Spain
A small-size, genuinely Catalan family resort where you can lose track of time and enjoy the moment. Its long sandy, spotlessly clean beach will delight kids of all ages. When you've had enough lying on a towel, walk the coastal path between the medieval castle and the nearby town of Palamos, taking in ever-changing sea views, the beautiful palm-lined promenade where the locals take in the sea breeze and watch the world go by. Stop by a beach shack for a cool beer and pan con tomate (toasted bread rubbed with a fresh tomato), or try one of the many family-run restaurants along the promenade that offer freshly cooked Catalan dishes at affordable prices. When you've had enough, head for Girona and its medieval Jewish quarter, Cadaques where Dali resided or the amazing Greco-Roman site at Empuries, big enough to rival Pompei, complete with a Phocean breakwater in place since 600BC.
Go self-catering - most accommodation in these parts come complete with swimming pool and terrace.
Costa Brava, off the C31 by car.
Accommodation: www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/sant-antoni-de-calonge
Empuries ruins: capcreus.com/empuries/empuries.uk.htm
Google map: bit.ly/IM2OJr