12 Days in Spain - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Andalusia

Perfect for families seeking a well-rounded tour of Spain's bustling cities, this family trip covers the highlights of Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, and Seville. With days split between guided tours and free time to explore independently, there's plenty of opportunity to bond as a family while learning about Spain's culture and history. Plus, there's no time for young ones to be bored with a thrilling 4WD excursion, a visit to a theme park, and a hands-on marzipan workshop on the itinerary.

Welcome to Spain! Straight off the plane in Barcelona, the entire family will be delighted to stretch their legs on a self-guided tour, complete with a trip up the Montjuïc Cable Car. Then, let guides lead the way as you discover the famous works of Antonio Gaudí and spend a day exploring the city's Gothic Quarter and Casa dels Entremesos (Museum of Giants) before surprising kids with a visit to a theme park. Next, hop on a train bound for Valencia, and enjoy an afternoon on a guided city tour, followed by a free day to explore as a family. 

Back on the move, you'll catch a train to Madrid and embark on a family tour of the city's highlights, including Plaza Mayor, the bustling Puerto del Sol, and San Miguel Food Market. Head out on a day trip to Toledo next, where you'll learn about the history of sword-making before continuing to Seville. Spend your first evening checking out the Seville Cathedral and sampling local cuisine in Santa Cruz. Then, end your trip letting young ones expend their energy while exploring a historic olive oil estate and embarking on an exhilarating 4WD excursion around the white city of Ronda. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Fun in Spain: Barcelona & Andalusia

Delight the entire family with the perfect mix of guided city tours, hikes, and workshops on this activity-packed Spain adventure. Starting in Barcelona, you'll treat young ones to exciting city tours and a thrilling horseback excursion in Montserrat Natural Park. Then, spend the rest of your time in the Andalusia region, kayaking in Cerro Gordo National Park, hiking the Caminito del Rey and the Sierra Nevada mountains, and learning the art of flamenco. 

Your family trip begins in Barcelona, where you'll introduce young ones to the city's impressive architecture and incredible food scene. Activities include a private tour through La Sagrada Família, a kid-friendly ceramic workshop, and a thrilling day of horseback riding in Montserrat Natural Park. Next, hop on a flight to Málaga and delight little water lovers with a kayaking excursion in Cerro Gordo National Park. The fun continues over the following two days as you take part in a treasure hunt through Málaga highlights, spend time on the beaches of Costa del Sol, and hike the Caminito del Rey walkway. 

The second half of your trip kicks off with a short transfer to Granada. Let a friendly local guide take the reins as you embark on a hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains, then tick off a visit to the Alhambra palace before continuing to Seville. Your three-night stay begins with an immersive flamenco dance class and a live show and continues on a private tour of the Cathedral and the Royal Alcázar. Also on the agenda is a family pottery-making class, a day trip to Doñana National Park for a memorable horseback ride on the beach, and a visit to the fascinating Metropol Parasol. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Family Trip to Barcelona, Northern Spain & Madrid

Embark on an active family-friendly itinerary through Spain's diverse regions, from buzzing Barcelona to the famed beaches of San Sebastián. Perfect for families with adventurous children, this itinerary combines city sightseeing, cooking classes, and hiking and biking excursions. Plus, with afternoons set aside to relax on pristine beaches, set sail in La Concha Bay, and enjoy leisurely strolls through historic neighborhoods, there are plenty of moments for uninterrupted family time.

Upon arrival in Barcelona, you'll begin your family adventure with a guided walking tour of the Gothic Quarter and a visit to the Temple of Augustus. Then, delight young foodies during a stroll through Mercat de la Boqueria and a family cooking class, followed by a tour of Antonio Gaudí's whimsical architectural masterpieces and a cable car ride up to Montjuïc Castle. A flight bound for Bilbao is next on your itinerary, where the entire family will love zipping around the city on an exciting cycling tour and sampling pintxos along Las Sieta Callas (the Seven Streets). 

Your journey continues to San Sebastián, stopping along the way to admire the Flysch Cliffs of Zumaia and stepping into "Game of Thrones" while visiting Gaztelugatxe. The following days are all about exploring the region's breathtaking landscapes, and activities include a kid-friendly cycling tour, a scenic sailing trip, and a hike around the Bay of Pasaia. Your last destination is Madrid, reachable by a 1.5-hour flight, where you'll join an interactive family tour of Plaza Mayor and Jardins de Lepanto, attend a paella cooking class, and participate in a flamenco dance class before catching your flight home. Learn more

More Great 12-Day Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other 12-day Spain itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.