Family Holidays in Spain:  Sun, Culture & Coastlines

For Irish families looking for sunshine, great food and an easy-going welcome, Spain has long been the go-to holiday destination — and for good reason. Just a short flight from Dublin, Cork or Shannon, Spain offers golden beaches, child-friendly resorts, vibrant cities, relaxed café culture and a climate that almost guarantees outdoor living. But beyond the pools and promenades, Spain is a country rich in history, regional traditions and unforgettable landscapes. From Moorish palaces in Andalusia to medieval towns in Catalonia and colourful fiestas that spill into the streets, Spain blends culture and coast in a way few destinations can match.

Spain is a glorious patchwork of distinct regions each with its own traditions, cuisine and in some cases its own language including Catalan, Basque and Galician. It’s why food, architecture and even festivals can feel completely different from one area to the next. With more than 8,000 km of coastline and over 600 Blue Flag beaches, Spain offers everything from rugged Atlantic cliffs to calm Mediterranean beaches. That’s why regions like the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Costa Brava have become firm favourites with Irish families, offering everything from lively resort towns to quiet coves and historic old quarters, my favourite. Take Madrid, where you can dine at Sobrino de Botín, officially the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world, serving guests since 1725. Or wander through cities where Moorish palaces, Gothic cathedrals and medieval walls sit comfortably beside beach promenades and modern tapas bars. Explore Spain’s Moorish heritage which dates back to 711 AD, when North African Muslim forces established Al-Andalus, leaving a lasting legacy in architecture, language, and iconic landmarks like the Alhambra in Granada. Spain blends grandeur with everyday life in a way that feels authentic rather than staged.

Personally, for our family holidays, we prefer smaller coastal towns and villages which have nice old towns you can explore for shopping and food and are within easy day trips to other nearby towns, waterparks, and more.

For official travel information, regional guides and up-to-date events in English, the national tourism body TURESPAÑA runs the excellent website:
Visit Here 👉 https://www.spain.info/en/

It’s a brilliant starting point whether you’re planning a summer beach holiday, a city break, or a cultural road trip.

Why Spain is Perfect for Irish Family Holidays

Spain consistently ranks as one of the most popular destinations for Irish holidaymakers. Here’s why:

• Short flight times (2–3 hours from Ireland)
• Family-friendly resorts with excellent facilities
• Blue Flag beaches and warm Mediterranean waters
• Fantastic food (even picky eaters love tapas, churros and fresh bread)
• Great value accommodation
• Reliable sunshine from May to October

Spain’s regional diversity also means you can return year after year and experience something completely different each time.

The Main Holiday Destinations in Spain

Below is a quick introduction to some of the most popular regions for Irish travellers each deserving its own dedicated guide and most of which where our family has had a holiday

Costa Brava – Wild Beauty & Catalan Culture

Located in northeastern Spain in Catalonia, the Costa Brava stretches from Blanes to the French border. It’s known for its rugged cliffs, hidden coves and crystal-clear waters.

Key places to know:

• Lloret de Mar – A lively resort with family-friendly beaches and water parks
• Tossa de Mar – A picture-postcard town with medieval walls and a charming old quarter
• Girona – A beautiful inland city full of history and fantastic food

Costa Brava is ideal for families who want beach time mixed with culture, coastal walks and day trips to Barcelona.

Costa Blanca – Reliable Sunshine & Classic Resorts

The Costa Blanca in southeastern Spain is one of the most established holiday regions for Irish visitors. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s a safe bet for school holidays.

Key places and hidden gems (click for more info):

• Alicante – Fly to Alicante from Kerry, Cork, Shannon and Dublin. Alicante is a stylish city with a relaxed vibe and provides easy access by transfer to several great destinations including:
  • Calpe –  Less than 1hr taxi transfer, the family friendly Calpe charms visitors with golden beaches, fresh seafood, the iconic Peñón de Ifach rock and a stunning old town area full of beautiful restaurants
  • Moraira – A 1hr transfer, Moraira is an elegant seaside town known for its small sandy beaches, scenic marina, excellent restaurants and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Mostly villas for rent.
  • Xabia / Javea – Only 1hr 15mins transfer, Xabia is coastal favourite loved for its turquoise coves, charming old town and relaxed, upmarket Mediterranean feel.
  • Denia – At just over 1hr 15min transfer, Dénia is a vibrant coastal town famous for its hilltop castle, long sandy beaches and as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, one of Spain’s top foodie destinations.
  • Altea – A quieter, whitewashed town with cobbled streets and artisan shops which is great for a day visit.
  • Benidorm – A hugely popular choice for families, offering beaches, theme parks and nightlife but it may not be everyone’s taste.

Costa Blanca works especially well for multi-generational holidays thanks to its wide range of accommodation and entertainment options.

Costa del Sol – Andalusian Charm & Year-Round Warmth

In southern Spain, the Costa del Sol combines beach resorts with authentic Andalusian culture. It also enjoys one of the warmest climates in mainland Europe.

Key places to know:

• Marbella – Glamorous but family-friendly, with a beautiful old town
• Nerja – Famous for the “Balcony of Europe” viewpoint and relaxed beaches
• Málaga – A cultural hotspot with museums, tapas bars and historic streets

Costa del Sol is perfect if you want guaranteed sunshine combined with day trips to white villages, flamenco culture and Moorish history.

Basque Country – Spain’s Atlantic Northern Coast

Set along Spain’s lush northern Atlantic coast, the Basque Country (País Vasco) feels entirely different from the sun-soaked costas of the Mediterranean. Here, you’ll find dramatic green hills, rugged cliffs, world-class cuisine and one of Europe’s oldest and most unique cultures — complete with its own language, Euskara, which predates Latin. The Basque Country is especially appealing for families or couples looking for authentic Spanish culture, cooler summer temperatures and outstanding food experiences. It’s also home to more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere in the world.

Key Destinations in the Basque Country

• San Sebastián – Often described as one of Europe’s most beautiful seaside cities, San Sebastián is famous for La Concha beach, elegant Belle Époque architecture and its pintxos (Basque tapas) bars.
• Bilbao – A revitalised industrial city turned cultural hotspot, Bilbao is home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a striking piece of modern architecture that transformed the city’s fortunes.
• Gaztelugatxe – A dramatic islet connected by a stone bridge and 200+ steps, Gaztelugatxe gained global fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones, but its real-life scenery is even more impressive.

The Basque Country offers a completely different kind of Spanish holiday: less about all-inclusive resorts, more about coastal walks, mountain scenery, surfing beaches and unforgettable food, all wrapped in a proud, distinct regional identity.

Spain: More Than Just a Beach Holiday

While Spain’s costas attract most Irish visitors, the country’s appeal goes far beyond sun loungers. Spain offers:

• World-class cities like Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, Grenada and more
• UNESCO heritage sites
• Mountain ranges and national parks
• Skiing in winter
• World-famous festivals such as La Tomatina and Semana Santa
• A food culture that ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to simple seaside chiringuitos

Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teenagers or grandparents, Spain adapts effortlessly to every stage of family life.

Start Planning Your Spanish Holiday

For comprehensive, official and up-to-date information in English, visit:

• Spain’s official tourism portal: https://www.spain.info/en/
• Regional tourism portals via TURESPAÑA for Costa Brava (Catalonia), Costa Blanca (Valencia Region) and Costa del Sol (Andalusia)

Spain isn’t just somewhere to escape the Irish weather — it’s a country you grow into, returning again and again as your family does.

And once you’ve holidayed in Spain, chances are you’ll already be planning the next trip home before you leave.