Spain is one of the world’s most popular destinations for a holiday. The country offers tons of fun activities for adults and kids, creating memories you will never forget. Discover some of the most beautiful cities in Spain from the laid-back capital to seaside resorts.
I’ve been visiting Spain for years as my mother lived in Andulusia not far from Seville. Andulusia is a gorgeous part of the country, but there is plenty more to explore from the northern Pyranese to
Perhaps, the most challenging aspect of planning your family trip is choosing which destination to visit. You will find many incredible places in Spain that are best suited for family travel. Of course, some are more family-friendly than others. If you need ideas on where to go, here are the best places in Spain for the whole family.
The Most Beautiful Cities in Spain
1. Madrid
Madrid has a lot to offer for families, making it one of the best places to visit with the kids. It’s a picturesque city offering activities for adults and kids of all ages. There are amusement parks, museums, and zoos that the little ones will surely love. Of course, there are also attractions for older kids and adults.
If your kids are animal lovers, take them to Zoo Aquarium de Madrid. Home to more than 6,000 animals, it’s one of the largest zoos in Spain. Your kids will enjoy seeing their favourite animals up close, including its famous residents, the giant pandas.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid, take the family to Buen Retiro Park, a public park in the middle of the city. It has well-appointed gardens, refreshing ponds, and fascinating statues. There are also fun activities for adults and kids, such as rowboat tours and duck feeding.
2. Santa Eulalia
Santa Eulalia is a charming town along the east coast of Ibiza and has recently become a favourite spot for families. It’s quieter than in the other parts of the island and where you’ll find some of the classiest family-friendly rentals in Ibiza, making it an ideal place to stay for families.
Santa Eulalia has a lovely promenade lined with palm trees, running the length of a beautiful sandy beach. It’s a lovely place to spend quality time with the family while enjoying the views. Aside from being a popular area for families, Santa Eulalia has also established a reputation as Ibiza’s gastronomic and cultural scene. Thus, you’ll find excellent restaurants and art galleries in the area.
Santa Eulalia is also famous for its hippie markets, the Punta Arabi y Las Dalias. These are the best places to shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
For those who prefer to unwind at the beach, you’ll find some of Ibiza’s most beautiful beaches in Santa Eulalia. The area has numerous beaches and coves, but the most popular is Aigües Blanques, a stunning shoreline dominated by rugged cliffs.
3. Costa Adeje
Another great destination in Spain for families that love the beach is the seaside resort town of Costa Adeje on the island of Tenerife. It’s home to several family-friendly resorts and offers many fun activities to delight the entire family. Playa Fañabe offers an upscale beachfront experience, while Playa de las Américas has a more laid-back vibe.
Costa Adeje’s coastline is home to many different beaches, each catering to a different crowd. The scene at Playa Del Duque is somewhat upscale. It is home to exclusive white sand beaches and excellent shops and restaurants. Playa Fañabe is another beach ideal for families, thanks to its calm waters lined with palm trees.
If your kids want to enjoy some rides, take them to Siam Park, a Thai-themed waterpark. Hop on an inflatable and enjoy a relaxing float along its lazy river pool or ride the artificial beach waves at the Wave Palace. Older kids craving more thrilling adventures should try the spiraling Kinnaree slide, which ends with a big splash.
4. Barcelona
Thanks to its miles of golden sands and quaint alleyways lined with centuries-old infrastructures, Barcelona is one of the best places to visit in Spain with the family. Beyond its beautiful beaches and architecture are a plethora of fun activities and museums that the whole family will love. To save time in planning your family adventure, check out some of the great tour itineraries for Spain, which include exploring Barcelona’s top attractions.
Most families heading to Barcelona will choose to hang out at its gorgeous beaches, the most famous of which is Barceloneta, which also has a long promenade with many seafood restaurants and tapa bars. Venture further to the coast to find more family-friendly and less crowded beaches.
Sightseeing in Barcelona is a must for families, especially those visiting for the first time. Check out the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, a massive and awe-inducing church that’s still in construction since the 1880s. Visit Barcelona’s top museums, such as the Picasso Museum, Barcelona History Museum, and the FC Barcelona Museum, where you can learn about the history of the famous football club.
5. Seville
Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and one of my favourite places in Andalusia. Regarding the weather, Seville in March is a great time to visit, this is when the weather is mild, and the city is not too crowded with tourists. The last time I visited was in August and to say it was too hot would be an understatement (and this is coming from someone who has lived in the tropics).
The magnificent Plaza de España is a must-visit attraction in Seville. On some days, you could catch a glimpse of flamenco dancers performing here, which makes for a more enjoyable experience. A visit to Seville Aquarium is a must for families who love wildlife. Home to over 7,000 sea creatures, the Seville Aquarium has 36 exhibits featuring different species of marine animals.
The Royal Alcazar of Seville is another fantastic place to visit with your kids. Built by the Moors during the 7th century, it later became the residence of the royals of Spain. If you’re a fan of the Game of Thrones series, you’ll find the Real Alcazar familiar since it’s the filming location for Dorne.
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲