Last Updated on November 15, 2024
Having lived in Spain for 8 years (and giving beginning to my child there), I’ve realized lots about exploring Spain with children. Here is my complete information that will help you plan a Spain household journey.
From medieval church buildings to gorgeous seashores and fun-filled islands, Spain is brimming with spectacular sights and thrilling experiences for the entire household. There are loads of enjoyable adventures available in Spain with children: frolic on picture-perfect seashores on the island of Mallorca, go on a tapas tour or take a cooking class in Madrid, wander the well-known Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona, or hike the well-known Caminito del Rey.
There are few international locations as kid-friendly as Spain. Children of all ages are welcome in all places (even in bars at midnight!); most eating places serve child menus and provide excessive chairs; and there are many museums designed for teenagers. The nice infrastructure within the nation additionally means it’s straightforward to get round and discover with out worrying on your children’ security.
Spain is a particular place for me: I lived in Spain for 8 years with my Spanish husband; our daughter was born there and we return to Spain virtually yearly to go to household. It’s most likely the nation I do know finest, subsequent to my dwelling nation Singapore. For these planning to journey Spain with children, I’m sharing particulars of our journey that will help you plan your Spain household journey.
My Guide to Traveling Spain with Kids
How to Get to Spain
Madrid is a nicely linked metropolis and caters to each low value and normal carriers. The fundamental worldwide airport in Madrid is Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport and is located near the town middle. If you’re flying from different elements of Europe, you possibly can low cost Madrid flights for lower than $100. For instance, we acquired flights from London to Madrid as soon as for as low cost as $30 return.
Flights from main hubs like New York City and Chicago’s O’Hare Airport are normally fairly inexpensive. During the low season, a direct flight can value as little as $350, whereas peak season fares hover round $1,000. A flight from New York goes for about $359.
When to Travel Spain with Kids
Many individuals assume Spain to be heat all year long, however it has a myriad of terrains and climates. Northern Spain (Bilbao, San Sebastian, Santander), for instance, has a wet and funky local weather for a lot of the 12 months. In basic, the summer time months have the most effective climate throughout the nation. But that’s additionally the time when Spain is most crowded and costly.
In my opinion, the most effective time to journey Spain is in spring (between March and May) and autumn (September and October). You’ll nonetheless absorb the sunshine, the climate is mostly fairly delicate, and also you’ll be capable to absorb most museums and sights with out an excessive amount of crowd.
How Long to Travel Spain with Kids?
Spain is a particularly various nation with every province providing completely different cultures, cuisines and landscapes — it’s no surprise Spain is among the most visited international locations on this planet. In the seven years I spent dwelling in Spain, I traveled all through the nation at each likelihood I had and nonetheless haven’t seen all of it!
If that is your first journey to Spain, I like to recommend spending at the very least two weeks in Spain. You’ll not solely get to go to probably the most well-known elements of Spain, like Madrid and Barcelona, however you’ll additionally get to see the coast alongside Valencia, and the Andalusia area that’s the most conventional a part of the nation. Read my suggestion for a 2-week Spain itinerary for particulars.
The Ultimate 2-Week Spain Itinerary
- Days 1-3: Madrid
- Day 4: Day Trip to Toledo
- Day 5-7: Barcelona
- Day 8-9: Valencia
- Days 10-11: Granada
- Days 12-14: Malaga
- Day 15: Fly dwelling!
Getting Around Spain with Kids
By Car Rental
The best and most handy solution to journey via Spain is by automotive. Spain’s community of highways are in glorious situation and it’s straightforward to navigate even if you happen to don’t learn Spanish. Small roads in previous cities will be tough although, as they’re slim and busy.
Car rental in Spain is extraordinarily inexpensive and yow will discover leases as low cost as 30 euros a day. We all the time use Discover Cars as they’ve persistently given the most effective costs and customer support. For this Spain highway journey, we advocate selecting up your automotive rental in Barcelona and dropping it in Malaga.
Search for automotive leases in Spain
By Train & Bus
If you don’t drive, it’s extraordinarily straightforward to get round Spain by practice. Spain has a wonderful practice system, with comfy, high-speed trains connecting the key cities. The nationwide practice operator in Spain is Renfe.
Traveling by bus is the most affordable choice. Some of the primary bus operators in Spain are Alsa, Comes, and Conda. To test bus routes and fares in Spain, plan your bus route utilizing Bookaway.
By Taxi or Uber
Uber works nicely within the huge cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Taxis are additionally dependable and can cost you based mostly on meters. A terrific various to buses and trains is Blablacar, a ride-sharing platform that lets you carpool with people who find themselves heading the identical manner as you.
Spain with Kids: Which Ages Would Enjoy it Most?
Spain is a kind of international locations that can enchantment to children of all ages. Traveling Spain with infants or toddlers is straightforward and enjoyable, because the infrastructure in Spain is superb for households. You’ll discover baby-changing amenities in loos, highchairs and children’ menus at eating places, and loads of playgrounds, parks and kid-oriented museums.
My daughter was born in Spain – and despite the fact that we left when she was 2 years previous, we return to Spain virtually yearly to go to household. When she was little or no, we struggled with holding to her sleep schedule as mealtimes are late there (lunch at is at 2pm and dinner is normally at 9-10pm) and issues go on until late particularly in summer time. But now that’s she is 9 years previous, she loves having the ability to keep out late and exit to bars and eating places with us.
Travel Spain Independently vs on A Tour?
Spain is among the best international locations to journey; they’ve acquired glorious infrastructure, transport system, and kid-friendly facilities. There’s no scarcity of nice museums which might be straightforward to go to by yourself, and cooking courses/meals excursions you possibly can join, in addition to nice public transport system that’s straightforward to navigate.
The solely difficulty that I can see if the language barrier as many individuals in Spain don’t communicate a second language. Still, those that work in lodges and airports will normally communicate some English. Plus, there’s nothing Google Translator can’t assist with lately.
Is it Safe to Travel Spain with Kids?
Spain is among the most secure international locations on this planet. We lived in Spain for 8 years and our daughter was born there; we by no means as soon as had any questions of safety. I do know a few of you is perhaps nervous about security in Spain after studying about anti-tourist protests and the water gun confrontations in Barcelona. Those aren’t violent and vacationers have by no means been harm. Keep your self up to date and steer clear of the protests. Always hold your children shut and perhaps get them to put on an Airtag simply in case they get misplaced.
What I’d counsel is keep away from touring Spain in summer time, the height vacationer season, when many elements are packed to the brim with vacationers. If you do, attempt to veer off the well-trodden path and go to lesser-visited locations as a substitute – final summer time we went again to Spain to go to household and took the prospect to go to Salamanca which was gloriously empty and completely lovely.
How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids
Regardless of how lengthy you might be touring in Spain, I like to recommend getting journey insurance coverage earlier than your journey. You’ll be lined in case of an accident, lack of baggage, or flight delay/cancellation.
Safety Wing is the most well-liked journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I exploit their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as another sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Refer to my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
Do You Need to Speak Spanish to Travel Spain with Kids?
Most individuals communicate at the very least a bit little bit of English in Madrid and Barcelona, however it isn’t generally spoken to the opposite elements. Learning some Spanish might help you get round lots simpler and join extra with locals. My husband is from Spain, so we by no means had an issue; however you actually do must know some Spanish if you wish to get by.
Here are some helpful phrases to be taught:
- Hello = Hola!
- Thank you = Gracias
- Excuse me = Perdón
- Please = Por favor
- How are you? = Como estas?
- Can you assist? = Me puedes ayudar?
Where to Stay in Spain with Kids
Madrid: Cosy Flat in La Latina
We booked this spacious Airbnb close to el Rastro and actually loved our keep. The condominium is kind of huge and cozy, excellent for our household of three. It’s additionally steps from eating places, tapas bars and bakeries. The solely draw back to it’s there aren’t any home windows, however that additionally means it stays cool even within the scorching summer time days. Book right here.
Barcelona: El Avenida Palace
El Avenida Palace is a superb mid-range lodge positioned alongside gran Via, the primary artery of the town. We love this place due to its worth for cash and 360-degree views from the rooftop bar. Check charges right here.
Valencia: Barceló Valencia
Barceló Valencia has among the best rooftop bars in Valencia. The views of the Arts and Sciences complicated are unbeatable, and there’s a pleasant, albeit small, spa within the lodge if it’s good to sneak away to loosen up a bit. Check charges right here.
Granada: Hotel Casa 1800 Granada
With astounding views of the Alhambra, this charismatic historic lodge has a romantic ambiance and beautiful decor. We stayed right here on our marriage ceremony night time! Check the charges right here.
Malaga: Gran Hotel Miramar
It doesn’t get extra extravagant than this. The luxurious Gran Hotel Miramar GL is about in a listed seventeenth century constructing overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Regal rooms with opulent furnishing and ocean views. Check charges right here.
Things to Do in Spain with Kids
Hang out at Puerta del Sol in Madrid
Puerta del Sol is the liveliest and most vibrant a part of Madrid. At the town’s very core lies the “kilometer zero” marker, a humble but important image marking the epicenter of Spain’s expansive highway community. The statue of the bear devouring from a fruit tree is an everlasting image of Madrid’s id and an incredible spot to take a selfie.
Try Chocolate con Churros at San Gines
You can’t come to Madrid and never go to this well-known churreria, El Pasadizo de San Gines, simply subsequent to Puerta del Sol. They have lengthy been a fixture in Madrid’s culinary scene, serving the town’s finest crispy churros dipped in scorching, gooey chocolate. The café which opened its doorways in 1894, is one in every of Madrid’s most well-known breakfast spots.
Visit the Royal Palace in Madrid
One of my daughter’s favourite recollections from Spain is visiting the Royal Palace, a testomony to the grandeur of Spanish royalty, fascinating guests with its imposing presence and wealthy historical past. Despite it now not serving as the first residence of Spain’s royal household, it’s a must-visit vacation spot in your Madrid itinerary.
It is the biggest royal palace in Western Europe, occupying a staggering 135,000 sq. meters and boasting an astounding 3,418 rooms. Originally commissioned by King Felipe V, its majestic facade adorned with intricate murals, carvings, and ceramics showcases the unparalleled craftsmanship of its period.
Let Your Kids Run Free in Parque Retiro, Madrid
Retiro Park is a superb spot to savor nature in Madrid and make fond recollections with children. It was established as a non-public backyard and was unveiled to the general public in 1868. The centerpiece of the park is the Estanque del Retiro, a sprawling synthetic lake the place you possibly can take pleasure in a ship trip.
The majestic statue of King Alfonso VII on a horse is one other unmissable spotlight of the park. Another notable landmark is the Palacio del Cristal (Crystal Palace), an architectural marvel constructed solely of glass. Book a guided strolling tour right here.
Visit the Balloon Museum in Madrid
If you might be touring Spain with kids, a visit to the Balloon Museum ought to completely be in your Spain itinerary. Located inside the sprawling Casa de Campo, the museum is a fascinating testomony to the whimsical world of inflatable artwork.
The immersive museum takes you on an exhilarating journey into the realm of creativity and playfulness. Inside, you might be greeted by a medley of colours and shapes, starting from towering inflatable buildings to inviting ball swimming pools, every inviting exploration and surprise. It is a good way to evoke your internal youngster or bond along with your toddler.
Admire the Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is certainly one in every of Spain’s most well-known sights and for good cause. The cathedral was designed by world-famous Spanish architect Gaudí and it really captures the tradition and architectural type of Catalonia, the area the place Barcelona is. It has been below building for over 100 years and is about to be accomplished in 2026.
Visit Parc Güell in Barcelona
My daughter’s favourite spot in Barcelona, Parc Güell is a whimsical park with colourful sculptures and tile work designed by Gaudí. It’s a playground for the thoughts: visible jokes, columns that simulate palm-tree trunks, rubble-surfaced arches that develop out of the bottom, and quilts of ceramic tiles. There’s a swish gazebo fabricated from twisted angle iron formed like softly curved climbing vines. If you’re planning a go to, think about reserving entry tickets or a guided tour of Parc Güell right here.
Relax at Parc de la Ciutadella
This is among the largest public parks in Barcelona and it’s the right place to take pleasure in a day outdoors. Those touring with children will love the massive playgrounds, lush gardens and fountains right here. It’s additionally dwelling to the Catalan Parliament and the Barcelona Zoo. It’s centrally positioned within the metropolis, so it’s accessible irrespective of the place you’re staying in Barcelona. Check this checklist of different free issues to do in Barcelona.
Stroll Along La Rambla
La Rambla is Barcelona’s most well-known pedestrianized road. Popping within the little outlets and eating places alongside La Rambla will present you what it’s prefer to be a neighborhood in Barcelona. At the tip of La Rambla, you’ll discover La Boqueria market, bursting with contemporary produce stalls, tapas stands and bars.
You may even do a meals tour and cooking class as a household, and get your children to learn to put together Spanish dishes. For extra insights into meals scene, remember to try my suggestions for the finest locations to take pleasure in wine and tapas in Barcelona.
Visit Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias
A up to date landmark of Spain, the Science and Art Museum of Valencia is an efficient sufficient cause to go to the town. The complicated really has 5 completely different elements, together with an IMAX theater, a restaurant, and museums. Part of the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias, Oceanográfico is the biggest aquarium in Europe and has animals from all completely different elements of the world. It additionally has dwell reveals with dolphins.
Explore the Famous Alhambra in Granada
Set towards the Sierra Nevada peaks, this fortified palace began life as a walled citadel earlier than turning into the opulent seat of Granada’s Nasrid emirs. The 14th-century Palacios Nazaríes listed below are among the many best Islamic buildings in Europe. You can discover the sprawling complicated by yourself, however e-book the tickets early as they promote out particularly in summer time. Alternatively, get a quick monitor guided tour to go below the floor.
Watch a Flamenco Show in Granada
An glorious solution to immerse your children in Spanish tradition is bringing them to see a flamenco present. The uncooked emotion emanating from voices crammed with anguish coupled with rhythms of pleasure in sevillanas and rumbas, will get them intrigued for positive!
Sacromonte is Granada’s gypsy quarter, on the hills above Albayzin. This is the birthplace of the zambra, an intense type of flamenco. Most caves within the space have nightly flamenco reveals, although you would possibly see road performances if you happen to’re fortunate (although the actual artists would sneer at them). I normally carry buddies from out of city to Cuevas los Tarantos, the place a dimly-lit ambiance and genuine beats set the scene for an unforgettable night. For extra methods to discover the town, try my information on the finest issues to do in Granada.
Hit the Beach in Malaga
It’s not exhausting to discover a seaside in Málaga. Just a couple of minutes’ stroll from the previous city are miles and miles of seashores. If you’re searching for a extra out-of-the-ordinary seaside expertise although, head to El Pedregalejo. It’s outdoors of the town middle and never as busy as the opposite close by seashores.
After you’ve soaked up sufficient solar, you may also go to one of many chiringuitos (little meals huts) to bask in some native seafood. For extra tips about having fun with Málaga to the fullest, try my detailed information on issues to do in Malaga, in addition to my 3-Day Málaga Itinerary.
What to Eat in Spain with Kids
Spanish meals is among the most vibrant and various meals on this planet. From the paella to gazpacho and all types of cured meat, conventional Spanish meals is turning into well-known via the world. Some dishes like tortilla española will be so easy however tastes so good once you use the best components. My daughter loves Spanish meals – after all she’s half-Spanish! – however I can see how Spanish meals will be such an enormous hit amongst children. Here are some conventional Spanish dishes that children will love:
- Churros – Possibly one of the crucial well-known Spanish meals worldwide, churros are generally eaten for breakfast. These fried dough fritters are normally dipped in thick scorching chocolate and style like heaven!
- Jamón – Produced across the whole nation of Spain, cured ham is taken into account one of many prized connoisseur meals within the nation. In reality, Spain is the largest producer and client of cured ham on this planet! My daughter is totally hooked on jamón.
- Tortilla Española – Spanish Omelette is certainly one of the crucial fashionable Spanish tapas amongst each locals and vacationers. It’s an egg and potato dish that’s cooked in a skillet.
- Croquetas – Every Spaniard swears that their mom makes the most effective croquettes. These creamy fritters are a staple of the Spanish tapas scene, and also you’ll discover them provided all through the nation. They include completely different fillings, however the ones with jamon serrano are simply the most well-liked!
- Paella – The nationwide dish of Spain is well-known everywhere in the world, and is certainly the primary hottest Spanish meals. This seafood rice dish is initially from Valencia, however is fashionable over the nation lately.
How to Keep Your Kids Healthy in Spain
Spain, usually, has a excessive stage of meals hygiene no matter the place you go. Tap water will be drunk and contemporary, natural produce are low cost and simply obtainable in all places. Even tapas bars serve freshly cooked meals and supermarkets typically promote high-quality components.
Healthcare in Spain is superb and hospital requirements are respectable – I gave beginning to my daughter in a public hospital in Spain and was extremely impressed by the service and care I obtained. It’s additionally free for residents and residents, however even foreigners shall be supplied with therapy at inexpensive costs. There’s a traveler’s clinic in each metropolis that gives vaccines and take care of travel-related illnesses.
There aren’t any required vaccines to enter the nation however children are suggested to have your polio and tetanus vaccines so as. If you prefer to be as secure as doable, having the Typhoid and Hepatitis A (and even Hepatitis B) vaccines are really useful.
How to Stay Connected in Spain with Kids
To keep linked in Spain, I like to recommend getting an eSIM earlier than arrival or a neighborhood SIM card on the airport upon arrival. We all the time purchase our eSIM on Airalo for Spain and it has labored very well on each journey. We had limitless web knowledge, with reception even on high of the Sierra Nevada ski slopes. Get your eSIM right here.
We reduce the time our daughter spends on gadgets at dwelling and solely give her entry to the iPad on lengthy drives and through flights. WiFi is definitely obtainable in public areas in Spain (and each lodge has it), so you possibly can simply obtain reveals/books for offline use earlier than your journey.
Cost of Travel in Spain with Children
Spain is a comparatively inexpensive vacation spot, particularly when in comparison with the US, UK and different elements of Western Europe. You can discover superb costs on lodging and meals throughout off-peak season. Expect to pay extra throughout excessive season, corresponding to summer time and Christmas time.
Accommodation is quite low cost in Spain, significantly outdoors of Madrid and Barcelona. You can discover 3-star lodge rooms for $40-60 per night time and Airbnbs for round US$50-100 per night time. In summer time and Christmas, anticipate the costs to virtually double. Last summer time, we spent $150/night time on our Airbnb close to Parque Retiro in Madrid.
Restaurants in Spain provide glorious worth. Many of them provide menu del dia (lunch set menus) for $10-20 that features 3 programs (first dish, fundamental course and dessert). You can normally select from a salad or soup for the primary dish, and a meat or fish dish for the primary course. Tapas are normally fairly inexpensive too – in sure cities like Granada, most bars provide free tapas once you order a drink (so you find yourself simply spending $4-6 for a meal).
What to Pack for a Spain Family Trip
Practical Tips for Traveling Spain with Kids
- When planning your Spain itinerary, remember to think about some downtime and days the place you do nothing. The dry climate and late mealtimes can take some getting use to.
- Make positive the kids are updated with routine vaccinations, and talk about doable journey vaccines nicely earlier than departure, as some aren’t appropriate for kids aged lower than a 12 months.
- Remember to pack rehydration powder in case your youngster vomits or experiences diarrhea. In Spain’s often-searing warmth, you’ll have to be further cautious with warmth exhaustion and dehydration.
- Spain has a really wealthy culinary tradition; take the chance to introduce your children to Spanish meals and allow them to strive all types of tapas. Forget about McDonalds or Pizza Hut, your children will love typical Spanish dishes like tortilla española and croquetas. Read my Spanish meals information.
Enjoy Your Trip to Spain with Kids!
Thank you for studying this far! On an ending be aware, I simply need to remind you to not pack in an excessive amount of; the important thing to having fun with Spain with children is to decelerate and take your time to discover. I hope this information has helped you to plan your Spain household journey. Feel free to go away me any questions or feedback you’ll have beneath.
Here are extra of my articles on Spain that will help you along with your journey planning:
Disclaimer: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks to corporations I exploit and belief. I get a small fee once you click on on my hyperlinks, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.
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