Family Summer Vacation in Spain: Madrid, Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 10 Days

Highlights

• Snack on churros and tapas during a kid-friendly food tour of Madrid
• Take a day trip to Toledo to watch master swordsmiths at work
• Get lost among the whimsical sculptures and staircases of Barcelona's Parc Güell 
• Spot marine life on a glass-bottom boat cruise from Tossa de Mar
• Hop between Costa Brava beaches for swimming and snorkeling

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Family Food Adventure

Welcome to Spain! You'll arrive in Madrid, a family-friendly capital that's home to playground-filled plazas and quaint streets steeped in art, culture, and history. A private driver will take you to your hotel, where you can rest and refresh before this afternoon's tour, where you'll get to know the city through your taste buds with a private food adventure tailored to your family's ages, interests, and palates.

Some popular highlights that many families love to include are meeting the friendly fishmongers at the local market, peeking into the kitchen of a century-old churro bakery, and enjoying a proper tapear (tapas walk through a specific neighborhood). Along the way, you'll try plenty of kid-friendly bites (and some food adventures), enjoy a few playground breaks, and partake in interactive activities to keep everyone engaged and having fun.

Day 2: Madrid for Kids Walking Tour, Afternoon at El Retiro Park

Today is all about enjoying Madrid from a kids' perspective, so get ready for games, wonder-filled stories, and even a little practice with the Spanish language. After meeting your expert guide, you'll visit some of the city's most important landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Plaza de la Villa, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol. Little ones will be enthralled with tales of the city's exciting history as stories of explorers, artists, princes, and princesses capture their hearts and feed their imaginations.

Stop for the best child-friendly snacks in town as you feast on prized hams and cured meats at a family-run deli, where adults can sample the local cava. Next up, the kids can try their hands at making bocadillos, a Spanish-style sandwich, while hearing all about Spanish life for kids their age. Finish the tour at one of Madrid's most famous spots for delicious churros (a deep-fried doughnut sprinkled with sugar) and chocolate—sure to be a hit with kids big and little. 

Day 3: Family Day Trip to Toledo

This morning, you and the kids will take a half-hour train ride south of Madrid to Toledo, a historic city that served as Spain's capital in the 16th century. Described in the Middle Ages as the "city of the three cultures," Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities once peacefully coexisted here, with remnants of monuments of the three faiths found throughout the city. These include the 15th-century Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, the former Roman palace Alcázar de Toledo, and the Moorish Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, which dates to the 12th century.

Explore the historic sights with your knowledgeable guide and let the cobbled streets and Toledo's towering location above the Río Tajo fire up the kids' imaginations as you make your way to a nearby foundry. Here you'll see where ancient blacksmiths forged Zorro-worthy swords, learn about the forging process, and admire the famous Toledo steelwork of the blades on display. End your day with a fun-filled marzipan workshop and tasting, where you and the kids will learn how to craft this traditional Spanish treat—invented in Toledo and first created by the city's nuns.

Day 4: Train to Barcelona, Family-Friendly Gothic Quarter Tour

It's time to pack up and head to the train station, where you'll hop aboard a 2.5-hour high-speed train to Barcelona. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and settle in a bit before heading out on your first adventure in the city: a kid-friendly tour of the Gothic Quarter. Meet your private guide and begin with something sure to please the whole family: snacks! You'll visit several traditional shops, including the oldest in Barcelona, and sample local treats like candy, traditional holiday desserts, and the Spanish staple, churros y chocolate.

Once you've sated your sweet tooth, continue through the quarter, passing the remnants of third-century Roman walls and the Gothic Barcelona Cathedral. Your guide will share entertaining stories of the city's history, with fun games for the kids and an activity book that they can complete as they go. See the Casa dels Entremesos (Giants Museum), home to the traditional papier-mâché masks and costumes used during local festivals, and enjoy a family-friendly theater performance about King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella before ending at the medieval courtyards of Plaça del Rei.

Day 5: Family Gaudí Tour: Parc Güell & Sagrada Família

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before today's tour, which starts when your guide whisks the family away in a chauffeured vehicle for an entertaining introduction to the works of legendary Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí. First, visit the whimsical Parc Güell. The park spans 42 acres (17 ha), and little ones will love marveling at every unique building as they stroll along the walkways and gardens. Kid favorites include the stone palm trees, the covered Laundry Room Portico, the mosaic benches, the gingerbread houses at the pavilions, and the colorful dragon staircase. 

Next up is Sagrada Família, the iconic Roman Catholic basilica that's an impressive blend of Gothic, Catalan Modernism, and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Despite work on the church beginning in 1882, it's still technically under construction and was only consecrated in 2010. Upon arrival, your guide will reveal insight into Sagrada Família's fascinating history, and you'll glean even more info as you explore the interior. Watch your kids marvel at the sky-high ceiling meant to look like a forest, with colorful light streaming in from the stained glass windows.

Day 6: Boquería Market Visit & Family Cooking Class

Don't fill up too much on breakfast—you'll want to make sure the whole family is hungry when you stroll to La Boquería—the city's famous food market. Led by a local expert, you and the kids will explore the market's dazzling array of stalls, brimming with fresh produce and artisanal goods. After sourcing the ingredients for this morning's cooking class, you'll head to a nearby kitchen to spend a couple of hours in the company of a local chef. While the kids have fun prepping the ingredients, learn the secrets of traditional Spanish cuisine, then prepare and enjoy a delicious four-course meal served with local wine. 

After lunch, you might want to spend the afternoon visiting Parc de la Ciutadella. Open since 1881, this green lung of Barcelona includes 70 acres (28 ha) and features sculptures, lakes, gardens, playgrounds, and the Barcelona Zoo. You could easily spend the remainder of the afternoon here and not run out of things to do! If the kids are craving some beach time, head to Platja de la Barceloneta, where you'll find amenities like chair and umbrella rentals, restaurants, and volleyball courts. You can also visit Platja de Sant Sebastià, which, like Barceloneta, is one of the oldest beaches in the city and a popular spot for local families. 

Day 7: Scenic Drive to the Costa Brava

It's time for the road trip portion of your vacation, when you pick up your rental car and set off toward the Costa Brava. This spectacular stretch of coastline starts about 40 miles (64 km) north of Barcelona and stretches all the way to the French border. Take your time and plan for plenty of stops along the roughly two-hour drive, pausing to discover some of the region's famed beaches, coastal walks, and medieval villages. Highlights include Pals and Peratellada—charming hamlets with hilltop castles, quaint historic centers, white-sand beaches, and delicious food.

Another popular stopping point is Girona, a city offering a fusion of ancient cultures, including Roman, Greek, Moorish, medieval, and Gothic. Wander the walled Old Quarter and visit sites like the Gothic Girona Cathedral and the remains of the Roman Força Vella fortress. If you prefer a more active detour, enjoy a coastal hike along the rugged GR 92 route, which hugs the shoreline and is best for older kids. Then, cool off by visiting one of the many beaches, with everything from extensive stretches of golden sand to hidden rocky coves and isolated beaches reachable only on foot. 

Day 8: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise, Afternoon Beach Time

It's time to hit the water! This morning, you'll grab your sunscreen and swimsuits and drive to the historic seaside town of Tossa de Mar, where you'll head to the harbor, step aboard a glass-bottom boat, and set off on a one-hour cruise along the coast. You'll get a remarkable glimpse of the Costa Brava's diverse marine life as you listen to your knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the underwater world, and the boat's small size means you'll be able to access a series of rocky coves and hidden caves before you step ashore at Cala Giverola, a secluded beach far from the crowds.

Here you'll have some free time to swim, sunbathe, or snorkel (equipment can be rented from the boat), or grab a bite to eat at a beachside restaurant. After the return cruise to Tossa de Mar, you'll have the rest of the day free to spend at another of the region's beaches. The Costa Brava's long stretch of coastline means that even in the height of summer, you'll often be able to find a secluded sandy cove all to yourself.

Well-known beach towns with plenty of facilities and watersports include Calella de Palafrugell, Begur, and L'Estartit. Families with younger kids should try Platja Fonda, a small cove and swimming spot near Begur, known for its calm, clear water and relaxed atmosphere. Adventurous families and older kids might want to hike to secluded stretches of sand and hidden coves along the Cami de Ronda, a famous coastal trail.

Day 9: Free Day on the Costa Brava: Beaches, Castles & Museums

It's the penultimate day of your Spain vacation, and you'll have a full day to explore the Costa Brava any way you'd like! You can create your own itinerary or sign up for various guided excursions and/or activities. Kids love exploring the medieval town of Besalú, the artsy whitewashed town of Cadaqués, and the coastal village of Llafranc, where you can swim at the beach, stop for lunch in a beachside bar, and take in the views of the quaint ports and quintessentially Spanish squares. 

If you need a break from the beach, visit the town of Figueres to learn about the city's history and get an intimate look at the Dalí Theatre-Museum. This is an easy and entertaining way to understand his art through small details and anecdotes that create one of the world's most fascinating and eclectic museums, perfect for energetic kids.

Day 10: Drive to Barcelona, Depart

It's your last morning in Spain—depending on your schedule, you might have time to fit in one last visit to the beach before you pack up the car and head back to Barcelona's airport to drop off your rental car and catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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