Family Adventure in Southern Spain: Málaga, Granada, Seville & More - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Málaga, Explore

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival in the Andalusia region, a local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, where you can settle in before exploring the city of Málaga.

Located at the top of the Costa del Sol, the ancient metropolis of Málaga dates back 3,000 years to Phoenecian times, and it just so happens to be the city that produced Picasso. Depending on when you arrive, you may have some time to walk around the city. One landmark that kids love is the magnificent 10th-century Castillo de Gibralfaro, which sits on a hill overlooking Málaga. Stroll along pretty paths lined with greenery and flowers like jasmine, bougainvillea, and orange and lemon trees.

For dinner, you can sample the local cuisine, which is big on fish and seasonal vegetables, as well as olives, almonds, grapes, raisins, and baked goods. Check out the waterfront or the Old Town along Calle Marques de Larios, which has some excellent restaurants with kid-approved grub.

Day 2: Walking Tour & Treasure Hunt, Optional Sailing Experience

On a family-friendly half-day tour of Málaga, your guide will show you some highlights of the city, including the unconquered Alcazaba fortress and the majestic Cathedral of Málaga, built on the site of a mosque. Learn about the city's history and all the civilizations that have left their mark here through exciting stories and tales of royalty, battles, and artists. Also, check out Plaza de la Merced, where Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born.

Can you think of a better way for kids to explore a city than with a treasure hunt? You'll start at Plaza de la Constitución, where your energetic and entertaining guide will explain the game and provide all the necessary tools (GPS compass and treasure map). Let your kids lead the way as you explore cultural highlights and the most important monuments in Málaga. To make it even more fun, you'll find puzzles and tasks to solve in hidden corners as you search for your treasure!

Later, if you wish, you can enjoy a relaxing sailing experience into the Bay of Málaga, the heart of the Mediterranean. A sailing adventure is a surefire way to get a smile on your kids' faces, as they love being out on the water and watching the city pass them by!

Day 3: Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to Granada & Explore

After a leisurely breakfast, pick up your rental car and start your epic Andalusian road trip! Your first stop is Granada, about a 90-minute drive. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some time to relax and unwind before touring this incredibly historic and interesting city.

In the late afternoon, you'll meet your local guide for a city tour of Granada with a kid-focused twist. You'll visit all the significant sites, including the Plaza Nueva (the oldest square in the city), the Albaicín (the medieval/Moorish historic center), Barrio Realejo (the historic Jewish Quarter), and the 16th-century Catedral de Granada, the largest and most opulent Roman Catholic church in the city. Along the way, stay entertained with stories and tales of kings, queens, battles, and adventures!

End the day at a local eatery where you can enjoy some traditional (and inherently kid-friendly) tapas. Bring your appetite, as Granada is known for its huge portion sizes—let's just say no one will go to bed hungry!

Day 4: Family Tour of the Alhambra & Generalife Gardens

Granada was once the last bastion of Al-Andalus (the name of the Iberian Peninsula under Muslim rule). You can see examples of this history at Granada's most famous landmark, the Alhambra. In the morning, enjoy a family-friendly tour of this remarkable site.

This famous palace/fortress complex was constructed in the 9th century. It was home to rulers of the Moorish/Muslim Nasrid Dynasty and the Royal Court of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Your local expert guide will explain all you need to know about the Alhambra in a fun and energetic way, keeping the little ones entertained as you move from room to room. The charming Generalife Gardens, filled with colorful flowers and fountains, highlight the tour.

After the tour, enjoy free time to explore Granada at your own pace. You can walk around the labyrinthine streets of the Albayzin and Sacromonte quarters, the well-preserved historic neighborhoods of the city, or grab something to eat at Plaza de Bib-Rambla, lined with family-friendly eateries, trees, and bubbling fountains. Kids also love walking through the colorful Alcaicería (old silk market), filled with goodies, and playing at the park near Fuente del Paseo de los Tristes—complete with a fountain, river, Alhambra views, and a playground.

Day 5: Drive to Córdoba via Antequera

After enjoying your breakfast in the morning, set off on a two-hour drive north of Granada to the historic city of Córdoba, stopping at Antequera on the way. The city of Antequera is full of cultural heritage and monuments, including the megalithic sites at the Dolmen de Menga and Tholos of El Romeral. You can also explore the Alcazaba fortress with its interesting dungeon, check out the largest mating grounds of pink flamingos in the Iberian Peninsula at Fuente de Piedra, or visit the Medina Azahara, an incredible outdoor collection of archeological ruins featuring mosques, porticos, palaces, and basilicas.

Once in Córdoba, check into your hotel and settle in before roaming through this historical hodgepodge of Moorish, Gothic, and Jewish architecture. Always a winner with kids is the breathtaking Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba), a pagan temple that was converted into a mosque and then a Catholic church. Not only will the interior of this structure impress the youngsters (especially the ancient ruins), but the outside features an orange grove, a park with fountains, and a tower with incredible city views.

Continue meandering through the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter and visit the 14th-century Córdoba Synagogue. The city's resident cat population is just down the road from the synagogue—perhaps the cutest protected feature in Córdoba! As the sun sets, make your way to the 14th-century Alcázar de los Reyes, as the terraced gardens, fish ponds, flower beds, and orange trees make for great family photos, as does the Puente Romano just down the street.

Day 6: Drive to Seville & Tour the City, Evening Flamenco & Tapas

This exciting family road trip continues after breakfast with a 1.5-hour drive to Seville. After checking into your hotel, head out to the city with a local guide ready to entertain you and your energetic kids! Your private tour includes fun activities, entertaining stories, a tasty treat, and unforgettable memories. Enjoy trivia questions, fun facts, treasure hunts, and new words in the local language, all ways to show kids how delightful Seville can be!

You'll start by visiting the Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman Catholic church, and the Alcázar of Seville. This royal palace was commissioned for King Peter of Castile in the 14th century and built over the site of a former Muslim fortress. It features well-manicured gardens, and the building is one of the nation's finest examples of Mudéjar architecture. Kids love all the excitement of Seville's Royal Alcázar, but all the hidden corners (one that unexpectedly plays music and another revealing an underground water source) and all the animals on the grounds always seem to be the highlights.

Next, walk to the fashionable Santa Cruz neighborhood, once the Jewish Quarter. It's a colorful and well-preserved part of the historic center, with many cafés and tapas bars with kid-friendly food. In the evening, head to Seville's historic Old Town for delicious tapas at family-run taverns and authentic Flamenco, a musical style birthed right here in Andalusia. Tip: choose a seat near the back so your kids can have a little fun dancing! For dinner, feast on local delicacies like acorn-fed Iberian ham, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp in oil), bacalao (salted cod), and plenty of kid-friendly grub including patatas bravas, croquettes, and Spanish omelet.

Day 7: Family Free Day in Seville

Today is all about you and your family! Enjoy some time exploring Seville at your own pace, deciding what to see and do depending on your interests and energy levels. One idea is to visit the Plaza de España and María Luisa Park. For a relaxing family activity, rent a boat and row around the makeshift river. 

If you'd like to enjoy views of Seville, take your kids to the top of the Giralda Bell Tower. As one of the most iconic symbols of Seville, the views from the top (accessible via a series of 35 ramps) are truly spectacular. You can also enjoy city vistas from Metropol Parasol. Though controversial at the time of construction, Seville's famous "mushrooms" are now an integral part of the cityscape. The views are certainly a highlight, and with the help of an elevator, getting to the top is a much easier option for families. Enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar and spend some time marveling at the stunning Seville skyline as you walk along its unique pathways.

For those who need time running around and burning off energy, head to Isla Mágica or Agua Mágica. What's a family trip without a visit to a theme park, right? Seville's amusement wonderland, Isla Mágica (as well as its onsite waterpark, Agua Mágica), is an ideal choice for energetic kids who want some free time.

Day 8: Drive to Ronda, Family Exploration of the White Villages

Enjoy breakfast and then make your way to the beautiful and exciting town of Ronda, one of Spain's famed Pueblos Blancos (White Villages). This area has many historical influences, including Roman, Visigoth, and Berber, so many of these towns have unique elements, such as caves, cave-like homes, and rock paintings. During the Roman times, these villages painted some of the buildings white, a practical solution to stave off the region's hot weather, as white reflects light and heat.  

Prepare for breathtaking scenery as you pass through some of Andalusia's most enchanting places. Drive through olive groves, lavender fields, rolling meadows, cork forests, and mountainous terrain before stopping first at Zahara de la Sierra. You'll visit an olive mill, followed by a scenic drive through the Grazalema de la Sierra Natural Park. Your next stop is the rural mountain village of Grazalema, where you'll sample the renowned payoyo cheese and explore the streets of Spain's most charming white town.

Continue onto Ronda, situated atop a dramatic gorge, and settle into your hotel. If you and your crew are up for more adventure, explore the town at your leisure. Kids enjoy walking through the 19th-century Alameda del Tajo Park and standing above the El Tajo Gorge at the Mirador de Ronda and Puente Nuevo. 

Day 9: Drive to Málaga, Optional Hiking, Cultural, or Outdoor Activity

Today is the last leg of your family-friendly road trip in Spain. You'll drive to the coastal city of Málaga, a scenic journey with a few potential stopping points. For families with older kids, consider the incredible hike at Caminito del Rey, which takes you along the infamously steep walls of the El Churro Gorge, reaching depths of over 2,000 feet (700 m). There are plenty of safety precautions in place, but you and your kids won't want to be fearful of heights for this adventure!

For younger kids or those seeking a more subdued excursion, consider visiting the coastal village of Nerja, perfect for relaxing at the beach, learning about the region at the Nerja Museum, or exploring the amazing Nerja Cave. The cave is a series of caverns that stretch 5 miles (3 km), complete with hanging stalactites and columns, magical cave paintings, and a unique theater that holds regular concerts. Other exciting stops in the same area include the mountain village of Frigiliana, and the 19th-century El Acueducto del Águila, which spans a small gorge between Nerja and the town of Maro. You could also spend some time in the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo, a nature preserve and stretch of coastline with hiking trails leading to caves, beaches, coves, and incredible viewpoints.

When ready, continue to Málaga, where you'll check into your hotel and return your rental car. You'll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy your last night in Spain. Great places to get some delicious kid-friendly food are at the waterfront, in the SOHO neighborhood, or along the buzzy Calle Molina Lario.

Day 10: Depart Málaga

Your family adventure in Spain has come to an end! When ready, head to the airport to catch your flight back home. Safe travels! Adiós! 

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