If you’re hunting for the ultimate holiday spot, Spain is the place to be. La vida Española—the Spanish life—is colourful and lived to the last drop. The weather is warm and sunny, the food is rich and savoured slowly, and the people are boisterous and friendly. Every corner of this enchanting country is a treasure trove, from museums that house masterpieces to castles that look straight out of a fairy tale. Whether you’re looking for architecture, excellent cuisine, museum hopping, or outdoor adventure, this most-visited country in the world is a perfect place for family travel.
Here we have rounded up the ultimate itinerary for your Spanish sojourn; check it out!
Travel Back in Time
Spain offers a world of experiences for travellers of all ages, especially those eager to explore its rich culture and art. Immerse yourself in history at one of its many museums, meander through the ancient walls of a majestic castle, or discover the charm of a UNESCO World Heritage City.
1. Take an Art Walk in Madrid
The Paseo del Arte, or Art Walk, is a renowned route that connects three of Spain’s most prestigious art galleries: the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia National Art Center, all conveniently located near each other. The Prado Museum, derived from royal collections, ranks among the world’s finest art institutions and features masterpieces by Italian, Dutch, and Spanish artists. Meanwhile, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum showcases an impressive array of works by Van Gogh, Monet, and many others.
2. Visit the World Heritage Cities
Spain’s World Heritage Cities offer fantastic holiday options for families. Explore history with engaging explanations on tourist trains, discover mediaeval castles and markets, and enjoy cultural festivals and outdoor activities. Visit Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, and marvel at Segovia’s Roman aqueduct and fairy-tale Alcázar. Wander through Cuenca’s mediaeval streets and see the hanging houses from the 15th century.
Toledo’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, with children enjoying mediaeval armour and the famous Toledo marzipan. In Córdoba, visit the Great Mosque-Cathedral and the gardens of Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, and enjoy equestrian shows at the royal stables. Don’t forget to make a stop in Ibiza to stroll around the walled city of Dalt Vila for stunning Mediterranean views and visit the Cap Blanc Aquarium inside a natural cave.
3. Visit Science Park and Museums
The MNCN (National Museum of Natural Sciences) in Madrid offers a captivating array of exhibits from around the globe, including meteorites, dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and scientific research. Here, you can enjoy augmented reality experiences and participate in various workshops and exhibitions.
Another must-visit is the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, where you can visit Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium with over 20,000 creatures from 650 species, indulge in various fun activities at the Museu de les Ciències and attend various musical performances and events at the Palau de les Arts, a hub for opera, dance, and other performances. Take your family to see over 5,000 species of marine life and even spend the night surrounded by fish for a truly unique experience.
Living the Fairytale Life
Spain boasts exceptional defensive architecture across its regions. Notable examples include the Gothic-style Knights Templar castle in Ponferrada (León) and the well-preserved castle of Coca (Segovia) with its towers, battlements, and moat. In the Madrid Region, the castle of Manzanares el Real features a beautifully architected interior with a charming arched patio. In Cuenca, the castle of Belmonte, a filming location for period films, hosts international mediaeval jousting tournaments and family-friendly activities year-round. If you’d like to spend the night inside the walls, the castles of Cardona (Barcelona), Sigüenza (Guadalajara) and a part of the majestic palace-primitive castle of Olite (Navarre) are the places to be.
A Summer by the Beach
Embark on a coastal adventure across Spain’s best beaches, tailored for families and kids alike. The Costa Azahar, the tourist name for the coast in the province of Castellón (Region of Valencia), has some of the prettiest beaches like Playa de La Concha (Oropesa de Mar), Playa Norte (Peñíscola) and Playa La Romana (Alcalá de Xivert), which provide all kinds of services for you to enjoy an unforgettable holiday.
In Catalonia, explore the Costa Brava’s Cala Macarelleta on Menorca, where turquoise waters and sheltered coves provide safe swimming and snorkelling opportunities for children. Head to the Balearic Islands for Ibiza’s Cala Comte, renowned for its shallow waters and stunning sunsets—a picturesque spot for family beach outings. Formentera’s Ses Illetes dazzles with its calm, shallow lagoons, perfect for young swimmers and beach combing adventures.
Up north in Galicia, Playa de las Catedrales impresses with its towering rock formations and caves to explore at low tide, offering an exciting natural playground. In Asturias, the hidden gem of Playa de Gulpiyuri surprises with its unique inland beach experience, accessible through a tunnel and surrounded by cliffs.
Spend Some Time in Nature
You can embark on a journey through Spain’s diverse natural wonders with an array of captivating activities. Start by wandering through the expansive holly tree forest in Prádena, Segovia, where you can marvel at intricate limestone formations at the mystical Enebralejos caves. Experience the artistic blend of nature and creativity at the Enchanted Forest of Oma near Gernika, where Agustín Ibarrola’s vivid tree art adds a magical touch.
To marvel at ancient fossilised prints, you can consider taking a walk along the Dinosaur Footprints Route along Asturias’ coastal stretch. For a family-friendly adventure, embark on the Way of Saint James from Sarria in Galicia, traversing picturesque stages amidst breathtaking natural landscapes. Lastly, discover Madrid’s Peña del Chorro Waterfall, the region’s highest, accessible via scenic pathways from Somosierra.
Image Credits: The Spanish Tourist Office
