Spain has long been one of the most popular family holiday destinations for UK tourists, and it’s easy to see why. Miles of unspoilt coastline, a rich history and cultural heritage, and some phenomenal cities and landscapes – whatever you’re looking for, Spain has it.
But that variety can also make it more difficult to settle on a location that’s going to deliver exactly what you want from your time away. That’s even tougher when it comes to a family holiday, as you need somewhere that’s going to be lively enough for the kids but sufficiently relaxing for the grown-ups.
There’s no need to worry anymore, though, as we’ve got a rundown of the four best destinations for a family holiday in Spain.
Barcelona
A city break might not sound ideal for a family holiday, but Barcelona is undoubtedly an exception. Part of the reason for that is that it combines all the sights and attractions you’d expect from a major city with around five kilometres of sandy beaches. There truly is something for every member of the family.
Barcelona’s top attraction is the Sagrada Familia. Although the cathedral is still under construction, it’s a truly mesmerising display of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s inimitable style. There’s no place quite like it, and the experience is only enhanced by the ethereal lighting coming through the captivating stained-glass windows.
Kids will be in awe on a tour of Camp Nou, the home of FC Barcelona which holds over 88,000 fans. However, be warned that the full experience is unavailable while renovation work is carried out. If you’d therefore rather go to watch a match, the club are playing their home games at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuic. Take the cable car up to enjoy stunning views of the city.
Menorca
The most laid-back of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is an idyllic spot that provides a more authentic Spanish experience. This is because it’s far less geared towards tourists – it welcomed just one million of the 13.2 million arrivals in the Balearic Islands in 2022.
Menorca’s beaches and bays are its main attractions. Adults can unwind and listen to the azure waters lap the shore while the children expend all their energy playing on the white sands. Alternatively, you can get out on the water and try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking together.
A trip to Cova d’en Xoroi is a unique experience. It’s a bar that’s built into the cliff face, but it also has several beautiful terraces with astounding views of the sea and the sunset. The venue comes alive at night, with live music and DJs being a regular feature during the warmer months.
Alicante
Situated close to the middle of the Costa Blanca on the Spanish mainland, Alicante provides a great base for experiencing the region’s many delights.
There is a high degree of tourism in the area, so it might not be seen as a great pick for getting a feel of the local culture and history. However, that’s not the case with Alicante.
The Castle of Santa Barbara majestically broods over this glorious port city, which has an intriguing old quarter that’s well worth visiting. You may be able to take in the ‘Festival of the Moors and Christians’ and the ‘Night of San Juan’, the latter of which features bonfires of effigies that are paraded through the streets beforehand.
And with el Postiguet providing a lovely beach to relax on, Alicante is undoubtedly a great destination for a holiday with balance.
Canary Islands
If you’re desperate for some winter sun, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Canary Islands. Situated just off the west coast of Africa, they practically get sun all year and the temperature tends to drift between 18-24°C.
Fuerteventura is the second biggest island in the Canary Islands and is a fantastic place to visit. Once you land, you get to gaze over the sweeping yellow dunes when on transfers from Fuerteventura Airport to Corralejo before getting out onto the incredible expanse and soaking up the sun. A regular breeze means it’s a great location for water sports and more unique activities like kite buggying and sand hiking.
Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape is a joy to explore – you can even get a taste of food that’s cooked using the heat escaping from an active volcano vent at Timanfaya National Park. Gran Canaria’s mountains are great for exploring on foot or by bike, while Tenerife is home to black sand beaches and Spain’s highest peak: Mount Teide.
If you’re keen to get off the beaten track, why not spend some time in La Palma, La Gomera or El Hierro? The latter two are only accessible by catching a plane or ferry from one of the major islands, while La Palma’s only international flights come from mainland Europe.
