Alcossebre has been a family destination for decades: a town of about 2,000 year-round residents that welcomes many families from Aragón, Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country every summer. Family holidays here are simple: beach in the morning, pool and siesta in the heat of the day, a stroll and an ice cream at sunset.
A typical day in Alcossebre with children
This is the rhythm that works best in July and August for a family staying at the Al Andalus complex:
| Time | Plan | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Beach, sandcastles and a swim | Cargador beach, a 7-minute walk |
| Midday | Lunch in the apartment or in town | Apartment terrace or the town's restaurants |
| Early afternoon | Siesta and the children's pool | The complex's garden and pools |
| Sunset | Seafront promenade, ice cream and games on the sand | Cargador promenade and Senda Litoral |
| Evening | Dinner on the terrace | Al Andalus complex |
In summer the middle of the day reaches average highs of around 29-30 °C according to AEMET, so the complex pool and the shade of the garden are the best refuge for the little ones.
Cargador beach, the town's family beach
Cargador beach (Carregador) is Alcossebre's central beach: 850 metres of fine sand about 70 metres wide, an unbroken Blue Flag record since 1987 and a promenade running its whole length. It's the closest to Al Andalus and the easiest with children thanks to its sand, accessibility and the facilities along the promenade. We tell you all about it on the page Cargador beach with children.
Pools: the afternoon plan
Having a children's pool in the complex itself transforms a holiday with young children. At the Al Andalus complex the children's pool is separate from the adult pool and surrounded by lawn, so parents can keep an eye on them without leaving the garden. Remember the pools are seasonal and have opening hours. There's more detail in the Al Andalus complex.
If you fancy something different one day, the nearest water park with verified information is Aquarama Benicàssim, about 35 km away (around 35 minutes by car), with some 18 rides.
Summer activities for children and teenagers
- Sailing: the Club de Vela Alcossebre, at the Las Fuentes marina, has an accredited sailing school. It's a great activity for older children and teenagers who want to learn to sail.
- Paddleboarding and kayaking: paddleboards can be hired on Cargador beach, and there are kayak companies in town. Check minimum ages with each company.
- Children's areas on the beach: the Alcossebre tourism website says Cargador, Les Fonts and Romana beaches have a children's area or activities in season.
- Boat trips: excursions leave from the marina; some visit the Columbretes Islands.
Companies change from year to year: check the current list on the page water sports in Alcossebre.
Summer market and fiestas
- Alcossebre street market: Tuesday afternoons, from May to October, near the seafront promenade (Camí l'Atall, from Avenida Blasco Ibáñez). It's a short stroll from Al Andalus and children love it.
- Saint John's Night (Noche de San Juan) in June and the Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista, the town's main festival, between August and September.
Dates and programmes change every year: check them at the Alcossebre Tourist Info or on the town's tourism website.
If you're after coves and playgrounds
This guide focuses on the town beach, the pools and summer in town. If you'd like to discover the Serra d'Irta coves best suited to children and Alcossebre's playgrounds, there's a dedicated guide at coves and playgrounds for children in Alcossebre.
Practical tips for families
- Book July and August early: they're the busiest months.
- Bring a parasol: there's plenty of space on the Cargador, but shade is up to you.
- Towels are not included in the apartments: bring your own.
- Ask for a cot when you book if you're travelling with a baby.
- Pets are not allowed at the complex.