When it comes to family vacations, Spain has it all. From sunny beaches to Volcanic Parks, it's the kind of place you can visit countless times – and still find a new place to explore. To help you plan your next trip, we've put together a list of the best family vacation destinations in Spain.
Whether you're traveling with kids or teens, our carefully curated list is ideal for families who love exploring the great outdoors and connecting with nature. Each entry is full of ideas to entertain the whole clan by practicing climbing and hiking windsurfing and whale watching.
Our list features off-the-beaten-path locations that are quieter than the bustling resorts and popular tourist spots. These idyllic destinations are perfect for reconnecting with family and embarking on an adventure that will create unforgettable memories.
(See also: The best traditional festivals in Spain)
Costa de la Luz
The Costa de la Luz, a perfect stretch of Andalusian coastline stretching from the province of Cádiz and the province of Huelva to the mouth of the Guadiana River, begins our list of the best family vacation destinations in Spain.
With its lush pine forests, unspoiled beaches and hidden coves, it's a wonderful place to avoid the crowds. The coast is dotted with whitewashed villages, lined with narrow cobbled streets and pretty churches.
Located in the far south of Spain's Iberian Peninsula, Tarifa is a must-visit. Famous for being one of the best in the country sailboard Destinations Thanks to its windy location on the Strait of Gibraltar, it is ideal for those who enjoy water sports. Among the windiest spots is Playa de Valdevaqueros, a golden sand beach popular with kitesurfers. There are several windsurfing schools offering special lessons for children.
Tarifa is also a great place for whale watching; from spring, groups of killer whales begin to arrive at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea to hunt bluefin tuna. Consider booking one of Firmm’s excursions with a marine biologist for the chance to see bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales and sperm whales.
Las Médulas
Then we head to Las Médulas – a historic gold mining site located between Léon and Ponferrada in the region of El Bierzo, Léon. Be sure to visit at sunset: the striking red cliffs lined with wildflowers and chestnut trees are particularly beautiful at golden hour.
Once the largest open-cast gold mine in the Roman Empire, Las Médulas is now a listed Unesco World Heritage. The breathtaking landscape is the result of montium ruin (mountain breaking), an ancient Roman mining technique that used water pressure to crumble the soil, revealing the gold hidden beneath.
Ideal for adventurous As a family, there are so many things to do here, from exploring natural caves to hiking and horseback riding through the area's trails. It's also worth heading to the nearby town of Ponferrada to visit the Templar Castle, a sprawling fortress built by Ferdinand II in 178 AD to protect pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
Matarraña
Our list of the best family vacation destinations in Spain wouldn't be complete without mentioning Matarraña. Located in a remote corner of Aragon, on the border of Valencia and Catalonia, it is the ideal place for those looking for somewhere off the beaten track, away from tourists.
Often compared to Tuscany Thanks to its charming medieval villages and impeccably tended vineyards, it's a tranquil spot ideal for a laid-back family vacation. Spend a few days discovering the towns of Valderrobres, Calaceite and Cretas before venturing out by bike or horseback to explore Puertos de Beceite National Park.
About a ten minute drive from Valderrobres you will find the Aves Mas de Bunyol Observatory. At this vulture observatory, visitors can watch José Ramon and his wife feeding their birds every day. Matarraña is also home to many secluded ponds, including an idyllic natural swimming pool just outside the village of Beceite.
As for to eat, gourmets will enjoy it. The Matarraña region is known for its exceptionally good olive oil, cured ham and peaches, and there are many traditional restaurants to visit, dotted around the hilltop villages.
Garrotxa
If you really want to immerse yourself in nature, Garrotxa is a safe bet. Situated at the foot of the Pyrenees in northern Spain, this beautiful wilderness region of Catalonia is famous for its stunning volcanic landscapes.
The whole family will love exploring the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, the best-preserved volcanic region on the Iberian Peninsula, home to 40 volcanic cones. You'll be relieved to know that none of them have been active since the last eruption, the Croscat Volca, which occurred around 11,000 years ago.
Keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife; The park is home to many creatures, including wild boars, foxes, white-footed eagles, woodpeckers, marsh tits and peregrine falcons. For stunning views of the landscape, consider climbing the slopes of Montsacopa Volcano (be careful, it's quite steep so is best suited to teenagers and more experienced hikers).
Tenerife
Last but not least on our list is Tenerife. The largest in Spain the Canary Islands, it is one of the best places in the country to enjoy nature with the family. In the center of the island is Mount Teide, a remarkable volcano which, at 12,100 feet, is the highest peak in Spain and the third highest volcano in the world.
Explore Teide National Park by bike or on foot, looking for the island's unique lizards and geckos. Also be sure to bring your binoculars; bird lovers will be able to spot kestrels, gray herons and the endemic blue finch.
Elsewhere, you will be spoiled for choice with family activities. Consider spending an afternoon in the island's beautiful botanical gardens or drop by monkey park for the chance to see ring-tailed lemurs, Cuban crocodiles and giant tortoises.
(See also: The best eco hotels in Spain)
