Traveling to Spain with kids is sure to create unforgettable memories. Of course, some destinations are more family-friendly than others. Here are five of our favorite places in Spain to visit with the kiddos.
If you’re ready now, though, why not chat with a Fora Advisor to get your vacation to Spain rolling? Fora travel advisors provide the best travel recommendations. Plus, when you book with an advisor, you can get free VIP perks and hotel upgrades, all for the same price as booking directly.
First, some tips for visiting Spain with kids
Before we get to our family-friendly destinations, here are a few tips for visiting Spain with kids.
Is Spain actually a family-friendly destination?
Spain’s nightlife is exceptional, and as exciting as that is for adults, you might be wondering if visiting Spain with impressionable young minds is the best idea.
But there’s so much to see and do in Spain that’s perfectly family-friendly. From dining on authentic Spanish cuisine to checking out some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, visiting Spain with kids is super safe, with plenty to see and do for all ages.
When’s the best time to visit Spain with kids?
Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. There’s not a true off-season, but fall and spring aren’t as busy as summer and winter.
Weather-wise, Spain gets pretty hot in summer, but has mild temperatures throughout the rest of the year. The only exceptions would be the coastal areas, which are temperate all year long, and the mountainous regions, which can get frigid.
A Spain travel advisor can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your vacation.
What’s the best way to get around Spain with kids?
If you’re planning on sticking to a single region, renting a car is probably the best way to get around Spain with kids. That said, a train ride through the Spanish countryside or along the coast can be a lot of fun, too.
Alternatively, domestic flights can be a practical option in some instances.
Our recommendation: chat with a Fora travel advisor — they can work out the details so you don’t miss a thing.
The 5 most family-friendly places to visit in Spain
Here are the five best places to visit in Spain with kids.
1. Barcelona
Visiting Barcelona with kids is a blast. Vibrant streets and cathedrals showcase a unique blend of Roman, Catalan, European and Islamic influences. Many buildings were designed by the famed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. This Barcelona itinerary covers the must-sees, but if you’re looking specifically for family fun, you have options.
Park Guell, which also features the Works of Antoni Gaudí (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is another architectural marvel that blends naturism with actual nature. The park’s mosaics and gardens are the main attraction, but there are also a ton of fun things for little ones to burn some energy on, like playgrounds and exhibits.
On the coast, the beaches of the La Barceloneta neighborhood consistently rank among the best in Europe. Sample seafood tapas, bask under the Mediterranean sun and enjoy the waves. Or, if you get tired of the big city altogether, you and the kiddos can enjoy a day trip from Barcelona to Mallorca, the capital of the island of Palma.
Our family-friendly guide to Mallorca will give you a good idea of where to start (there are also plenty of adult things to do in Mallorca, too). Either way, the island’s gorgeous climate and scenery have made it one of the top destinations in Europe since the 1950s.
Not sure where to start? A Fora Advisor can help you decide which places to visit and which to skip. They can also help you find the best places to stay in Barcelona (including some lavish Barcelona boutique hotels).
2. Seville
One of the top 15 destinations in Spain belonging on any Spain bucket list, the culturally rich city of Seville is a lively and family-friendly place to visit. The birthplace of flamenco, it’s not uncommon to see the city’s walkable streets filled with dancers and live music.
One of the best things to do in Seville: tapas crawls. Seville’s culinary scene is among the best in Europe, and millions of visitors travel to the city every year to sample the snack-sized dishes, most of which feature local seafood and grilled meats.
Seville is also one of the more unique places to visit in Spain with kids because of its fusion of Gothic and Moorish influences. Not every kid is enthralled by architecture, we know, but the grand cathedrals, palaces (especially the lush and colorful Royal Alcázar) and all-around friendly vibe will make you and your kids feel like you’re walking through a fairy tale.
And remember, a Fora Advisor can help you immerse yourself in the local culture with pro tips and recommendations (as, for instance, part of an express tour of the Iberian Peninsula).
3. Granada
What kid doesn’t love castles? Granada is the perfect place to go on a Moorish adventure in the south of Spain with kids because of its artfully constructed mosques and palaces. Alhambra Palace, in particular, is one of Granada’s top attractions, but the city is also full of gorgeous architecture, delicious foods and plenty to do for kids and families.
And if you want to get out of the city, Granada is located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so there are plenty of opportunities for skiing, hiking and other outdoorsy activities kids are sure to love.
4. Madrid
Next, we have Madrid, Spain’s capital and the second-largest city in the European Union. Arguably the best place to visit in Spain with kids because of its diverse range of options, Madrid is much sleepier than some of the other destinations we’ve mentioned.
But don’t let that fool you into thinking there’s not much to do here.
To narrow it down, the top attractions include Spain’s beautiful Royal Palace, the magnificent El Retiro Park and, for foodies especially, the Mercado San Miguel, which boasts a range of tapas and desserts from all over Spain and abroad. Our local’s itinerary to the best of Madrid showcases some of the best restaurants, hotels and things to do if you want to know more. Then, check out our insider's guide to Madrid and its surrounding cities for inspiration on easy day trips you can take.
Still not sure how to narrow down your list? Work with a Fora Advisor to customize your dream Spain trip. Travel advisors can also help you figure out where to stay in Madrid.
Whether you’re looking for the best boutique hotels in Madrid or something simpler, your advisor is there to help.
5. Ibiza
Ibiza might be better known as the top Spain bachelorette party destination (or top party destination, in general), but the island brings a lot of family-friendly fun to the table, too.
Ibiza is one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers because it offers a condensed version of most of what Spain has to offer, including incredible culinary options, rich culture and gorgeous coastlines and scenery.
While most visit the island for the parties, visiting Ibiza with kids can be a surprisingly relaxing affair. In addition to the many clubs and amazing bars, there are many great places to shop, eat and otherwise unwind (example: check out our three-day detox itinerary to exploring Formentera).
Connect with a Fora Advisor and start planning a trip to Spain with kids today
Ready to travel to Spain with kids? Connect with a Fora Advisor to customize and book your trip today. And don’t forget, Fora travel advisors have access to awesome hotel perks and upgrades. Better yet, booking with an advisor costs the same as booking by yourself.
It’s like having a well-connected friend on the inside. Plus, working with a Fora Advisor will ensure that your family has the perfect time in Spain.
