Camping Calella de Palafrugell

Drawn to fancy foliage? You'll be a mere five-minute drive from Cap Roig botanic gardens, a gloriously green setting close to the equally spectacular blue of the Mediterranean coast. Those who take a more pragmatic view when it comes to plants might prefer a local museum dedicated to cork manufacture (five minutes) to learn more about the Iberian Peninsula's most iconic (and useful) tree. When it's time to settle down on the sand, head to Cala El Golfet beach (five minutes), a secluded white sand cove where there's scope for swimming and snorkelling. You could also take the kids to splash around at Parc Aquàtic Aquadiver (20 minutes), a waterpark, or head to the local fishing museum (20 minutes) to discover the region's maritime traditions. At 50 minutes away each, Girona and Figueres should also be high up on your list of day trips. The former's medieval cathedral, old city walls and wealth of museums will keep you busy for hours on end, while Figueres' Dalí Theatre Museum has all the kooky architecture and wacky art exhibits you'd expect from the town's most celebrated son.