cef1

I'm taking my family to Spain in August, including 4 kids ages 1 to 10. We want to rent a villa and be close to beaches suitable for the kids. Any suggestions? Are Costa Brava, Costa Blanca or Costa Dorada beaches too rough or pebbly? Are we better off in Costa de Sol?

ribeirasacra

Here are the list of the best beaches in Spain:
http://www.abc.es/viajar/top/2013022...302201137.html
Here is the Spanish government guides to the 3000 odd beaches we have in Spain.
http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/costas/...s/guia-playas/
The only beached I have heard about which is to be avoid are the ones around Nerja town. There is no sewage works for this town and they still discharge straight into the sea.

kimhe

The La Concha beach in fabulous San Sebastián immediately comes to mind (#3 on the best beach in Spain list above). Sheltered by the bay and the small Santa Clara Island, all smooth sand, safe swimming and in general one of the finest city beaches on the continent. http://www.hlondres.com/en/concierge-blog/concha-beach
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...e_Country.html

San Sebastián is very popular with first and foremost Spanish and French visitors in the summer months because of the climate, the beaches and the outstanding food. http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/en/

San Sebastián was recently voted #5 destination in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-ch...show_item19_20

In New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/tr...anted=all&_r=0

San Sebastián celebrates the one week long Aste Nagusia/Semana Grande/Big week in mid August. http://www.sansebastian.co.uk/semana-grande-big-week/

kimhe

Villas for rent in San Sebastián: http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ap...FQdY3godqDQAJg

Close to Bilbao international airport, about one hours drive. Direct bus from the airport to San Sebastián once an hour.

Robert2533

Regardless of which beach area you decide on, they will be packed in August, so you need to make your reservations as early as possible, especially in places along the Basque Coast (from Hondarribia and San Sebastian-Donostia west to Galicia), the Costa Brava and Costa del Sol.

http://gospain.about.com/od/spainbea...s-in-spain.htm

cef1

Thanks - I should have mentioned that I visited San Sebastian last summer for the 3rd time and obviously love it. Great beaches and wonderful food. Maria Cristina wasn't too shabby either. In addition to the above, I also have articles from Wall Street,Journal, Conde Nast Traveler and New York Magazine on SS. My son and his wife have also been there, so I want to try something different. I can't decide between Costa del Sol, Brava, Blanca, etc. I want nice sized sand beaches that are good for children. I have read the above-cited best beaches article but thought I may get more input here.

Thanks to all that responded

Robert2533

You might want to look at the beaches on the Costa de la Luz in the Cádiz and Huelva Provinces.

www.andalucia.com/costa-de-la-luz/home.htm

IMDonehere

I am surprised the Islas Cies were omitted from those lists.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%ADes_Islands

ribeirasacra

It is not an say place to reach. There is a cap on visitors and the ferry will coast some money,especially with a family.

IMDonehere

True and for those reasons, good and bad, is why it is a good destination.