El Delfin Verde Resort in Spain
We are not long back from our first trip to El Delfin Verde Resort, a premier resort nestled along the stunning Costa Brava in Spain and I can honestly say it was such an easy and relaxing family holiday in a gorgeous part of Spain.
El Delfin Verde is famous for its stunning coastal views, family-friendly amenities, and lively atmosphere for all ages. With beautiful beaches, large pools, varied dining, and fun activities, our stay was full of memorable moments. I look forward to sharing tips for an unforgettable family holiday at this amazing destination
Family Accommodation at El Delfin Verde Resort
Originally booked into the Fonollera accommodation, we upgraded to Mowgli for its additional space, which I believe is worth the extra money. Mowgli is newer, luxurious, and spacious, with a charming outdoor area amid lush surroundings that expands the living space. On rainy days, the covered outdoor area was ideal for reading or card games.
A variety of accommodations are available, and if I were to go again, I would be torn between the Barcelona Bungalows and the Mowgli bungalows. The downside to Mowgli was the kid’s reluctance to use the mezzanine due to a few spiders on the first night. Still, I loved the interiors and outdoor space. Barcelona Bungalows are more modern, with clean lines and extra room.
For families, I recommend paying extra to stay near the smaller pools. It was perfect for our kids to come and go as they pleased, away from the main pool’s activity. These pools are shallow and safe.
Getting To El Delfin Verde
We flew from Cork to Girona Airport, just a 45-minute drive from the campsite. Barcelona Airport is about two hours away, and Perpignan in southern France is only an hour and a half away. Our two-week stay in the Mowgli accommodation, the most expensive option, cost €2570. The Fonollera would have been €1570, and the Barcelona bungalows were priced somewhere in between. There are no tour operators at El Delfin Verde, so accommodation must be booked directly. Bookings open in late September or early October and fill up quickly.
Car hire was very reasonable, though finding a seven-seater at Girona Airport can be challenging. Car transfers were approximately €170 return for a standard car and €339 return for a 12-seater through Ziptransfers. We used Budget and found them extremely good to deal with.
Many have asked about the need for a car. We stayed for two weeks and love to explore, so we would rent a car again. The nearest town isn’t within walking distance, and the location is somewhat remote. However, you could manage without a car, as the site has everything except a pharmacy. For a one-week stay, a car is not necessary. A taxi to the local town costs €15 each way. The historic town of Pals is a short drive in the other direction, with a similar taxi fare. You can also arrange to rent a car for a day, delivered to reception, and bikes are available on-site for €25 a day.
Family Activities at El Delfin Verde
The extensive waterpark at El Delfin Verde offers plenty for all ages, though the larger slides close during siesta. While the waterpark is perfect for younger kids, older teens may tire of it after a while, unlike our experience at Union Lido in Italy, where the teens never got bored. Onsite activities include several playgrounds and a sports area with basketball, table tennis, badminton, and tennis courts, some of which require a fee, such as tennis for €16.
A particular highlight for my 8-year-old was the kids club, which was extremely well-run by an excellent team of energetic and fun youngsters from the animation crew. Lonán eagerly skipped into the kids club each morning, delighted to see the staff she recognised from the stage and evening discos. She always received a warm welcome and was greeted by name, which is especially important for shy kids.
The evening entertainment is one feature that really stands out at El Delfin Verde and is one of the reasons I would return. Family shows are held every evening, featuring amazing costumes, music, and dance routines, even though the actors mime. Before the shows, discos and games take place in the central amphitheater, surrounded by bars and restaurants, creating the perfect setting for family evenings.
The onsite beach is sandy but gets deep quickly, and jet skis are available for rent. We rented bikes one day and cycled to the nearby beach, Platja de Pals. Bike rentals are €8 for two hours, and I highly recommend a cycling trip, as El Delfin Verde is located in a national park area with beautiful scenery.
Nearby El Delfin Verde
Two villages worth visiting in the area are Begur and Pals. Pals, dating back to the 9th century, has been a site of historical interest since 1973. Its winding cobbled streets lead to the highest point, where the mirador Josep Pla offers panoramic views. At the center stands the church of Sant Pere, over 1,000 years old. As you wander to the top, you’ll find beautiful shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. Begur, in my opinion, is even more beautiful and is about a 25-minute drive from the campsite. This hidden gem in the Costa Brava boasts crystal-clear waters and scenic beaches.
Many have also asked about visiting Barcelona. We made a day trip to Barcelona, and there are a few options available. You can take a train from the nearby town of Flaçá, 25 minutes from the campsite, which takes up to two hours, or travel to Girona for a high-speed direct train that takes approximately 40 minutes. Driving to the outskirts of Barcelona takes about an hour and a half, and then you need to take a train into the city, as Barcelona is a low-emissions zone.
Barcelona was definitely a highlight of this holiday, particularly for the teens. We made the most of our one day there, taking a cable car over the city, visiting the Sagrada Familia, and doing a hop-on tour bus to see the city. My main recommendation is to prioritise Parc Guell, a perfect spot for families to relax and explore. The Passeig de Gracia, the main shopping street of Barcelona, is well worth a visit. There was something for everyone along this street, and even just admiring some of the high-end designer stores from afar was an experience.
Family Dining, El Delfin Verde
In terms of food options, the on-site supermarket offers a wide variety of reasonably priced choices. Rotisserie chicken, a popular meal for families, can be purchased for €13.50 along with fresh rolls from the on-site bakery. Takeaway pizza was also a hit with our crew, especially since gluten-free options were available. While the on-site restaurants offered good variety, we found them quite expensive and limited in gluten-free choices.
Dining options include Asian, Mexican, Italian, and the main Mediterranean restaurant. Our favourites were the Asian and Mexican, but the Asian restaurant only opened on our second last night, and the Mexican was only open during the day while we were there. The main restaurant and the Italian overlook the amphitheater, providing instant entertainment to keep the kids occupied. After a few days, the on-site restaurants can feel repetitive, so we explored lovely dining options in the nearby towns of Begur, Pals, or L’Estartit.
Another facility worth mentioning is the laundry, which costs only €6 per load for a self-service wash or dry. This amenity makes family life easier, allowing us to return home with a suitcase full of clean clothes ready to be put away.
Summary
Overall, I highly recommend and would return to El Delfin Verde Resort. While Union Lido Park surpasses it in some aspects, the night entertainment at El Delfin Verde is far superior. Additionally, El Delfin Verde is more compact and user-friendly compared to the extensive Union Lido campsite, making it a more convenient choice for families who wish to avoid larger sites. The combination of excellent amenities, engaging entertainment, and beautiful surroundings made for a memorable holiday experience.
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