Spain Family Vacation: Madrid, Barcelona & Menorca - 14 Days

Highlights

• Experience kid-friendly food and culture in Madrid and Barcelona
• See the stunning Sagrada Família and Park Güell
• Travel back in time at the Puy du Fou theme park
• Explore the Balearic coastline by catamaran
• Discover Menorca's hidden treasures with a 4WD safari

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Family Foodie Experience

Welcome to Madrid! Upon arrival, a private driver will take you and your family to your hotel in the city center. Settle in and unwind after the flight, then head out to explore. Spain's family-friendly capital is filled with playground-filled plazas and quaint streets steeped in art, culture, and history. If the kids are hungry and you're eager to discover the sights, this afternoon's family-focused food tour is the perfect way to get your bearings and introduce the youngsters to the delights of Spanish cuisine.

Depending on the kids' ages, you'll be introduced to the sights, sounds, and tastes of the local food markets, peek into the kitchen of a century-old churro (doughnut) bakery, or make your own delicious nibbles at a neighborhood tapas bar. There's plenty to keep the kids occupied with various interactive activities that encourage them to spot key landmarks and learn a little Spanish, while little ones will have a chance to explore the city's playgrounds in between visits to a variety of eateries. 

Even the pickiest little eaters will find something they love as you try a host of Spanish favorites, including Iberian ham, patatas bravas, croquettes, and mouthwatering paella. Toast your arrival with a glass of the local wine and tummies full, return to your hotel in anticipation of tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 2: Family-Friendly Walking Tour & Flamenco Night 

After breakfast, meet up with your friendly local guide and discover the city's best-loved landmarks, including the Royal Palace, the San Miguel Food Market, Plaza Mayor, and the bustling Puerta del Sol. Little ones will be enthralled with tales of the city's exciting history as stories of explorers, artists, and royals capture their hearts and feed their imaginations. While the kids keep their eyes peeled for the myriad uses of Spain's symbolic and much-loved oso (bear), marvel at the street performers in the splendid plaza and the beautiful Baroque architecture. 

Stop for a mid-morning snack and feast on prized hams and cured meats at a family-run deli while you sample the local cava. Next up, the kids can try their hands at making bocadillos, a Spanish-style sandwich, while hearing all about Spanish life for kids their age. Finish the tour at one of Madrid's most famous food spots for delicious churros (a deep friend doughnut sprinkled with sugar) and chocolate—sure to be a hit with kids big and little. 

In the afternoon, grab some downtime back at your hotel or explore. Spend a relaxed few hours at El Retiro; created as a retreat for the Royal Family, this park opened to the public in the late 1700s. There's plenty to fascinate kids of all ages, with a crystal palace made almost entirely of glass and a serene lake with rowboats for hire. Cap your day of discovery with a flamenco show at one of Madrid's famous tablaos. You and your family will experience a dazzling display of Spanish music and dance that dates back to the ninth century.

Day 3: Family Day Trip to Toledo

This morning, you and the kids will take a half-hour train ride south of Madrid to Toledo, a historic city that served as Spain's capital in the 16th century. Described in the Middle Ages as the "city of the three cultures," legend has it that Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities peacefully coexisted, with remnants of monuments of the three faiths, found throughout the city. These include the 15th-century Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, the former Roman palace Alcázar de Toledo, and the Moorish Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, which dates to the 12th century.

Explore the historic sights with your knowledgeable guide and let the cobbled streets and Toledo's towering location above the Tajo River fire up the kids' imaginations as you make your way to a nearby foundry. Here you'll see where ancient blacksmiths forged Zorro-worthy swords, learn about the forging process and admire the famous Toledo steelwork of the blades on display. End your day with a fun-filled marzipan workshop and tasting where you and the kids will learn how to confect this traditional Spanish treat—invented in Toledo and first made by the city's nuns.

Day 4: Visit Puy du Fou Historical Theme Park

Continue yesterday's history and adventure vibe with a fun day trip to the world-renowned Puy du Fou historical theme park. Travel back in time and immerse yourselves in Toledo's Golden Age, the exploits of Rodrígo Díaz de Vivar (El Cid), life in 11th-century Castile, and breathtaking events through the centuries. Let the kids choose which of the four themed period towns to visit and explore the dazzling live shows, craft workshops, and numerous restaurants. The little ones will have so much fun they won't realize they've had an impromptu history lesson too!

Day 5: Train to Barcelona, Explore the Gothic Quarter

Pack snacks and prepare for the next leg of your family adventure as you catch a high-speed train to vibrant Barcelona, an enchanting place for kids with its colorful streets and whimsical buildings. After the three-hour trip, you'll arrive at the Mediterranean coast and Catalonia's beautiful, buzzy capital. After a rest and recharge at your hotel in the Old Town, meet your guide and head out to explore the medieval Gothic Quarter and its trendy El Born neighborhood. 

Stroll the narrow cobbled streets and see ancient Roman ruins, stop for a cool drink in the grand palm-tree-lined Plaça Reial (Royal Plaza), and marvel at the dazzling Sagrada Família cathedral. Kids will have a blast as they take part in a "dragon hunt," learn about Spanish legends, visit candy stores, and see the enormous papier-mâché figures and animals at the Casa dels Entremesos (Museum of Giants), used in local festivals throughout the year.

Afterward, continue exploring on your own, relax in one of the nearby cafés, or grab some downtime at your hotel. In the evening, you and your family will be spoilt for choice with an array of family-friendly eateries near your hotel.

Day 6: Sagrada Família & Park Güell for Kids, Free Afternoon

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide for a captivating half-day tour of works by the famous architect and master of Catalan-Modernism, Antonio Gaudí. First up is the whimsical UNESCO-listed Park Güell, perched on a hill with gorgeous views over the city. Kids can run freely in the lush surroundings while you stroll the walkways and gardens and have fun exploring the famous mosaic dragon staircase. The kids will feel like they've stepped into a fairy tale when they spot the gingerbread-style houses, and you'll likely find live music at the park's two pavilions. 

The Sagrada Família deserves a second viewing, and this time you and your family will see inside the iconic Roman Catholic basilica. Explore the interior while your guide reveals insights into the cathedral's fascinating history and impressive mix of Gothic, Catalan-Modernism, and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Even the weariest kids will be captivated when they see the sky-high ceiling and towering columns resemble an enchanted forest as the sunlight streams through the colorful stained glass windows.

After your tour, how you spend the rest of the day is up to you. Enjoy a long leisurely lunch at one of the neighborhood restaurants, or take a picnic at Ciutadella Park—the city's green lung that features sculptures, lakes, playgrounds, and the Barcelona Zoo. If the sun is out, head to Barceloneta Beach for a family swim and make memories playing with the kids on the sand and enjoying a sundowner at one of the beachfront cafés. 

Day 7: Family Day Trip to Montserrat

Today you'll leave the city for a family day trip to the 16th-century Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. It's a fun journey as you board a train to Montserrat and then scale the mountain by cable car, witnessing spectacular views of the famous serrated mountains and the Catalan lowlands. Reach the top—the abbey sits atop a 4,055-foot (1,336 m) mountain, and there'll be plenty of time to take photos before meeting your guide for a private tour.

First up is a guided walk through the site's 16th-century basilica, which features a statue of the Virgin of Montserrat (the Black Madonna) hanging from the altar. And don't worry about the kids; your guide will have plenty of interactive activities planned to keep the younger ones occupied while older kids will be captivated by tales of the monastery's 1,000-year-old history. If your kids are into art, they'll be excited to visit the Museum of Montserrat, which has works by Caravaggio, Dalí, and Picasso, and several key archaeological finds. 

Break for lunch at one of the on-site cafés or restaurants, and afterward, the kids will be treated to an ice cream tasting experience, where well-behaved parents can get to join in the fun too! Ride the funicular to Santa Cova, a mountain cave and important pilgrimage site known as the "Holy Grotto," where the Virgin of Montserrat was hidden during the Moorish invasions until being discovered by shepherds in 880. At the end of the tour, you'll return to Barcelona, where you have plenty of child-friendly eating options to enjoy your last night in the city. 

Day 8: Fly to Menorca, Explore the Coast & Beaches

Today it's time to swap Barcelona's city buzz for the laid-back charms of the Balearic Islands. In the morning, you and your family will transfer to the airport and catch a one-hour flight to Menorca. Much less developed and quieter than nearby Ibiza and Mallorca, Menorca is the perfect spot to recharge and spend quality family time amid idyllic beaches, sea cliffs, secret coves, and enchanting pine forests. Arrive in Mahón, the island's capital and after checking in at your hotel and getting settled, grab your swimwear and head out to explore.

For a gentle afternoon surrounded by nature, take the kids to the S'Albufera National Park and wander through the 12,000 acres (5,100 ha) of protected marshland and forests. Stroll to hidden coves, relax and play with the kids on the dunes, or take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters. For a stretch of the legs, the nearby beaches of Cala Tortuga and Cala Presili are good options where the kids can spot the magnificent Favàritx Lighthouse. In the evening, you'll be spoilt for choice with an array of relaxed family dining options and fresh seafood. 

Day 9: Sailing Trip around Menorca

The best way to appreciate the outstanding natural beauty of the Balearic Islands is by boat, and today you'll do just that. After breakfast, take a transfer to the marina and set sail for a cruise around the archipelago as you board your comfortable catamaran. Relax on deck as your skipper steers you across the calm waters before dropping anchor at some of the island's most spectacular (and normally inaccessible) coves 

Days 10-11: Menorca Free Days: Optional Activities

Embrace island life to the fullest over the next couple of days as you switch off and do as much or as little as you choose. Hit the beaches and soak up the sun and surf while you swim with the kids, sunbathe, and take advantage of the various watersports on offer. Or, for a memorable family adventure, visit the rocky coast south of Ciutadella and saddle up for a 2.5-hour horseback ride along the famed Camí de Cavalls (Path of the Horses). Later, enjoy a few hours strolling Ciutadella's ocher-hued cobbled streets, pick up some souvenirs, and admire the medieval architecture.

If the kids are into history and archaeology, there are plenty of fascinating sites to visit in and around Mahón. Your mini adventurers will love exploring the impressive Mola Fortress, one of the major European fortresses built in the 19th century with perfectly conserved walls. It's an excellent place for the kids to let loose and offers sweeping views of the harbor and Menorca's coastline. Just outside the capital, the megalithic monuments of Trepucó and Talatí de Dalt are worth a visit, and the Museo de Menorca is a treasure trove of exhibits and artifacts that details the island's cultural timeline over the centuries.

For families with older kids keen to get out on the water, opt for a family kayak tour along Menorca's coast. Travel to Es Canutells on the island's southeast side and spend the next few hours paddling until you reach the Cala Coves, famous for its pebbly beaches, clear waters, and limestone cliffs, with dozens of caves to explore on land.

Day 12: Family-Friendly Farm Visit & Cheese Tasting

Today you and your family will enjoy a centuries-old tradition and travel to a rural dairy farm specializing in making Menorca's famous Mahón cheese, produced by islanders for over 700 years. Spend a relaxing couple of hours touring the estate and tasting the farm's exquisite artisanal cheeses paired with a selection of local wines. The kids will have plenty to keep them occupied with opportunities to feed the cheeky goats, learn about the cheese-making process, or explore the beautiful farmyard and spend time with the resident animals.

Day 13: Family 4WD Safari Island Tour 

Discover a different side to Menorca today, away from the popular beaches and well-known sights. You and your family will meet an experienced guide for a five-hour excursion to some of the island's outstanding secret spots, many of which are only accessible by private rural tracks. In a comfortable 4WD vehicle, you'll travel along quaint trails and journey through landscapes enclosed by dry stone walls and filled with wildflowers. The fields of Menorcan horses will enchant the kids, and there'll be plenty of opportunities for the little ones to stop and pet these gracious creatures.

Continue toward the coast and witness the steep cliffs and gorges leading to unspoiled coves. Learn about the culture and history of this beautiful island and listen to tales from your guide that bring to life Menorca's prehistoric roots to its occupation under the British until Spain recovered the island in 1802. Be sure to pack your swimming and snorkeling gear as you'll stop at one of the remote coves for a picture-perfect dip in the warm turquoise waters. Afterward, return to your hotel and spend your last night dining out in style as the sun sets on your island adventure. 

Day 14: Fly to Madrid & Depart

It's time to bid a fond 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!

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