Today I am sharing 7 ideas for long weekends in Spain, as the country has so many cities that are perfect for a city break at any time of year. Whether you are interested in architecture, history, food, the sea or sunshine, Spanish cities offer all of these, along with an atmosphere we love!
Here is my selection of city breaks in Spain, featuring cities we have visited on our family travels:
1 – A long weekend in Barcelona
Barcelona is the Spanish city we have visited most often—with friends, as a couple and as a family. It is an incredible city with an enormous variety of interesting things to see, from the Sagrada Família to the lanes of the Gothic Quarter, from the bohemian spirit of El Born to Barceloneta beach, and from Modernist architecture to the art museums of Montjuïc.
A few ingredients for a successful weekend in Barcelona:
- When should you visit Barcelona? We have been at different times of year: in winter, in February and March, and in spring during the Easter holidays. Summer would be too hot for us, while autumn should be pleasant.
- Managing your budget: Barcelona is extremely popular with tourists and has become a fairly expensive city. I wrote a complete guide full of money-saving tips:
- Barcelona with children: What did Titpuce and Ticoeur enjoy most in Barcelona? The Sagrada Família, the Palau de la Música and the tapas bars!
- Accommodation in Barcelona: here is a selection of places to stay for four people for under €200 per night.
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2 – A long weekend in Seville
Seville is our favourite city in Andalusia. Its architecture is extraordinarily beautiful!
- When should you visit Seville? We have always been in spring. To avoid the crowds, I recommend avoiding Semana Santa and going just beforehand to see the preparations and decorations. I have also visited Seville in summer, when it was far too hot. I imagine autumn would be pleasant.
- Seville with children: Ticoeur and Titpuce loved the change of scenery at the Alcázar and Plaza de España.
- Accommodation in Seville: we stayed at Santa Marias Apartments, ideally located in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood.
- Around Seville: if you have more than a weekend, Seville makes a great starting point for a road trip through the region. Read about our week in:
3 – A long weekend in Málaga
We have visited Andalusia several times, and sometimes the cheapest flights are to Málaga. That is how we discovered the city almost by chance—and we were pleasantly surprised! It is a very enjoyable destination for a two-day break.
- When should you visit Málaga? In spring or early autumn, to avoid the summer heat.
- Málaga in two days: Highlights include the cathedral, the Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum. A more unusual visit that the children enjoyed was the Glass Museum. It is also always lovely to be beside the sea, especially when there are beautiful golden-sand beaches!
- Accommodation: We stayed in the heart of Málaga’s old town in this family room with a patio.
4 – A long weekend in Granada
Another beautiful Andalusian city! I have visited several times, with and without children, for a weekend or as part of our family road trip through Andalusia.
- When should you visit Granada? Spring is ideal for seeing the Alhambra’s gardens in bloom.
- Granada’s must-sees: First and foremost is the Alhambra, a magnificent palace complex with several buildings and gardens. Be warned: you need to book in advance. The children also enjoyed the flamenco show, the tapas bars and the exotic atmosphere of the old town’s souks around the magnificent cathedral.
- Accommodation in Granada: We loved our Andalusian-style apartment at Smart Suites Albaicín, in the picturesque Albaicín neighbourhood.
5 – A long weekend in Alicante
We first passed through Alicante when the children were very young. Last week, I returned for a mother-and-daughter weekend with my Titpuce, and we took the time to discover and rediscover this city. It is less well known than the previous destinations but definitely worth visiting!
- When should you visit Alicante? The shoulder seasons are very pleasant. In early October, we had magnificent weather. The sea was still warm, and we were always able to eat outside.
- Alicante’s must-sees: We particularly enjoyed the historic El Barrio, the Explanada de España and the picturesque Santa Cruz neighbourhood. Do not miss the views from Santa Bárbara Castle or the archaeological museum, which proved extremely interesting.
- Accommodation in Alicante: Hotel Boutique Ferrisa in the historic quarter.
- Around Alicante: We used our weekend in Alicante to visit the beautiful village of Altea and Villajoyosa, with its colourful houses and chocolate. We reached both by tram, allowing a day for the excursions.
6 – A long weekend in Valencia
Here is another very attractive city with plenty of child-friendly places to visit!
- When should you visit Valencia? We were there in July, when it was starting to get very hot. At least it meant we could enjoy the sea. The shoulder seasons should offer more comfortable temperatures.
- A weekend in Valencia: Highlights include the old town and the aquarium—the Oceanogràfic—which the children loved, as well as the entire City of Arts and Sciences.
- Accommodation in Valencia: We stayed in the old town at Hotel Adhoc Carmen, a centrally located modern hotel in a very old building.
7 – A long weekend in Madrid
I once worked in Madrid for a winter, so I had the opportunity to discover the Spanish capital over a longer period. I think it is a city to experience rather than simply tick off a list. There may be fewer essential sights and less of a change of scenery than in some other Spanish cities, but it feels good to be there—and the food is excellent!
- When should you visit Madrid? I have experienced winter there and visited once in spring. I think any season works, although warmer weather makes it easier to enjoy the lovely Retiro Park.
- A weekend in Madrid: The main sights include Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Prado Museum, Retiro Park and the Reina Sofía Museum. I was less taken with the Royal Palace.
- Madrid with the family: We are returning next February, so I will write a detailed report afterwards!
- Accommodation: Here is the apartment for four that I have booked for us, overlooking the magnificent Plaza Mayor.
- Around Madrid: If you are staying for three or four days, you can take the train to Toledo or Segovia.
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Practical information for planning a long weekend in Spain:
Getting to Spain
- By air: There are numerous low-cost flights to almost all of Spain’s major cities.
- By car or campervan: Spain is also accessible by road, particularly the north of the country. We enjoyed travelling there by campervan on our road trip through Aragon and the Bardenas Desert.
- By train: Paris and Lyon have rail connections to Barcelona, serving other cities along the way. Trains also connect Marseille and Madrid via Barcelona.
The advantages of a Spanish city break with children
- An easy, nearby destination where families always receive a warm welcome.
- The weather: A weekend in Spain lets you extend the summer or enjoy some winter warmth.
- Apart from Barcelona, Spanish cities are often less expensive than French ones.
- The food: Our children love the tapas concept. Their favourites are croquetas, tortilla, boquerones and simple pan con tomate. For something sweet, they love churros with chocolate in the morning!
- The only drawback: Ticoeur and Titpuce are less keen on eating late. The Spanish rhythm does not match their stomachs ;-). Fortunately, since we have lived in England, Spain has been one hour ahead, so we can stay on UK time—which automatically means eating an hour later in Spain.
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Spain for longer than a weekend:
Besides a weekend city break, many parts of Spain are, of course, ideal for longer stays and road trips exploring entire regions. Here are some of the trips we have taken in Spain with the children during school holidays:
- The Canary Islands: our family week in Lanzarote in summer and our family hiking week in Tenerife in winter.
- The Balearic Islands: our family week in Menorca in summer, our October half-term week in Mallorca, our summer week in Mallorca with the family—we preferred the October option.
- Andalusia: Read about our week in Andalusia with the children at Easter.
- Aragon and the Bardenas Desert: On a summer road trip, we completed 10 family hikes in Aragon, followed by a day in the Bardenas Desert.
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Are you a fan of long weekends in Spain? ¡Hasta luego!
Also worth reading
4 days in Barcelona with our teenagersOur 4 days in Barcelona as a family with our teenagers: itinerary, museum visits and walks neighbourhood by neighbourhood
7 tips for visiting Barcelona as a family without breaking the bank!Our top tips for saving money in Barcelona with the children: free activities, discounts, sightseeing tips and accommodation
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