13 Days in Spain - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

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

The variety of activities on this itinerary makes it an excellent choice for first-time visitors and families of various ages and interests. You'll visit the iconic Sagrada Família in Barcelona, embark on guided tours of historic sites, such as the Royal Palace in Madrid, prepare traditional desserts in a marzipan workshop in Toledo, and go offroading through Ronda on a 4WD excursion. 

Take the kids on the cable car to the top of Montjuïc for a view of Barcelona, then snap family photos at the whimsical Park Güell and iconic Sagrada Família on Day 2. Set off on a "dragon hunt," exploring the city as your guide entertains the little ones with stories of Spanish legends and heroes. Then you'll board the family onto a train to Valencia, where you'll take a family-friendly tour of the sites, including the Mercado Central, and later feast on paella. Catch a train to Madrid for three nights of diving into the arts and culture scene—theater kids will relish the chance to attend a show on Gran Via, Madrid's own "Broadway."

Imagine the life of Spanish royalty with a Madrid tour that includes the Royal Palace, then refuel rumbling tummies at the San Miguel Food Market. Take the train to Toledo and engage the kids in local culture and cuisine with a foundry visit to learn about the art of sword making, followed by a hands-on marzipan workshop. Then it's off to Seville to see the sites, including La Giralda, and shop for souvenirs. Head to the countryside, where parents can sample olive oil, and kids can meet the resident horses. Enjoy a 4WD adventure around Ronda, then continue to Málaga for a tour and celebratory seafront dinner. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Fun in Spain: Barcelona, Málaga, Granada & Seville

Families keen on active adventures, the arts, and water sports will appreciate this itinerary from Barcelona to Andalusia. The hikers in the family will be thrilled to tackle the Caminito del Rey and trek in the Sierra Nevadas. At the same time, your young artists will admire Gaudí's architecture and enjoy crafting their own ceramics in Barcelona, and your beach-loving kids will love snorkeling and kayaking in Málaga. 

Immerse the kids in local culture and cuisine with family-friendly tours of Barcelona that include a visit to Park Güell, sampling sweet churros con chocolate in the Gothic Quarter, and crafting keepsakes in a ceramics workshop. The animal and nature enthusiasts in the family will enjoy a horseback ride in Montserrat Natural Park, and your budding chefs will be delighted to select ingredients in Mercat de la Boqueria and prepare paella in a cooking class. Next, fly to Málaga for a kayaking and snorkeling adventure in La Herradura, then challenges the kids to a treasure hunt.

Intrepid families can trek the elevated walkways of the Caminito del Rey before transferring to Granada for a hike in the Sierra Nevadas and a tour of the historic Alhambra and Generalife Gardens—all provide scenic settings for family photos. Continue to Seville, where you'll visit the Seville Cathedral and Alcázar, make souvenirs in a pottery class, and learn to dance flamenco. Young naturalists will enjoy a gentle walk and bird-watching in Doñana National Park. Finally, cap off your family adventure with a horseback ride along the coast and one last Spanish meal (paired with wine for the adults!). Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Adventures in Spain: Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba & Seville

This highlights itinerary is an excellent option for families interested in culture and cuisine. Young art enthusiasts will enjoy a tour of the Prado Museum and a dance lesson in Madrid, while your budding chefs will relish the chance to select ingredients from the markets and learn from local experts during culinary workshops in Madrid, Seville, and Toledo. Other activities, such as a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over Segovia and a treasure hunt in Málaga, will surely be highlights for the whole family. Train travel and the many kid-friendly activities on this trip make it a great choice for those with younger children. 

Get acquainted with Madrid on a guided tour, starting at Plaza Mayor, where the kids can watch street performers and find souvenirs. Create memorable moments and a traditional paella together in a cooking class with a local chef, then take your budding artists on an interactive, kid-friendly tour of the Prado Museum. Little ones may not be keen on an early morning alarm on Day 4 but will realize it's worth it when you're watching the sunrise over Segovia from a hot-air balloon. Next, head to Toledo, where you'll prepare sweet treats in a marzipan workshop, then watch a swordsmith craft the famous Toledan blades. 

Take the train to Córdoba for a tour of significant religious sites, then set off on a horseback ride in the countryside. Continue to Seville, where you'll accompany a local chef on a shopping trip in the market and then prepare tapas together. Cruise the Guadalquivir River, then explore Seville's family-friendly sites, including the Royal Alcázar. Transfer to the White Town of Ronda and snap family photos with the iconic bridge, medieval structures, and Moorish architecture. Wrap up your trip in Málaga with a guided treasure hunt and a day at the beach where you can swim, picnic, and recount your favorite moments. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Active Family Trip to Barcelona, Northern Spain & Madrid

Another itinerary suitable for active families, this time focusing on Barcelona, Northern Spain, and Madrid. You'll engage in family-friendly cooking classes in Barcelona and Madrid, sail and swim in San Sebastián's La Concha Bay, hike to Pasaia, sample tapas in Bilbao, and take a flamenco dance lesson in Madrid. Given the inclusion of sailing excursions, hikes, and bike tours, it's best for families with older children or those comfortable with these activities.  

Your family adventure begins in Barcelona, where you'll take a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, admire the colorful designs in Park Güell, and prepare a four-course meal together (complete with wine pairings for the adults). Take the cable car up to the summit of Montjuïc on Day 3, where you can capture a family photo, and the kids can play among castle ruins before heading to Montserrat Natural Park for a horseback ride and visit the Montserrat Monastery. Fly to Bilbao, where you'll explore the city by bike, take your littles to the Guggenheim Museum, then sample pintxos (Basque-style tapas) on a tasting tour. 

Admire the geological formations at Flysch Cliffs en route to San Sebastián, then pedal through Old Town on a guided family bike tour before hitting the beaches. Encourage the kids to watch for dolphins and other marine life on a sailing and swimming trip in La Concha Bay on Day 8. Hike along the cliffs to Pasaia, where you can refuel with a seafood lunch, then board a boat for a leisurely cruise. Finish your journey in Madrid, a city that offers immersive activities for the whole family, including an interactive paella cooking lesson, a flamenco dance class, and a child-friendly tour of the Prado Museum. Learn more

More Great 13-Day Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other 13-day Spain itineraries, with outdoor adventures, family-friendly trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.