Best family holiday destinations in Spain: child-friendly resorts for your next holiday

Spain has been a popular family holiday destination for decades thanks to its pleasant climate, family-friendly hotels and relatively short flight times from the UK. But it’s so much more than bucket-and-spade breaks. Spain is a country rich in culture and tradition with historic sites, culture-packed cities and delicious cuisine - all alongside world-class beaches and national parks across the mainland as well as the perennially popular Balearic and Canary Islands.

From Barcelona to Tenerife, we’ve gathered recommendations from Mumsnetters to help you plan your next family holiday to Spain.

Best family holiday destinations in Spain at a glance

• Best for beaches: Menorca 

• Best for kids' activities: Tenerife 

• Best for culture: Malaga

• Best for active adventures: Costa Dorada

• Best  for a bit of everything: Benalmadena

• Best for foodies: Mallorca

• Best for city breaks with teens: Barcelona

• Best for nature: Costa de la Luz

• Best for chilled breaks: Nerja

• Best for a coastal city break: Valencia

1. Best for beaches: Menorca

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Best family hotels in Menorca at a glance

• Best overall: Zafiro Menorca, Cala'n Bosch

• Best for budget breaks: Hamilton Court Apartments, Santo Tomas

• Best for luxury: Barceló Nura, Biniancollet

• Best all-inclusive: Sol Falco All Inclusive

• Best apartments: Talayot Apartments, Cala'n Forcat

What Mumsnet users say

"It's a pretty quiet island, but all very family oriented. Theres a waterpark in calan Bosch, a little zoo on the south coast somewhere. Lots of play areas about generally." Simplelobsterhat

"Gorgeous place we have been often. Perfect for littles. I’d DEFINITELY hire a car and go to a new beach every day - that’s what we’ve always done." elderflowerandpomelo

Our verdict

If you’re a family of beach lovers, choose Menorca: a tiny island in the Balearics that’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where you’ll find gorgeous sand beaches and brilliantly blue waters. Choose from popular, amenities-packed beaches like the southern resort of Cala Galdana; or quieter beaches like La Vall in the north of the island, which boasts two stunning bays. Break from sunbathing and sandcastle-building to see Menorca’s charming, historic towns like Mahon and Ciutadella. Mumsnet user-recommended Es Castell is near Mahon with an atmospheric town and harbour of its own.

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2. Best for family-friendly activities: Tenerife

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Best family hotels in Tenerife at a glance

• Best overall: Tivoli La Caleta

• Best budget: Royal Sun Resort Apartments

• Best all-inclusive: Tagoro Family & Fun Costa Adeje

• Best with waterslides: Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria

• Best for teens: Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife

What Mumsnet users say

"Tenerife is lovely. Siam is outstanding, even busy it's great fun. Expect 22-27c most of the year." bob1985

"We’ve been to Tenerife many times. Costa Adeje is the resort to stay in. Anthelia is very nice. You’ll be able to get an interconnecting room which is great. The food was pretty good. Siam park is excellent and the reason we go back to Tenerife, rather than any of the other Canary Islands." Jedstre

Our verdict

As the biggest of Spain’s Canary Islands, picturesque Tenerife offers tons of fun family activities to pack out your holiday. Make memories by joining a whale and dolphin excursion, trying water sports like kayaking or snorkelling and visiting Jungle Park Aguilas zoo to see animals and bird shows. Areas like Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas are known for having a lively nightlife scene; Mumsnetters recommend nearby Costa Adeje, a southern coastal resort home to family-friendly amenities like the huge water park, Siam Park.

3. Best for culture: Malaga

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What Mumsnet users say

"I love Málaga. The town is so pretty, food so good, weather amazing. Easy to get to so many beaches and towns. Such a brilliant, historic, vibrant place. I have been three times and hope to return. Flights are cheap too." Overloadimplode

"Malaga city itself is good for shopping, history and food, there's also a big outdoor shopping mall near the airport. There's a couple of waterparks in the area, which are probably accessible by public transport. There's also 'inflatable in the sea' type along the coast in the summer." Bjorkdidit

Our verdict

Culture vultures should visit Malaga, a coastal city packed with interesting museums and vibrant street art. There’s an Old Town, and sites like Gibralfaro Castle that offers stunning panoramic views from its hilltop setting. Some streets are pedestrianised which is handy when you’re exploring with children. Spend days on the beach (a 15-minute walk from the centre) and evenings strolling by the boat-filled port, stopping at playgrounds on your way round. Malaga has a well-connected train station so you can go on family adventure trips to other nearby destinations like the big, historic city of Cordoba.

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4. Best for active adventures: Costa Dorada

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What Mumsnet users say

"Portaventura is the theme park in Salou, there's also a water park right next to it. Both Salou and Cambrils have those inflatable water parks in the sea, and you can also go on boat trips/rent paddle boards. Tarragona has Roman remains." Crispsandwichrock

Our verdict

Families with older children might consider an active holiday on the Costa Dorada, known as ‘the golden coast’ because of its many beaches - some of which offer watersports and snorkelling. Pack your walking boots for hikes along the lengthy, coastal path and hire bicycles for family bike rides along the many cycle lanes in Cambrils, a charming port town where you can stop for seafood. Choose paths to suit your abilities and be prepared for heat! Reward tired teens with a trip to PortAventura theme park.

Read next: The best Canary Islands for your next family holiday

5. Best for a bit of everything: Benalmadena

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What Mumsnet users say

"If you’re not desperate to be right on the seafront, Benalmadena Pueblo up in the hills (as opposed to Benalmadena Costa) is much more real Spain. Pretty little cobbled streets with beautiful flowers, a main square with traditional restaurants and live music. Quieter and more elegant. If you want a more beach based holiday in the area, Fuengirola might be worth a look. Lots of choice there for differing budgets." JohnPrescottsPyjamas

Our verdict

Fly to Malaga and take a train or taxi to Benalmadena (around seven miles away) where the weather is still pleasant enough for family winter sun holidays. You’ll have your choice of family-friendly beaches and there’s a lovely seafront promenade for evening strolls. Make your way to the marina to spot luxury yachts, dine with a sea view and visit the aquarium. The old town, Benalmadena Pueblo, is a maze of cobbled streets with hillside views and authentic eateries. You won’t be far from other family-friendly destinations on the Costa Del Sol like Fuengirola and Torremolinos: both can be reached easily by train or bus.

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6. Best for foodies: Palma de Mallorca

Search for hotels in Mallorca| Search for Mallorca family holidays

Best family hotels in Mallorca at a glance

• Best overall: Puerto Azul Suite Hotel, Port de Pollensa

• Best budget: Eix Lagotel Holiday Resort, Playa de Muro

• Best for views: Hotel Migjorn, Campos

• Best luxury: Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, Port de Soller

• Best for pools: Zafiro Mallorca & Spa, Can Picafort

What Mumsnet users say

"Love Palma. The Cathedral and Palace opposite are gorgeous. Consider taking the tourist train/tram to Soller/Port de Soller too. Do not miss the chicken pastelos in Forn des Theatre/Fornet de la Soca they are to die for." itsmyp4rty

Our verdict

The Balearic island of Mallorca has been a family favourite for years and where better to visit than its capital, Palma? Explore the charming old town and its historic sites like the cathedral, the Royal Palace of Almudaina and the many museums. Make sure you work up an appetite because Palma is a great choice for foodies with regional cuisine influenced by its history. Sample it together at restaurants in town, by the beach or on guided tours, exploring authentic Mallorcan and Balearic dishes like sobrasada (sausage) and sweet ensaimada (pastries).

Read next: The best family hotels in Mallorca, according to Mumsnetters

7. Best for city breaks with teens: Barcelona

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Best family hotels in Barcelona at a glance

• Best overall: H10 Madison

• Best budget: Novotel Barcelona City

• Best city centre: K&K Hotel Picasso El Born

• Best apartments: Paseo de Gracia Bas Apartments by Aspasios

• Best in the Gothic Quarter: Aparthotel Arai 4* Superior

What Mumsnet users say

"It’s amazing for kids. Take the funicular up to theme park on top of mountain, go on cable car, visit all the Gaudi houses, go to the beach, visit Parc Guell. It’s my favourite city to visit with kids." Verite1

Our verdict

Older children will appreciate the uniqueness of Barcelona. Discover the city’s Catalan culture, museums and famous sites like the breathtaking Sagrada Familia Cathedral (make sure you go inside!) and Parc Guelle, a stunning city-view park designed by famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. Get lost in the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter and enjoy the city’s food scene, from its harbour-side seafood restaurants to its street food markets. Add in the promenade-lined Barceloneta Beach and the panoramic Funicular de Montjuic, and you’ve got a winner for families with teens.

Read next: The best Barcelona hotels for families, according to parents

8. Best for nature: Costa de la Luz

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What Mumsnet users say

"Cadiz is wonderful. (I'm there at the moment) Myriad bars, restaurants, shops. Not too expensive. It's casual and buzzy with people enjoying an outdoor life (even in December/January. The weather is kind.)." SiobhanSharpe

Our verdict

The Costa de la Luz is a 124-mile stretch of coastline in southwest Andalusia. Explore the many beaches and other natural sites like Donana Natural Park where you’ll see birds and wetlands. If you’ve outdoorsy teens in your party, Tarifa is famous for great windsurfing. The historic port city of Cadiz is worth a trip for its lovely views.

9. Best for a chilled out break: Nerja

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What Mumsnet users say

"Nerja is much smaller, but it's got nice beaches and pleasant to walk about in the evening. We felt that it was a fairly relaxed resort. For culture, you could take trips from Nerja to Malaga or Granada." Pusspot

Our verdict

Kids and grownups would struggle to get bored in Nerja, a scenic resort town on the Costa del Sol, with beaches, play areas and kid-friendly activities galore. Must-do experiences include the Balcon de Europa coastal viewing platform and Cueva de Nerja, a series of impressive underground caverns where you can join guided tours and even see concerts. Back in town, ride the fun train or a horse and carriage for a tour and finish the day eating alfresco in the old quarter. Be aware that Nerja can get very hot in the summer months.

10. Best for a coastal city break: Valencia

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What Mumsnet users say

"Valencia is amazing! Especially for kids of that age. There’s tons of great stuff to do - the Bio park, science centre, aquarium. The old town is beautiful. And there’s a lovely beach." stolenstoat

Our verdict

Valencia is Spain’s third largest city but its atmospheric Old Town is small enough to walk around with older children. Meander through the cobbled streets, admiring the balconied houses and impressive sites like Valencia Cathedral and the iconic Mercado Central (central market) where you can taste local produce. You’ll find pretty squares and parks that the kids will love, like Parque Municipal La Granja with its miniature railway. Make fun memories at Bioparc Valencia, where you’ll see animals, and Oceanographic aquarium with its underwater restaurant. Sunny Valencia (which can get very hot in summer) is on the east coast: break up exploring with sunbathing and sandcastle-building at La Malvarrosa, the closest beach to the centre (around four miles away).

Is Spain good for a family holiday?

With a mix of stunning beaches, cultural cities, active pursuits and kids’ activities galore, Spain is a great choice for a family holiday as each destination offers something different. Check out our family holiday packing guide.

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When’s the best time to visit Spain?

Choose your travel dates according to how much you like the heat. Many destinations can get very hot in the summer months, particularly southern Spain, so spring and autumn can be a better option if you like cooler temperatures. Some destinations like the Canary Islands stay warm in winter, making Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria great for a winter sun holiday.

Which part of Spain is best for a family holiday?

It depends what you want. City break? Coastal Valencia or lively Barcelona. Active holiday? Costa Dorada. Beaches? Menorca. We hope this handy guide helps you to choose a Spanish destination to suit your family. And if you’re travelling with babies or toddlers, you might like our handy planning tips.

How we chose our recommendations

Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which Spanish destinations were being recommended. We then did some online research, looking at which destinations had been featured in ‘best’ lists across trusted travel publications as well as user reviews. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best destinations at the moment.

About the author

Kim Gregory is a freelance writer who specialises in travel content and destination guides. Her work has appeared in Fodor's, Fabulous Magazine, the Metro and Culture Trip.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.