1 Week in Spain - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona & The Costa Brava

The perfect trip for families wanting to explore Catalonia, this seven-day itinerary lets kids visit the whimsical Park Güell, play at the theme park atop Mount Tibidabo, go kayaking in Begur, and enjoy the beaches of Costa Brava. 

Start your adventure in energetic and kid-friendly Barcelona. Like an outdoor playground, the city offers plenty of attractions that families love. Start with a stroll down La Rambla, lined with street performers and kiosks, then order smoothies and taste local goodies at the Mercat de la Boqueria. Next, scour the incredible La Sagrada Família and colorful Park Güell, take the funicular to Mount Tibidabo, ride a mountaintop Ferris wheel, and more. 

Once you've thoroughly explored Barcelona, it's time to discover Costa Brava and its sandy beaches, medieval villages, and crystal-clear waters. Make life-long memories with a private kayaking adventure off the coast of Begur and discover inlets, coves, caves, and cliffs. Spend your final day bonding with your family, perhaps by building sandcastles on the beach or with a boat cruise along the coast. Learn More

Itinerary #2: Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona & Madrid

Barcelona or Madrid? You don't need to choose and can easily explore both cities with your family. This kid-friendly trip lets you discover the whimsy of Barcelona's architecture, Madrid's royal legacy, and Toledo's history of swords and marzipan.

As you settle into Barcelona, take time to explore the city, first on a guided food tour, introducing the gang to Catalan cuisine. Enjoy Day 2 as you zip around Barcelona with your guide entertaining all members with Barcelona's colorful history. You'll visit quirky Park Güell and the kid-loved dragon staircase, followed by an exciting visit to Sagrada Família. The following day, pile the family into a train to Montserrat and board the cable car to ascend to the 16th-century Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Listen to your guide recount tales of the area, enjoy ice cream, and a funicular ride to Santa Cova.

Next, make your way to Spain's capital city, where you'll find the country's royal legacy. Be kings and queens for the day as you explore Madrid's Royal Palace, then enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the city. Kids love running around Retiro Park and rowing boats on the lake, discovering the tiny house known as Casita del Pescador, and exploring the Crystal Palace. End your trip with lasting memories in Toledo, one of Spain's most enchanting cities, where you can learn how to make the region's signature (and sweet) marzipan. Learn More

Itinerary #3: Family Adventure in Southern Spain

Thanks to the region's beaches, royal palaces, and unique monuments, a family trip to southern Spain is an excellent idea. This family adventure takes you through three of the most famous cities in search of family walking tours, Flamenco performances, city-wide treasure hunts, and more.

Start your trip to Andalusia in the incredibly historic city of Granada, where you'll tour its charming streets with your sense of smell. The city is known for its aromas (thanks to the flowering fruit trees in the springtime), and you can use these scents to remember your family vacation forever! No trip to Granada is complete without visiting the city's most iconic monument, the Alhambra, which you'll do on a kid-friendly tour that includes tales of kings and queens and a chance to stretch your legs in the beautiful Generalife Gardens. 

Next up is the coastal gem of Málaga, and your first task is to discover the city with an exciting treasure hunt using compasses, maps, puzzles, and games. Because it's on the Costa del Sol, Málaga is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing and fun day at the beach before heading to Seville. Then, explore Seville's Royal Alcázar—spot as many peacocks as possible in its gardens—and enjoy a free afternoon rowing a boat at Plaza de España, climbing the Giralda Bell Tower, or strolling around the city's "mushrooms," known as Metropol Parasol. Learn More

Itinerary #4: Family Trip to Spain: Madrid & Granada

Combine the cities of Madrid and Granada with this exciting seven-day family trip in Spain, giving you and your crew a balanced mix of north and south. Everything is kid-focused on this adventure, from city tours with churros and chocolate to sky-high rides in cable cars, royal explorations, cultural hikes, and more.

This family adventure starts in the nation's capital, specifically with a kid-friendly walking tour that involves something everyone likes: food. As you explore the city and listen to stories of its kings, queens, battles, and artists, you'll stop and learn how to make traditional ham sandwiches (bocadillos) and taste crunchy churros dipped in chocolate. Other exciting experiences in Madrid include riding the cable car over the city to the beautiful Casa de Campo park, rowing boats in the lake at Retiro Park, and taking a day trip to Toledo to learn about swords and how to make marzipan.

After a dose of Spain's north, head south to Andalusia. You'll spend your time in Granada, one of the country's most historic and culturally rich cities. Tour its weaving, cobbled streets through your sense of smell, visit the Alhambra and listen to stories of its royal families, explore the beautiful Generalife Gardens, and make memories while on a rural hike in the countryside. Learn More

Itinerary #5: Family Trip to Spain: Madrid to Málaga

If the beach is more your family's scene, pair Spain's capital with Málaga on the Costa del Sol, the perfect place for a coastal adventure. This Madrid to Málaga itinerary takes you through Madrid's royal legacy and Málaga's incredible scenery, with a beach day and a trip to exciting caves.

This family adventure in Madrid is slightly different from others on this list, as you'll balance learning about the city's historic and regal past with lots of free time. Kids love watching performances like "El Rey León" (The Lion King) on Gran Vía, rowing boats in Retiro Park, completing the scavenger hunt at El Prado Museum, riding the El Teleférico cable car above the city, and eating all the goodies at San Miguel Market. Of course, you'll also enjoy structured time with tours of the city's most iconic monuments and a fun day trip to Toledo.

End your trip on the coast in Málaga, touring the city's 3,000 years of history with a fun activity that leads to a secret passageway. Treat yourself and your kiddos to an entire day on the beach, making memories by swimming, splashing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply sunbathing. Spend your final day exploring the area by visiting the white villages of Frigiliana and Nerja—complete with castle ruins and a molasses factory—and enjoying an exciting visit to the Caves of Nerja. Learn More

More Great 1-Week Spain Itineraries

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