Platja d’Aro is one of the best-known tourist destinations on the Costa Brava, largely due to the wide range of leisure activities on offer and the magnificent surrounding area, with excellent beaches and coves, coastal paths and towns full of history such as the mediaeval settlement of Castell d’Aro.
Another reason why Platja d’Aro is one of the top destinations in the Baix Empordà for a holiday is that it has all types of facilities, shops, leisure areas and many other kinds of establishments. It also boasts the Family Tourism Seal, making it an ideal destination for a trip with the family.
If you want to find out more about Platja d’Aro, keep reading, because we’ll reveal all its secrets!
Since 2014 Castell-Platja d’Aro has been a specialised family tourism destination certified by the Catalan Tourism Agency.
Its varied offer includes all kinds of services and activities combining tourism and leisure, including amusement parks, multiplex cinemas, a bowling alley, water parks, a children’s club on the beach and guided cultural tours; these are just some of the numerous activities you can do as a family in Platja d’Aro.
Is there anything better than a family holiday at a family-friendly destination?
We want to make things easier for you, which is why we provide you with a list of the best activities to do as a family in Platja d’Aro.
Don’t miss out, the fun is guaranteed!
Water, slides and pools! The Aquadiver water park in Platja d’Aro is a fantastic activity for spending a day with the family full of fun. Here you’ll find some of the best water slides and attractions in Europe, as well as play areas for all ages.
An amusement park in the purest American style. Over 7000 m² of stalls, food trucks and 25 attractions guarantee an afternoon full of excitement. An ideal place for spending a happy afternoon with the kids.
Zip lines, leaps into the void, suspension bridges and plenty of adrenaline! At the Platja d’Aro Adventure Park there are activities suited to all the members of the family with different levels in a privileged natural environment. If you like acting like a monkey, this is ideal for you!
Have you chosen which activity you’ll do as a family during your visit to Platja d’Aro? Below we’ll tell you what you can see in Platja d’Aro and where you’ll find lots of things to do with the kids, including hiking and exploring the beaches.
Platja d’Aro is much more than a sun and beach destination; over the years it’s grown and now it’s a town that provides all kinds of services for visitors, with beaches,shopping streets, restaurants, night life areas, theme and water parks, hiking trails and much, much more.
Càmpings de Girona has prepared a list with what to see and activities you can do in Platja d’Aro to make your visit easier to plan and so you can make the most of the area. Let’s begin!
Platja d’Aro forms part of the municipality of Castell d’Aro, together with the towns of S’Agaró and Castell d’Aro. The latter hides one of the most interesting cultural activities you can do in Platja d’Aro, namely strolling through the old quarter of Castell d’Aro, which has been declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest.
As you walk along its narrow, cobbled streets, you’ll see that the mediaeval essence of a town that has its origins in the late Middle Ages is still preserved.
At one time or another during your visit you’ll come across the Benedormiens Castle, which, according to several historical records, dates back to 1041. It’s a building that was very important until the end of the 15th century, given that, thanks to its strategic location, it was used for defensive purposes and watching out for Muslim attacks around Vall d’Aro.
Over the years the Castle suffered the consequences of wars and other disasters that left it badly damaged. Thanks to the restoration work completed in contemporary times its shape is now known, although it retains little of its original appearance.
Other sites that will enable you to see the historical relevance of this town for yourself are its two churches. First, you’ll find the Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Fenals d’Amunt, which has its origins in the year 968. And, secondly, you’ll see the baroque church of Santa Maria de Fenals de Baix, dating back to 1764.
Platja d’Aro has one of the most comprehensive tourist areas on the Costa Brava in S’Agaro Avenue, which hosts stores run by both local artisans and large fashion chains and other brands.
Also, on the outskirts of Platja d’Aro you can visit a shopping area which has a Decathlon, cinemas and many other leisure establishments, where you can buy everything you need and enjoy all the services on offer.
Watching the sun rise over the sea or having an ice cream in the evening are two small pleasures that you can enjoy as you stroll calmly along the seafront of Platja d’Aro. Punta d’en Ramis, a small rock that goes out to sea, and the Marina lie almost two kilometres away.
If you feel like having a snack, you can also find all kinds of dining establishments with terraces, where you can sit and eat overlooking the beach. Do you like the idea?
Platja d’Aro is a lively town with lots of things to do, so it isn’t uncommon for it to host events of all kinds, including:
Do you like fancy dress? In Platja d’Aro you’ll find one of the most festive carnivals in Catalonia. Colourful floats, extravagant costumes, music, dancing and lots of partying.
If you visit the town during the month of February, you’ll be able to experience one of the most iconic festivals in the town.
From the beginning of July until the end of August one of the best options for enjoying the summer nights is La Santa Market. It’s a market with artisan stalls and small local producers that co-exists with leisure, gastronomic and cultural proposals.
This family-friendly summer market with activities for everyone is held in Santa Cristina d’Aro, a town that lies very close to Platja d’Aro. If you decide to stop by, you’re sure to take away great memories.
The best voices and bands of the international jazz scene resound close to the beach. The Platja d’Aro Jazz Nights Festival is one of the most successful summer events on the Costa Brava, guaranteeing the attendees exquisite musical moments.
With a range of more than 100 concerts, some of the artists that can be heard year after year include: La Vella Dixieland, Llibert Fortuny, Ignasi Terraza, Laura Simó, Raynold Colom, Avishai Cohen and Andrea Moti.
The array of coves and beaches on the Costa Brava is remarkable, which is why we list the most important ones:
Platja Gran in Platja d’Aro:
Here you’ll find an urban beach certified by the blue flag due to the quality of its waters and the services it provides and because it’s a beach accessible to everyone. This is an ideal beach for spending a day with the family, without any worries and with everything you need close by.
Sa Conca Beach
Sa Conca Beach in Platja d’Aro is located in a developed area, close to the town centre. Like the Platja Gran, it provides all kinds of services and it’s been awarded the blue flag certification due to the quality of its waters.
It’s easy to reach and the services on offer on the beach and in the surrounding area make it an ideal place for enjoying a wonderful day with the family.
Cala del Pi
The Cala del Pi is one of the most beautiful coves in Platja d’Aro. Small in size, its fine sand, rocky seabed and clear waters make it an ideal cove for relaxing and spending a quiet day on the beach.
One of the peculiarities of this cove is the small rock formation that divides the beach into two parts and from the top you can see a few pines, which give the cove its name.
Cala Sa Cova
This is one of the best-hidden coves in the Platja d’Aro area, only reachable along the coastal path which goes from Cala del Pi and leads towards the town of Sant Antoni de Calonge.
Cala Sa Cova is without a doubt, a tiny spot where you can wander around and enjoy the enchanting landscape of the Costa Brava.
Cala Rovira
Finally, in Platja d’Aro you’ll come across Cala Rovira, a cove which, due to its large size, could be said to be much more like a beach. Even so, we should mention its transparent and turquoise waters and the fine sand where you can stretch out your towel and rest.
We should also point out that in the vicinity you’ll find the remains of the Roman town of Pla de Palol, which can be visited free of charge in any month of the year.
As you know, the Costa Brava coastal paths follow the GR-91 road and run across the whole region beside the sea from Blanes to Portbou. In Platja d’Aro there are therefore several stretches:
Platja d’Aro – Sant Antoni de Calonge: Heading north you can leave the Platja Gran in the direction of Sant Antoni de Calonge, enjoying a stretch of the coastal path about seven kilometres long that provides an excursion full of tunnels, nature and spectacular views out to sea.
This is a route suitable for children, but it’s advisable for you to get used to walking for the length of the journey.
Platja d’Aro – S’Agaró: Heading south you’ll find a simpler section that leads towards the S’Agaró area. This is said to be one of the most romantic stretches of the Costa Brava, because along the way you’ll come to modernist-style houses with manicured gardens, tunnels and a gazebo overlooking the sea.
If you don’t want to get too tired and prefer a leisurely stroll, this is the path for you!
What if you’re hungry? Don’t worry, in Platja d’Aro you’ll find all kinds of restaurants where you can taste typical dishes from the area and others from the rest of the world.
Càmpings de Girona leaves you with the Tripadvisor Top Ten so that you can try them out.
Naturally, with such a comprehensive range of facilities for tourists, Platja d’Aro also has three campsites that are ideal for a family holiday, surrounded by nature, the outdoors and thousands of activities.
The Càmping Vall d’Aro, the Càmping Riembau and the Càmping Santa Cristina await do you can have a dream holiday in Platja d’Aro, the place on the Costa Brava where you’ll never stop having fun.
You can get to Platja d’Aro by car or by bus from Barcelona or Girona. If you decide to take your car, drive along the AP7 motorway towards Girona and turn off at the exit to Sant Feliu de Guíxols/Platja d’Aro.
Are you thinking of spending a few days in Platja d’Aro? Càmpings de Girona wants to make it easier for you! View the 7-day weather forecast to make sure you choose the best dates to enjoy a few days of camping in Platja d’Aro.
