10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Spain

  • Day 1: Park Guell
    15 minutes (5.6 km) from city center

    Visit one of the most unusual parks in the world, built between 1900 and 1914 by the famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi. The park contains amazing stone structures, colorful mosaics, and offers amazing views over Barcelona.

  • Day 2: Sagrada Familia and Gothic Quarter
    20 minutes (6.5 km) from Park Guell

    The Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous landmarks in Spain, still under construction more than 135 years after it began. After admiring its unique architecture, continue on to the Gothic Quarter and wander its labyrinthine streets while taking in stunning historical buildings and looking for small hidden plazas.

  • Day 3: Picasso Museum and Barceloneta Beach
    15 minutes (4.3 km) from Gothic Quarter

    Explore the amazing talents of Pablo Picasso at the Picasso Museum, where you can view over 4,000 works of art in this comprehensive collection. After exploring the museum, head to Barceloneta beach, one of the most popular beaches in Barcelona, to enjoy the sand and warm Mediterranean breeze.

  • Day 4: La Tomatina Festival and Valencia City Center
    4-hour drive (352 km) from Barcelona

    Take a trip to Buñol to participate in La Tomatina Festival, the world's largest tomato fight. After being covered in tomatoes, drive to Valencia City Center to explore the stunning Valencia Cathedral, sample local paella, and end the day at the City of Arts and Sciences.

  • Day 5: Alhambra Palace and Granada
    4-hour drive (418 km) from Valencia

    Take a trip to Granada to explore the stunning Alhambra Palace and its surrounding gardens, a true masterpiece of Islamic art and the perfect example of Spain's Moorish heritage. End the day catching stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range from the Mirador de San Nicolas.

  • Day 6: Malaga Beach and Old Town
    1-hour drive (130 km) from Granada

    Enjoy a day at the beach in Malaga, one of the most vibrant and lively coastal towns in Spain. After soaking up the sun on the beach, explore the charming Old Town, where you can try some delicious traditional Andalusian food and admire stunning architecture.

  • Day 7: Royal Palace of Madrid and Madrid's Museums
    2-hour drive (220 km) from Malaga

    Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish royal family, and admire its stunning architecture and luxurious interiors. After touring the palace, check out some of the city's world-famous museums, like the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum.

  • Day 8: Retiro Park and El Rastro Market
    15 minutes (5 km) from Royal Palace

    Unwind from the city's hustle and bustle by visiting Retiro Park, Madrid's most famous park, where you can rent boats, visit the Crystal Palace, and enjoy the lush greenery. End the day at El Rastro Market, one of the biggest flea markets in the world, and shop for unique souvenirs and antiques.

  • Day 9: Seville's Cathedral and Alcazar
    2.5-hour drive (542 km) from Madrid

    Visit Seville's Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After touring the cathedral, explore the stunning Alcazar, a gorgeous palace filled with Islamic architecture and beautiful gardens.

  • Day 10: Costa del Sol Beaches and Sierra Nevada National Park
    1-hour drive (100 km) from Seville

    Take a day trip to Costa del Sol, one of Spain's most popular beach destinations, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy various water sports activities. End the day at Sierra Nevada National Park, where you can hike and take in some of the most stunning mountainous landscapes in Spain.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Park Guell (2 hours, free)
  • Sagrada Familia and Gothic Quarter (4 hours, $30 entry fee for Sagrada Familia)
  • Picasso Museum and Barceloneta Beach (5 hours, $20 entry fee for Picasso Museum)
  • La Tomatina Festival and Valencia City Center (8 hours, festival entry fee varies)
  • Alhambra Palace and Granada (6 hours, $35 entry fee for Alhambra Palace)
  • Malaga Beach and Old Town (6 hours, free)
  • Royal Palace of Madrid and Madrid's Museums (8 hours, $20 entry fee for the Royal Palace)
  • Retiro Park and El Rastro Market (6 hours, free)
  • Seville's Cathedral and Alcazar (6 hours, $20 entry fee for Cathedral)
  • Costa del Sol Beaches and Sierra Nevada National Park (8 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $125

Transportation

Travelers have the option to rent a car to visit Spain's main cities, but public transportation is available and efficient. The total cost for car rental, fuel, and tolls would be around $400 for the whole trip. Those who choose public transportation can expect to spend around $200 and should consider taking trains and buses between cities. Travel time varies heavily depending on the chosen mode of transportation, with some journeys lasting only an hour and others lasting up to four hours.

Useful Tips

For those with less time, it is recommended to focus more on the country only or spend fewer days in each city. Conversely, for those with more time, add more trips or additional stops to explore the nearby areas.

Airports

The primary airports in Spain are Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), located 13 km from the center of Madrid, and Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), located 15 km from the center of Barcelona. Valencia Airport (VLC), located 8 km from the center of Valencia, and Malaga Airport (AGP), located 8 km from the center of Malaga, are also popular airports for visitors.

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