Buzzing, adventure-filled cities with top attractions at every turn and a sun-kissed coastline with top beaches and top resorts, family holidays in Spain are as good as they get.
Visit a city to soak up colourful Spanish culture, with tapas, flamenco and exploring historical buildings on the itinerary. Alternatively, head to a beachy resort for a healthy dose of sun, sea and sangria – plus plenty of activities for the little ones to get stuck into.
Costa del Sol
Swimming, sunbathing and seaside snacks? On the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, you’ll find a multitude of must-visit spots that do all three – from upmarket Marbella and charming Fuengirola to culture-rich Málaga. The region’s golden sands are also hard to beat, each lined with beach bars, sun-loungers and family-friendly resorts. Highlights include Mijas’s whitewashed old town up in the mountains and the ethereal Nerja Caves.
Barcelona
From the hilltop Tibidabo theme park to Gaudi’s famously unfinished Sagrada Familia, Barcelona is a family wonderland. Hit the city’s sandy beaches (Nova Icària and Bogatell are quieter than Barceloneta), stroll Las Ramblas for street performers and family-friendly bites, and take the Montjuïc cable car to reach the castle at the top.
Tenerife
Family-friendly holidays in Tenerife mean zooming down water slides at Siam Park, touring the otherworldly landscapes of Mount Teide and lounging on powdery sands while the little ones build sandcastles. Head to Playa de las Teresitas for beach games and paddling, take a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales and sink into Piscinas Naturales El Caletón – a series of natural rocky swimming pools off the coast.