Skip to content How Spanish Families Vacation: Findings from Our August 2024 Study to Help Plan Your Family Trip
Planning a family vacation in Spain? We specialize in helping families find the best hotels with pools and water parks. Based on recent data from Spanish families who traveled this August, here are some tips on how you can plan your perfect family getaway, inspired by local travel trends.
Plan for the Best Family-Friendly Hotels
Do as the locals do! Spanish families are pros at planning. On average, they book their vacations 34.1 days in advance. If you’re looking for hotels with exciting water parks, kid-friendly activities, and top-notch pools, we recommend following their lead and booking early. This ensures you can secure the best spots at popular family destinations before they sell out—especially during peak travel months.
Families often book vacations 34.1 days in advance for several reasons:
Getting the Best Hotels: Family-friendly hotels, especially those with pools and water parks, fill up fast. Booking a month ahead helps families secure the best spots before they are fully booked. This way, they can ensure access to the fun amenities that both kids and parents will enjoy.
Saving Money: Booking early often means lower prices. Many hotels offer discounts to families who plan, which helps save money. This is important for families looking to stick to a budget while still having a great vacation.
Planning Fun Activities: Booking in advance gives families time to plan extra fun activities, like tours or trips to local attractions. By planning ahead, families can make sure they do all the things they want to during their vacation.
Fitting Around School and Work: Families often plan vacations around school breaks or work schedules. Booking early allows them to secure the dates they need and make sure everything runs smoothly.
By booking 34.1 days in advance, families can save money, secure the best hotels, and plan a fun, stress-free vacation.
Shorter, Fun-Filled Trips Are Key
While it might be tempting to plan a long vacation, Spanish families often prefer quick getaways. On average, they stay for just under 3 nights, opting for short, exciting breaks packed with family fun. You can do the same! A weekend getaway to a family resort with a water park is a great way to enjoy quality time together without the need for a long stay. Plus, shorter trips allow you to visit multiple regions during your vacation.
Top Family Destinations: Where to Go for the Best Experience
If you’re wondering where to take the family in Spain, look no further than the destinations Spanish families love. The most popular cities for family vacations are:
- Benalmadena – We found that, nearly 20% of families vacation here, thanks to its wide range of hotels with pools and water attractions.
- Roquetas de Mar – Known for its family-friendly resorts, Roquetas accounts for 1 in 6 family trips.
Roquetas de Mar is a beautiful town on the southern coast of Andalucia, Spain. It’s one of the top places for families to visit, offering sunny beaches, fun activities, and family-friendly hotels.
Why Roquetas de Mar is Perfect for Families
Great Beaches: Roquetas de Mar has long, sandy beaches with calm waters, perfect for children to swim and play. Many beaches also have playgrounds and nearby cafes, so parents can relax while the kids have fun.
Family-Friendly Hotels: The town is full of resorts that are great for families. Many of the hotels have pools, water slides, and activities for children, making it easy for parents to enjoy their time too.
Water Parks and Attractions: Families can visit Mario Park, a water park with slides and pools for all ages. There’s also Aquarium Roquetas, where kids can learn about sea creatures and see marine life up close.
Natural Beauty: Roquetas de Mar is close to Punta Entinas-Sabinar Natural Park, a great spot for walks and birdwatching. It’s a peaceful place where families can enjoy nature.
Day Trips Nearby: Roquetas de Mar is also near other interesting places. Families can visit the city of Almería, which has the famous Alcazaba Fortress, or take a trip to the Tabernas Desert, where they can explore “Wild West” theme parks.
Fun and Relaxation for All
Roquetas de Mar has something for every family. Whether you want to relax on the beach or visit exciting attractions, this town is a perfect place for a family vacation. With its warm weather and welcoming hotels, it’s a great choice for a fun and memorable trip.
- Benidorm, Lloret de Mar, and Salou – These cities each account for 1 in 10 family vacations, offering plenty of activities for kids and relaxing stays for parents.
- Costa Ballena – Perfect for families seeking a more laid-back beach escape.
By choosing these popular destinations, you’ll be in great company, following the footsteps of Spanish families who seek out water park resorts and poolside fun.
Regions with Family Appeal:
What to Expect
Some regions in Spain are perfect for family vacations, especially if you’re looking for hotels with great amenities for kids. Andalucia is by far the top choice, with 6 out of every 10 family trips heading there. The region’s beaches, resorts, and water parks offer everything a family could want.
1. Sunny Weather
Andalucia is known for its great weather. Families can enjoy the sunshine almost all year round, making it perfect for beach days and outdoor fun. The warm climate means you can plan a trip in summer, spring, or fall and still have sunny days.
2. Beautiful Beaches
This region has some of the best beaches in Spain. Many are family-friendly, with calm waters that are safe for kids to swim in. Beaches like those in Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz are popular for families. Some beaches even have water sports, playgrounds, and nearby cafes.
3. Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts
Andalucia has many hotels and resorts designed for families. These places often have pools, kids’ clubs, and entertainment for children, so parents can relax while their kids stay busy with fun activities.
4. Exciting Attractions
There are plenty of things to do in Andalucia. Families can visit water parks, explore nature reserves, or go to theme parks. Places like Selwo Aventura (a safari park) and Isla Mágica (a theme park in Seville) are perfect for a fun day out with kids.
5. Rich Culture
Andalucia is full of history and culture. Families can explore old castles, visit museums, or watch flamenco shows. Cities like Seville, Granada, and Málaga offer plenty of activities that are fun and educational for children.
6. Easy Day Trips
Andalucia is a large region with many things to see. Families can take day trips to other nearby cities or towns. For example, you can visit the Alhambra in Granada, the stunning Mezquita in Córdoba, or the famous Seville Cathedral.
Cataluna and Communidad Valenciana are also top contenders, blending beach activities with culture and nature for a well-rounded family trip.
Plan Like a Local, Enjoy Like a Tourist
For families planning a trip to Spain, taking inspiration from how local families travel can lead to a smoother, more enjoyable vacation. Whether you’re planning ahead to book a spot at a top water park hotel, opting for a short but exciting trip, or visiting the most-loved family destinations, Hoteles con Toboganes is here to help you make the best choices. Let us guide you toward the perfect vacation, where every member of the family can relax and have fun.