Spain was the second most visited country in the world in 2024, behind France. A land of golden sands, delicious traditional dishes, stunning architecture and bustling cities, Spain has something to offer every traveller. If you’re thinking about booking a holiday in Spain but don’t know where to go, this guide is packed with ideas on spain for families to give you inspiration.
This is a collaborative post.
Beach holidays
It would be remiss to jump into a travel guide for families without starting at the beach, especially in a country like Spain. Spain is famed for seaside breaks due to its enviable weather and long stretches of golden beaches.
The obvious places to start for a beach break are the Costa del Sol, the Costa Brava and the Costa Blanca. Popular resorts include Puerto Banus, Marbella, Estepona, Lloret de Mar, Benidorm, Torremolinos, Tossa de Mar, Salou and Fuengirola. The Spanish islands, including Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca and the Canary Islands, are also perennial high-fliers in the beach break stakes. These resorts and destinations are ideal for families who want sunshine, easy access to amenities, child-friendly activities and facilities and a wide range of accommodation options. They’re also served by regular flights.
In addition, for those keen to experience a different kind of beach holiday away from the crowds and buzzing resorts, Spain has some lesser-known gems. Examples include Formentera, a tiny island surrounded by azure waters off the coast of Ibiza, Calella de Palafrugell on the Costa Brava and Playa de la Barrosa on Costa de la Luz.
Picture source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-view-of-park-guell-in-barcelona-spain-32506753/
City breaks
City breaks might not be your first choice of holiday types if you have kids, but they have a huge amount to offer. Not only are cities ideal for keeping youngsters entertained, but they also provide great bases for learning, trying new things and making magical memories. Spain is a brilliant destination for a family-friendly city break, with plenty of options to suit all ages and interests.
Madrid
Madrid, the capital, is a good place to start. A busy city with lots to see and do, Madrid is also friendly, welcoming and accessible, making it an excellent choice for families. From handy amenities like luggage storage in Madrid to explore without carting bags around to affordable public transport options to get from A to B with minimal stress, there are lots of child-friendly perks and amenities. Highlights for your Madrid itinerary include Parque del Retiro, a verdant oasis in the heart of the city, Museo del Prado, one of the world’s most famous art galleries, and the Royal Palace of Madrid. Kids will also love the city’s zoo and aquarium. If you’re willing to venture further afield, popular day trip destinations include Segovia and Toledo.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the next recommendation for a city break with kids. If you love the idea of sightseeing and chilling out in the sun, this is the place for you. Offering easy access to the beach and an abundance of urban parks, Barcelona offers the best of both worlds. Must-see attractions include Las Ramblas, Parc Guell, La Sagrada Familia and Camp Nou for any football fans. There’s also a theme park, Tibidabo, and a zoo.
Valencia
Valencia is another fabulous option for families searching for culture and relaxation. Like Barcelona, Valencia occupies an enviable spot on the coast. Nestled on the Mediterranean Sea, it affords easy access to golden beaches as well as shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and a beautiful, quintessentially Andalusian old town.
Picture via https://www.pexels.com/photo/tents-surrounded-by-trees-1309584/
Camping trips
Being outside and camping isn’t for everyone, but there are some incredible advantages to camping holidays. Camping is more affordable than traditional package holidays and it allows you to get off the beaten track, explore, enjoy the great outdoors and take in spectacular views.
Although, we might think about Spain as a destination for conventional family-friendly resort holidays, but it’s a great place to camp. You can choose from sprawling campsites with all the facilities you could ever possibly need or opt for a low-key, small-scale site surrounded by nature or flanked by the sea. It’s best to research beforehand and pinpoint destinations that interest you. Read reviews, get advice from fellow travellers and check websites to find out more about campsites and what they offer. Popular places to camp in Spain include the Costa Brava, Costa Dorada and the Costa del Sol.
Before you book a camping trip in Spain, it is wise to think about how you want to spend your time and check the weather conditions. If you’re desperate to enjoy some downtime and you’re planning a summer trip but don’t want to battle boiling temperatures, you may want to opt for glamping cabins or huts with air conditioning and access to swimming pools and beaches.
Image from https://pixabay.com/photos/children-girl-hiking-trail-4355469/
Activity breaks
Spain is synonymous with relaxing breaks involving vivid blue pools and white sands. It’s also a fantastic base for activity holidays. Maybe you love to explore, and you’re a fan of outdoor hobbies and sports? Or you just want to get away from your sunbed for a couple of days? Whatever the motivation, there’s scope to enjoy a broad spectrum of activities. Examples include hiking, winter sports, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking and canyoning.
Furthermore, Spain’s geography lends itself to outdoor adventures. The Sierra Nevada is a hub for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. In the summer, hiking, cycling and climbing are the go to. In the Pyrenees, there are more awe-inspiring views for keen walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
It’s also worth noting that many of the larger and more established beach resorts offer water sports, such as paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing and windsurfing. Fans of surfing should head north. The coastlines of Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country are known for their powerful, thundering waves.
Spain for families: A final destination
Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for families. Offering everything from fun-filled city breaks to chilled-out beach days, Spain caters to everyone. If you’re thinking about booking a trip to Spain, it’s beneficial to explore your options. You can head to famous, well-loved beach resorts or get off the beaten track. See the sights in the cities or get the adrenaline flowing with an activity break. Research, outline your holiday goals and priorities and choose a destination that aligns with your wishlist.
Finally, we hope you like these ideas for Spain – why not check out our travel section for more inspiration? We’ve got some great articles including these for family travel:
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Helen
Helen Neale
Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, website editor and a qualified counsellor with experience of working with both children and adults.She is a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapists, with her own private practise. She also freelances with her local Mind organisation.Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, use those grey cells at the same time, and supplement her counselling income.KiddyCharts has reach of over 680k across socials and the site. The site works with big family brands to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10. She is a specialist counsellor for neurodivergent individuals and brings this expertise to her resources and the site. She is also an ADHDer herself.KiddyCharts gives 51%+ profits to charities, focused on supporting mental health and a community in TanzaniaHelen has also worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on.Get in touch TODAY!