Planning your trip to Spain with kids can be daunting. It seems impossible to know where to begin! When’s the best time to visit? Will our eye-rolling teen even appreciate the trip and enjoy themselves? The answer is yes, and we can help you with that! We customize family holiday itineraries to Spain for travelers of all ages, tastes, travel styles, and budgets. Whether you try crispy churros on a kid-friendly food tour in Barcelona or learn how to make a delicious paella with your darling tween in Valencia, we’ve got you covered. Read this comprehensive guide about what to do in Spain with family – whether you’ve got toddlers, adolescents, or adult children!
The Best Places to Go in Spain: Family Destinations
Madrid: A Multitude of Museums and Royal Grandeur
Madrid is the capital, and it’s one of the best places to visit and learn about Spain’s history. With its world-renowned museums and opulent avenues, Madrid exudes regal splendor. Visit the lavish Palacio Royal, which aptly overlooks the Rio Manzanares. This extensive building of baroque and Classicist architecture has a whopping 3,418 rooms and is the largest functioning royal palace in Europe. Inside is the Royal Armoury of Madrid, where kids will love seeing the real-life armor and military weapons worn by the kings of Spain and other royal members, dating back from the 13th century.
Find tranquility amidst the bustling metropolis in Retiro Park, once used privately by the royal family for mock naval battles, pageants, and bullfights. Today, it’s a laid-back urban retreat with leafy avenues and a peaceful lake to rent rowboats.
Get cultured at the Prado Museum, one of the world’s greatest collections of Spanish paintings, namely by Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Goya. The kids will love scrutinizing Velazquez’s “Las Meninas,” where the artist cleverly paints himself into the world’s first photobombs. Other remarkable museums are the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso’s “Guernica,” and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, where you’ll find recognizable paintings by Dalí, El Greco, Monet, and Picasso.
For adrenaline-inducing adventures, take a thrilling tour on a Segway while stopping at important monuments like the central Puerta del Sol or the historic Plaza Mayor.
Older children will love a mysterious “haunted Madrid” or “ghosts and legends” tour. These paranormal routes will tell you about creepy curiosities, bizarre legends, and unsolved tales, uncovering the mad side of Madrid.
Go on a private, kid-friendly tapas tour and taste some of the authentic madrileño flavors of traditional tapas like aged Manchego cheese or melt-in-your-mouth jamón ibérico at Mercado de San Miguel. For a taste of history, dine at Casa Botín, the oldest running restaurant in the world, where Hemingway once savored the iconic suckling pig.
Barcelona: Architectural Avante-Garde and Beach Bliss
Barcelona is one of the best places in Spain for kids, ages 0 to 99. It’s truly a city that has it all: captivating Catalan culture, modernist architecture, sandy beaches, and even breathtaking mountains, all within reasonable distance for traveling.
Kids and teens will be captivated by the unusual and iconic Sagrada Familia church by Antoni Gaudí, where you’ll find symbols hidden on its elaborate facades or glowing-white interior. They will also love Gaudi’s other creation, the fantastical Park Guell, where colorful mosaics, palm trees shaped from rocks, and a serpentine bench offer a panoramic view of the city.
Adventurous tweens, teens, and young adults will love to try flyboarding at the Platja del Forum by the Mediterranean Sea, where they can experience an exhilarating combination of water sports and adrenaline-pumping excitement.
Fill up your energy and enjoy Barcelona’s gastronomy scene. Head to the neighborhood of La Barceloneta and taste the fideua, a seafood dish made of short noodles and loaded with delicacies like cuttlefish, shrimp, and monkfish. Take a kid-friendly food tour in the Gothic Quarter, where you can sample warm, crispy churros dipped in thick, hot chocolate. If you don’t do a tour, try churros directly at Xurreria Trebol, a local favorite hotspot.
Just an hour’s drive away from Barcelona are the serrated mountains of Montserrat, both a hiker’s and pilgrim’s paradise. Visit the serene Montserrat Monastery and church, explore one of the many hiking trails, and soak in the stunning views.
For a laidback beachy excursion, stroll the whitewashed streets of Sitges, a small coastal town just 30 minutes away. Sitges’ historic quarter has beautiful narrow lanes lined with bougainvillea and picturesque squares.
Seville: Passionate Flamenco and Historic Marvels
Seville embodies the essence of Spain! The Real Alcazar, one of the oldest palaces in the world, enchants visitors of all ages with its rooms finely detailed with elaborate plasterwork, complicated tiling designs, and coffered ceilings. Visit the romantic Plaza de España, a favorite movie location of Star Wars fans.
You can’t miss the largest Gothic church in the world, the Catedral de Sevilla in the city center. Your kids will witness the majestic tomb of the acclaimed explorer, Christopher Columbus, carried by four symbolic figures representing the four Spanish kingdoms during his life: Castille, Aragon, Navarre, and Leon. Kids will love climbing up the Giralda Tower and getting panoramic views of the city.
No family vacation in Spain is complete without watching a fiery flamenco show inspired by the Andalusian gypsy culture. Older kids will be entertained by this ensemble art as passionate dancers, singers, guitarists, and palmeros (hand clappers) ignite the audience. It is truly an energizing spectacle!
One of the best leisurely family activities in Seville is to sail along the Guadalquivir River on a scenic boat ride, which cuts through the city. You’ll pass by the historic Torre del Oro and the enchanting Triana neighborhood.
Take an easy day trip to Itálica, a nearby, ancient Roman city with one of the most well-preserved ruins. Your kids’ imagination will run wild, imagining the spectacular gladiator battles that took place in one of the largest amphitheaters in the Roman Empire.
Valencia: Futuristic Wonders and Coastal Serenity
In eastern Spain, Valencia is where futuristic architecture harmonizes with the eastern Mediterranean style. The City of Arts and Sciences is a scientific and cultural leisure complex featuring the Oceanogràfic, Europe’s biggest aquarium. It also has the Hemisfèric (a digital 3D cinema with screenings for kids), the Science Museum, and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia. For a family-friendly wildlife encounter, explore Valencia Bioparc.
Valencia’s Old Town (Ciutat Vella) has historical landmarks such as the Valencia Cathedral, Plaza de la Reina, and the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), all of which can be visited during a family-friendly tour of the city.
During downtime, catch some rays or have a picnic at Malvarrosa Beach. Afterwards, stroll down the breezy Malvarrosa Promenade and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Valencia is the birthplace of Spain’s most famous dish, the paella. Unleash your inner chef and book a private kid-friendly paella cooking classes to master the art of making this iconic meal.
And while you’re savoring the flavors of Valencia, quench your thirst with the refreshing drink, the horchata (orxata in Valencian). It’s prepared with tiger nuts, which are washed, soaked, and then blended with water. It’s sweetened with sugar and sometimes flavored with cinnamon or vanilla.
Other Destinations: Beyond the Cities
Best Beaches for Families
- Visit one of Spain’s southern coastal beauties, like the sun-soaked Costa del Sol, which gets 300 days of sunshine a year. Head to the stylish Marbella, a celebrity magnet, Torremolinos the holiday haven, or the beautiful Málaga, Picasso’s hometown.
- For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Costa de la Luz where unspoilt and sandy beaches attract a beautiful light. Tarifa is a popular windsurfing spot, while Zahara de los Atunes is a low-key tourist resort.
- The Costa Brava, or the “wild coast”, in northeastern Spain is where you’ll find charming coastal towns such as Cadaqués, Tossa de Mar, and Begur. Kids and teenagers would love the bizarre Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, the artist’s hometown.
- For a taste of the exotic, escape to the beautiful beaches and volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, where you’ll find both black volcanic and golden sands. One of the top attractions in Tenerife is Loro Parque, a zoo and animal theme park, or Mount Teide, an active volcano and Spain’s highest peak.
Best Cities in Spain for History and Culture
- Drive through the pueblos blancos (white villages) in southern Spain, a collection of enchanting villages characterized by whitewashed buildings, narrow winding streets, and a rich Andalusian heritage. Explore iconic villages such as Ronda, Arcos de la Frontera, and Zahara de la Sierra. Engage in traditional artisan workshops, where children can try their hand at pottery.
- One of the top things to visit in Spain with kids is the Alhambra in Granada, a UNESCO World Heritage site that blends Moorish and Christian architectural styles. Wander through the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and the Alcazaba fortress, marveling at intricate tilework, stunning courtyards, and panoramic views of Granada.
- The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is one of the most popular places to visit in Spain. Wander through the horseshoe arches and red-and-white striped archways that reflect Islamic and Christian influences.
- Step back in time to the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, an engineering marvel built in the first century AD. Marvel at the precision of the towering aqueduct arches that stretch across the city. Explore other well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Alcázar of Segovia, a fairy-tale castle that resembles the iconic Disney castle. It features turrets, towers, and a drawbridge. Kids can enjoy exploring the castle’s rooms and towers and imagining medieval tales.
- The ancient city of Toledo makes it an easy day trip from Madrid, just an hour away by car. It’s often referred to as the “City of Three Cultures” due to its rich blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences. Admire well-preserved medieval architecture, including the imposing Toledo Cathedral and the Alcázar fortress. Walk along Toledo’s ancient walls to imagine the city’s medieval past and pass through historic gates such as Puerta del Sol and Puerta de Bisagra.
Best Places in Spain for Adventure
- On the adventurous side, blaze a trail in Northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Families can choose from various routes, including the Camino del Norte (Northern Way), which follows the northern coast of Spain, starting in Irun or San Sebastián and passing through cities like Bilbao, Santander, and Gijón.
- Conquer the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range famous for its snowy peaks and excellent opportunities for winter sports. The family-friendly ski resorts in Sierra Nevada, such as Pradollano, offer slopes for all skill levels, including beginners. Engage in winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, or even snowshoeing.
- Discover the rugged beauty of Picos de Europa, a gorgeous mountain range that extends across Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León. Families can explore its dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and alpine meadows. The Fuente Dé cable car gives you a spectacular ascent, providing panoramic views of the peaks and valleys below. For a unique adventure, consider a cool caving expedition in the limestone cave in Arriondas.
Tips for your Family Trip to Spain
Know the best time to come to Spain with your family.
The shoulder seasons, spring and fall, are ideal for exploring central and southern Spain, when temperatures are milder and attractions are not ridiculously crowded. Summer draws the most tourists, and it’s especially scorching in Andalusia, Madrid, and many coastal and inland towns. If you come in the summer, we suggest you visit beautiful Northern Spain to beat the heat. Winter, especially in the north, provides a unique charm with festive traditions and snow-capped mountains. Read more in our guide to when to come to Spain.
Consider renting a car on your family holiday.
If you want freedom and flexibility, consider renting a car exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Make it easy: download our free and informative eBook about renting a car in Spain. Take advantage of the AVE, Spain’s high-speed train system, which runs efficiently. It just takes two hours to go from Madrid to Barcelona.
Prioritize safety on your Spain vacation.
Have a document handy for local emergency phone numbers, healthcare information, and emergency contacts. Also, keep a close eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing occurs in larger Spanish cities. Read more safety tips in Spain here!
Keep a flexible itinerary.
Staying flexible during a family trip to Spain is key to a seamless trip. Make sure to manage the energy of each family member. Try mixing a higher-octane activity in the morning (a Segway tour) with a chill activity (a stroll at Retiro Park) after that big, coma-inducing Spanish lunch.
Book your accommodation near the main attractions.
Stay in a central location for easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and public transportation. This minimizes travel time and maximizes fun time. Consider staying in boutique hotels or guesthouses for a more authentic “like a local” Spain experience. Need help choosing where to stay? We can plan your whole trip for you!
FAQs
Where in Spain is good for families?
Coastal regions like Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and the Balearic Islands are excellent for families in Spain because of their family-friendly beaches, activities, and resorts.
Is Spain a good destination for kids?
Yes, Spain is a fantastic destination for children, with its family-friendly resorts, theme parks like Port Aventura, and engaging cultural and historic experiences, making it enjoyable for kids of all ages.
What is the number one attraction in Spain?
The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is often considered Spain’s top attraction. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, this iconic basilica is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate design, drawing millions of visitors each year.
This luxury Spanish itinerary is just a snippet of what we plan. Whether you’re visiting big cities like Barcelona or Madrid or want to stay in a rural, rustic village, the family can enjoy Spain in many ways. Nothing is too much to ask. We can plan a multi-generational trip to Spain that suits everyone’s needs, no matter which Spanish region or season you visit. Contact us for a casual chat!
Leave a Reply