5 compelling reasons for families to visit Spain: From Madrid to Barcelona and more

When planning your next family getaway in Europe, you'll find plenty of attractive destinations. Spain stands out as one of the most favored options, and for good reason. It's an easily accessible and reasonably priced European nation, featuring numerous points hotels, a wide range of attractions suitable for kids, teens, and adults, and a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere.

Whether exploring Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, or other locations, the entire family can savor diverse landscapes, unique cultural traditions, delightful local cuisine, exceptional art, traditional music, and genuine hospitality.

Kid-friendly

Few countries are as welcoming to babies and children in restaurants and even bars as Spain. It's common to see a baby peacefully sleeping in a stroller at a bar in Madrid, families of five enjoying a local square at midnight, or children playing on an outdoor restaurant terrace in Andalusia. Many locals reside in small apartments, making it typical for kids to socialize outside the home with parents at bars, restaurants, parks, and plazas. Locals hardly bat an eye at a toddler's tantrum in a museum, and some may even shower your little ones with affection.

While traveling abroad, it's normal for children to become fussy due to changes in meals and bedtimes, and Spanish locals are fully aware of this. They anticipate kids to be kids, making Spain a laid-back destination for families adjusting to a time difference or navigating a new language.

Spain offers numerous activities and attractions tailored specifically for children, and kids are also welcome at many events aimed at adults. Whether it’s a family-guided tour at Madrid's Museo del Prado, exploring medieval castles in Castilla de la Mancha, visiting Moorish palaces in Andalusia, or enjoying one of Spain's sunny beaches (with over 3,000 to choose from!), children are not just welcomed but encouraged to experience the best of Spain's tourist spots.

Budget-friendly

With the dollar and euro nearly on par, visiting Spain—and any euro-using country—is now even more budget-friendly. Spain is particularly well-suited for those traveling on a budget. While prices can vary, generally, a meal at a sit-down restaurant may cost as little as $11, and a glass of wine or beer typically ranges from $2 to $3.

The cost of living in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona is about 50% lower than in New York City and Los Angeles. While accommodations in hotels and vacation rentals may not provide the full local experience, they are quite affordable. Families can find rentals starting at $75 per night in certain areas, with options ranging from $100 to $150 per night in larger cities or popular tourist spots.

Budget travel tips for families visiting Spain

To save money in Spain, consider taking advantage of the menu del dia—daily lunch specials that usually feature a hearty three-course meal along with a drink such as water, soda, or wine/beer. Prices for these menus generally range from $9 to $20, depending on the city and restaurant. Other cost-saving strategies include traveling during the low season (November, January-March) or shoulder season (May/October), opting for a vacation rental to save on meals, and utilizing Spain's public transport. The metro systems and city buses are clean, safe, and easy to use.

Hotel points and vacation rentals

Whether you have a collection of Marriott points or are looking for a three-bedroom vacation rental, Spain offers numerous options for families. Madrid alone boasts over 20 different Marriott hotels (including those from the Spanish AC hotel chain, owned by Marriott), as well as offerings from Hilton, IHG, Radisson, and Hyatt.

Travelers can find points hotels throughout the country, from the Sheraton Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands to the Higueron Hotel Malaga (part of Hilton's Curio Collection) and the luxurious family suites at 7Pines, a Destination by Hyatt property in Ibiza.

While Europe is often seen as limiting hotel occupancy to two travelers per room, there are exceptions. For instance, the Westin Palace, Madrid can accommodate up to four guests in certain suites, and Le Meridien Barcelona offers a family suite designed for four. Hotels like the Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid, Sheraton La Caleta in Tenerife, and even more budget-friendly options like the AC hotel brand provide family-friendly room options as well.

Travelers should be aware that there is an abundance of Airbnb properties and vacation rentals available for families throughout the country, many of which are quite affordable.

Accessibility and a favorable award chart

Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines all offer flights to Spanish destinations such as Madrid and Barcelona from various U.S. hubs. United is particularly expanding its routes to include locations that U.S. travelers may not have considered before, like the new flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) in the Canary Islands starting June 9, and from Newark to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) in the Balearic Islands beginning June 2. Both routes will operate three times a week.

Iberia is another Oneworld airline that provides nonstop flights from various U.S. hubs to Spain, including New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Miami International Airport (MIA), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). A great way to use points for your family trip to Spain is by redeeming 34,000 Avios for a one-way business-class ticket from Chicago (ORD) to Madrid (MAD). Note that this fare is only available on off-peak dates according to Iberia's peak/off-peak calendar.

If you're short on Avios for a business-class fare, consider the Pay with Avios & Money option, which can help make business-class tickets more budget-friendly. This allows you to use fewer Avios while spending some cash, making it significantly cheaper than a standard business-class fare.

It's important to keep in mind that Iberia flights typically offer a maximum of two business-class seats available for Avios redemptions. However, the airline may release additional seats at the last moment. If you're unable to secure enough business-class availability, economy seats can be as low as 17,000 Avios one-way on the ORD-MAD route during off-peak periods, and taxes and fees for these tickets are quite reasonable as well.

To increase your Avios balance, remember that you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Iberia Avios, as well as British Airways Avios to Iberia Avios.

Varied Regions

If you're seeking a vibrant city experience filled with cultural pursuits for your family, a serene beach getaway, an outdoor escape to the mountains, or a scenic road trip through charming villages and vineyards, Spain offers all of this and more.

Northern Regions

Spain's northern areas, including Asturias, Cantabria, and Galicia, feature cooler, wetter climates, lush greenery, and are relatively untouched by mass tourism. The ideal way to experience these regions is by car. A scenic road trip through the Picos de Europa mountain range or along the stunning Galician coast provides ample chances for camping and hiking amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Wherever you venture, you'll savor delightful local dishes, from fresh seafood to fabada bean stew and locally produced sidra, a type of alcoholic cider.

Barcelona

Barcelona's laid-back atmosphere is sure to please the entire family. Visit family-friendly attractions such as Montjuic mountain, the whimsical Parc Guell, and the renowned Sagrada Familia cathedral. When the kids need a break, it's time for the beach! Enjoying the beach doesn't have to mean getting sandy; you can rent bikes or scooters to ride along the beach promenade and soak up the delightful Catalonian sunshine.

Mediterranean Shore

With endless stretches of sandy beaches, families who love the sun will find paradise along Spain's Mediterranean coast. From the rugged Costa Brava in Catalonia to the pristine beaches of Valencia and Alicante along the Costa Blanca, and down to the sunny shores of Costa del Sol in Andalusia, Spain's entire eastern coastline glimmers by the Mediterranean Sea.

Andalusia

Abundant in natural beauty and cultural riches, Andalusia truly has something for everyone. Discover historical treasures in cities like Seville, Granada, and Cordoba, enjoy the vibrant beaches and marina of trendy Marbella, and explore the charming whitewashed villages perched in the hills, such as Ronda and Jaen. Andalusia is ideal for families eager to relax by the sea while also diving into Spain's rich history and traditions that blend Moorish and Christian influences.

Madrid

Madrid frequently astonishes visitors with its remarkable art scene, vibrant culinary offerings, and charming cobblestone streets. It's an ideal destination for families eager to indulge in traditional dishes, stroll through elegant parks, explore world-famous museums, and soak up the lively atmosphere of Spain's capital at all hours. You might be surprised by how much the entire family enjoys Madrid.

Islands

From the stunning Balearic islands like Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca to the often-overlooked Canary Islands, families looking for a friendly island getaway with sandy shores and mountain trails have plenty of options. Don't forget to check out some of Spain's hidden treasures, like the Islas Cies near Galicia or Tabarca off the Alicante coast.

Exploring lesser-known Spain

For families seeking adventure, the medieval towns of Extremadura, such as Trujillo and Merida, offer a blend of educational and thrilling activities for everyone.

The legendary land of Don Quijote, Castilla de la Mancha boasts numerous castles and historic cities like Toledo and Cuenca. Further south, the serene sands of Almeria provide a peaceful retreat, especially in the shoulder season. Families can even partake in winery tours in Spain's famed Rioja and Ribera regions.

In summary