat del Mar and Castelldefels have special family status – meaning they offer an abundance of facilities that cater to families.
2. Have lunch … and stay a while!
Castelldefels is a great example of a family friendly beach. It’s a popular choice as it is just 15 minutes south of Barcelona. Head down to Tibu-Ron for lunch. It’s right on the beach – look for the giant shark on the top of the building. The open air restaurant is teaming with families – there’s an adjacent play park where you can watch your little ones play while you have tapas and a drink. Then wander over to their reserved beach chairs and umbrellas and make a day of it. There are water activities nearby if you want to be more active. Castelldefels has a special family certification, given for the number of family friendly activities available.
3. Cable Ski at the Olympic Canal
The 1992 Barcelona Olympics left behind the Olimpic Canal– 43 hectares of facilities in Castelldefels which have been repurposed to host some of the most exciting watersports around. There’s a cable ski area where you can try wakeboarding. It’s a fun and energetic activity that older kids and teens will enjoy – and boast about when they get home!
4. Explore Castelldefels Castle
Castelldefels Castle was built in the 16th century to protect the surrounding area against Arab invasions and Berber pirate attacks! Castell means castle in Catalan and give the city its name. Recently restored, it’s a pleasure to visit and has some of the best views over the region.
5. Visit a winery in the Penedes
The Penedes boasts more than 250 wineries. One of my favourites is the Torres Family Winery. Not only does it offer several award-winning wines, the estate is doing what it can to help combat climate change (ask about the Torres and Earth programme which is looking at the feasibility of turning CO2 into energy.) Make the day of it with a winery tour and then lunch at their Restaurant El Celleret de la Familia Torres. Top notch food and award-winning wines. Need I say more?
6. Do the wine walk in Vilafranca del Penedes
The Cami del Vi (aka Wine walk) is an interpretive walk through Vilafranca in the heart of the Penedes. The 3.5 kilometer route starts at the Tourist Office and covers 8 stations that tell the story of wine. Total time: 3 hours. If you’d rathe,r you can cycle your way instead, which is much faster!
7. Cycle the Penedes
Vilafranca del Penedes is only 40 minutes from Barcelona and is the perfect starting point to explore this famous wine region in north-east Spain. From the Vilafranca del Penedes there are more than 50 kilometers to explore with bike paths suitable for all ages and abilities. Bike Motions will gear you up and set you off with everything you need to cycle through vineyards, including their suggestions of lesser known areas to explore.
8. Check out “Castells”
Castells is a Catalan word than means “castle” and it’s a cultural activity popular in Catalonia since the 1880s. Human castles, or towers, are built from local teams, or collet. It’s a big deal in the area and amazing to witness. The main square in Vilafranca has seen the most Castells than anywhere in Catalonia. The town boasts 3 teams with more than 1,000 members. If you are around anywhere in Catalonia during a festival or other special occasion, don’t miss this spectacular event.
9. Kayak, snorkel and picnic near Vilanova
Vilanova with it’s gentle waves, beaches and hidden coves is the perfect place to try water sports. Roc Roi, an adventure company located throughout Spain offers kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding from the marina. Try the Els Colls tour, a 3-hour adventure that includes kayaking the coast between Sitges and Vilanova, with stops on exclusive beaches accessible only by water to snorkel and to have a snack. It’s a fabulous way to spend a morning.
10. Try Paella, Fideua or Black rice (or all 3!)
After kayaking with Roc Roi in Vilanova i la Geltru, wander across the car park to the La Daurado Beach Club to try the local rice specialities. You are probably familiar with paella – the rice dish that is synonymous with Spain. Fideua is like paella, but made with thin pasta noodles instead of rice, and Arroz Negro (“black rice”) is a seafood dish made with black squid ink. After lunch, jump off their private pier at La Daurada Beach Club (just make sure to leave before it turns into a disco!)
11. Visit the Salt Mountain
Cardona is home to what was one of the most important potassium salt mines in the world. What remains now is a beautiful example of a salt mine, with caverns upon caverns of crystal white stalagmites and stalactites. The 1-hour tour gives a great overview.
12. Then check out another castle!
Spain is full of castles and thank goodness because kids love them! After visiting the salt mines at Montana del Sal, stay in Cardona and visit its castle! The sale of salt helped to fund the beautiful the castle and its nobles were related to some of Europe’s major families.
13. Have lunch in a winery … and then go for a swim!
Oller del Mas in Manresa is a winery, vineyard and gastronomic restaurant in a castle (I told you Spain has lots of castles). But this one also has a swimming pool at their adjacent golf club. All have magnificent views of Montserrat. Have a big lunch, then catch some sun and snooze at the pool. You’re welcome.
14. Wander the streets of Sitges
Known as the Saint Tropez of Spain, Sitges is one of the most beautiful towns in Costa Barcelona. The surrounding mountains create the perfect backdrop for this quaint town on the Mediterranean Sea. 4 kilometers of beaches provide plenty of places to catch the sun, and the curvy, hilly streets of the historic quarter is the perfect place to have a wander and get lost (whilst doing shopping for local crafts or trying some pintxos).
15. Visit a festival
If you time it right you can experience true Catalan culture up close at a “Fetival Major”. Each city has one and they are celebrations dedicated to the patron saint of the city (in some cases, the city has 2 patron saints, such as Sitges with Saint Bartholomew and Saint Tecia). Celebrations often include a walk with fire, life-sized paper mache saints, and castells (human castles).
Where to stay: Hotel Desitges
This 43-room boutique hotel is rated 4* and has everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable stay in Costa Barcelona. Located 25 minutes from Barcelona El Pratt airport it’s perfect place to visit coastal towns such as Sitges, Vilafranca and Castelldefels and also the Penedes, Montserrat and more.
Watch our video: The Modern Family goes to Costa Barcelona
IF YOU GO TO COSTA BARCELONA
Endotoursim Penedes Tourist information
Read my other posts about Costa Barcelona
14 photos to make you fall in love with Costa Barcelona #bcnmuchmore
Disclosure: Our trip was paid for my the tourist board. All opinions are my own.
mytravelmonkey | 30th Sep 19
Costa Barcelona is another region I so want to visit! Those human castles – just astounding!
globetotting globetotting | 27th Sep 19
Can you believe that I’ve never been to Spain?! I’ve been wanting to visit for years and this post has made me even more determined to get there soon – wine, tapas and swimming, three of my favourite things!
Claire | 26th Sep 19
I still have so much to see and do in Costa Barcelona! You’ve reminded me about the amazing beaches and food – yum!! The those Castells!! Awesome
pigeonpairandme | 26th Sep 19
My two are almost hitting kayaking and snorkelling age. It sounds fantastic for that here. We’ll have to visit!
Mini Travellers | 24th Sep 19
We are hoping to get out to Barcelona at October half term. Girls are very excited as they haven’t been to Spain yet.