Looking for a good family vacation spot? Southern Spain will not disappoint with its stunning beaches and culture that is more vibrant than almost anywhere else on the planet!! It’s the perfect spot for families who want to experience all the joys of a warm and welcoming destination. In this article we countdown the best family vacation spots in southern Spain, from the Costa del Sol to the mountains of Sierra Nevada, there’s no shortage of fantastic vacation spots to choose from. As a bonus, we’ve also included hotel accommodations for you to consider.
So pack your sunscreen, grab your kids, and get ready to soak up all the sun, sand, and sangria and explore the best family vacation spots in southern Spain!
Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is a beautiful stretch of coastline located in the southern region of Spain, known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and year-round sunshine. It is a popular vacation spot for families who love sun, sand, and sea.
Marbella is one of the most popular beach destinations on the Costa del Sol, offering beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of activities for families. Kids can enjoy swimming, building sandcastles, or taking part in water sports like jet skiing or parasailing. Parents can relax on the beach, soaking up the sun, or take a stroll along the promenade. Marbella has a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire, and it is home to several historic landmarks, such as the Roman Bridge, the Moorish Castle, and the Old Town. These landmarks offer a glimpse into Marbella’s past and add to the town’s charm.
Malaga is another popular destination on the Costa del Sol, known for its beautiful beaches and rich history. It is the birthplace of the famous artist Pablo Picasso. The city has a museum dedicated to his life and works, which includes many of his most famous paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Families can explore the old town or take a tour of the Alcazaba fortress. The city also offers plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as a bustling nightlife scene.
Torremolinos is another favorite destination for families, offering beautiful beaches, water parks, and amusement parks. The town is home to several attractions, including the Aqualand Torremolinos water park and the Crocodile Park. Families can also enjoy a day out at the nearby Selwo Marina, a marine park with dolphin and sea lion shows.
In addition to the beaches and attractions, the Costa del Sol also offers plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or horseback riding. Families can explore the beautiful countryside or take a boat trip along the coast to enjoy the stunning views. No surprises why we chose Costa Del Sol as one of the best family vacation spots in southern Spain.
Where to stay in Costa del Sol
The Marbella Club Hotel is a luxurious and family-friendly resort located in the heart of Marbella. It offers a kids’ club, a variety of pools, and a wide range of activities for all ages. Another great option is the Sunset Beach Club in Benalmadena, which features a splash park, mini-golf, and a host of other family-friendly amenities. Marbella’s Gran Meliá Don Pepe hotel offers luxurious accommodations and a fantastic location right on the beach.
Seville
Seville is one of the best family vacation spots in southern Spain because the city has a lot to offer for families with children, including numerous historic landmarks and exciting activities.
One of the top attractions in Seville for families is the Alcazar, a beautiful Moorish palace that dates back to the 14th century. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its intricate architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning interiors. Families can take a guided tour of the palace and learn about its history and architecture.
Another popular attraction in Seville is the Cathedral, which is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. The cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its stunning architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and numerous works of art. Families can take a guided tour of the cathedral and learn about its history and art.
The Plaza de Espana is another must-visit attraction in Seville. It is a beautiful square located in the Parque de Maria Luisa and is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Families can take a stroll around the square and enjoy the beautiful architecture, or rent a rowboat and explore the nearby canals.
For a unique experience, families can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city. The carriage rides are a great way to explore the city’s historic landmarks and attractions, and kids will love the experience of riding in a horse-drawn carriage.
In addition to these attractions, Seville also offers plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy delicious cuisine, including traditional tapas, seafood, and paella. The city also has numerous parks and playgrounds where kids can run and play, as well as museums and art galleries that offer educational and entertaining experiences for all ages making it one of the best vacation spots in southern Spain.
Where to stay in Seville
Families visiting Seville should check out the Hotel Ribera de Triana, which is located in the heart of the city and offers spacious family rooms and a rooftop pool with stunning views. The NH Collection Sevilla features a kids’ corner and a game room, as well as a prime location near many of the city’s top attractions. Hotel Fernando III, which offers comfortable accommodations in the heart of the city. Families can also check out the Hotel Alfonso XIII, a luxurious 5-star hotel with a kids’ club and an outdoor pool.
Granada
Granada is a historic city located in the southern region of Andalusia in Spain. It is known for its rich history and culture, and is home to one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in Spain – the Alhambra Palace.
The Alhambra Palace is a must-see attraction for families visiting Granada. It is a sprawling complex of palaces, fortresses, and gardens that was built by the Moorish rulers of Granada in the 14th century. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its intricate architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning interiors. Families can explore the different parts of the Alhambra Palace, including the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba Fortress, and the Generalife Gardens. The Nasrid Palaces are a series of ornate palaces that were once the residence of the Moorish rulers of Granada. Kids will love exploring the courtyards and intricate details of the palaces, while adults will be amazed by the intricate stucco work, wood carvings, and tile decorations.
The Alcazaba Fortress is another must-see part of the Alhambra Palace. It is the oldest part of the palace and was originally built as a military stronghold. Families can explore the fortress walls and towers, and enjoy the stunning views of Granada and the surrounding mountains.
The Generalife Gardens are another highlight of the Alhambra Palace. They are a series of beautiful gardens and fountains that were once the private summer residence of the Moorish rulers of Granada. Kids will love exploring the gardens and fountains, while adults will appreciate the intricate design and beautiful views.
In addition to the Alhambra Palace, Granada also offers plenty of other attractions for families to enjoy. The city has numerous parks and playgrounds where kids can run and play, as well as museums and art galleries that offer educational and entertaining experiences for all ages. The city is also famous for its delicious cuisine, including traditional tapas, seafood, and paella.
Where to stay in Granada
Families can stay in style at the Palacio de Santa Ines, a charming 16th-century hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to the Alhambra and other attractions. Another great option is the Hotel Casa 1800 Granada, which is housed in a restored 17th-century mansion and offers beautiful views of the Alhambra from its rooftop terrace.
Cordoba
Cordoba is a historic city located in the Andalusian region of southern Spain, known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. It was once an important center of Islamic culture and civilization, and this influence can still be seen today in the city’s many mosques, palaces, and gardens.
The most famous landmark in Cordoba is the Mosque-Cathedral, also known as the Mezquita. It is a stunning example of Islamic architecture and design, with intricate arches, columns, and decorations. Families can take a guided tour of the mosque-cathedral to learn about its history and significance.
Another must-see attraction in Cordoba is the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval fortress and palace that was once the residence of the Christian monarchs. The fortress features beautiful gardens, fountains, and terraces that offer stunning views of the city.
Families can also enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city to explore its many historic landmarks and charming streets. The old town of Cordoba is a maze of narrow alleyways, whitewashed houses, and hidden courtyards, and is a delight to explore on foot.
Cordoba is also known for its many parks and gardens, which offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The most famous park is the Alcazar Gardens, which feature beautiful fountains, water features, and terraces. Other parks worth visiting include the Gardens of the Victoria, the Gardens of the Duke of Rivas, and the Gardens of the Reales Alcazares.
In addition to its historic landmarks and parks, Cordoba also offers plenty of dining and shopping options, with many traditional tapas bars and local shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs. Overall, Cordoba is also one of the best vacation spots in southern Spain because it’s a charming and picturesque city that offers plenty of opportunities for families to explore its rich history and culture.
Where to stay in Cordoba
Families can stay at the NH Collection Amistad Córdoba, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the old town. The hotel offers spacious rooms, a rooftop terrace with beautiful views, and easy access to the city’s many attractions. The H10 Palacio Colomera hotel in Cordoba, Spain, is a luxurious and well-appointed four-star hotel that offers a perfect combination of modern and traditional elements. The hotel’s central location in the heart of Cordoba’s historic center makes it an ideal base for exploring the city’s attractions, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a comfortable and luxurious stay in one of Spain’s most beautiful and historic cities.
Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada is a mountain range located in the region of Andalusia, in southern Spain. The range stretches for approximately 80 km (50 miles) from east to west and covers an area of 2,000 km² (770 square miles). The highest peak of Sierra Nevada is Mulhacén, which reaches an elevation of 3,478 meters (11,411 feet) and is the highest mountain in mainland Spain.
Sierra Nevada is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, as it receives abundant snowfall and has numerous ski resorts. The ski season usually runs from late November to late April, depending on the weather conditions. Some of the most popular ski resorts in Sierra Nevada include Sol y Nieve, Borreguiles, and Loma de Dílar.
Apart from skiing, Sierra Nevada also offers a range of other winter sports activities, such as snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating. Families can enjoy a scenic cable car ride that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
During the summer months, Sierra Nevada is a popular destination for hiking, mountaineering, and rock climbing. The range is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Spanish ibex, wild boars, and birds of prey.
The region is also known for its gastronomy, including traditional dishes such as olla de San Antón (a stew made with beans and pork), migas (a dish made with breadcrumbs and various ingredients), and fried fish. It’s no wonder Sierra Nevada made it on the list as one of the best family vacation spots in southern Spain.
Where to stay in Sierra Nevada
Melia Sol y Nieve is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Sierra Nevada and offers spacious rooms, a spa, indoor pool, and children’s play area. The hotel also offers a kids’ club during the ski season, as well as babysitting services upon request.
Located in the upper area of Sierra Nevada, the Maribel hotel offers stunning views of the mountains. The hotel features spacious rooms, a restaurant, indoor pool, spa, and sauna. It also offers a kids’ club during the ski season.
We hope you found the list of our best family vacation spots in southern Spain helpful and you’re soon on your way to enjoying the stunning beaches of Costa del Sol or the rich history and architecture of Seville.
