9 Days in Spain - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

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

This family trip across Spain's vibrant cities of Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid is ideal for families seeking a balance of cultural immersion, fun, and relaxation. Highlights include exploring Gaudí's remarkable works in Barcelona, marveling at the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, and delving into Madrid's royal history. A day trip to the ancient city of Toledo, filled with tales of knights and sword forging, is sure to captivate young imaginations.

Begin in Barcelona, visiting Montjuïc via a cable car. It's a fun ride for the little ones, and the castle is a great place for a post-flight stretch of the legs, with plenty of features and history to capture the kids' imaginations. Afterward, wander through the open-air museum of Poble Espanyol and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. The next day, delve into the works of Antonio Gaudí, including the famous Sagrada Família and the whimsical Park Güell, sure to be a hit with the kids. On Day 3, you and your family will tour the Gothic Quarter, Mount Tibidabo, and a theme park.

On Day 4, hop on a train to Valencia and take a family walking tour of the city's historic center, followed by a day to explore top attractions with your family, including the City of Arts and Sciences and the Turia Gardens, which has a play structure sure to entertain the kids. Next, board a train to Madrid for a free afternoon to explore before sightseeing iconic landmarks such as Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Food Market, Puerta del Sol, and Madrid's Royal Palace. Day 8 includes a family day trip to Toledo, where the kids will love getting hands-on with a marzipan workshop. Learn more

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

Have fun with the family as you travel through Spain's beautiful Catalonia and Andalusia regions, starting in Barcelona and ending in Madrid. Dive into the art of Gaudí in Barcelona, snorkel in Andalusia's La Herradura National Park, learn flamenco in Seville, and take a family pottery class in Triana. From the wonders of La Sagrada Família to the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada, this itinerary promises a memorable experience for you and the kids.

In Barcelona, take a kid-friendly walk through the Gothic Quarter's historic sights like the Roman Temple, Barcelona Cathedral, and the Giants Museum. The kids will love sampling local delicacies like churros con chocolate along the route. Tour the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudì next, such as Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Família, followed by a family pottery class at Taller Gingell Studio. Next, fly to Málaga to snorkel and kayak in La Herradura's Cerro Gordo National Park. If the kids are older, opt for the thrilling Caminito del Rey hike through the Guadalhorce Valley, or have a relaxing beach day with the little ones.

Drive to Granada for a guided hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains, exploring the tranquil village of Monachil and Las Cahorros―the kids will love the adventurous hanging bridges and canyons here. Next, the whole family will be awed by the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, followed by a family-friendly tour of the Albaicín, Granada's former Moorish quarter. You'll then drive to Seville, where you and the kids will be introduced to the art of flamenco dance and even learn the steps. Explore the historic Seville Cathedral and Alcázar, followed by a family pottery class in the artsy district of Triana. Learn more

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

This exciting family adventure takes you through Madrid, Toledo, and Seville, and it's packed with activities like a paella cooking class, a hot-air balloon ride over Segovia, and a hands-on pottery class in Triana. No trip to Spain would be complete without feasting on tasty churros and exploring the world of tapas, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to do just that. You and the kids will wrap up the adventure with a luxurious river cruise in Seville.

Your adventure begins with a guided walking tour of Madrid, where your guide will share interesting facts and stories, with games and activities that will entertain kids and adults alike, and you'll visit Plaza Mayor, Lope de Vega Museum, Jardines de Lepanto, and El Retiro park. The next day, enjoy cooking as a family during a paella cooking class, followed by a family-friendly tour of the Madrid Royal Palace. On Day 3, discover the stunning artwork of the Prado Museum through kid-friendly tasks and activities. Next, the kids will enjoy showing off their dancing skills at a family flamenco class.

Day 4 will see you exploring Segovia through a hot-air balloon ride and city tour. Then, it's off to Toledo, where the kids will love participating in hands-on marzipan and sword-making workshops. Drive south to Seville for you and the kids to be introduced to the local art of ceramics in the Triana district. Your family will learn new skills, and the kids can let their creativity flow. Afterward, enjoy a luxury cruise along the Guadalquivir River. The following day, let your family marvel at Seville's Cathedral and Royal Alcázar before the kids sample some delicious tapas for dinner. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Highlights of Spain Family Tour: Madrid, Seville & Granada

Take your family on a highlights tour through Spain, beginning in Madrid and ending in Granada. Along the way, enjoy family-friendly highlights, such as a hands-on paella cooking class, a luxury yacht cruise on the Guadalquivir River, a visit to the historic "white village" of Ronda, and a stroll through the fragrant orange trees of the Generalife Gardens, the perfect blend of history, cuisine, and fun-filled activities.

Take a family walking tour in Madrid, where you and the kids will visit Plaza Mayor and Lope de Vega Museum. The highlight will be creating traditional Spanish paella in a family cooking class. At the Prado Museum, children will learn about art through games and activities. Hop a train to Seville and cruise along the scenic Guadalquivir River, where you and the kids can marvel at the city's medieval architecture. Next, experience a flamenco dance class and live show, cook traditional Spanish dishes in a private cooking class, and discover the city's historical monuments, such as the Seville Cathedral and Royal Alcázar. 

Drive to Granada via the stunning city of Ronda, one of Andalusia's "White Villages," perfect for family photo ops, before sightseeing the magnificent Alhambra fortress and the lush Generalife Gardens. The kids will be fascinated by the intricate artwork here as your guide regales the family with unique facts and anecdotes about the fortress. You'll close out your trip with a self-guided tour around Granada's key sites, including the Granada Cathedral, Plaza de la Romanilla, and the Alcaicería marketplace, where the kids can pick souvenirs. Learn more

More Great 9-Day Spain Itineraries

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