Spain is an amazing destination for your family vacation. You will enjoy the warm temperature and the loving culture that Spanish people nurture. When it comes to Spain, there are so many great destinations that it’s hard to choose which places to visit, and it gets overwhelming if you add kids to the question, that’s why I have gathered the best vacation spots in Spain for families.
Want to take a Spain vacation with the whole family? Don’t ignore these top destinations in Spain for kids, and please everyone at once. It offers amazing beaches, beautiful museums, parks, and cultural sights. To help you make a decision faster, check out this useful guide and find the best places to visit in Spain for a family vacation
Over 2.65 million American tourists visited Spain in 2017. There should be a warm welcome to American tourists, as they rank in the top ten in importance to Spain. Americans clearly love Spain in return.
Best places to visit in Spain with family
Because Spaniards love kids they are happy to incorporate child-friendly facilities into everyday life. Dining is one of the ways they include children in their thinking. Children are welcomed in most restaurants and even in many bars.
There are tons of activities to do anywhere in Spain. In a country with such diversity, you will never lack.
Restaurants in many tourist locations are not formal, and so children can feel comfortable making a little noise and even wandering around. Expect a little attention from Spanish people, as it’s normal to talk to children and even pat them on the head or ruffle their hair.
Traveling with kids can be difficult, but you shouldn’t have any special problems in Spain. Everything you need is freely available in Spain, so only pack supplies for a few days. You may find that pharmacies and supermarkets are not open on Sunday, but otherwise expect to be able to buy everything you need in Spain.
Where to Go?
Spain is a diverse country with lots of options for different kinds of holiday. The inland areas offer beautiful countryside, quaint ancient villages, and historic castles. There’s plenty to see and do.
The Mediterranean Sea coast has beaches and dramatic rocky shores. Both have their attractions, but it’s the beaches that attract kids the most. Many of the beaches have a gentle slope and so are child-friendly.
Warm water and clean beaches mean that a day on the beach is a simple solution to keeping the kids entertained. There are also water sports and water parks with thrills and spills for all ages.
If your kids want more than the beach, try spending some time in a city. There are museums, architecture, parks, and attractions to interest even the most difficult to please children. For more ideas, read this guide to travel in Spain.
1. Barcelona
The capital city of Catalonia on the east coast of Spain is Barcelona. This ancient and modern city offers beaches, museums, spectacular architecture, and sporting attractions. You have plenty of places to visit in Barcelona.
Eating out is fun, with tapas being a wonderful style of eating that can keep kids engaged. Choose from a range of tasty bite-sized delights that make eating a collaborative exercise. Try new things and share the food with the family.
The quirky nature of Gaudi’s architecture can interest kids in a way that more conventional architecture doesn’t. Visit the Park Güell and perhaps Casa Batlló to experience the architecture that is most identified with Barcelona.
The Camp Nou is the home of one of the top soccer teams in the world. Barcelona fans won’t thank you for calling their game soccer. Here it’s called fútbol or football.
La Rambla is a bustling shopping street with plenty to interest the whole family. Keep the kids close as it does get very crowded. While it generally feels safe, you should take some sensible precautions against pickpockets.
2. Marbella
Andalusia has its own identity within Spain. In Malaga on the Costa del Sol, the mountains of the interior give way to Mediterranean beaches.
The climate makes it perfect for beach holidays. There are low rainfall and many days of sunshine. If you get tired of the beach, or you need entertainment in the evening, there are botanical gardens and cultural events.
3. Playa de la Concha, San Sebastián
The Basque Country boasts many wonderful beaches, but Playa de la Concha is one of the most beautiful. It’s a city beach but unlike some city beaches that suffer from overuse, this one has clean golden sand.
The shell-shaped bay, which gives the beach its name, is protected by a mountain on each side. The bay also incorporates a harbor and the city of San Sebastián. Take a walk from one end of the beach to the other and spend a little time paddling in the warm water.
The mountains protect the beach so the wind never gets strong and the waves never get too big. This makes it excellent for kids to play, swim and even do water sports. There are water slides and you can rent canoes.
4. Menorca
Menorca has many towns on the coastline. All the Balearic Islands are great for kids. There are sun, sea, and attractions aplenty. Menorca offers great child-friendly activities including diving, paddleboarding, and sailing. The mountains are also spectacular, with hiking and mountain biking available.
5. Castillo de Loarre
There are fairytale castles all over Spain but this 11th-century castle is especially spectacular. Take a self-guided tour with the children unless they understand Spanish.
The castle overlooks open plains and includes a spooky crypt and a Romanesque chapel. If you and the kids have the energy, climb one or two of the towers.
6. Las Lagunas de la Mata, Torrevieja
The wetland system of Las Lagunas de la Mata is an internationally recognized protection zone for birds and wildlife. There are walking and cycling routes that will appeal to kids who appreciate studying wildlife. The salty lagoons provide habitat for flamingos and other exotic species.
7. Madrid
The capital city of Spain is Madrid. Visit the royal palace, Plaza de España, and Parque del Oeste to cover all the bases. History, shopping, and beautiful gardens.
Take a trip on Madrid’s cable car known as the Teleférico. The views of the city are wonderful and the ride ends at a restaurant.
8. Oceanogràfic, Valencia
The large aquariums at Oceanogràfic contain more sharks than any other aquarium in Europe. There are also Beluga whales, jellyfish, rays and clownfish.
The park features several marine environments, shows and places to eat. Any child or adult can’t fail to be fascinated.
9. Tower of Hercules
The Tower of Hercules is evidence of the use of lighthouses by ancient civilizations. It stands at the entrance to the harbor of La Coruña in the northwest of Spain. It dates from the 1st century A.D. and was built by the Romans.
The tower is partly original Roman stone and partly restored in the 18th century. Its historical significance is recognized internationally but it is also an impressive visitor attraction.
10. Alhambra, Granada
A palace is always an exciting attraction for kids and the Alhambra is no exception. It was originally a Roman fortification. Later it was rebuilt by the Moors and after the reconquest of Spain, it became the royal palace of Ferdinand and Isabella.
Christopher Columbus was given royal approval for his exploration of the Americas here. It’s now a UNESCO world heritage site and well worth a visit.
11. Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest island of the seven Spanish Canary Islands. Located off the west coast of Africa, Tenerife offers volcanic landscapes, lush forests, green valleys, and even black sand beaches. It’s a perfect place to go hiking or unwinding at the beach.
You will be able to visit Mount Teide- the highest peak in Spain. It’s located in the Teide National Park, which is great to stop by. The weather is always nice, and you can go whale or dolphin watching.
If you like history, check out the Museum of Nature and Man, and you’ll find important artifacts for Tenerife and the other Canary Islands. You can also enroll in Masca Hike.
12. Costa Dorada
Also known as the Golden Coast, Costa Dorada is a perfect family vacation place, in the heart of the Mediterranean. It’s a place filled with history and culture on every corner. You can enjoy towns that still have ancient Roman ruins and the impact of Julius Cezar.
The best cities for visiting are Salou, Cambrils, and Calafell and they have been accredited as the best family destinations in Costa Dorada.
If you are bringing your kids, don’t miss out on PortAventura, located a short distance from Salou. The park has great activities and one of them is “Shambhala”, Europe’s fastest and tallest roller coaster.
13. Bilbao
Bilbao is another great place to visit while in Spain. If you are thinking about how you will visit all these cities, you might want to book private jets online to travel faster. The city is known as “The city of the Guggenheim”.
Bilbao has been transformed since the museum was built in 1997. You can explore Casco Viejo and enjoy the delicious tapas in Spanish cuisine. Make sure you stop by Parque Etxebarria for the best views of Bilbao.
Take a Trip
Spain has much to offer the whole family, but especially the kids. It’s educational, fun and child-friendly. Visit Spain for kids and more.
Browse our blog site for more family-friendly holiday tips.
