Must-Visit Destinations in Spain for the Whole Family
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When planning a family holiday to Spain, deciding whether to visit new places or revisit your old favorites can be tricky. As one of the world’s most family-friendly destinations, Spain offers many fun attractions and activities for adults and kids of all ages.
If you need suggestions on where to go next, refer below for our list of must-visit destinations in Spain for the whole family. You may have already visited some places on this list, but they are worth visiting again.
1. Costa Adeje, Tenerife
If you are planning a beach holiday to Spain, choose Costa Adeje. It’s a lovely resort town on the island of Tenerife, attracting families who enjoy sophisticated sandy beaches, stunning nature and fun adventures. Adults will find plenty of opportunities to relax while kids are having fun at the beach.
One of the best things to do with kids is to go whale watching. Many species of whales visit the waters of Tenerife each year, including sperm whales and orcas, and you can spot some of them on the coast of Costa Adeje. You can book one of the whale-watching tours that depart from Puerto Colon, where you will be with a guide who will share some interesting insights about these incredible marine animals. Some tours also include fun water activities, such as snorkelling, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Costa Adeje is on a three-wheel motorbike called the tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuk tours are popular in Tenerife, especially for families. Usually, it starts and ends in Puerto Colon, taking you to key attractions like the Duque Castle and La Caleta, a lovely village home to the San Sebastian church.
2. Barcelona, Catalonia Region
You may have been to Barcelona before, but a single visit is not enough to discover everything in this bustling city. And whether it’s your first time or not, taking a family holiday to Barcelona is highly recommended for families. It’s a great way to learn more about the city’s history and attractions.
Park Guell is a must-visit for all families. It’s a beautiful garden designed by Gaudi and a fun place to spend quality time with your kids. Your little ones will enjoy running around the park and admiring the breathtaking vistas from the viewing terrace decorated with colorful pottery.
For a taste of culture and history, take the family to Poble Espanyol, a recreational park featuring reconstructions of Spanish architecture. The Spanish Village was established in 1929 for the International Fair to showcase the diverse culture of Spain in one place. It has become popular, so they decided to keep it permanent.
Another fun place to take the kids is Barcelona Zoo, a lovely zoo in Parc de la Ciutadella, home to numerous wildlife species, including gorillas and elephants. The zoo is also famous for its conservation efforts, making it a fun place to learn more about animals.
3. San Sebastian, Basque Country
San Sebastian may not always come up when searching for the best family-friendly destinations in Spain, but it’s worth checking out for its lush hillsides and golden sand beaches. It boasts an alluring coastline, offering the perfect setting to relax and spend fun days at the beach with your little ones.
You can spend most of your days relaxing at the beach during your family holiday in San Sebastian. But don’t miss the chance to explore the city’s top attractions and discover its charm. Visit the City Hall of San Sebastian, also called Ayuntamiento de San Sebastián. It’s an architectural landmark in the city, standing proudly in the historical quarter. You’ll also find the nearby Alderdi Eder Gardens, a vibrant park with a pond, fountains, and colorful flowers.
The Museo de San Telmo is also worth a stop, considered the biggest museum showcasing Basque history from prehistoric times up to the modern era. It lies at the foothills of Urgull and has over 26,000 historical artifacts. Your kids will enjoy admiring the fascinating displays of different artifacts and checking out the exhibitions.
4. St Jose, Ibiza
While some families would skip the party island of Ibiza on a family trip to Spain, there are places on the island that appeal most to families seeking a relaxing holiday with their kids. One of these is St Jose, more popularly known as Sant Josep. It’s a quiet town south of the island, boasting beautiful beaches and stunning scenery.
Ibiza may have a reputation for being one of the top places to party in Spain, but families will find plenty of fun activities to enjoy here. In addition, you will find some excellent family rental properties in Ibiza. Some are in quiet villages like St Jose, offering the perfect place to stay for families to unwind and spend quality time with loved ones.
The pretty, whitewashed village of St Jose is a far cry from the world-famous party hot spots of the island. It’s an ideal place to take scenic strolls. At the center of the village is a striking 18th Century Church of Sant Josep de la Talaia. You will also find great restaurants in the area, serving traditional cuisines like tapas and seafood paellas.
5. Binibeca, Menorca
Want to skip the tourist crowd and venture off the beaten path? Head to the island of Menorca, where you’ll find a charming coastal village called Binibeca. Overlooking the stunning Mediterranean Sea, it has pictureque cobblestone streets lined with white-washed houses.
Binibeca stretches for three km along the coast. At the eastern point of the Binibeca, you will find Cala Torret, another small village with a beautiful beach, a perfect spot for relaxing and playing with kids.
While most visitors would visit Binibeca as a day trip, it can also make a fantastic base for families visiting Menorca. It’s the perfect getaway to explore the south of the island and is home to many family-friendly attractions. You will also find plenty of family-friendly guesthouses run by local families, offering a more authentic experience.
