Spain is well-known for being one of the best family holiday destinations in Europe, with coastlines dotted with brilliant beach towns catering to all ages. The country’s coastlines are wonderfully varied. Small kids keen to paddle? There’s no shortage of beaches with gentle shallows and soft sand. Need somewhere that gives teens room to roam and blow off steam? From the mainland’s classic resorts to the islands’ colour-splattered coves, Spain has it covered for you and the kids.
The best places to stay in Spain for families who plan to spend time at the seaside combine cleanliness, excellent facilities, and friendly, laid-back atmospheres. The country's beaches are typically well looked after, with calm swimming zones, lifeguards, and family-friendly promenades, so parents can genuinely unwind while kids enjoy themselves.
Which part of Spain is best for families?
When it comes to family holidays, the Balearic Islands—especially Mallorca—are often hailed as the best island in Spain for families, thanks to their clear shallow waters and wide choice of family beach resorts. Along the mainland, the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are favourites, offering a long stretch of sandy beaches, a huge range of accommodation, and plenty to do after you’ve had your fill of sun and sea.
For something a bit different, the Basque coast in northern Spain includes laid-back cities with fantastic food scenes and sheltered urban beaches. Each part has its own charm. If you’re after action-packed days and buzzing nightlife (but with room for family time), you might prefer the Levante coast or spots like Benidorm. Alternatively, for low-key days and wild sand dunes, Tarifa offers a refreshing escape.
Best family-friendly beaches in Spain
Playa de las Canteras, Gran Canaria
Arguably one of the best beaches for families in the Canary Islands, Las Canteras offers calm, sheltered waters thanks to an offshore natural reef. It’s a lively beach right in the city, ideal if you want the ease of popping out for an ice cream or slipping into a shaded café when the midday sun arrives. With plenty of showers, changing areas, and lifeguard coverage, plus a palm-lined promenade, it’s a seaside favourite for both locals and visitors. The vibrant side streets just off the beachfront are brimming with local eateries and little shops to explore.
The area around the beachfront promenade in Las Palmas—especially the La Puntilla end—is spot on for families looking for where to stay. You have everything just a stone’s throw from the sand, playgrounds, and local restaurants.
Playa de Muro, Mallorca
Set along the northern coast of Mallorca in Alcudia Bay, Playa de Muro is a top pick among Spain's family beach resorts. It’s well-known for its long swathe of ivory sand stretching out into turquoise waters that stay shallow for ages. It's great if your little ones are learning to swim. There are family-friendly beach clubs, play areas, and loads of places to grab a snack right on the sand. If you’re in the mood for adventure, SUP boards and pedalos can be hired for a bit of fun on the water.
Stay in the district of Playa de Muro itself or the nearby family-friendly resort area of Alcudia for the easiest access. Plus, you'll find a wide range of hotels and apartment rentals right by the beach.
Playa de la Victoria, Cadiz
Cadiz’s most celebrated beach, La Victoria, is a sweeping stretch of golden sand with gentle waves. Local families love it for the wide promenade lined with playgrounds, kiosks serving fresh churros, and plenty of shaded spots to get out of the sun. The sea stays fairly calm, and there’s a gentle slope into the water, making it a comfortable spot for nervous swimmers or younger children. Lifeguards, clean facilities, and a buzzing atmosphere during the summer months round out the experience.
Stay in the neighbourhood of Paseo Marítimo, along the main beachfront in Cadiz, for a lively but relaxed atmosphere and plenty of child-friendly accommodation.
Playa de Bolonia, Tarifa
This beach is a brilliant choice if your family prefers a wilder, more natural setting away from the big resorts. Playa de Bolonia is famous for its vast dunes—perfect for a bit of sand sledging or rolling about—and sparkling, clear waters. There are no high-rise hotels here, just rustic chiringuitos (beach bars) and the astonishing sight of ancient Roman ruins just behind the sands. For those searching for the best beaches in southern Spain for families, Playa de Bolonia offers a relaxed setting and a taste of pure Andalusian coast. The crowds thin out compared to more central costas, so you’ll have space to let the kids roam.
The small village of Bolonia, tucked just behind the dunes, is your best bet for low-key family stays, while the nearby town of Tarifa offers more options if you prefer a busier hub.
Playa de Levante, Benidorm
Benidorm remains a classic seaside spot, especially if you want everything on tap. It’s consistently rated among the best beach towns in Spain for families due to its wealth of facilities, entertainment options and family-focused activities. Levante Beach is packed with entertainment options: playgrounds, water sports, and endless snack bars line the promenade. It’s well-patrolled by lifeguards, and the Blue Flag status means you can expect clean water and sand. For families who like their holidays action-packed, Levante is a crowd-pleaser with non-stop things to do.
Look for accommodation in Benidorm’s Levante district—close to all the beach action, with easy access to family amusements, shops, and countless cafés.
Playa de Carihuela, Torremolinos
Torremolinos is a mainstay of the Costa del Sol and a great choice for family holiday destinations in Spain. Playa de Carihuela stands out for its flat, easily accessible sands and the sheer variety of traditional beach bars serving up grilled sardines and cold drinks. There are play areas dotted along the promenade, clean shower facilities, and lifeguards to keep watch. The relaxed pace makes it a popular spot for families, especially outside the hectic high season.
The Carihuela neighbourhood is a good place to stay during your family holiday. It's located just behind the beach, renowned for its safe, pedestrian streets and buzzing, Spanish seaside vibe.
Playa de Las Salinas, Ibiza
Don’t let Ibiza’s party image throw you—Las Salinas is a superb family option, particularly earlier in the day when the crowds are more relaxed. The soft sands and gentle shallows are great for little feet. At the back of the beach, you’ll find shaded pine groves and family-friendly cafés serving snacks and cool drinks. It’s easy to reach by bus or car, with plenty of space for the kids to run about.
Families often choose to stay in the village of Sant Jordi de ses Salines, about ten minutes from the beach, which puts you close to Las Salinas and to handy transport connections.
Playa de la Concha, San Sebastián
In the Basque Country, Playa de la Concha is the classic urban beach, regularly ranked among the nicest beaches in Spain. Its gentle curve wraps around a sheltered bay—the water is usually calm, plus there’s a lively old town just steps away for family tapas crawls. Playgrounds on the promenade, kayak hire, and shallow paddling zones make it a solid all-rounder for families of all ages
Stay in San Sebastián’s Centro district or the adjacent Antiguo neighbourhood, where you’re a short stroll from the beach and the old town’s pintxos bars.
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