🏛️ Why Visit Santa Susanna, Spain?

Sometimes the best things come in small packages – and Santa Susanna is living proof. This charming family-friendly resort might not have the raging nightlife of neighbouring Lloret (though that's just a 20-minute taxi ride away), but what it lacks in late-night madness, it more than makes up for in pure, relaxed seaside bliss. Picture 2km of pristine golden sand backed by pine groves, historic watchtowers that once kept pirates at bay, and the kind of laid-back atmosphere that makes you forget you've got emails waiting back home.

Top reasons to visit Santa Susanna:

• 🏖️ Three distinct beaches – from watersports haven Platja de les Dunes to family paradise Platja de Llevant with floating play areas

• 🏰 Historic pirate watchtowers – seven 15th-18th century towers, with two you can actually visit (one's now the railway station!)

• 🌲 Nature paradise – Montnegre-Corredor Natural Park right on your doorstep with hiking trails and rocky coves

• 🎉 Perfect location – peaceful base with Lloret's legendary nightlife just a short taxi ride away

• 🚂 Barcelona day trips – just one hour by train with regular services for spontaneous city adventures

Where to Stay in Santa Susanna

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

Tahiti Playa & Suites This popular four-star beachfront complex is a proper crowd-pleaser with a lagoon-style pool, water mushroom splash area for kids and direct access to Santa Susanna Beach. The Mini Club keeps little ones entertained while parents unwind, and the Moorea and Tahaa buffet restaurants serve up Mediterranean favourites with live cooking stations.

Aqua Hotel Aquamarina & Spa A stylish four-star hotel just 200m from the beach with three restaurants, a Jacuzzi and seasonal animation team that'll keep the whole family entertained. Kids love the mini clubs while adults can escape to the wellness centre. The beautifully designed rooms include Junior Suite Premiums for families wanting extra space.

Indalo Park Just 200m from the sandy shores with a large outdoor pool, separate kids' pool and two Jacuzzis – this well-reviewed hotel ticks all the family boxes. The Mini Club runs games and mini discos for 4-12 year olds, while cyclists will appreciate the Bikfriendly certification and easy access to scenic trails.

htop Royal Sun A popular four-star right on the beach with the brilliant TOP Passport scheme – giving you access to facilities across all htop properties. The TOP Free Bus connects you to sister hotels from Lloret to Calella in high season, and all-inclusive guests get discounts on Barcelona excursions. Kids are sorted with the TOP Mini Club.

💑 Couples

Alegria Mar Mediterrania This adults-only (16+) beachfront gem is designed for relaxation with an on-site spa featuring massage services, Jacuzzi, sauna and thermal showers. The beach club serves cocktails right on the sand, and the stylish rooms all come with private balconies. Perfect for couples after a peaceful escape.

Riviera Hotel Smack in the heart of Santa Susanna's liveliest patch – just 100m from the beach and surrounded by shops, cafés and bars. The Cocktail Bar is a top spot for people-watching, and there's even a disco next door at Hotel Alhambra when you fancy a livelier night.

⭐ All-Rounders

Santa Susanna Resort A proper entertainment-packed option with Mr and Mrs games, live music, karaoke and discos turning this place into full-on party vibes by night. Daytime brings bouncy castles and face painting for kids. The free shuttle bus runs to Santa Susanna centre for those tapas bars and sangria sessions.

AQUA Hotel Onabrava & Spa Modern four-star accommodation just steps from the beach with a seasonal animation team, mini clubs and wellness centre. The bonus? Santa Susanna station is right by the property – brilliant for spontaneous Barcelona day trips or exploring the coast.

Hotel Don Angel Sitting pretty on the promenade just 200m from the beach, this well-positioned hotel features a saltwater outdoor pool and two restaurants with show cooking. The sun terrace is a lovely spot for an afternoon relax between beach sessions.

🎭 Top Things to Do in Santa Susanna

Beach Lovers & Families

🏖️ Platja de les Dunes – The action beach! This is where you'll find all the brilliant watersports – sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, plus beach bars and restaurants. Perfect for those who want their beach days packed with activities.

🏖️ Platja de Llevant – Family heaven with floating inflatable play areas that'll keep the kids entertained for hours while you relax on the golden sand. The gentle waters and excellent facilities make this ideal for little ones.

🏖️ Platja de les Caletes – The peaceful option made up of small coves separated by rocky breakwaters. Perfect for finding your own private slice of paradise away from the crowds.

Adventure Seekers & Nature Lovers

🌲 Montnegre-Corredor Natural Park – Proper hiking paradise with trails winding through pine forests down to secluded rocky coves. The park reaches right down to the sea creating some stunning coastal walks.

🏰 Ancient Watchtowers – Hunt down the seven remaining towers built to defend against pirate attacks! Two are open for visits, and one's been converted into the railway station – how cool is that?

Culture & Day Trippers

🎭 Medieval Banquets at Castell Medieval – Experience jousting, duels, and flamenco at nearby Castell Medieval del Comte de Valltordera. Proper family entertainment with a historical twist.

🚂 Barcelona Day Trips – With trains every 30 minutes taking just one hour, you can easily experience Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Las Ramblas, then return to peaceful Santa Susanna for sunset.

When to Visit Santa Susanna

☀️ Summer (June–August) | Highs of 28-30°C

Peak beach season with warm seas perfect for swimming and watersports. The Festa Major de Santa Susanna (around 9-14 August) is the big one – the town's patron saint celebrations bring costume parades, giant processions (gegants), sardana dancing, fireworks displays and late-night concerts to the streets. Expect correfocs (fire runs), paella competitions and a brilliant community atmosphere. The Mar d'Estiu Festival runs through summer with cultural events, beach activities and live entertainment.

🌸 Spring (March–May) | Highs of 15-22°C

Gorgeous weather for hiking in Montnegre-Corredor Natural Park without the summer crowds. The Feast of San Isidro (Sunday nearest 15 May) celebrates the patron saint of farmers with traditional festivities reflecting Santa Susanna's horticultural heritage. Easter Week brings processions, and the weekly Tuesday market buzzes with local fruit, vegetables and flowers. Perfect shoulder season for lower prices and sunny beach days.

🍂 Autumn (September–November) | Highs of 18-25°C

The sea stays warm well into October – brilliant for beach days without the August crowds. September is still properly summery with the Magic Fair and Illusionism Festival in June's afterglow. The surrounding countryside takes on golden autumn colours, ideal for walks through the natural park. Fewer tourists means better restaurant availability and a more authentic local vibe.

❄️ Winter (December–February) | Highs of 12-15°C

Mild winters make Santa Susanna a pleasant off-season escape. Christmas markets and Three Kings celebrations (5-6 January) add festive sparkle, with the Cabalgata de los Reyes parade bringing floats and gifts through nearby towns. Carnival (late February/early March) sees costume parades across the Costa Brava. Hotels offer excellent value, and Barcelona's just an hour away for culture-packed day trips.

Nearby Resorts

Fancy exploring more of Costa Brava? These brilliant spots are all within easy reach:

• Lloret de Mar – Just 20 minutes by taxi or bus, the Costa Brava's party capital delivers legendary nightlife, five Blue Flag beaches and Water World aqua park. Perfect for a big night out or family day trip, with dramatically different vibes to peaceful Santa Susanna.

• Malgrat de Mar – Your next-door neighbour sharing the same stretch of sand, connected by the beachfront promenade. A charming old town with traditional architecture, three distinct beaches and a quieter atmosphere – brilliant for an evening stroll to explore different restaurants.

• Calella – About 15 minutes south with 3km of beaches, a famous lighthouse and a lively old town full of tapas bars. The resort has its own distinct character with late-night beach bars and a buzzing after-dark scene.

• Blanes – 15 minutes north marks the official start of the Costa Brava. The spectacular International Fireworks Competition (23-27 July) draws 150,000 spectators nightly with five nights of jaw-dropping pyrotechnics launched from Sa Palomera rock. Definitely worth the short trip!