We visited Spain with kids and it is, without a doubt, one of our favourite European destinations. Family holidays in Spain are filled with history, culture, beaches and, of course, amazing food! During our 16 day Spain itinerary we explored some of the most beautiful places in Spain. And you can too!!
We learned very quickly that Spain is definitely one of the least expensive countries to visit in Europe. The cost of apartment rentals and food were much lower than in other destination. If you’re looking specifically for accommodations, skip to our recommendations below each destination below. We have some great recommendations for you, especially if you’re a family of five!
While
some aspects of Spanish culture remain consistent throughout the country, there
is so much diversity as you move from region to region. We loved exploring
Catalonia in the north, Andalusia in the south as well as Madrid in central Spain.
We long to return so we can experience Valencia, Castile Y Leon and Basque
Country.
16 Days in Spain: An Overview
Our 16 day Spain itinerary gave us a little bit of everything but there are so many places yet to explore! That said, when you only have a little over two weeks, you need to narrow down your stops.
We really try to have at least three nights in any given location (and yes, we did break that rule for our stop in Granada). We find that having at least three nights makes the visit less rushed and it’s easier to enjoy the area in which we’ve chosen to stay. You can try different restaurants and discover at least a few areas of the city. It also allows enough time in many locations to wander off the beaten path just a little and experience something unique that many visitors don’t get an opportunity to enjoy…. or at least see a few things beyond the top two or three things to do.
We hired several guides during our family holidays in Spain and they were all fantastic. Each and every one made our list of favourite private guides in Europe! While you can definitely follow the same route as us without a guide, especially if you’re comfortable hiring a car, we really enjoyed meeting a local in each location and we learned so much more than we would have on our own. These are just two great reasons to hire a private guide during your travels.
One thing I realized in planning a trip to Spain with kids is that I am truly fascinated by Spanish history, especially in so far as it relates to the timeframe of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. I read book after book about their lives and the lives of their children.
I was amazed during our visit that each location in which we stayed had a unique link to them whether it related to the discoveries of the great explorers (Barcelona and Cordoba) or to their lives (and deaths) in general (Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Madrid). Their storyline followed with us throughout our visit and I regularly told the kids little tidbits and stories as we travelled around the country.
If you like to read a bit before visiting a new destination, check out our upcoming list of my favourite books to read for travel to Spain.
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16
Day Spain Itinerary: In a Nutshell
Our
16 day Spain itinerary includes an array of Spain holiday destinations that are
super fun and exciting when visiting Spain with kids.
Day
1: Arrive in Barcelona
Days
1- 4: Barcelona
Day
4: Fly from Barcelona to Seville
Days
4-8 Seville
- Day trip to Jerez and Cadiz
Day
8: Drive from Seville to Granada via Setenil de las Bodegas and Rhonda
Day
8-10: Granada
Day
10: Train from Granada to Malaga and transfer to La Carihuela
Day
10-13: La Carihuela
Day
13: Train from Malaga to Madrid via Cordoba
Day
13-17: Madrid
Day
17: Fly out of Madrid
Our
Favourite Sights and Activities for Family Holidays in Spain
In the upcoming weeks I’ll be writing an individual blog post for each of these amazing locations and detailing each visit of our Spain itinerary so, if you haven’t already subscribed to the blog, why not subscribe now? (There’s a button on your right-hand side of your screen!) You wouldn’t want to miss our upcoming posts because they’ll be filled with detailed information and unique tidbits about each wonderful Spain holiday destination including some of the most beautiful places in Spain.
Our Top Five Things to do in Barcelona to add to your Spain Itinerary
Truly one of the most beautiful places in Spain is Barcelona. We enjoyed 3 amazing days in Barcelona. This incredible Catalonian city is the perfect Spain holiday destination and is easily added to our must-see list of places to visit during family holidays in Spain. We hesitated as we planned to spend most of our time in the south of Spain but I’m so glad we added Barcelona to our Spain itinerary.
1. Experience Gaudi Architecture
I had read about Gaudi before our visit
but honestly, you have to see his work to truly understand how incredible it
is. Its fun, fanciful and intricate! Both adults and kids will love it.
2. Explore the Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia was designed by Antoni Gaudi but it truly deserves its own spot on our list of favourites. We’ve visited many churches in Europe but the Sagrada Familia is the most exquisite. It’s like no other church or cathedral you’ve ever seen. Gaudi used mixed religion and nature to create the most unique and incredible cathedral we’ve ever visited. It’s a phenomenal location to visit during a family holiday in Spain.
3. Wander the Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter dates back over 2000 years and is a wonderful area to wander. We visited a few times when in Barcelona and always found a unique little corner. Its narrow medieval streets are filled with small restaurants and shops to explore.
Our favourite spots include an incredible Roman temple and the Barcelona Cathedral. You never know, if you time it right, you might see locals doing the traditional dance, la sardana in the church square! I’m so glad we added it to our Spain itinerary as the kids were fascinated by the traditional dance.
4. Visit Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach is incredibly close to the Gothic
Quarter and Las Ramblas but it is an absolutely fantastic location especially
when visiting Spain with kids. Even in mid-summer it wasn’t too busy and the
kids enjoyed swimming in the Mediterranean (their first time!) while we relaxed
with a cool drink.
5. Shop at Mercado de La Boqueria
One of the most popular
tourist destinations is the Mercado de La Boqueria. This market on La Rambla is
absolutely massive and has row upon row of incredible meats, vegetables, fish,
olives and so much more! Despite the crowds, there’s so much to see and explore
it that it’s worth the visit. Our kids were fascinated by it all and we
definitely left with a few items to enjoy for breakfast the next morning.
We feel that Barcelona has to be added to every Spain itinerary. It is simply amazing! For more details on Gaudi’s architecture and the wonderful sights in the Gothic Quarter as well as where to find the best churros in Barcelona, check out our post Three Days in Barcelona.
Where we stayed in Barcelona: H10 Catalunya Plaza
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Barcelona during your family holidays in Spain, the H10 Catalunya Plaza is it. This incredible apartment is a beautiful upper floor duplex in an absolutely fantastic location in Catalunya Square, at the top of Las Ramblas. There is plenty of space for a family of five!
Our Top Five Things to Do in Seville when Visiting Spain with kids
I absolutely loved Seville and it is truly one of the most beautiful places in Spain and worthy of being on everyone’s Spain itinerary, especially if visiting Spain with kids. We had 3 days in Seville and could have easily spent longer if we had done a few more daytrips from Seville.
1. Explore the Royal Alcázar of Seville
The Royal Alcazar is
beautiful and absolutely our favourite sight in Seville. The royal palace of
Spanish monarchs was built by the Moors and dates back to the 11th
century. We just loved the patios, gardens and archways.
2. Visit the Catedral de Sevilla
The cathedral sits next
to the Royal Alcazar. Beautiful inside, it houses the tomb of Christopher
Columbus and has a wonderful tower the kids and John just had to climb.
3. Enjoy a Flamenco Show
You can’t visit Seville
and not experience flamenco. When planning a trip to Spain, look into booking
tickets for flamenco. We visited a small theatre in Seville’s Barrio de Santa
Cruz neighbourhood and enjoyed an amazing flamenco show. The dancing and
guitars were amazing. Even if enjoying a family holiday in Spain, your kids
will love it. Our kids had a fantastic time!
4. Go on a Tapas Tour
Want to know a secret? This is the only food tour we’ve ever done! They are super popular but with Sydney’s allergies, we’ve just avoided them. But I was so intimidated by the idea of ‘tapas’ that I thought the best way to learn everything about it (including how to order!) was to do a tour. And it was incredible!! We visited several places and learned so much. If you’re going to do a tour, we highly recommend doing a tapas tour in Seville.
5. Visit Plaza de Toros and Museum
Let’s be clear, we want
absolutely nothing to do with bull fighting. It’s a terrible ‘sport’ and we truly
hope that the movement to ban it, despite its cultural significance, takes
hold. Now, that said, the 18th century Plaza de Toros in Seville is
definitely worth a visit. The architecture of the ring and the history evident
in the museum gives a wonderful insight into this aspect of Spanish culture.
We absolutely love Seville. To find out more about our three days in Seville, including tidbits about the historic Triana neighbourhood, details on our tapas tour, other areas that make Seville a fantastic destination for your family holidays in Spain, as well as where to find one very big mushroom and a smoking cat, make sure to keep your eyes open for our upcoming blog post! Seville was one of our favourite stops in our Spain itinerary.
Where we stayed in Seville: Suites Sevilla Plaza
Our apartment at Suites Sevilla Plaza was spacious and clean with incredible staff located within 10-minute walk of the Seville Cathedral. It has a lovely central courtyard and rooftop terrace with an incredible nighttime view of the Catedral de Sevilla. It’s a perfect stop during family holidays in Spain
Activities to enjoy on a daytrip to Jerez de la Frontera and Cadiz: A Fun Addition to your Spain Itinerary
If you’re looking to explore more of Spain, a daytrip
from Seville to Jerez de la Frontera and Cadiz is a great choice. We didn’t
want to drive and connecting the two by train, with three kids, was more than
we wanted to consider so we did a private tour with a driver and guide. (When
planning a trip to Spain, always look into private transfers and private guides
to make your visit a little easier.)
1. Learn about Sherry at Bodegas Sandeman
The Sandeman sherry
bodegas is a great stop to learn more about the famous liquor produced in
Spain. We learned about the history of the bodegas and received a tasting
comparing the different kinds of sherry. Even though we visited Spain with
kids, also had fun and enjoyed juice and snacks while we enjoyed our tastings.
2. Watch Dancing Horse at Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre
The school of equestrian art in Jerez de la Frontera is one of the most prestigious classical riding academies in the world. The choreography of the Spanish dancing horses was amazing.
3. Frolic on a Beach on the Atlantic Coast
Being from Newfoundland, bordering the
Atlantic on Canada’s east coast, visiting the Atlantic on the ‘other side’ of
the ocean was a treat. For those doing a daytrip from Seville, its the perfect
relaxing way to end a long day before returning to the city. If you’re planning
a family holiday in Spain, Cadiz is absolutely a location that your kids will
love!
To find out more including more details about the
Bodegas Sandeman and the wonderful tour company we used, check out our upcoming
blog post about our daytrip from Seville. Suffice it to say, it was
amazing.
Fantastic Stops between Seville and Granada
1. The Best of Ronda
Our time in Ronda was way too short but it definitely
left an impression and we’d love to return to explore more. If you plan to
visit Andalusia, Ronda has to be included in your Spain itinerary.
Puente Nuevo is, of course, the highlight of Ronda.
This incredible ‘new’ bridge was built in the late 1700s and is truly an
architectural wonder.
Check out our upcoming blog post Exploring
Andalucia from Seville to Granada to find out one of our favourite
souvenirs from Spain purchased in Ronda (leather bracelets) and to hear about
an amazing tapas bar where we had an incredible but super cheap lunch!
2. Why stop in Setenil de las Bodegas during your Family Holidays in Spain ?
Setenil de las Bodegas is one of Andalusia’s pueblo blanco, white villages.
The town is cute but the main reason to visit Setenil de las Bodegas is clearly the rock covered homes. Original caves existed and people created homes in them. Today, buildings have rocks hanging over them like a willow tree. Many roofs of homes are rock with olive and almond trees growing on top.
3. Sights and Activities in Cordoba to add to your Spain Itinerary
We visited Cordoba as a stopover from Malaga to Madrid but it also makes a really nice daytrip from Seville. There are so many more great things to do in Cordoba that it’s definitely worth spending more time there. If you can, plan to spend at least two days in Cordoba. Our visit was way too short but I wouldn’t trade it. We learned so much and the Mezquita is simply stunning. If at all possible, you have to try to add Cordoba and the Mezquita to your Spain itinerary.
* Explore the nooks and crannies in the Mezquita
The Mezquita is one of
the most unique buildings we’ve ever experienced. It is absolutely one of the
most beautiful places in Spain. At the time of the Reconquista, the Mezquita
was a beautiful mosque. In 1236 when Cordoba was taken from the Moors, the
Mezquita became a catholic church. Several hundred years later, a Christian
cathedral was actually built in the interior of the Mezquita. The history and
architecture are simply amazing!
* Wander the tiny streets of the Jewish Quarter
Prior to the expulsion of
the Jews from Cordoba during the Reconquista, most Jewish people lived in La
Juderia, the Jewish Quarter. Filled with narrow streets and historic squares,
it’s a wonderful place to explore.
* Visit the Roman Bridge
Originally built by the
Romans in the 1st century, what remains today is largely due to
renovations that took place during Moorish rule. In the 17th
century, a shrine to St. Raphael was placed in the center of the bridge. The
Roman Bridge has even been featured in Game of Thrones!
* Enjoy the Gardens at the Alcazar De Los Reyes Cristianos
The Castle of the Christian Kings includes a castle, Moorish baths, and beautiful gardens. It was the colourful gardens that grabbed our attention most. The gardens are of Moorish design and are filled with beautiful plants, ponds and fountains.
Granada: The Ultimate Spain Holiday
Destination for your Spain Itinerary
We just loved Granada. The Alhambra is one of the most
beautiful places in Spain and the Albaycin is one of the most memorable. Our
kids absolutely loved wandering the medieval streets and exploring the
historical locations. Granada is truly a fantastic destination when planning
your family holidays in Spain.
1. Wander the winding streets of the Albaycin
The Albaycin was named a World Heritage Site in 1984.
These beautiful meandering streets comprises the old Arab quarter of Granada.
It is truly unique. I am still so amazed that we found an incredible carmene as
our accommodation in the Albayzin. Our wonderful carmene was located just
minutes from Plaza Nueva with an amazing view of the Alhambra so we were able
to explore this incredible neighbourhood every day.
2. Experience history in the Cathedral
Before visiting Spain, I immersed myself in books
related to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. The Granada Cathedral was built
by Isabella on the site of a mosque after the Reconquista. It is the fourth
largest cathedral in the world. The Royal Chapel is attached and houses the
remains of Los Reyes Catolicos, Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand as well as
their daughter Juana of Castille and her husband Philip I of Castille.
3. Explore the incredible Alhambra
The Alhambra is absolutely one of the most incredible sights to visit in Spain. Built in the 1200s by the Nasrid Dynasty, the last of the Moors to rule in Spain, it became a Catholic court in the 1400s when Granada was conquered by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Attached is the Generalife; an incredible garden filled with fountains and pathways.
You’re going to want to check out our detailed blog post about our two days in Granada to find out the best views in Granada, our favourite restaurants, the best and most unique souvenirs and so much more. (upcoming)
Where we stayed in Granada: Casa Palmera
Casa Palmera is a wonderful little casa in the Albaycin. It was fantastic. It is reminiscent of a historical cottage but has a small pool and an incredible view of the Alhambra.
You have to Add Costa del Sol to your
Family Holidays in Spain
We really wanted to spend at least a few days on a beach
while enjoying our family holidays in Spain. While its not cultural, per se,
what kid doesn’t love beach time. I looked into a few locations and when
planning the trip to Spain, we decided to spend three wonderful, relaxing days
in Costa del Sol. If you do want to add a little more culture to your beach visit, check out the castles of Malaga and the surrounding area. There are even a few along the Costa del Sol!
1. Relax on the Beach
Costa del Sol is indeed a hot bed of tourism but we
absolutely loved it. If you’re visiting Spain with kids, your family will love
it too! Our flat was located directly on
the beach and there was always a sunbed close to the sea for us to enjoy while
the kids were in the water. We chose La Carihuela as our beach destination and
it was perfect for our family holiday in Spain.
Incredible view from our apartment 
The beautiful beach of La Carihuela
2. Experience the Joy of Eating Paella
All along the beach in La Carihuela, our base, are
small locally/family owned restaurants. Beside several you’ll find a large
silver pan filled with delicious rice and seafood cooking over an open flame.
The paella on the beaches of Andalusia was the best we had throughout Spain.
3. Marvel at the Sand Sculptures
Whenever you combine sand and kids you’re bound to
find sand castles but the sand sculptures we spotted along the beaches of Costa
del Sol were phenomenal. We spent ages just watching the sculptors at work.
4. Take an Adventure on a Segway in Benalmadina
Our Segway adventure in Costa del Sol was our first
and it was so much fun! It was a great introduction to using Segway while
enjoying the incredible view from the boardwalk.
5. Watch Dolphins in the Wild on a Catamaran
Taking a catamaran dolphin tour is definitely our
favourite activities in Costa del Sol. The company we chose is based in
Benalmadina and they were absolutely fantastic. The skipper and crew were
knowledgeable and the experience of watching dolphins in the wild is one of the
best activities we’ve ever experienced. Curious as to which company we used and
how fun the dolphins were? Check out our upcoming post on activities to
enjoy in Spain’s Costa Del Sol!!
Where we stayed in La Carihuela: Apartemento Don Pepe
Apartemento Don Pepe is a simple but clean apartment with one bedroom and three single beds in the living area. This apartment had the best view we could have ever wished for. The building was just metres from the beach and the apartment balcony overlooked the incredible Mediterranean Sea. As a beach destination. La Carihuela is one of the most beautiful places in Spain.
Top Five Things to Do in Madrid during
your Family Holidays in Spain
We had the most incredible guide in Madrid!! I was truly looking for a kid friendly experience in Madrid and our guide was amazing. She had walking tours especially for kids of all ages plus she had tours geared towards children for some of the best museums in Madrid. You can’t beat that!!! We did a museum tour in the morning and a walking tour in the afternoon and we loved them both!
The remaining three days were spent exploring Madrid on our own. Madrid is absolutely one of the best city destinations for a family holiday in Spain and needs to be added to your Spain itinerary with kids.
1. Visit Reina Sophia Museum
The Reina Sophia is truly one of our favourite art museums in Europe. I expect it’s in large part due to our wonderful guide. She totally geared our visit towards paintings and art work that would resonate with the kids.
2. Do a Real Madrid Stadium Tour
We’re more of a hockey family than a football/soccer family but both of our boys play soccer in the summer and were interested in visiting a local football stadium during our visit to Spain. As it turned out, we all loved it!
If your kids are interested in football or sports stadiums, this has to be added to your family holiday in Spain itinerary. It is truly geared towards visitors of all interests and not solely towards football aficionados. Even Sydney had a blast!!
3. Stop into the Prado
Before leaving home, our kids always have to do a
mini-project on the location we’ll be visiting. One of the topics they were
given was related to Guernica so we couldn’t visit Spain without seeing it. Our
stop into the Prado was short but we will always remember it. Guernica is truly
awe-inspiring.
4. Visit the Royal Palace
I expect I’m the one in our family that has a keen
interest in royalty but you know, I visit soccer stadiums for them so they can
visit a royal palace or two. The Royal Palace in Madrid is huge! Our first stop
was the Royal Armory and we then explored the palace itself. Fantastic!
5. Ride Bikes in Retiro Park
Our flat in Madrid was located very close to Retiro
Park and the hotel had both bikes and bicycle helmets available so we took an
afternoon to explore; the boys rode the bikes and Sydney, John and I wandered
on foot. Retiro Park is absolutely gorgeous. It’s one of the most beautiful places
in Spain and absolutely worth a few hours to explore.
We had four fantastic days in Madrid so make
sure to check out our detailed post (upcoming)
Where we stayed in Madrid: Petit Palace Lealtad
Petit Palace Lealtad is located near Rialto Park. Even though it was a more modern location than we usually choose, the Petit Palace Lealtad was the perfect location. It was easy to walk to the Prado Museum, the Reina Sophia Museum and the Royal Palace. It was also super close to Retiro Park.
Final Thoughts
There are many more posts to come with lots of fun and
exciting details to help make your family holidays in Spain one of your best vacations
ever.
If you’re also planning to visit Portugal (many people visit both during the same holiday!) be sure to read about our holidays in Lisbon, our day trip to Sintra and all the great things to do in La Carihuela including the great Algarve beaches.
20 Comments
Christena · June 27, 2022 at 9:31 pm
I can’t seem to find the detailed 4 days in Madrid blog post. Is it available?
Janicke · February 21, 2020 at 1:01 pm
Thanks for a great article with fantastic tips. Ronda is my favorite in Spain, it is so beautiful. I think we have to go to Barcelona next time.
Mel Butler · November 30, 2019 at 3:08 am
I love going to Spain especially as it so close to me, as I am based in the UK. Your post gives me so many great memories. I definitely need to add Albaycin and Ronda to my list they look amazing especially love that bridge.
Ketki · November 30, 2019 at 2:10 am
Looks like you had the most amazing vacation! 16 days in Spain would be so ideal to spend covering all important cities. I am to tick it off and this itinerary is just perfect to refer. Lovely photos!
Yannick · November 29, 2019 at 2:58 pm
Real Madrid stadium but not Barcelona? Seems we have a fan here 🙂 Just kidding, these are the best places for sure, I’m one of those lucky ones who did most of them.
Nic · November 29, 2019 at 8:52 am
This is so inspiring. I grew up going on family holidays to Spain from the UK and hated it to be honest. It was boring and we only went to British resorts! Since then I vowed never to go back, but reading this article I am realising I need to go back to see it properly!
Yukti Agrawal · November 28, 2019 at 11:25 pm
I too loved Spain with kids as it is a lovely country with many things to do. There is lot of history, beautiful nature, culture and many things to do. I loved shopping at La Ramlas, Alcazar of Seville and vibrant streets of Madrid. You have covered lot many places in Spain that too only in 16 days.
Jamie Italiane · November 26, 2019 at 9:16 pm
I am taking my teen boys to Madrid in April. How are the lines at the palace? We definitely want to go there! Do you have a favorite tapas place?
Carol Colborn · November 26, 2019 at 4:15 pm
We did Seville, Granada, and Malaga. We should have done Madrid and Barcelona, as you did. That would have completed Spain for us.
Karie · November 26, 2019 at 2:52 pm
Spain has been on my bucket list and I definitely want to visit soon. This post is really helpful as there are so many places that I have not heard of before other than the popular Barcelona and Madrid. I would love to relax on the beach too while having some paella. Thanks for sharing
Tamlyn Nicoll · November 26, 2019 at 10:11 am
It’s the one country in Europe.we missed out on while living in the UK! I really regret it! Hopefully one day we will back, with our kids in tow and using this guide to show us the way! Such a great post!
Karyll · November 26, 2019 at 3:51 am
Love Barca – fab photos.
emil bica · November 25, 2019 at 11:07 am
Lovely Spain.
Some of them I have visited but this is a country that makes you come back.
Chelsea Messina · November 25, 2019 at 10:45 am
I’m dying to visit Spain to see all the incredible artwork and architecture. What a great experience for your family to have together like that.
Danik · November 25, 2019 at 10:18 am
This is a great plan for those with children. I recently became a father with another child on the way and we already done 13 countries together (she is nearly 4 now my daughter) but we never hit up Spain. I have been to Spain and done places like Malaga, Ronda, Madrid and Barcelona but I would go back for sure. The country is so child friendly.
Ann · November 25, 2019 at 12:59 am
So far I have been to Barcelona, Madrid and Marbella – all great cities, but I would love to visit Ronda, totally missed out on that one 🙂
Ruth Murdoch · November 24, 2019 at 8:35 am
Looks like you had a fabulous time in Spain. I agree with you about the bull fighting and had mixed emotions when visiting the same place. I think we’ve come a long way in society, regardless of the historical significance. We are hoping to live in Spain next year to complete my Spanish language lessons and will pop into some of the areas we missed on our last journey. Thanks for sharing.
Karen · November 24, 2019 at 2:06 am
Wow what a great tour. You certainly got a great cultural mix in your 17 days. I love the idea of the private guidea. This year has shown us how much guides can show you off the beaten track.
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