8 Days in Spain - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona & Madrid

This classic eight-day itinerary of Barcelona and Madrid is perfect for families visiting Spain for the first time. It features a delightful mix of urban adventures, theme park visits, and kid-friendly cultural experiences. Starting in Barcelona, you'll spend three days hopping between intriguing city sights, the beach, and kid-friendly restaurants. Then, after an easy train ride to Madrid, you'll introduce young explorers to the city's long history through kid-friendly tours. In between, they'll burn off energy at the thrilling Parque de Attracciones.

Welcome to Spain! Your family adventure begins with a three-day stay in the bustling city of Barcelona, the first of which is yours to settle in and check out city sights independently. Follow a guide's lead the next morning for entertaining visits to Antoni Gaudí's Park Güell and Sagrada Família. Then, refreshed from a leisurely afternoon, you'll join a family tour through the Gothic Quarter and to the kid-favorite Mount Tibidabo theme park. A train journey from Barcelona to Madrid is next on your agenda, and upon arrival, spend the morning exploring as much or as little as you'd please.

Your second day in Madrid is about discovering the hidden details and intriguing stories of Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace. Then, after a tour of the world-famous Museo Nacional del Prado, treat young ones to an afternoon at the fun-filled Parque de Atracciones de Madrid. More family-focused activities await the following day, starting with a short train ride to Toledo. Here, you'll walk amid imposing historical sights and get hands-on at marzipan and sword-making workshops. Afterward, return to Madrid and tuck into a farewell dinner before prepping for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Adventures in Spain: Madrid, Toledo & Seville

Food-loving families with a fondness for getting hands-on will love this highlights trip featuring Madrid, Toledo, and Seville. Discover the secrets of making the perfect paella, uncover the sweet ingredients of marzipan, and sample new and strange foods on a tapas tour. In addition, private city and museum tours, a dance class, and a sword-making workshop give young travelers plenty of opportunity to burn off energy while delving into Spanish culture.

Upon arriving in Madrid, your family adventure kicks off with an energetic city tour featuring Plaza Mayor, Lope de Vega Museum, El Retiro, and mouthwatering churros at a famous churrería. Start the next day with a family-friendly paella workshop, then delve into the realm of royalty during a tour of Madrid's Royal Palace and its enchanting Sabatini Gardens. Your final day in Madrid gets you deeper into the city's culture through an interactive Museo Nacional del Prado tour and a family flamenco dance class. Yet, there's more Spain to discover, so pack your bags and transfer to the train station on the morning of Day 4.

You'll soon pull into Toledo. Though your home for just one night, there's still plenty of time to learn the time-tested techniques of marzipan and craft a sword alongside a swordsmith. Afterward, continue by train to Seville and unpack for a three-night stay. Enjoy a leisurely first evening, then spend the following days eating, cruising, and walking around the city's best. Let kids get crafty during a ceramics class, glide down the Guadalquivir River, and explore Seville Cathedral and Royal Alcázar. Additionally, conquer an eventful tapas crawl before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Highlights of Spain Family Tour: Madrid, Seville & Granada

This family tour adds Granada to the mix and is perfect for families seeking a kid-friendly introduction to Spain's historical and architectural wonders. Between stays in Madrid, Seville, and Granada, you'll walk in the footsteps of royalty and meander through magnificent gardens. You'll also learn the secrets of paella, cruise along the Guadalquivir River, and master the steps of flamenco dancing before wrapping up your trip with an energy-bursting hike in the Sierra Nevadas.

With its lovely historic center and pedestrian-friendly lanes, Madrid is the perfect place to shrug off travel fatigue while introducing young ones to the joys of travel. Spend your first evening meandering through Plaza Mayor and Jardines de Lepanto alongside a guide, then wake early for a hands-on paella cooking class complete with a visit to Antón Martín Market. Later, take part in an interactive Museo Nacional del Prado tour and dedicate an afternoon to the Royal Palace. Afterward, catch a train south to Seville, where a peaceful cruise on the Guadalquivir River introduces you to the city's historical sites.

Your second day in Seville features the must-see Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcázar, both of which you'll experience through the eyes of a kid-friendly guide. Then, spend the evening mastering the steps of flamenco at a family dance class and prepping for the morning's transfer to Granada. This medieval city is best explored on foot, and on arrival, you'll have time to check out the Granada Cathedral, Plaza Nueva, and more. In addition, squeeze in a private tour of the Alhambra and embark on a kid-friendly hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains before tucking in for your final night in Spain. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family Trip to Barcelona & Mallorca

Roam storied streets, sail between idyllic coves, and delve into traditional Spanish culture on this family adventure. Extended stays in Barcelona and Mallorca ensure you have plenty of time to relax between travel days while guided tours and planned excursions introduce the entire family to the country's storied history and architectural masterpieces. That's not to mention the free time left open for activities of your choosing, which can include everything from beach lazing to horse and carriage rides.

Your Spanish family getaway begins with a three-night stay in Barcelona, the first of which you'll spend admiring sprawling city views from the summit of Montjuïc. Then, hand the reins to a local guide, who'll whisk you through the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter to Casa dels Entremesos and the medieval Plaça del Rei. Your final day in Barcelona promises to be full of delights, with back-to-back tours of Park Güell and the Sagrada Família on the agenda, followed by an evening left open to relax and prep for the following day's flight.

Your destination is Mallorca, a laid-back island renowned for its beaches and scenery. Upon arrival, the evening's yours to spend as you please—perhaps heading straight to the coast for a swim or a bite. Then, over the following two days, squeeze in a kid-oriented cooking class, a guided tour of Palma de Mallorca, and a memorable sailing trip with opportunities to snorkel, paddleboard, and swim. Afterward, team up with a local guide to learn about the unique traditions and rich cuisine of Mallorca's historic villages before a celebratory meal wraps up your adventure. Learn more

More Great 8-Day Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other eight-day Spain itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.