Santa Susanna is high on my list of places to take your kids, especially kids that are old enough to enjoy lots of different activities. I also appreciate, however, that a family holiday is not all about the kids and that there has to be plenty on the agenda that all members of your gang will enjoy. This coastal resort in Catalonia certainly has something for everyone. Put these activities on your list and you will have the ingredients for a fun filled family holiday that you will all remember for a long time.
Activ Natura Park: A Great Place to Start
The first three activities are based at the Activ Natura Park at Cami de la Riera s/n, 08398 Santa Susanna. The park is open from 10am-6pm everyday in July and August and 10am-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays for the rest of the year.
Laser Combat
There are few 12 year olds whom I know who would pass up the opportunity to have a go at this new combat game, and I don’t doubt that dads in particular will love it too. Based on military training techniques, this game is a little like paintball, except the guns you shoot are infrared. The great news is that there is no bruising and no pain so there is no need to wear protection, there is just lots of fun. With several different missions to get involved in aimed at people of different ages, everyone is catered for.
For under 16s the cost is €22 and for adults it is €28. A bargain day out!
Read more about what it is all about here.
Adventure Park
Another one for the active kids, the adventure park is ideal for wearing them out. With lots of tree top trails designed with nets, cables, rope bridges and zip wires, the aim is to move from tree to tree without touching the ground. This one is perfect for family groups as it helps develop communication, motivation, and support for each other as well as positivity. It is also a great confidence builder for youngsters. There are three courses to choose from that range from €15 to €28 and kids have to be at least 1m30 tall. To find out more, email: info@activnatura.com.
Horse and Donkey Rides
Horses and donkeys offer a more sedate way to explore the nature of the Montnegre Park, for both kids and adults alike. I know my little girl at 18 months would love a short ride on one of these ponies, but equally so would I. This is definitely an activity that everyone can enjoy. There is also a little farm zoo that is fun for a visit, and at only €22 for an hour’s ride, I think this experience shouldn’t be missed.
Water-Based Fun
Ila Fantasia
Although the beaches around Santa Susanna are great, sometimes the kids just need something that little bit more exciting. Ila Fantasia is a giant waterpark that has no fewer that 22 slides and chutes, three huge swimming pools, crazy golf and much more. The highlight is the Jardí de les Delícies, a fascinating high-tech water and light display. Well managed and fully equipped with all you might need, such as ATMs, sun loungers, locker hire and plenty of restaurants and snack bars, the park also has a minimart so you can self cater if you prefer.
Ila Fantasia is located at Finca Mas Brassó, 08339 Vilassar de Dalt. Tickets can be bought in different combinations so check out the website at: www.illafantasia.com.
Marineland
There is a free bus service to Marineland from the main tourist area of Santa Susanna, which for me is a big bonus, as you don’t need to worry about directions and public transport. Aimed at providing fun for all the family, this park features a dolphinarium, where the dolphins perform, a marine zoo, and a waterpark, with exciting rides such as the Twister, Crazy Slide and Anaconda. Prices start at €8.
How To Get to Santa Susanna from Girona Airport
Girona Airport is most likely where you will fly into for your Santa Susanna holiday. In only just over 2 hours, you can have left London and be on the ground in Girona, ready for your onward travel to your resort. I understand that when booking a holiday for the whole family, price matters, so your best bet is to fly from London Stansted with Ryanair, who do some great deals. Jet2 are the budget airline of choice from the north of the UK.
For less than £23 per person, you can enjoy a door-to-door transfer service from Girona Airport to Santa Susanna, if you book with Shuttle Direct. The journey takes just half an hour, but why not make it as comfortable as you can? Your kids are sure to be chomping at the bit to get to their hotel as soon as they land, so have a driver from Shuttle Direct pick you all up and get you there in good time. You’ll be met on arrival by a personal and friendly driver, who will also help with your luggage and all for a fixed price. I know that as a mum myself, this is the most appealing and convenient option for onward travel. With older kids the shared shuttle service is also a great option and much cheaper starting at under £9 per person. Whatever you choose, book in advance and you won’t have to worry at all about your onward travel from Girona Airport to Santa Susanna.
Where to Stay
Hotel Riviera – A delightful hotel right on the beach, Hotel Riviera is ideal for families with pre-teens. With air-conditioning, perfect for that much needed siesta, TV, balconies, and a restaurant onsite, the kids are bound to be kept happy here. Breakfast is a buffet too, which I think is a really great idea as there is bound to be something most children will eat.
Hotel Indalo Park – Right in the centre of town, close to all of the amenities, Hotel Indalo Park is a hit with families. Its large spacious rooms all have a balcony and a fridge, which is very useful when the kids need to have extra snacks and water to hand. There is more than one pool outside, and one for children only. Wi-Fi can be a real bonus for families with youngsters who today are more and more connected to their various devices. It certainly gives mums and dads a break when the kids switch to their ipads for an hour or so!
H Top Summer Sun – Another of my favourites, H Top Summer Sun is close to the beach and town. Rooms have satellite TV, which will please the kids especially, as well as that much-needed air-conditioning. The restaurant is buffet style, so is ideal when travelling with young ones, and there is also a bar for when the kids are amusing themselves and the adults need a welcome beverage! Entertainment is also laid on in the mid and high seasons.
About Shuttle Direct:
Even older kids don’t necessarily make travelling easy. On arrival they might appear more into their ipads than keeping and eye on their luggage. Don’t let it stress you out. Book your onward transfer with Shuttle Direct and you will be met on arrival, have a driver to help with your luggage and a shared or private transfer to your resort. As the number one provider of airport transfers across Europe and North Africa, we offer the option to book in advance, and take pride in offering a friendly, professional and reliable service.
