Just after the unforgettable summer of the Ruiz family, the children were already thinking about summer 2026. Autumn had begun to paint the city parks in shades of ochre, the first rains were falling, and the mornings were getting cooler each day. However, the cozy Ruiz home made their minds already unfold bright and warm thoughts. Manuel and Laura, together with their children, Julia and Lucas, were quietly dreaming of the next summer of 2026. And, as always, the battle between two Catalan coasts to choose the final destination: the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada.
Manuel, the father, a true nostalgic with a poet’s soul, always returned in his thoughts to the Costa Brava. "Imagine," he began quietly, "waking up at the Golden Mar Menuda hotel in Tossa de Mar, Spain, and having breakfast in front of the castle by the sea. I love that place for its beauty and history, with that impressive wall kissing the water." He went on talking about the charm of the terraces with Mediterranean views, sunset walks along the beach, and romantic candlelit dinners, perhaps forgetting that his children didn’t always share his idyllic vision of calm holidays.
Laura, his wife, always seeking a balance between rest and sophistication, supported her husband’s suggestion, though with her own nuances. "I’ve seen that in Tossa de Mar, Spain, there’s also the Golden Bahía de Tossa & Spa hotel, a resort with a spa and plenty of activities for kids," she said while showing a photo of the indoor pool on her screen. "A relaxing massage while you’re at the beach doesn’t sound bad at all."
However, on the other side of the living room, the new generation had a radically different perspective. Julia, a vibrant teenager with her phone in hand, sighed dramatically. "Another quiet town? I need some action! I’ve been looking at hotels in Salou, Spain, and those are real holidays." In her mind were animators organizing games and groups of young people laughing on the beach. "There are family hotels right by the beach, all-inclusive, so you don’t have to think about a thing. And most importantly…" she paused for suspense, "they’re close to PortAventura!"
Lucas, seven years old, with his imagination overflowing with superheroes and dragons, joined his sister’s cause with overwhelming enthusiasm. "PortAventura, PortAventura!" he shouted, lightly pounding the table with his fists. "I saw a hotel that offers park tickets. We can go every day!" His dream was to ride an attraction he had seen in a video, with twists and drops that made Manuel slightly dizzy just listening to it.
Costa Brava or Costa Dorada, Tossa de Mar, Spain or Salou, Spain. The plan for summer 2026 was already on the Ruiz family’s table. On one side, Manuel and Laura longed for the serenity of the Costa Brava, its beachside landscapes, and its charming small hotels. On the other side, Julia and Lucas were eager to enjoy the energy of the Costa Dorada, the comfort of an all-inclusive hotel in Salou, Spain, and the proximity to the PortAventura theme park.
In the following days, the Ruiz home became a lively vacation debate. The balance seemed to tip one way, then the other. One day, Manuel found an irresistible offer at a hotel with sea views in Tossa de Mar, Spain, and the scale leaned toward calm. The next day, Julia discovered a family package for a hotel in Salou, Spain, including all-inclusive at a very good price, and excitement gained ground again.
Perhaps, just perhaps, summer 2026 could accommodate both dreams: a few days of charming tranquility on the Costa Brava to start, followed by a shot of pure fun on the Costa Dorada. Negotiations were open, and summer promised to be memorable.
Tags
Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, family holidays, hotels in Tossa de Mar, Spain, hotels in Salou, Spain
