Spain with the Kids!

[Alan_5077225]

Has anyone got any suggestions for a first time trip to the Barcalona area in 2006? We've got two kids (4&6) and would like suggestions of where to go and the best way to get there? i.e. ferry to santander or drive from the French northern ports (Calais or Cherbourg) We would really appreciate any hardened travellers advice.

 

[MikeG1]

Did it this year. I found that the difference in the distance between crossing to Santander or Bilbao wasn't great enough to warrent paying the extra for the ferry. Drove down in 2 days or if you add it up it would probably work out about 15 hours actual traveling time. I crossed to Caen, shouldn't be much different from Calais, travelled to Clermont Ferrand for an over night stop then carried on from there. Left Caen at about 7.45am and got to Clermont at 4.30pm with a few stops for breakfast, lunch and fuel etc. Left the next day at about 8.45 and arrived on coast near Girona at about 4pm with stops and one longish stop for site seeing at the Millau viaduct. If you need any more info let me know.

Mike

 

[Alan_5077225]

Did it this year. I found that the difference in the distance between crossing to Santander or Bilbao wasn't great enough to warrent paying the extra for the ferry. Drove down in 2 days or if you add it up it would probably work out about 15 hours actual traveling time. I crossed to Caen, shouldn't be much different from Calais, travelled to Clermont Ferrand for an over night stop then carried on from there. Left Caen at about 7.45am and got to Clermont at 4.30pm with a few stops for breakfast, lunch and fuel etc. Left the next day at about 8.45 and arrived on coast near Girona at about 4pm with stops and one longish stop for site seeing at the Millau viaduct. If you need any more info let me know.

Mike

Thanks for that mike. what was the site like for kids, is it close to the coast, where do I find it o my map and have you got any details for contacting them? I appreciate it's a lot of info to ask but we're trying to get as much info as possible - Al

 

[OldBean]

If you're prepared to go just a little further (just south of Tarragona) I can highly recommend the site 'Cambrils Park'. It's absolutely first class, clean facilities, with everything you could need on site, two super pools, one with 'squirty elephant' fountains for the children - and it's just a short walk (though there is a busy road to cross) to a sandy beach. If you can possibly go outside July/August you can use Camping Cheques there, which cost just

 

[Alan_5077225]

If you're prepared to go just a little further (just south of Tarragona) I can highly recommend the site 'Cambrils Park'. It's absolutely first class, clean facilities, with everything you could need on site, two super pools, one with 'squirty elephant' fountains for the children - and it's just a short walk (though there is a busy road to cross) to a sandy beach. If you can possibly go outside July/August you can use Camping Cheques there, which cost just

 

[MikeG1]

El Delpin Verdi. Very large site but very clean, right on the beach but not cheap. Good size pitches too.

http://www.eldelfinverde.com/
Mike

 

[OldBean]

Thanks for that - how do you contact the site , is there an e-mail or web address - Alan

The website is http://www.cambrilspark.es/Cambrils-Park.htm - and you can choose the language you want to use. I'd personally drive down through France rather than the Santander route - but we love driving through France anyway. The ferry through Calais is obviously the cheaper option, but this depends on your home address. If you use the Calais route then follow the Autoroute to Paris, take the Senlis turn off then head cross-country to Ermenonville, then on the N104 (FRancilienne) around Paris (avoids the most congested bit) then follow the Nevers signs and then Clermont Ferrand and on to the A75 which goes through wonderful countryside, down towards Montpellier, then head to Beziers and 'turn right' at the bottom towards Barcelona. You'll need overnight stops, but there are lots of lovely sites along the way which your children will also enjoy. Have a great time.