The best Family Holiday Destinations in Spain for exploring Nature

Spain is an incredibly beautiful and diverse country. From the stunning and wild Picos de Europa mountains in the north, to the palm-fringed beaches of the Costa del Sol, there are breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife for all ages to discover. If you’re after the best spanish holiday destinations for families who like getting out to explore nature, then you’ve come to the right place!
Read on for our top three picks of the best family holiday destinations in Spain for nature-loving families.

The classic choice for sun-loving families: Costa del Sol, Malaga

The sun-drenched Costa del Sol (‘Coast of the Sun’), which runs along the providence of Malaga in the south of Spain is a classic choice for enjoying the best Spanish family holidays!

The Costa del Sol has year-round warm weather and boasts an impressive 300 days of sunshine a year, which makes it perfect for exploring the outdoors. Another advantage of visiting the area is that it is easily accessible to visitors from abroad, thanks to the fact that it was its own airport.

The Costa del Sol area is flanked by mountains towards the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the South. Families looking to explore the pick of the best beaches, as well as natural trails and walks, will be spoilt for choice of things to see and do here.

--Beach west of Estepona

If it’s beaches that you’re after, you won’t be short of options. The famous beaches of Puerto Banús and El Faro in Marbella are great for seafood restaurants and bars, as well as a host of other fun activities for the family. However, they tend to get a little crowded, especially in the high season.

Families looking for more off-the-beaten track beaches, should head to the coves of Maro, which are close to the picturesque towns of Nerja and Frigiliana. One of the most beautiful of the coves is Playa de las Alberquillas, which can be accessed by hiking trails. The secluded beach of La Caleta de Maro, which is located near the caves of Nerja, is another excellent option.

--Walking above Nerja to Pico del Cielo with views to Costa del Sol

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, we recommend Caminito del Rey (‘The King’s Little Walk’); an 8-kilometer-long walkway that runs along a narrow gorge and provides incredible views of cliffs, canyons and a wide valley. The walkway, which was rebuilt in 2015, hangs 100 metres up along a sheer rockface.

--The impressive Caminito del Rey

To see the plethora of handpicked holiday rental villas that he have in and around the Costa del Sol and Malaga region, see the villas in Malaga we offer.

For mountain walks and village-hopping: Ronda mountains

The nearby Ronda mountains area, in the province of Malaga, is another great destination in Spain for families that love nature, and are keen to experience traditional Andalusian life.

The area is one of the most beautiful destinations in Spain for a family holiday. Staying here gives you a great base for the surrounding nature, as well as the famous white villages (‘pueblos blancos’) of the Ronda region.

The town of Ronda itself, set above a deep gorge, is an unrivalled scene of natural beauty. From here, you can easily visit the other white villages by car, thanks to the good road network of the region. Jimena, Gaucin, Grazalema and El Gastor, which are set in the mountains and provide picture-postcard views, are an absolute must-see!

--Bars at El Gastor village (Ronda mountains)

If you’re after family-friendly trekking and mountain trails, you won’t be disappointed. We recommend you explore the mountainous natural parks of Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra de las Nieves, both of which offer stunning views and opportunities for exploring nature.

--Whitewashed villages in Ronda mountains (Cortes de la Frontera).

Click here for villas in the Ronda mountains area, which range from rustic to more luxurious.

For off the-beaten track adventures: Asturias

Asturias is one of the best spanish destinations for families that are in search of a more off-the-beaten track Spanish holiday experience. The lush and frequently overlooked region of Asturias has a great deal to offer adventurous, nature-loving families. The Asturian coastline is also home to over 200 beaches, many of which you will have to yourself.

--Torimbia beach, Asturias

Oviedo, the beautiful provincial capital of Asturias, is one of the oldest cities in Spain. From here, you can go on a family cycle ride or a leisurely walk along the Nalón River. Or if you’re feeling more active, we recommend the day-long ‘Via Verde Oviedo - Fuso de la Reina’ hike.

LLanes, a charming coastal town in the East of Asturias is, one of the most beautiful towns in the north of the country. It’s set on a dramatic stretch of coastline, with cliffs, coves and unspoilt beaches. It’s a great base from which to explore the local beaches, such as Playa del Sablon. It’s also just a short drive from the beautiful Cuevas del Mar beach which boasts enormous rock formations with caves and tunnels to explore.

The magnificent Picos de Europa National Park is a protected area of great natural beauty. The park has a network of hiking trails for families and visitors to enjoy unparalleled views. There are plenty of options of more challenging hiking routes for older teens and adults, as well as shorter and easier routes for younger children.

--Family holidays in Liebana, Picos de Europa

The best time to visit the lush region of Asturias is from June to September when there is less rain. You can fly to Asturias airport, or alternatively, Santander airport.

We have a great selection of villas in Spanish family holiday destinations. Click here to see a full listing of our villas in Green Spain.

Conclusion: Spain has something for every type of family

The sheer diversity of Spain allows for plenty of options for a Spanish holiday for families that love nature.

The Costa del Sol is ideal for sun worshipping families that want to pick of great beaches, without being far from the mountains.

The Ronda mountains area is perfect for families that are looking to explore both mountains and idyllic, Andalucian villages.

Finally, Asturias is a hidden gem that offers unspoilt beaches and spectacular mountain trekking for families with a real sense of adventure!