Family Vacations in Spain: The Best Places for a Vacation with Kids

Costa del Sol is considered one of the best travel destinations for families. In the 1960s, tourism began here. Back then, small fishing villages transformed into the popular vacation spots they are today. Anyone vacationing on Costa del Sol now has everything needed for the perfect holiday: leisure activities for children as well as a wide selection of accommodations.

A popular resort is Torre del Mar, which attracts families in particular. In addition to beautiful beaches, there is a water park and a shopping mall with a cinema. Playa de Torre del Mar stretches over more than three kilometers. There are sun loungers and umbrellas, water sports providers with pedal boats, SUP boards, canoes, or surfboards, along with playgrounds, fitness courses, and a small amusement park.

The vacation stronghold on the Costa del Sol is Torremolinos. The place is referred to as the 'Balearic Island equivalent' of Costa del Sol, but there are also activities for children, such as 'Aqualand Torremolinos' and the 'Crocodile Park.'

One of Spain's most popular coastal regions is Costa Blanca, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Located in the Comunitat Valenciana region on the Mediterranean coast, it boasts beautiful beaches and towns and villages rich in history. The 'White Coast' is one of Spain's most beloved vacation regions, alongside the Balearic and Canary Islands.

Families with young children are well-served on the Costa Blanca. The resorts in the province of Alicante are particularly popular. There are shallow beaches and many child-friendly accommodations. The best-known vacation spot is Benidorm. The long beach, lined with high-rise buildings, is considered a tourist hotspot. The busiest area is Playa de Levante. For those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle, Playa de Poniente is the place to be. The beach is nearly four kilometers long and focuses on relaxation for peace-seekers and families.

The Costa Brava in the Catalonia region zigzags over 220 kilometers from northern Spain at the French border to just before the metropolis of Barcelona. Translated, Costa Brava means 'wild coast.' This is due to its proximity to mountains and the sea. In many places, the Pyrenees reach the Mediterranean, giving the coastal strip a wild appearance.

Families appreciate the gently sloping beaches, like Playa de Empuriabrava. Adventure for kids is offered by the 'Aquadiver Waterworld' water park with its numerous slides. A popular seaside resort is Tossa de Mar. The town is known for its old town, surrounded by a city wall, enchanting with its maze of narrow streets and medieval houses.

In Tossa de Mar, there are three beaches, with Platja Gran being the most popular. Lloret de Mar, in contrast, is the party center of Costa Brava. The one-and-a-half-kilometer-long beach is equipped with loungers, umbrellas, beach bars, showers, and leisure activities such as banana boating and boat tours.

Along Catalonia's Mediterranean coast, the Costa Dorada is a great vacation destination for families. It offers numerous gently sloping sandy beaches and seaside playgrounds, for example in Cambrils, Salou, Vila-seca, La Pineda Platja, Calafell, or El Vendrell, where numerous children's events are offered during the summer months. Together with the mountains of Prades, they have even earned a certification for family tourism.

A real highlight is in Salou. Here stands one of Europe's tallest roller coasters. The 76-meter-high roller coaster 'Shambhala' at the 'PortAventura' theme park near the seaside resort of Salou is an experience for the whole family, where kids can enjoy various attractions.

Costa de la Luz on the southern Spanish Atlantic coast is a great destination for a relaxed and entertaining family vacation by the sea in Spain. The beaches of Costa de la Luz stretch from Tarifa to the Portuguese border, with many offering gentle access to the water.

In a family vacation, beautiful resorts, great excursion destinations, and family-friendly accommodations await. There are also adventures on offer: for example, boat trips to the whales and dolphins of Tarifa or a visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez. Another highlight for children is the adventure and climbing park 'Entre Ramas Aventura' with its exciting high ropes course.

Mallorca remains one of the favorite destinations for Germans. The island is an all-rounder and offers adventures for young and old. For those traveling to Mallorca with family, there is a wide selection. There are numerous family hotels and family-friendly beaches, such as Es Trenc near the resort of Colonia de Sant Jordi or Cala Agulla in the northeast of Mallorca.

Also in the northeast is the resort of Alcúdia. The once sleepy little town has transformed over time into a popular vacation paradise. Families with infants and toddlers especially like to come here.

Alcúdia scores with gently sloping beaches, complemented by many hotels and all-inclusive resorts. A highlight is Playa de Muro. The long sandy beach is perfect for families. The water is shallow and calm, and there are many shady trees, sun loungers, cafes, and restaurants.

Menorca is known as the 'younger sister' of Mallorca. However, unlike Mallorca, Menorca has a strong focus on nature. Therefore, the coasts are hardly built-up and half of the island is designated as a landscape and nature reserve. Families will find everything here: deserted coves, unspoiled beaches, and family-friendly accommodations.

The best vacation area is considered to be the region around the beach at Punta Prima in the southeast of Menorca. There are hotels specially designed for families. Another highlight for children is the many slides at the 'Aquarock Waterpark.'

The most peaceful setting in the Balearic Islands is on Formentera, off the southeast coast of Ibiza. With just 5,000 inhabitants, vacation here promises peace and seclusion. Precisely because there are fewer tourists than on Ibiza, Formentera is considered a green and quiet oasis. The island is small, making it ideal for families with young children, as there are no long distances.

The most popular resort for families is Cala Soana Bay, located on the west side of Formentera. There are numerous family-friendly restaurants and accommodations there. The sandy beach is great for kids as it gently slopes into the water. In the northeast of the island is one of the most beautiful beaches of Formentera. At Playa Levante, you can swim and try out many water sports.

Gran Canaria is the best-known of the Canary Islands and the name-giver of the island group. Vacationers here find everything: family hotels as well as all-inclusive hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and beach locales. Highlights include the fine sandy beaches and impressive dunes. For families, Playa de Amadores, in a sheltered bay in the southwest, is ideal.

Gran Canaria's nature is fascinating. The island is large, featuring desert-like areas as well as high mountain ranges and landscapes with European, African, and American vegetation types. Hence, Gran Canaria is also called the 'miniature continent.' It's not unusual to change climate zones quickly.

The captivating natural scenery draws many vacationers to Lanzarote. The volcanic origin of the island is still visible today and contributes to its rugged 'moonscape' charm. For instance, in the Timanfaya National Park, formed when volcanic eruptions created lava formations up to 40 meters high in the 18th century.

Lanzarote is perfect for nature-loving families. Many hotels cater to families with kids. Here, water fun and adventures await in the hotel complexes, while on the doorstep, nature experiences await. For example, a hike to Volcano El Cuervo or an underground tour through the Cueva de los Verdes cave.

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