Seaside Family Fun in Spain: Barcelona & Costa Brava - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Family Tour of the Gothic Quarter 

Welcome to Spain! Your flight lands in Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region. This cosmopolitan city is known for its art, culture, and history and is a perfect blend of modern amenities, ancient architecture, and colorful neighborhoods. Your driver will collect you from the airport, and after you've had a chance to check in at your hotel and regroup, start your exploration of the city with a kid-friendly guided tour of Barcelona's oldest district, the Gothic Quarter. 

Meet with your private guide and begin with something that is sure to please the whole family: snacks! You'll visit several traditional shops, including the oldest in Barcelona, and once inside, you'll taste local treats, including candy and typical holiday desserts, as well as the Spanish staple, churros y chocolate. Once you've sated your sweet tooth, continue through the quarter, stopping at sights such as the remnants of Roman walls built in the third century to protect the city, the Barcelona Cathedral with its stunning Gothic architecture, and the square of Plaça Sant Jaume.

Your guide will share entertaining stories of the city's history, with fun games for the kids and an activity book that they can complete as they go. See the Roman Temple, then head to the Giants Museum, home to the traditional papier-mâché masks and costumes used during local festivals. Enjoy a family-friendly theater performance that showcases the history of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, ending the tour at the medieval courtyards of Plaça del Rei, where the kids can run and play for a bit before returning to your hotel.

Day 2: Hot-Air Balloon Ride & Gaudí Tour

The day starts early as you head outside of the city for the chance to see Barcelona from the bird's-eye view of a hot-air balloon! This unique experience takes you soaring over the Catalonian countryside, where you'll be able to see the city streets from high above, as well as the Montserrat and Pyrenees mountains, and even the coasts of the Costa Brava.

Your family will get to watch the crew inflate the balloon, and after a safety briefing, you'll hop onboard and take to the skies. Your crew will explain how the wind, heat, and air all play a role in hot-air ballooning while pointing out all the memorable sights. Upon landing, the "chase crew" will meet you to collect the balloon and take you back to the launch field, where you'll celebrate the excursion with a light breakfast and sparkling cava for the adults. You'll also receive photos and videos taken during the flight and a certificate signed by your pilot before returning to the city.

Later, discover the unique architecture of Antoni Gaudí through your kids' eyes with this afternoon's family-friendly excursion. Young minds will love learning about this famed architect and how his whimsical designs broke boundaries in Modernist architecture. Visit Park Güell and see Gaudí's gingerbread-like houses and colorful tile walls, benches, and walkways, then visit Casa Batlló, home of the legend of Saint George and the dragon. Here, the kids can explore quirky stairways, a mushroom fireplace, and turtle-shaped windows! End at Sagrada Família cathedral, watching the afternoon light pour through the many stained glass windows.

Day 3: Private Ceramics Workshop, Explore Barcelona's Beaches 

Learn all about the art of ceramics this morning with a hands-on family workshop. You'll start by meeting your instructor at the Taller Gingell studio near Montjuïc Castle. After a fun introduction to sculpting and hand-building, you'll get to work creating your own masterpiece. The sky's the limit, and each family member can create a unique sculpture, plate, or bowl—or anything that comes to your imagination! Once your creation is complete, they'll be fired in the kiln, and you can pick them up later to take home as a memorable souvenir. 

This afternoon, carve out some time to explore Barcelona's beaches. The city is just as much a beach town as its southern counterparts, with several beautiful stretches of sand along the sea. Visit Barceloneta Beach, located on the main promenade and a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. Here, you'll find amenities like chair and umbrella rentals, restaurants, and volleyball courts. You can also visit Sant Sebastiàn Beach, which, like Barceloneta, is one of the oldest in the city and a popular spot for local families. 

If you want something quieter, head to Llevant Beach, a newer beach located in the Diagonal Mar neighborhood, which still has plenty of amenities but often has fewer people! And if you don't mind a 30-minute train ride outside of the city, be sure to visit Ocata Beach, a lovely stretch of sand with clear blue waters and a gentle shoreline for the little ones. Ocata is also adjacent to a couple of sailing clubs, providing the added bonus of watching the boats cruise by.

Day 4: Transfer to the Costa Brava, Sea Caves Kayaking Tour

Day 5: Guided Adventure in Tossa de Mar

Today's adventurous tour combines culture, leisure, and outdoor fun as your family visits the historic seaside town of Tossa de Mar, a medieval village nestled along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. You'll meet your guide at the Recinto Amurallado, where you'll explore the main entrance around the walled fortress that dominates the city. The castle here dates back to the 12th century, and the walls offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. 

See the picturesque Plaza de Ava Garner, where a life-sized statue of the iconic actress overlooks the water, the historic Cañones, and the Gothic ruins of Iglesia Antigua. Little artists in your group will also love a visit to the Municipal Museum, which has exhibits from the world-renowned artists who once lived and worked in the city. End with the postcard views from Forat del Dimoni, a small cutout along the city walls that looks out over Es Codolar Beach, and a great spot for a family photo!  

Next up, board a glass-bottom boat to Cala Pola, a beautiful coved beach area. Take in the gorgeous coastline while the kids watch for marine life from the boat's glass floors, then disembark for a quick bite and a guided hike along the Camí de Ronda, which takes you to the beach. Walk along the shoreline and connect with nature, or relax on the beach before ending with a kayak ride to Mar Menuda Beach. Paddle through the peaceful waters, stopping along the way to take a dip and let the kids snorkel with colorful fish or turtles. Tonight, make the most of your last evening with a sunset stroll around the city. 

Day 6: Transfer to Barcelona, Depart

It's time to bid farewell to Spain. After breakfast at your hotel, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport as you begin the journey back home or to your next destination. Safe travels!

More Great Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other Spain itineraries, discover different ways to spend six days in Spain with your family, or explore the best time to visit Spain.