Spain family vacation highlights

2 min summary Map & highlights Andalucia Catalonia Spanish Pyrenees Tips

Spain family vacation highlights

Everyone got different ideas on where to stay? Family vacations in Spain let you mix things up with coast, countryside, mountains and city day trips, too. From the jagged peaks of the Spanish Pyrenees and Picos de Europa National Park, to the tranquil countryside of Andalucia and Catalonia, and the resplendent sandy beaches of Mallorca and Lanzarote, it’s hardly surprising that Spain enjoys a reputation as one of the best places in Europe for family vacations, if not the world. Here you’ve got an enviable range of activities to satisfy every generation, from the adrenaline-fuelled to the more sedate, set against majestic, sun-drenched landscapes and the opportunity to mix in plenty of cultural insights as well.

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1. Andalucia coast
2. Andalucia inland
3. Catalonia coast
4. Catalonia inland
5. La Gomera
6. Lanzarote
7. Picos de Europa
8. Spanish Pyrenees

Andalucia coast

1. Andalucia coast

Whitewashed Andalucian villas settle in the hills just behind the Andalucian coast. Here, you can retreat from the Costa del Sol crowds while still in reach of underrated seaside cities like Malaga, with its hilltop castle and Roman theatre, and the Nerja Caves, an exciting dive into a prehistoric cave system best explored outside the peak summer season. Top trip: Andalucia villa near Malaga (no minimum age).

Andalucia coast

Andalucia inland

2. Andalucia inland

You’ll struggle to find better value than a tailor made trip to the Altiplano de Granada, where flexible itineraries take in canyoning and white water rafting, as well as fun and educational farm visits to flamenco lessons, star gazing and Andalucian cookery lessons. You will need a car though, to make the most of a stay in a blissfully accommodation. Top trip: Altiplano de Granada activity vacation (min age 4-6, depending on activities).

Catalonia coast

3. Catalonia coast

The lively town of Palamos is an excellent base from which to get your kicks sea kayaking, sailing, and cycling along coastal paths, past medieval villages or into the foothills of the Gavarres. Stay in a luxurious restored townhouse within walking distance of the old town for dining out in the evenings; there are several excellent beaches so close by you won’t wear out your flip flops. Top trip: Catalonia family walking vacation (min age 10).

Catalonia coast

Catalonia inland

4. Catalonia inland

Relax in a 17th century farmhouse moments from the sand, or a boutique sports hotel in the Catalan countryside where activities range from horse riding in Pyrenean foothills to lakeside picnics, archery and mountain biking. Catalonia is one of Europe’s most advanced destinations for accessible tourism and Barcelona, Girona and Figueres are within daytripping distance. Top trip: Family mountain biking & activity vacation (no min age).

La Gomera

5. La Gomera

Stay in a beachside ecohotel in a remote, idyllic bay on one of the smallest of Spain's volcanic Canary Islands: La Gomera. Fantastic for families with kids of all ages, the finca offers a safe way for younger children to explore nature as part of a childcare scheme, while older kids will love the option of whale watching, snorkeling in the secluded bay or trekking. Parents meanwhile can cool off in the inhouse spa.

La Gomera

Lanzarote

6. Lanzarote

Do things differently in Lanzarote, and stay in a luxury farmhouse, a family villa, an eco-friendly converted barn or even a yurt. This island plenty of activities for kids of all ages, with surfing, sailing and paragliding as well as the obvious abundance of beaches. Some trips include use of a car and can be suitable for people with autism or physical disabilities. Top trip: Lanazarote self catering cottage (no min age).

Picos de Europa

7. Picos de Europa

Panes, at the gateway to the magnificent Picos de Europa, is the perfect place to prop up your adventures with immersion into the culture of northern Spain, by adding in a few language lessons. It’s especially good if your kids are learning Spanish at school, and their academic efforts can be encouraged with the promise of canyoning, surfing and even a Via Ferrata.

Picos de Europa

Spanish Pyrenees

8. Spanish Pyrenees

The Pyrenees are great for family vacations both in winter, when you can ski in a ‘hidden valley’, or summer, when there is a huge range of activities to enjoy around historic Sort. High adrenaline canyoning and rafting can be tempered with cycling and horse riding, and it’s easy to organise a day-trip to Barcelona – you’re bound to appreciate the peace and quiet on your return. Top trip: Pyrenees family vacation (min age 7).