15 Days in Spain - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Costa del Sol

Cover a lot of ground on this family-friendly itinerary that takes you from Barcelona to Málaga, with exciting stops in Valencia, Madrid, and Seville. Perfect for families traveling to Spain for the first time, this highlights trip features guided city tours, visits to fascinating museums, and side trips to Toledo and an olive oil estate. Plus, the entire family is bound to enjoy the thrill of traveling by train and sampling seafood dishes, tapas, and tasty treats. 

Your family trip begins in Barcelona, introducing young travelers to the wonders of Spain while strolling through Poble Espanyol, admiring Sagrada Família, and weaving through the Gothic Quarter and Plaça Reial (Royal Plaza). Then, enjoy the ease of train travel as you make your way to Valencia, spending two days here, letting kids' imaginations run wild while visiting the Prince Philip Science Museum and Gulliver Park. Back on the train, you'll soon arrive in Alicante, a port city on the stunning Costa Blanca and the ideal place to delight in quality family time while discovering quaint beach villages.

Your adventure continues by high-speed train to Madrid, and after spending two days checking out the city's iconic landmarks, such as Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace, you'll embark on a thrilling day trip to Toledo. On Day 11, you'll take the family to Seville and hand over the reins to a local guide while admiring Seville Cathedral and visiting a historic olive oil estate in the countryside. Then, as your trip winds down, you'll end on a high during a two-night stay in Málaga, complete with a 4WD adventure around nearby Ronda's rugged terrain and a fun-filled day exploring the city as a family. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Fun in Spain: History, Culture & Natural Wonders

Geared toward active families with older kids, this 15-day Spain adventure gets you hiking, horseback riding, beach hopping, and ziplining. Besides watching your kids squeal with excitement as they stretch their comfort zone, you'll also delve into the country's culture with a flamenco lesson and show, a ceramics workshop, sampling authentic cuisine, and roaming the impressive Alhambra. 

Kick off your family trip in Barcelona, letting young ones burn off energy while touring the Gothic Quarter, admiring Antoni Gaudí gingerbread-like houses, and attending a hands-on family ceramics workshop. Then, delight little explorers with a guided horseback ride through Montserrat Natural Park before flying to the seaside town of Málaga. There's plenty of safe fun to be had in the surrounding Andalusia region, and your days here will fly by as you kayak in Los Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park, embark on a family treasure hunt, and tackle the Caminito del Rey, a walkway that's pinned to the cliffs of a gorge.

After a transfer to Granada, the excitement continues during a guided hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains, followed by a private tour of the Alhambra fortress. Settle in for a scenic drive to Seville next, and while here, pack in numerous family-friendly activities. These include a flamenco dance lesson, a hands-on ceramics workshop, and a guided trek and horseback tour in the nearby Doñana National Park. Then, hop on a flight bound for Madrid, and after a day spent touring the city's highlights, you'll end on the ultimate high with a sword-making workshop in Toledo and a zipline ride on the agenda. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Epic Family Adventure in Spain: Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Málaga & Barcelona

Ideal for families looking to pair city tours with entertaining activities, including beach time in Málaga, this family adventure packs in the fun in 15 days. While using the vibrant cities of Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Málaga, and Barcelona as your base, you'll join a paella cooking class, glide over Segovia in a hot-air balloon, and horseback ride through the olive groves of Córdoba. You'll also learn about Spain's long history and defined culture during family treasure hunts and various hands-on workshops.

Your adventure begins in Madrid, where you'll watch young travelers dive into the new culture while attending a paella cooking class, touring the Royal Palace, and giving flamenco dancing a try. Then, soar above Segovia during a hot-air balloon ride before visiting the fairytale-like palace of the Royal Alcázar. Next up is a transfer to Toledo, and while here, you'll get hands-on while learning to make marzipan, a sweet almond confection, and attending a sword-making workshop. Afterward, continue by train to Córdoba and enjoy the relaxed pace of country life while on a horseback riding excursion.

You'll then travel to Seville for a hands-on ceramics workshop and a relaxing river cruise, rejuvenating the entire family for the exciting self-guided tapas adventure awaiting the following day. Next, enjoy a walking tour through Ronda on your way to the seaside town of Málaga, and after taking part in a fun family treasure hunt that features the city's most important sites, everyone will appreciate some well-earned beach time. Your final destination is Barcelona, where you'll top off your epic adventure during a luxury sunset sailing excursion complete with live music. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ultimate Family Trip to Northern Spain, Basque Country & Madrid

Discover Northern Spain through your children's eyes on this 15-day tour that features a carefully curated mix of comfort-stretching adventures, relaxing time at the beach, and cultural excursions. From kayaking and snorkeling on the Costa Brava and a flamenco dance class in Madrid to exploring Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona and cooking up a storm during a traditional Spanish cooking class, you'll spend quality time as a family while also getting to know the country's rich culture and varying landscapes.

Welcome to Spain! Your ultimate family trip starts with three days in Barcelona. You'll settle into the new culture while joining a private guide on a walking tour, learning new skills during a cooking class, and taking the Montjuïc cable car to Montjuïc Hill. Then, pick up your rental car, load the kids in it, and hit the road to the Costa Brava for three fun-filled days in the sun. Embark on a kid-friendly kayak tour, hop between the beach towns of Calella de Palafrugell, Begur, and L'Estartit, and enjoy the freedom of exploring the nearby villages at your own pace before catching a flight north to Bilbao. 

Over the following two days, you'll discover the highlights of Bilbao while zipping through the city on a cycling tour and tasting your way through the Mercado de la Ribera. Then, it's off to San Sebastián, and after letting young ones burn off energy during a bike adventure, parents and kids alike will be thrilled to spend a day sailing along the Basque coastline, followed by a hike to Pasaia, a tiny fishing village. Your last stop is Madrid, and with a paella cooking class, a fun flamenco dance class, and a celebratory last meal on the itinerary, you'll catch your onward flight full of long-lasting family memories. Learn more

More Great 15-Day Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other 15-day Spain itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.