8 of the Best Places to Go in Spain with Teens

Spain is one of the most popular family vacation spots in Europe, and for good reason: This magical country is filled with delicious food, cultural excursions and plenty of opportunities for adventure on land or at sea. In fact, the sheer variety of activities you can take part in throughout Spain makes it one of the best places to visit with teenagers.

The country is huge, and from the glittering beaches of the Costa del Sol to the mountainous terrain along the northern border, the exact region you’ll want to explore depends on whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or a little of both. Here are eight of the best places to visit in Spain with teens, paired with immersive local activities you can only access through Ciao Bambino’s Travel Advisor team. Get inspired, then reach out for more info about how we can help!

Where to Go and What to Do in Spain with Teens

Seville

When it comes to the best family vacations in Spain with teens, Seville has it all. Known for its Moorish architecture and vibrant culture, this Andalusian capital is an awesome home base if you plan on spending the majority of your trip in Spain’s sunny south. Put your rhythm to the test during a private family flamenco class, or take a guided day trip to a rural village for a bread-baking lesson filled with laughter and a skill you all can bring back home with you.

Balearic Islands

Just off Spain’s east coast sit the Balearic Islands, which include Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera. For a particularly fun-filled family vacation, take a fast ferry from Barcelona (the trip is about three and a half hours) and escape to the shores of Mallorca. It’s one of the best vacation spots in Spain with teens because of all the beaches and water sports you can enjoy in the area. Craving a laid-back day on the water? Take the kids on a half-day private sail with a local naturalist who knows all the best spots for marine life, swimming and snorkeling.

Barcelona

Known for its world-renowned architecture and distinct Catalonian culture, Barcelona makes for an unforgettable teen-friendly family vacation. Explore the city by sidecar on a private tour that visits some of Barcelona’s most unforgettable monuments and attractions, such as La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and other iconic structures by Antonio Gaudí. Then unleash your creative side at a Gaudí-inspired mosaic-making workshop led by a local artisan. And when you’re ready for a bite to eat, head to La Boqueria, a historic market filled with vendors selling sweet and savory snacks and local specialties to suit everyone’s appetites.

Madrid

Madrid sometimes gets overlooked in favor of other cities on a trip to Spain with teens, but this sophisticated capital has plenty to offer. Let your stomach guide you on a tapas bar-hopping tour with a local insider who can lead you to tasty discoveries around the city. After you’ve had your fill, spend the rest of the day lounging in El Retiro Park, one of the biggest and most beautiful green spaces in the city. Don’t forget to stop by the massive pond in the middle for a beautiful family photo op. If you’re in the mood for a day trip, take the train to the hilltop town of Toledo, known as the “City of Three Cultures” due to its confluence of Muslim, Jewish and Christian history.

Santiago de Compostela

History, culture and an opportunity to enjoy some fresh air while squeezing in a little exercise — that’s what you can expect on a visit to Santiago de Compostela. While there’s plenty to do in the town itself, the real highlight here is following in the steps of millions of pilgrims who came before you. Take a guided walk along the final few kilometers of the Camino de Santiago to reach its beautiful end at a cathedral built to honor the martyred St. James, before continuing your adventure in the city center.

Málaga

For a lively but relaxing coastal vacation to Spain with teens, head to Málaga. This city is located along the country’s southern shores, and it’s known for having some of the most gorgeous beaches along the Costa del Sol. When you need a break from the sun, take a private excursion to the countryside to spend the day making regional dishes at a private cooking class — it can be hard to bond with teens while traveling, and learning something new together is a great way to connect.

Granada

If you’re planning a family getaway to southern Spain, it’s easy to add a day or two in Granada to your itinerary. Its most famous attraction is the Alhambra, a Moorish palace known for stunning architecture and intricate designs that still dazzle visitors today. Treat your kids to a history lesson that’s anything but boring on a private tour of the palace and the medieval Albaicín neighborhood before spending the night at the Parador de Granada on the Alhambra grounds — they’ll never forget sleeping inside a piece of the past.

San Sebastián

Want a different Spanish beach experience from Mallorca or the Costa del Sol? Head for San Sebastián near the French border in Basque Country, a quieter part of Spain that doesn’t find itself on most vacation itineraries with teens. In addition to enjoying the local shores and incredible food scene, you can set sail on a private day trip along the Basque coast before stopping to tour the Cristóbal Balenciaga museum, dedicated to the legendary Spanish fashion designer. In the evening, you can get in on a truly incredible experience: an invite to one of the city’s private (and notoriously hard to join) gastronomic societies, where members all pitch in to cook and serve traditional Basque favorites.

Relevant Links: 

Browse all destinations and accommodations in Spain on Ciao Bambino

52 essential tips for a family vacation in Spain

72 hours in Barcelona with teens

5 adventures in Spain off the beaten path

How to choose the right Spain beach vacation with kids

Coastal hikes and gentle adventure on Spain’s Camino de Ronda

Tips for walking the Camino de Santiago with kids

Essential tips for exploring Spain’s Costa Brava with kids

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.