Top destinations for active families in Spain

The best family experiences are those that are shared with every member. Whether it be your youngest child donning hiking boots for the first time, or your teen teaching you how to teeter on a surfboard, Spain is a great country to share these moments and explore new territories together.

Hiking the Picos de Europa

Finding active holidays when you have small kids in tow isn’t always easy, but hiking offers a breath of fresh air with a lot of adaptability. The Picos de Europa mountain range is not only rife with eye-catching scenery, but also offers a wide variety of hiking trails that can be appropriate both for parents with young children, and families with active teens.

For little legs that are taking their first hiking steps, the Bajo los Picos circular trail is just under 10km. While mostly flat, it still has the power to leave its hikers breathless with staggering mountain views as you pass through tiny villages and peaceful pastures. The trail starts and ends in Espinama, where families recommend the rustic Hostal Nevandi.

Daring kids will love the Ruta del Cares, a more challenging route with pathways that run through the deep gorge that follows the Cares River. Nicknamed ‘the Divine Gorge’, this trail cuts through craggy cliffs at dizzying heights, and won’t fail to wow the whole family.

Horse-riding in Andalucia

Riding is a way of life in Andalucia, permeating many aspects of its culture and history. The region’s regal-looking thoroughbreds, rugged landscapes and numerous riding schools will thrill any horse-loving family.

One of the best locations for a horseback adventure is Ronda. This ancient city is built across the towering El Tajo gorge, divided in two by the Puente Nuevo bridge, which stands at a staggering 120 metres above the chasm. Boabdil Guesthouse offers a warm and traditional setting where you can rest before heading out along the paths of long-gone bandits and distant rebels.

While some may want to get as much time as possible in the saddle, it’s worth spending a day or two in Jerez de la Frontera, home to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. You can visit the school, and discover How the Andalusian Horses Dance, the centre’s extraordinary equestrian show.

Further south you can combine your love of horses, sunshine and beach at Hotel Hurricane in Tarifa. They not only have their own stables, with riding for every age and level, but also an on-site windsurfing school.

Surfing in Sopelana

The Spanish Basque country is one of Europe’s surfing hubs, and once you get there it’s easy to understand why, with its year-round surf spots, relaxed vibe, and stunning coastline.

The town of Sopelana has a reputation for churning out some of Spain’s top surfers. Thanks to its variety of waves, it’s a great place for every level; from absolute beginners to intermediate surfers looking to perfect their skills. The beach breaks at La Salvaje are perfect for younger kids making their first moves on the board, and there are several schools to choose from in the area. As far as accommodation goes, guests travelling with their family especially love the friendly atmosphere at Aloka rooms Sopela.

If you’re an experienced surfing family with older kids and you’re visiting between October and February, then you won’t want to miss the mythical Mundaka. It’s a left-hander river mouth wave that can create rides of up to 200 metres in its deep barrels, and reach well over 3 metres in height. Whether you’ve got a surfing star in the family, or you’ve come to watch one of the many competitions held on the wave, you’ll love Mundaka Sea Flat, where you can check out the ocean straight from your window.

Cycling the Camino de Santiago

Not all pilgrimages have to be solitary. In fact some, such as the Camino de Santiago, can be a healthy family break from the daily grind, ubiquitous screens and schoolwork back home.

The Camino de Santiago — or Way of St James — has several routes, the most popular being the Camino Frances starting from the French Pyrenees. For a family cycling adventure that still gets you the pilgrim’s accreditation, start a little over 300km from your final destination in the city of León. An early start will be easy after a good night’s sleep at the Hospedería Monástica Pax, especially highly rated by families.

As you cycle, you’ll cross magnificent mountain scenery, architecture from across the ages, and encouragement from people along the way. Don’t forget to bring a stone from your home country to deposit at the foot of the Cruz de Hierro (Iron Cross), the highest point of the journey. At just over 1500m above sea level, it’s a challenge but it’s not unsurmountable, as long as the whole family is well-equipped.

Once you’ve received your final stamp and accreditation, you can reward yourself at the beautiful San Francisco Hotel Monumento. In this historic monastery, you’ll be glad to rest your weary legs in the hot tub, while the kids cool off in the pool.