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Travel advice for Spain
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Spain
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written by Daniel Neilson
updated 18.06.2019
The opportunity for kids to meet their idols when they’re young are abundant. There are princesses at EuroDisney and Emmet at Legoland, and every summer fete or Christmas fair seems to have a Spiderman or a Peppa Pig. A toddler’s face as she meets Elsa and Ana is one to behold. When young kids meet the person or thing of their current obsession, open-jawed, interested, it’s parenting sorted. Tick.
As children grow up, their tastes get more refined, they find different passions, their interests diverge. For my 8-year-old daughter Clara, it’s the stomp of heel tack on wood, the clickety-clack of castanets and the wailing songs of gypsies that thrills her. It’s why, every Saturday morning, we drive 20 miles for a flamenco lesson and it’s why, for Christmas, instead of a phone (no chance) or an Ozobot (eh?), she got an EasyJet flight to Seville with her dad, the spiritual home of flamenco.
Apart from being significantly cheaper than the other items on her letter to Santa, it’s an experience that she’ll hold in her mind forever, as will I. She’ll remember the thwack of the heat as we stepped out of the airport, the waiter in the tapas bar who made a joke about the toy she was holding, she’ll remember the dulce de leche ice cream, and how to say ‘I’m hot’ in Spanish (‘Tengo calor’). So with a flamenco dress and shoes that took up most of the carry-on allowance, we headed to Seville.
Seville's grandiose Plaza d'España © Fotodicta/Shutterstock
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Travelling with children is a chance to open their minds to a world outside the school run, where an overnight stay at Grammy’s is the most exciting thing in the week. When travel is tied to a passion, it's even better. Your child's hobby can be a prism to explore a country, a culture, a people.
Flamenco is a dance that has roots in many cultures. It is the story of migration and of marginalisation. We found ourselves sat in tapas bars (beer for dad, Orangina for Clara), talking about language and history, food and clothing. ‘Where do gypsies come from?’, ‘Why do people leave their homes?’, ‘What’s Spanish for “wow”?’, ‘Why is it so hot?’. We had ice cream twice a day, went to the aquarium, bought souvenirs, rode in bendy buses and played tag in the airport. Seville, with a little planning, is a great place to take children on a city break. Here were our favourite places in the city, and a few tips on travelling to Seville with kids.
9 days / from2491 USD
Andalucía Explored
Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.
customize ⤍4 days / from649 USD
A culinary experience in Seville
Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.
customize ⤍10 days / from3826 USD
Spanish Honeymoon
Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!
customize ⤍5 days / from1493 USD
Made for Madrid
Take to the Spanish capital for art, culture and a taste of life in the city, Madrileño-style. Explore age-old churches and pretty plazas, stroll through the lovely Buen Retiro Park and visit captivating Toledo. Then, come sundown, discover the city's vibrant barrios and lively nightlife.
customize ⤍4 days / from1412 USD
A Madrid getaway
Spend four days discovering the wonders of Spain's capital Madrid: from fascinating museums like El Prado and Reina Sofia over exploring unknown corners with your private guide to a day trip to the surroundings, this itinerary packs the best of Madrid.
customize ⤍18 days / from4633 USD
Hidden Spain - From Barcelona to Basque Country
Do you want to explore highlights in Spain while staying in nature at the same time? Look no further. Start your Spanish adventure in Barcelona before heading off to the mountains - drive your rental car to Andorra and further on to Basque Country. Decide between driving yourself or guided tours.
customize ⤍8 days / from2382 USD
Andalucía by Car
Enjoy this road trip through Spain’s exuberant Andalucía, which will take you through the charming cities of Malaga, Seville, Granada and various 'white villages', including Ronda, with its vertiginous views across the sweeping Andalucían countryside.
customize ⤍5 days / from1733 USD
The Lands of Wine from Madrid
Spain is well known for its amazing wines and this itinerary allows you to explore two famous regions: Ribera del Duero and La Rioja. Four different wineries, from traditional to modern, and many restaurants on the way await your visit.
customize ⤍9 days / from1504 USD
The Cities, Mountains and Beaches of Northern Spain
Southern Spain has been a busy tourist destination for many years. This self-drive trip avoids the touristy area along the southern Spanish coast, instead opting to take in the culture of the north and its natural beauty and the rugged beaches and coast.
customize ⤍4 days / from910 USD
Simply Seville
Make the most of a city break in one of Spain's most atmospheric cities. The home of flamenco, Seville is a veritable feast for all the senses. Come here for the tantalising cuisine and fragrant orange trees, awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral, pretty plazas and many excellent museums and galleries.
customize ⤍13 days / from6633 USD
Cultural Cities of Spain
From Barcelona down to Granada in the deep South, see the best of Spain on this multi-city tour that takes in Madrid, Córdoba and Seville, too. Get to grips with Gaudí, see historic Toledo, wander through the Prado, see the Alhambra, and more on this cultural extravaganza of Spain's finest cities.
customize ⤍7 days / from2175 USD
The tale of two cities: Madrid and Barcelona
Explore the capital of Spain Madrid with a unique city tour before heading about an hour outside of the city, to visit Europe's longest zip-line in historic Toledo. Afterwards, board a train to explore the second-largest city of Spain, Barcelona.
customize ⤍4 days / from1553 USD
A weekend getaway to Malaga
Malaga is a coastal city in Andalusia, right on the famous 'Costa del Sol'. This weekend getaway allows you to explore the city, as well as the well-known surrounding cities of Ronda and Marbella. Yellow sand beaches, fascinating museums and a delicious cuisine await to be discovered.
customize ⤍4 days / from1597 USD
City break Valencia
Spain's third largest city offers a beautiful old city quarter, plentiful history and a vibrant culture to be discovered. Palaces, museums and a rich cuisine make Valencia an attractive weekend getaway destination, as does the nearby wine region of Requena.
customize ⤍12 days / from4049 USD
Iconic Cities of Spain: Madrid, Seville, Valencia and Barcelona
Spend a wonderful 12 days exploring the best that Spain has to offer on a trip including city tours of historical Madrid, Granada, Seville, Valencia, and Barcelona. Enjoy palatial-style boutique accommodation throughout the holiday, and savour delicious cuisine and regional wine. Be inspired!
customize ⤍29 days / from9330 USD
From the South to the North - a Spanish Immersion
The ultimate trip for Spain lovers - explore the country at a leisurely pace from the South to the North. Start in Seville and make your way to Madrid via Granada and Cordoba. From Madrid, continue to the North - the Camino de Santiago, Basque Country and mountains await.
customize ⤍16 days / from2562 USD
Gems in Southern Spain
Discover the gems of Southern Spain at a leisurely pace. Start and end is in Seville. From there, you will venture out to visit Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Nerja, Malaga and the Costa del Sol, and much more on the way. Transportation and accommodation options are diverse and yours to choose.
customize ⤍10 days / from4633 USD
Spanish Discovery - Barcelona, Seville & Madrid
This unique trip is ideal for everyone wanting to get a real taste of Spain. Private guides or small group tours await to show you Barcelona, Figueres, Seville, Cordoba, Toledo, and Madrid. Stay in luxurious Boutique Hotels conveniently located so you can explore the cities on your own as well.
customize ⤍7 days / from3090 USD
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
customize ⤍15 days / from5968 USD
Camino de Santiago & Portugal Deluxe
Hike the 'Way of Saint James', more precisely - the Portuguese Route, a World Heritage Site. After 5 days of beautiful hikes, it's time to say goodbye to Spain and hop on a plane to Portugal. Lisbon and Porto await before exploring the wineries of Douro Valley. A truly exceptional trip.
customize ⤍4 days / from2562 USD
A Luxury Journey through the Vineyards of La Rioja
Visit La Rioja, Spain's most renowned wine-producing region, and discover the secrets of Spanish wine making. By the time this unique trip is over, you'll have sampled a wide range of fine Spanish wines, and you're sure to be going home as an expert.
customize ⤍18 days / from6017 USD
Self Drive in Northern Spain
This tour is perfect for the independent traveller, with a sense of adventure and a love for food. Start in Santiago and discover among others Galicia and Asturia, all the way to Basque Country. On the way, Michelin starred restaurants and beautiful vineyards await. Finish your trip in Barcelona.
customize ⤍8 days / from2502 USD
Castilian Castles: A Luxury Spanish Road Trip
Welcome to the driving trip of a lifetime through the Castile region, a picturesque land full of regenerated medieval castles and farmed plains. Explore places like Rioja Alavesa, a privileged microclimate for vine cultivation, and the majestic locations of Albarracin and Alarcón, at your own pace.
customize ⤍9 days / from5990 USD
Unique Spain - Cultural Getaway
A trip filled with history, amazing landscapes and cultural attractions. Starting with walking tours around the cities hearts, to exploring the gastronomy, the arts and the folklore. Your trip begins in Barcelona before proceeding to Madrid and finishing in Seville - Andalusia's capital.
customize ⤍Seville is the largest city in Andalucia (and the fourth largest in Spain) and for me one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Old Town is a hive of narrow streets that open on to some of the grandest buildings of the Spanish empire. While there's so much to see, we found that one cultural site a day is plenty for young minds.
The author's daughter, Clara, with a Flamenco dancer © Daniel Neilson
The Plaza de España features in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, which we watched together before flying out, (and the Royal Alcazar of Seville was featured in Game of Thrones, which we didn’t watch together!). It was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. It was also on the top of Clara’s list. It was fun running over the bridges and cooling off in the shade. Best of all, from around noon, flamenco dancers and musicians perform in the square. Clara had her photo taken with a dancer with whom she was fascinated. It was one of the highlights of the whole trip.
The Plaza de España is part of the larger Parque de María Luisa, a large and shady green space near many of the major tourist attractions. There are a couple of playgrounds, but it’s the perfect place for a picnic and a spot of tree climbing – and a chance to spend a little time in the shade.
Park of Maria Luisa in Seville © joserpizarro/Shutterstock
A cathedral may not be on the top of every kid’s list, but no one can fail to be impressed by this 15th-century gothic masterpiece – technically the largest cathedral in the world. As we entered, the voices of the choir were echoing through the vast chambers, and the sunlight poured through the stained glass windows casting a splash of colour on the dark walls. It was also mercifully cool inside. In fact, we went in quite a few churches to escape the heat and marvel at the architecture.
Aquariums have saved parents the world over! Seville Aquarium is modern and well-maintained with an admirable ecological message, something to which kids seem more attuned than many adults. The experience here is very well designed – as you travel round, you follow the journey explorer Ferdinand Magellan took around the world, exploring the life that was under his boat. The jellyfish are a highlight.
The Royal Alcazar is a collection of beautiful palaces and gardens whose creation maps the development of the city, from the Moors to modern day kings. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Spain, sweeping in influences from throughout its history. Entry for children under 16 is free. Be sure to book at least a couple of days in advance.
Some travellers hate these tours – but kids love them. Seville's open top tour buses, as well as being a fun way to travel with kids, offer a hop-on-hop-off service, meaning you can use this as your main form of transport for a day two. There are two services in Seville, the global City Sightseeing and also Sevirama. On Sevirama the second consecutive day is free. Both stop at the major sights including Torre del Oro.
Having an activity to build the trip around really works. I booked Clara a flamenco class at Flamenqueria Seville. The teacher was very supportive of her and was made to feel very special. Flamenco classes can also be taken at the Museo del Baile Flamenco. And don’t for a second imagine that boys won’t love it too – there's plenty of stomping and posing.
The gardens at the Royal Alcázar © Paulo Miguel Costa/Shutterstock
Although we went in the May half term (still surprisingly cheap with EasyJet), the adventure started on Christmas Day, poring over a guidebook to Seville and a ticket she stuck on her noticeboard. Her bedtime book was often the guidebook, and she made lists of all the places she wanted to visit.
Planning and pace seem to be the secrets for travelling with children. Planning, pace... and ice cream. We made it a challenge to find the best ice cream in Seville (according to Clara: Bolas on Cuesta del Rosario), we ordered the weirdest thing on the tapas menu, like snails (with plenty of croquettes as well of course), and she chose our direction through the maze of alleys.
Over the four days we stayed in Seville, we developed a routine of sorts. Breakfast in a cafe (churros con chocolate) followed by a morning exploring one of the cultural sites. Back to the apartment for a siesta and some quality digital time, before heading off for a Flamenco lesson or show, and then heading slowly home via a few tapas places.
Seville's Old Town streets has extremely narrow streets that are still used by cars and trucks, and often the pavements disappear altogether. If you have a small child in a stroller, it's best to stay downtown on the wider streets, and make sure older kids keep their wits about them. Additionally, beware of the almost silent trams and the cycle lanes with whizzing bikes and scooters.
Seville is often described as nocturnal. It’s not quite, but many restaurants and tapas bars don’t open until 8 or 9pm. A couple of hours chilling out in the middle of the day is essential if you're going to make it to dinner. A siesta is ideal – but proved to be a big ask for an excitable 8-year-old.
Prepare for temperatures of up to 42ºC in the city. Bring loads of sunscreen, and pop into an air-conditioned shop or cafe every 20 minutes to cool down. Take a fan, or buy one while you're there. Apart from being useful, it’s very ‘flamenco’!
Top image: Plaza de España, Seville, Spain © John_Walker/Shutterstock
written by Daniel Neilson
updated 18.06.2019
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