Spain is the ideal destination for your family holidays. After all, there's hardly a country in the world that offers more is better known for seaside holidays! In the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, the most beautiful beaches of Andalusia border both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean sea and are just waiting to be discovered. On the Balearic Islands, you can spend your holiday exploring the remote nooks and crannies of the islands and admiring their breathtaking scenery. Or, if you want to go a little further afield, the Canary Islands, just off the coast of Africa in the Atlantic ocean, boast beaches made up of black and white volcanic sand. So if the question is, 'where shall we go on holiday?', Spain might just be the answer!
Spain is the land of passion, the wild and the untamed... but it's also the land of the siesta. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn't mean that your whole family has to take a nap between 2 and 4pm. It simply means that Spanish working hours are a little different from ours. Most businesses will be closed between these hours.
Restaurants and bars also operate according to this schedule. This means that outside hotels and the main tourist towns, you should plan your lunch from 2pm or your dinner from 8pm.
If you're travelling in August and plan to stay away from the main tourist areas, you should be aware that this is also the month when most Spanish people are on holiday. Some shops and businesses may be closed at this time of year. If you are planning to travel, it is advisable to find out beforehand.
The best time to visit Spain is from April to October, but don't forget that the summer months can be very hot. If you're planning lots of activities, it's best to go to Spain in the spring, between April and June, or in autumn, in October. During these months, the weather is mild and you'll be able to make the most of your family holiday.
Spain has a lot to offer families with children. Hotels and activities often offer special prices or packages for children. This is hardly surprising, given how important families are in Spain.
What's more, Spain's many beaches offer easy access to calm, warm waters and have useful facilities such as toilets, snack bars and toy shops. It's the perfect place if you're planning to spend your summer holidays on the beach.
If your children are early risers, take them to see a sunrise with dolphins in Mallorca. It may be difficult to get up that early, the experience is more than worth it.
Theme parks and water parks
If your children are in need a change of pace, take them to one of the many theme parks or water parks on the south coast of Spain. You're sure to have an unforgettable time together.
Lunar Cable Park - Cuevas del Almanzora, around 100 km from Almeria
Aquavelis Water Park - Torre del Mar, 35 km from Malaga
Isla Magica Theme Park - Seville, 90 km from Jerez
Sports, hiking and other activities
If you're looking for something to do during your beach holiday, you'll be spoilt for choice in Spain. A wide range of activities awaits you!
Half-day excursion on the Camino del Rey - Málaga
Electric bike tour of Málaga - Málaga
Hiking the Ruta de Pedra on dry land - Mallorca
Sunrise with dolphins - Mallorca
Culture and gastronomy
Here in the south, where the national passion for Spain is at its strongest, many artists, architects and chefs find inspiration. Sit at their tables or marvel at the monumental works they have created over the years.
Visit the Picasso Museum - Malaga
Visit the Alcazaba - Málaga
Visit Gibraltar - Gibraltar, 155 km from Jerez
Wine Experience in Jerez - Jerez