Family hiking holidays in Spain your kids will actually love

When it comes to family walking holidays, comfort is key. You might be thinking that kids won’t be able to handle a hike of any kind until they’re at least six or seven. But, whilst they’re still young and small enough to be transportable, they can join you. Just be sure to invest in a high-quality carrier backpack with proper back support and sun protection. Keep routes short and flat, and schedule walks around nap times when possible.

Happy feet mean happy hikes. You’ll all need a decent pair of trainers or hiking boots, and they should always be properly broken in before you go off on your family hiking holidays.

There’s nothing worse than sore feet so throw some plasters in your backpack just in case.

Then ensure everyone has comfortable clothing, layers for changeable weather and plenty of sun lotion.

Hiking is a hungry and thirsty business, at any time of year. If you’re going to be out for a long time during your family hiking trips, then don’t forget the sandwiches, but otherwise fruit, dried fruits and nuts (if they’re not too fussy!) are great options. Encourage them to drink plenty of water, especially if it’s a warm day.

This one probably goes without saying, but don’t push them too hard. When it comes to the best hikes for kids, slow and steady wins the race. If you’re on a family adventure holiday then you can start gently and perhaps work up a little bit, but generally make sure to keep things as easy as possible. Look up good hiking trails for kids before you go, or ask your hotel if they have any recommendations for the best nature trails for children.

If you’re worried about your little ones getting bored and asking you if you’re there yet, then come prepared with things to keep them occupied. If you think it’ll spark their interest, then look up a few fun or crazy facts about the local history, flora and fauna. You could even make it a kind of treasure hunt, and see who can be the first one to spot a certain kind of flower. Be creative, and it’ll be fun for you too! Running races, word games and fantasy stories based on the area are other fun ways to keep little ones entertained while on the hike.

From the otherworldly volcanic terrain of the Canary Islands to the epic peaks of the wild Northern Spanish landscape, Spain presents so many hiking options for active families. Yet, since little ones have a limited attention span (and stamina) the best family hiking holidays are those that offer a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation at kid-friendly resorts. Not sure where to travel to? Be inspired by these trips.

Encourage them to drink plenty of water, especially if it’s a warm day.

Tenerife is a dream destination for active families — it’s got sunshine, sea views, and a dramatic volcanic landscape unlike anywhere else in Europe. Yet, what makes this island the perfect place to enjoy your family hiking holidays is the Teide National Park where the Roques de García circular hike offers a short, surreal walk through ancient rock formations and lava fields that look like something from a sci-fi movie. 

For families that like luscious green forests, the Ruta de los Sentidos in the Anaga Rural Park is a child-friendly, easy and picturesque route with easy parking and restaurants close by. Those who want impressive sea views can explore easy coastal walks near Los Gigantes which offer cliff-top views and the chance to spot whales and dolphins below. The best part? After your hike, you can return to a luxury resort like Barcelo Tenerife, home to its own nature reserve or Royal Hideaway Corales Suites, where infinity pools, kids’ activities, and ocean views turn your trip into a true family holiday. 

Looking for a family holiday that offers something for everyone? For families who love variety, Andalusia is hard to beat. When on the hunt for the best hikes with kids near top hotels, check out the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park which is home to routes like El Pinsapar which leads through rare Spanish fir forests that feel like something out of a storybook, while flat lakeside paths near Zahara de la Sierra are ideal for picnicking and wildlife spotting. To enjoy relaxing coastal walks, head south to the Costa del Sol for an easygoing change of pace. Here you can pair wild mountain mornings with relaxing afternoons by the pool at your family-friendly resort. Alternatively, the Sierra Nevada offers snowy hikes and skiing in winter and picturesque views in summer for families with older children. When not out exploring, discover famous and beautiful Andalusian cities like Granada, Seville and Malaga where little ones will enjoy trying tapas on a terrace, and maybe even a flamenco show or two. 

Barcelona may be known for its world-class museums and lively nightlife scene- but just a short drive away you will find shaded forests and mountain trails perfect for little hikers. Montseny Natural Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve filled with gentle paths, like the Santa Fe Reservoir loop, which circles through woodlands with spots to stop and splash. 

More advanced child hikers might enjoy the Turó de l’Home routes which offer more of a challenge with impressive views. Alternatively, just outside the city centre, the Carretera de les Aigües trail is flat, stroller-friendly and offers sweeping, panoramic views over Barcelona. Mix hiking with Gaudí sightseeing, tapas tasting, and beach time by staying at Occidental Diagonal 414 or Barceló Raval - no long journeys involved. Or for those wanting to be close to nature, the 

Mallorca blends laid-back island life with just enough adventure for curious kids. If you are interested in exploring Mallorca’s hikes with kids, the island doesn’t disappoint. The Parc Natural de Mondragó offers scenic, short trails through pine forests and sand dunes that open up to turquoise coves — perfect for a swim or sandcastle break. For families with young explorers, try the Cala Mesquida to Cala Torta walk for wide open views and soft paths that offer just enough challenge to make little hikers feel proud. Inland, there are quiet countryside routes through olive groves and sleepy villages where you can stop for ice cream, or the traditional island sweet treat, Ensaimadas. To make the most of your island getaway stay in a kid-friendly hotel like the Occidental Cala Viñas or Barceló Ponent Beach and you’ll have the beach at your doorstep, a comfy room to return to, and family-friendly amenities that make everything feel effortless.

If you want to combine luxury with outdoor adventure, book your family hiking holidays at the recently renovated Canfranc Estación, A Royal Hideaway Hotel nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees. There are several trails nearby which are perfect for young explorers. One of the most accessible routes is the Camino de Santiago stretch from Canfranc Estación to Villanúa—a mostly flat, well-marked trail that follows the Aragón River and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace. For families with young children looking for a shorter route, the scenic walk to Coll de Ladrones offers stunning views of the valley and an old fort that kids will love exploring. Along these paths, children can enjoy spotting butterflies, watching trains pass through the mountains, and learning about the history of the region. After a day outdoors, families can return to the comfort of the hotel for a warm meal and a cosy rest before heading out hiking or skiing again.