10 Days in Spain - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Southern Spain Family Adventure from Madrid

Covering a classic route, this 10-day family excursion leads you and your family from the capital, Madrid, to the south coast. Enjoy kid-focused walking tours, cruises on the coast, beach days, cave explorations, flamenco shows, and plenty of downtime for making memories with your family. 

Burn off jet lag with a kid-friendly walking tour of Madrid, complete with traditional ham sandwiches (bocadillos) and delicious churros with melted chocolate. On Day 3, you and the gang will venture to Toledo to learn how to make swords and sweet marzipan. Board a train the following day: the next stop is Granada, the perfect city to explore with your family. You can't miss seeing a flamenco show and learning about the city's royal families at the stunning Alhambra. 

Then, it's all about beaches and historic towns as you make your way to Málaga on the Costa del Sol (Sun Coast). Enjoy swimming and water sports on the coast—plus a fantastic sunset cruise—then explore the iconic Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) of Frigiliana and Nerja. You can tour an old Molasses Factory, visit Arab castle ruins, and have fun with the kids as you explore caves. End your trip in Seville with a free day to roam around the city. Row boats on the river at Plaza de España, climb the cathedral's bell tower, or spend the day at Agua Mágica, the water park. Learn More

Itinerary #2: Family Adventure in Southern Spain

Perfect for families that like to travel at their own pace, this road-trip itinerary of southern Spain takes you throughout Andalusia, stopping for beaches in Málaga, the Alhambra in Granada, ancient ruins in Córdoba, explorations in Ronda, and much more.

This trip starts and ends in the beautiful coastal city of Málaga, with adventures throughout Andalusia along the way. You and your kids will tour this fun city with an exciting treasure hunt and an optional sailing adventure on the coast. On Day 3, pick up your rental car and head to historic Granada to be royalty for the day at the Alhambra palace and stretch your legs in the Generalife gardens. Your next stop is Córdoba, a fascinating city where you can climb the tower at the Mezquita and explore ancient ruins, making lasting memories with your little ones.

Drive to Seville for more adventure on Day 6, including a flamenco show, kid-friendly tapas tours, rowboats at Plaza de España, a water park, and climbing the city's famed bell tower. The final days of your journey feature exciting excursions in the Andalusian countryside. You can explore the iconic White Villages, try alpine cheese, discover caves, spend the day at the beach, hike a gorge, and visit the coastal nature preserve, Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo. Learn More

Itinerary #3: Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Seville

Adding Barcelona and Valencia to the itinerary, consider this family trip that also includes kid-friendly activities in Madrid and Seville. You and the children will love experiences like riding a mountaintop Ferris wheel in Barcelona, visiting Europe's largest aquarium, L'Oceanogràfic, in Valencia, tasting goodies like tapas and paella, and day trips to exciting Seville and Ronda.

Start in the vibrant city of Barcelona, and fill hungry bellies as you explore the city's sites on a food tour catered to families and potential picky eaters—patatas bravas (fried potatoes with aioli) and tasty croquettes are a guaranteed hit with the kids! You'll cross cobblestone streets and narrow alleys of the famed Gothic Quarter and point out interesting characters of La Sagrada Familia. Then head up Mount Tibidabo, where you'll find a basilica and theme park with a Ferris wheel. On Day 3, pile the kids onto a train and venture to Valencia to enjoy the City of Arts and Sciences complex (complete with an IMAX theater and Europe's largest aquarium). 

The next stop is Madrid, where you'll treat the kiddos to a show on Gran Vía, complete a scavenger hunt at El Prado, and learn about the country's royal legacy. Enjoy a day trip to Toledo to explore landmarks like the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and the former Roman palace Alcázar de Toledo before you strap the kids in for a zipline excursion over the Río Tajo! Explore the Royal Alcázar of Seville on Day 8 and take in a moving flamenco performance (sit in the back so the kids can enjoy a little dancing). Then before returning to Madrid for your departure, have fun on an off-road 4WD experience near Ronda. Learn More

Itinerary #4: Spain Family Trip: Madrid to Málaga

Combine the buzz of Madrid with the relaxation of Spain's southern region on this 10-day Madrid to Málaga family trip. Madrid is where you and your kids can try different foods (tapas and churros dipped in chocolate are big hits), ride boats on a lake, or visit museums. Then, turn your focus on touring monuments like the Moorish Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca in holy Toledo, exploring caves in Nerja, and spending all day on the water on a catamaran cruise along the coast of Málaga.

Start with something delicious and enjoy exploring Madrid with your tastebuds on a kid-friendly food tour. You'll try snacks approved by even the pickiest eaters and enjoy activities like visiting a churro bakery and meeting fishmongers at the market. Other Madrid highlights include touring the city's royal legacy before traveling to Toledo on a day trip and learning to make marzipan.

Next, head south to Andalusia, stopping in Granada to visit its most iconic monument, the Alhambra, and learn all about its royal inhabitants. The trip's final days are all about adventure and family time on the coast! Kids love exploring Nerja's caves, walking to Frigiliana's castle ruins, and spending all day on the beach swimming, paddleboarding, building sandcastles, and snorkeling. Save the best for last and take plenty of family photos as you enjoy a catamaran cruise and barbecue lunch on the Bay of Málaga. Learn More

Itinerary #5: Family Summer Vacation in Spain

Summer is the ultimate time to visit Spain's northeastern regions, as the weather is perfect for exploring Costa Brava's famed beaches. This 10-day summer vacation does just that, starting in Madrid and Barcelona for some city culture, then heading to the coast to swim, boat, hike, and explore sea caves. 

Start your summer vacation in Madrid, where you and your kids can explore the city while trying the region's signature cuisine. Luckily, tapas are inherently kid-friendly; everyone will enjoy tasting dishes like patatas bravas, croquettes, and churros con chocolate. Other Madrid highlights include rowing boats in Retiro Park and taking a day trip to Toledo to visit a cigarral and learn about the city's sword and marzipan products. Continue your trip by heading to Barcelona and doing all the things kids love: exploring quirky Park Güell, learning about the unique Sagrada Família, and eating your way through the tasty La Boqueria market. 

Trade city life for coastal adventures by spending the rest of your time on the Costa Brava just north of Barcelona. You'll pick up a rental car and have three days to explore the coast. Enjoy days on the beach, coastal walking trails, historic villages, meals at beach bars, and exploring sea caves, rocky coves, and inlets. Spend your final day doing whatever you'd like, whether that's more beach time, another boat trip, an additional hike, or some inland fun, such as visiting the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. Learn More

More Great 10-Day Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other 10-day Spain itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.