Teenagers can often be surprising, and sometimes I don’t think we give them enough credit, especially when it comes to choosing a holiday destination. While we can be accused of assuming that all they want to do is lay about being moody, I know lots of kids today who have grown up quickly and developed a mature attitude to life that is sometimes overlooked. Instead of being the stereotypical teens we believe them to be, many are keen to explore, discover and make the most of a week away with the family.
Santa Susanna is an ideal family holiday destination for anyone with teenage kids. Top class amenities and a great range of accommodation, leisure and entertainment venues make this Spanish town, close to Barcelona, a fabulous choice.
Read on for extra information on family fun in Santa Susanna!
A Guide to Family Friendly Activities
Raid the Weekly Markets
A great introduction to local life and culture is a visit to a market, no matter what country you are in. Markets are the place where communities come alive. Vibrant, loud, colourful and jam packed with interesting food, crafts and other commodities, you can learn a lot from wandering around and taking in the atmosphere.
There are three weekly markets in Santa Susanna. One on the promenade (in the area with the main hotels) that happens every Tuesday morning from April to October; a Saturday morning market in the centre of town; and a craft stalls market on the promenade, which is held every afternoon and evening from April to October.
Discover The Countryside
Horse riding is a fabulous way to explore the countryside and a great family activity. Head to Nou Ranxo on Camí de la Riera and you can choose to ride a horse, donkey, pony, mule, or even drive a horse and carriage! There is no better way to discover the Montnegre-Corredor Nature Park.
For more on Nou Ranxo, see their website.
Banana Boat Fun
Adrenaline seeking kids will relish the chance of a banana boat ride. All the family can join in too, as the inflatable banana boat seats up to 8 people. Towed by a speedboat, this ride is all about exhilaration and excitement. I don’t know any teenager who wouldn’t want to give it a go.
Santa Susanna Watersports Centre on Les Dunes Beach offer the activity, as does the Santa Susanna Watersports Centre in Plaça Catalunya.
Aqua Park Action
For a fabulous day out that will definitely get the kids smiling, head to Llevant Beach and make a beeline for the Playa Aqua Park. Kids and adults alike will relish the opportunity to let off steam on the jumps, slides, climbing walls, trampolines and even water catapults.
Click here for information on opening hours and prices.
Dining Out
The great thing about teenagers is that they are old enough to begin to appreciate dining out, trying new dishes and experiencing new cuisines. Santa Susanna has some great restaurants. The low key, laid back vibe in Sand Beach Club is bound to appeal. Helpful staff and great food, as well as wonderful sunset views make this a favourite with families.
Pepe Pollo is the place to go for a real Spanish experience. Away from the main streets, this tucked away restaurant serves all the Spanish staples and is great value too. Kids can order tapas and experience true Spanish dining. For the best paella in town, however, take the family to El Aperitiu d’en Manolo. A real treat.
How To Get To Santa Susanna
Santa Susanna is ideally situated only 34km from Girona Airport and 83km from Barcelona Airport, so you have plenty of choice when it comes to flights. easyJet is the airline to go to if you are conscious of budget, and they fly to Barcelona from London Gatwick, Southend and Luton. Thomson Airways also fly from London Gatwick to both Barcelona and Girona airports, while Ryanair serve both airports from Stansted. Monarch and Vueling are other value carriers to look out for. Pick carefully and you can get your return flights for under £120 per person.
The flight to Barcelona takes 2 hours, and no doubt you will all be ready to get to your final destination as soon as you land. If you pre-book with Shuttle Direct, you can expect a personal meeting on arrival and a comfortable onward journey to your hotel or the town centre. For less than €14 per person for the 30 minute transfer from Girona and only €35 per person for the 1 hour 5 minute transfer from Barcelona to Santa Susanna, Shuttle Direct offer a fantastic professional service.
Where To Stay:
Hotel Indalo Park – This large hotel is perfectly situated only a 5 minute stroll from the beach, so trustworthy teens will be able to venture off for some sun tan time on their own. Kids will really appreciate the free Wi-Fi here too, which means that they can stay in touch with all their mates back home. Mums and dads will relish the fact that the rooms at Hotel Indalo Park are large and light and there is the option of renting a fridge for extra snacks and water.
Two restaurant options are a bonus and the hot tub makes a nice addition when you all are in need of some serious rest and relaxation.
Aqua Hotel Aquamarina & Spa – The sports facilities at Aqua Hotel Aquamarina are extensive and if you have active teens, they will love the health and fitness centre, heated saltwater pool, and the gym. The private balconies offer the perfect place for mums and dads to sit and watch the sun go down over the beach, which is only a 4-minute walk away, while the satellite TV in each room will be a hit with teens.
With 3 bars on site, 2 restaurants, and massage facilities, you can easily while away a relaxing day here if you fancy a break from all the week’s activities.
Aqua Hotel Onabrava & Spa – Of course, the fact that this hotel has a spa complete with health and fitness centre and hydro massage facilities is a plus point, but the Aqua Hotel Onabrava is also only a 4 minute walk away from the closest beach. Other facilities include waiter service at the pool, private furnished balconies and an international restaurant serving buffet style breakfasts, lunches and dinners. When you have kids, buffet is always best, as they get to see what is on offer before they choose, and can try lots of different dishes.
About Shuttle Direct
Looking for stress-free transfers between airports, cruise ports, train stations and hotels? Then choose the number one transfer company in Europe and North Africa, Shuttle Direct. Our team are on hand to make your journey to wherever you are heading as seamless as possible. Book in advance, pay a fixed price, and let us sort the logistics for you.
