Family Adventure from Gibraltar to Madrid: Caves, Coastlines, Palaces & Tapas

Our family’s European adventure started in Gibraltar and wound through southern Spain, blending stunning natural wonders, historic palaces, vibrant city life, and delicious local cuisine. Traveling with kids can be a challenge, but this itinerary balanced adventure, culture, and downtime perfectly for our whole crew.

Before you begin packing, don’t forget to consider our top family travel must-haves — the gear that kept our trip hassle-free, fun, and stress-free (the kids’ tablet and wireless headphones were game-changers on those long flights!).

Day 1: Arriving in Gibraltar

Landing in Gibraltar was unlike any other trip we’ve taken. The airport sits right by the ocean, and as we touched down, the sparkling water was just steps away! But what really caught my attention was that the runway actually crosses a road (you can see in the picture below the afternoon commute going over the runway and crossing the Gibraltar/Spain border). Cars and pedestrians wait for planes to pass like it’s no big deal.

We hopped into a taxi and made our way to our Airbnb to get settled. Checking in was quick and easy, which felt like a win after a long day of travel with kids. We took a little time to unpack and get organized, then decided to head out and explore a bit before the kids completely crashed.

Since jet lag was already making its presence known—especially for the kids—we decided to keep the evening low-key. We strolled down the main street, the heart of Gibraltar’s commercial and shopping district. It’s a pedestrian-friendly strip full of shops, historic buildings, and a fascinating mix of British, Portuguese, and Spanish architecture—it gave the whole place so much character.

For dinner, we found a cozy, family-run restaurant nearby. Eleanor was already feeling the jet lag and took a quick nap before we ate—because honestly, jet lag with little ones hits hard! We kept dinner simple and quick, then called it an early night to help everyone adjust to the new time zone.

Sometimes, travel days aren’t about big adventures—they’re about settling in, getting comfy, and preparing for all the fun ahead. And that’s exactly what we did.

Day 2: Caves, Monkeys & Classic Fish and Chips

Our day started with a private taxi tour of the Rock of Gibraltar—a perfect way to explore without wearing out the kids. First stop was the Gibraltar Skywalk, which felt like standing on the edge of the world. From up there, we could see three countries and two continents at once—Spain, Morocco, Gibraltar, Europe, and Africa all in one breathtaking view. The driver was great with the kids and even gave them peanuts to feed the wild monkeys. He patiently showed them how to hold peanuts in the palm of their hands so the monkeys would take them gently.

We were so focused on feeding those cheeky little monkeys that we didn’t even notice one sneaky monkey had hopped into the car and made off with the entire bag of peanuts! The kids were thrilled—and honestly, it was hilarious.

Next up was St. Michael’s Cave, which was even more impressive than I expected. Inside, there’s a small amphitheater carved out for concerts, taking advantage of the cave’s incredible acoustics.

After the cave, we explored a few trails winding down from the top of the rock. There’s something for everyone—the history trail, nature trail, and the monkey trail—so you can mix and match based on your family’s energy levels.

By the afternoon, we were ready for a late lunch at Roy’s Fish and Chips, where we sat outside under a tent in the lively town square. The kids had plenty of space to run around and burn off some energy while we relaxed and enjoyed classic fish and chips.

After lunch, we headed over to King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, which turned out to be a total hit with the kids. Inside, there are indoor arcades, bowling lanes, rock climbing walls, and even a movie theater—perfect for keeping everyone entertained regardless of the weather. Just on the other side of the building, we found a large outdoor playground where the kids could run freely and play to their hearts’ content. It was the perfect way to wrap up our afternoon with a mix of active fun and relaxation.

We finished the day feeling grateful for a full but balanced adventure, with just the right mix of nature, history, and kid-friendly fun.

Day 3: From Gibraltar to Granada – A Scenic Stop in Malaga

Packing up with kids is always an adventure in itself. While I was busy corralling our things, Clayton made a quick dash down to the main street to grab breakfast for everyone. Once we had eaten and packed the last of our things, we checked out of our Airbnb, ready to cross into Spain.

Here’s a little heads-up for fellow travelers: the private transfer we booked required us to meet the driver at the Gibraltar/Spain border. Since taxis can’t enter Gibraltar, we had to cross the runway tarmac on foot to meet him. It was definitely a unique experience—watching planes taxi nearby while we crossed a live runway!

Our journey continued toward Granada, but with a delightful detour in Malaga for lunch and explore the city. We walked through Malaga Park, which is surrounded by a series of art museums, restaurants, and tapas bars. We enjoyed wandering the beautiful gardens, soaking in the fresh air and the variety of plants and fountains—a peaceful and refreshing break for the kids.

Lunch was at Chiringuito Oasis Playa, a casual beachfront spot where the kids were fascinated watching the chef grill fresh fish right in front of us. There’s something special about eating seafood by the sea, and the relaxed atmosphere made it all the more enjoyable.

After lunch, we explored Malaga’s main street, a famous pedestrian boulevard known for its elegant architecture, upscale shops, and vibrant atmosphere. Often considered one of the most elegant streets in Spain, it’s lined with charming boutiques and perfect for a leisurely stroll with the family.

By mid-afternoon, we arrived at our new Airbnb in Granada. Our hostess was waiting to welcome us and had thoughtfully stocked the fridge with groceries we’d requested—a huge help after a long day on the road. After settling in, we took a little rest before heading out to dinner at Casa Gabriel. It was the perfect way to end the day—fresh, local flavors in a cozy setting.

This day reminded me how travel isn’t just about the destination, but the little stops and moments in between. From crossing a runway to a beachfront lunch, to a welcoming new home, it was one of those days that felt full and rewarding in every way.

Day 4: Palaces, Playgrounds & a Birthday “Choo Choo Party” – From Granada to Seville

This was one of those days where we packed in a lot—but when you’re traveling with kids and on a timeline, sometimes you just go for it and hope the snacks and screen time hold strong. (Spoiler: They did.)

We started the morning early in Granada. Our lovely Airbnb hostess kindly allowed us to leave our luggage at the apartment while we headed to the Alhambra, which was only a short ride away. This UNESCO World Heritage site was a must-see on our list, and we had 10:30 AM entry tickets for the Nasrid Palaces—the crown jewel of the Alhambra.

Pro Tip: You must bring a valid passport or photo ID for check-in—tickets are tied to your identity and security is taken seriously. We brought a small backpack with water, snacks, and essentials—bags are allowed, and you can even leave the grounds for lunch and return if you’d like.

Since the Alhambra grounds open at 8:30 AM, we made it a point to arrive early—giving ourselves time to navigate security, enjoy the peaceful gardens, and visit the Alcazaba fortress before our timed palace entry. It was a calm, cool morning, and the kids loved roaming the walkways, peeking through stone towers, and spotting fountains and flowers tucked into courtyards.

We spent a couple of magical hours wandering the palace interiors—carved archways, tiled mosaics, and endless photo-worthy corners. The Alhambra is truly breathtaking, even with little ones in tow. We were especially thankful for the early entry and light crowds.

After our Alhambra tour, we grabbed our bags from the apartment and headed straight to the train station. Lunch was quick and practical—sub sandwiches at the station café, which hit the spot after a morning of exploring and walking.

Next stop: Seville!

We boarded the 1:15 PM train, and while 2.5 hours with four kids might sound daunting, we turned it into a celebration—Benny’s 2nd birthday “Choo Choo Party”! Mini cupcakes, birthday hats, iPads, and a few little surprises kept everyone happy and entertained. The train was clean, comfortable, and the ride passed quickly with minimal meltdowns (a major win).

By 3:45 PM, we rolled into Seville and took a short taxi ride to our next Airbnb, located right in the heart of the city. After checking into our new Airbnb—right in the heart of the old quarter—we still had time to squeeze in one more adventure before dinner. We headed to the Setas de Sevilla, also known as the Mushrooms of Seville.

Fun fact: It’s the largest wooden structure in the world, located in La Encarnación square, and it’s stunning both in size and design. The kids treated the massive structure like their personal playground—running, climbing, and laughing under the curves of the wood panels. From the top, we had sweeping views of Seville’s rooftops and the perfect golden hour light. It was one of those unexpected highlights that left all of us smiling.

That evening, we kept things easy with dinner at La Escalona, conveniently located right across from a playground. It’s basically the dream setup for any traveling parent—wine and tapas for the adults, space to run for the kids. After a long, full day, it was the kind of simple joy that made everything feel just right.

Day 5: Palace, Scooters & Slower Moments in Seville

We started our morning in one of Seville’s crown jewels—the Real Alcázar Palace. The palace was beautiful in a way that made even the kids pause and take it all in. The intricate tilework, grand archways, and detailed carvings were stunning, but what truly took our breath away were the gardens. They are vast, peaceful, and absolutely enchanting—filled with fountains, peacocks, and plenty of shady paths perfect for little legs. At times, you felt like you were the only people there.

Tip for families: The palace is beautiful, but the gardens are where kids can explore at their own pace. We took our time, letting the kids play hide and seek behind hedges while we soaked in the quiet elegance of it all.

After exploring the gardens, we made our way to San Fernando Street, a place that feels like walking through a living museum. Once part of the royal complex of the Alcázar, this historic street is a crossroads of architectural beauty and Seville's layered past. We stopped for lunch at El Rincón de Beirut, a fantastic Lebanese restaurant where we sat outside along the main street and watched the crowds pass by—travelers, locals, street performers, and the occasional horse carriage clipping past.

After lunch, we split up for a bit to give everyone the kind of afternoon they needed. The moms took the younger kids back to the apartment for naps and a much-needed rest (traveling with little ones is no joke!). Meanwhile, the dads took the two older boys out for an adventure of their own. They rented electric scooters and zipped around the city, with the highlight being a visit to the pirate ship playground along the canal. The boys came back full of stories and covered in dirt—the best kind of sign they had a blast.

Later, we made our way to Paco Pepe Bar Terraza for a light evening bite and drinks. Again, we chose outdoor seating so the kids could stretch their legs nearby while we relaxed and recapped the day.

By evening, we were all pleasantly worn out from the day’s adventures—our legs tired, but our hearts full.

Day 6: Playgrounds, Carriage Rides & a Touch of Flamenco

We started our morning at Jardines del Prado de San Sebastián, where we found a sweet little Parque Infantil tucked in the corner—just right for the younger kids. Eleanor and Benny were thrilled to climb, swing, and let loose for a while, and honestly, it was such a relief for us adults to sit in the shade and just watch them be kids. Sometimes, a simple playground feels like the biggest blessing in the middle of a busy trip.

Afterward, we kept walking and stumbled upon one of those quintessential Seville experiences—a horse-drawn carriage waiting near the gardens. We hadn’t planned to hop on, but the kids were instantly wide-eyed, so we said yes. It ended up being a calm, lovely ride through the city, and a welcome break for little legs (and ours too!).

The carriage dropped us off near Parque de María Luisa, where we hit a bit of unexpected magic: a man blowing giant bubbles in the plaza. The kids ran straight into the scene, laughing and chasing bubbles with a group of other kids as the evening light set in. It was totally unplanned and one of those little travel moments I know we’ll always remember.

That evening, we planned something a bit different—a 5:00 p.m. Flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco en Sevilla. It’s important to choose a show that’s flexible with young kids since flamenco can be intense, and little ones might not stay fully engaged the entire time. Ours managed well with snacks and a bit of quiet fidgeting.

After the show, we headed to dinner at El Pintón, which had a stylish but kid-friendly vibe and a beautiful atmosphere for an early evening meal. It felt like the perfect way to end the day—something cultural, something tasty, and just enough excitement without overdoing it.

Day 7: Arrival in Madrid & Getting Settled in Plaza Mayor

This morning we caught the 10:45 a.m. train to Madrid and made our way to our next Airbnb, located right in the heart of Plaza Mayor. We arrived a bit earlier than check-in, but our kind host let us drop off our bags so we could stretch our legs and explore. The kids loved running around the square while we grabbed a quick snack and did a little people-watching—it was the perfect way to ease into a new city.

Since we had some time to kill, we wandered over to the nearby San Miguel Market—a vibrant, bustling food market that’s a feast for the senses. It’s packed with stalls offering everything from freshly caught seafood and traditional tapas to sweet treats and gourmet cheeses. We sampled a few things to tide us over (the kids especially loved the empanadas), and soaked in the lively atmosphere.

Once the apartment was ready, we got settled in and took a breather (unpacking always seems to take longer with kids!). For dinner, we headed to Restaurante DCorazón, which is tucked beneath Plaza Mayor in a historic 16th-century cave. It sounds fancy, but it was actually super cozy and family-friendly. We lucked out and had the entire tunnel-like dining area to ourselves—ideal for a relaxed meal where the kids could be themselves without us worrying about disturbing anyone.

After dinner, we called it an early night. Our plan was to soak in as much of Madrid as we could on our final full day, so we wanted everyone well-rested and ready for adventure.

Day 8: Ducks, Statues, and One Last Stroll Through Madrid

For our final full day in Spain, we spent the morning at El Retiro Park, one of Madrid’s most iconic green spaces. We made our way to the Estanque Grande de El Retiro (the big lake), where the kids had the best time feeding ducks, climbing on statues, and running wild in the open space. It was the perfect balance of sightseeing and letting the little ones burn off energy before the long travel day ahead.

From there, we walked over to the Royal Palace and Cathedral of Almudena. We didn’t go inside, but just exploring the grounds and taking in the views was enough. The area around the cathedral is beautiful and calm—an ideal spot for a slow-paced wander as we wrapped up our trip.

By late afternoon, we were back at the apartment, starting to pack up and soak in those last few moments of travel magic. It was a simple day, but one that felt just right for the end of our adventure.

Reflections from the Road: What We’ll Never Forget About Our Family Adventure to Gibraltar & Spain

From the moment we crossed the tarmac in Gibraltar to our final evening stroll through Madrid, this trip blended adventure, history, good food, and plenty of play. Southern Spain was vibrant yet surprisingly relaxed—a place where castles and cathedrals felt just as accessible as playgrounds and tapas bars. Traveling with kids didn’t slow us down; it gave us a whole new way to see each city.

We came for the palaces, monkeys, and churros.
We stayed for the siestas, carriage rides, and tiled courtyards.

We left with tired feet, full bellies, and memories we’ll talk about forever.

Still on Our Bucket List: What We’ll Be Back For

  • Gibraltar

    • Sunset at Europa Point – Where you can stand at the southernmost tip and see both Spain and Morocco across the sea. It’s the kind of place that makes the world feel both huge and small all at once.

    • The Moorish Castle – We ran out of time, but this iconic fortress has been standing since the 8th century. We’d love to walk the towers and let the kids play knights and adventurers in real life.

    • Explore Tangier, Morocco from Gibraltar- A ferry ride to another continent is right there! Once the kids are older, this would be an epic add-on.

    Granada

    • The Alhambra at Night – Seeing the palaces by day was unforgettable, but nighttime tours are said to be even more magical—lit by soft lights and full of mystery. It’s at the top of our list for next time.

    • More time in Granada- We saw the Alhambra, but we wish we had an extra day just to wander the Albaicín, sip tea, and catch the sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás.

    Seville

    • Triana Neighborhood – Known for its flamenco roots, colorful tiles, and riverside charm. We’d love to explore the local market and soak in more of Seville’s culture off the main tourist path.

    • A Boat Ride in Plaza de España – Somehow we missed this one! Rowing beneath the tiled bridges would’ve been a hit with the kids—and makes for postcard-perfect views.

    • A day trip to Ronda or Córdoba- We couldn’t squeeze it in this time, but the whitewashed villages and Roman bridges are calling.

    Madrid

    • Inside the Royal Palace – We walked the grounds this time, but we’d love to do a proper interior tour when the kids are a bit older (and more patient!).

    • Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales – A natural history museum with dinosaurs and interactive exhibits? Sounds like a future must-do for our crew.

     

Pro Tips for Gibraltar & Spain with Kids

  • Currency: Spain uses the Euro; Gibraltar uses the Gibraltar Pound (but UK Pounds are accepted, and most places take cards). Just keep some small bills for taxis and local cafés.

  • Getting Around: Trains are fast and kid-friendly. Book in advance for the best prices and choose seats with a table for snacks and activities.

  • Nap breaks are golden: We often split up midday—some adults rested at the apartment with toddlers, while others explored with older kids. Total sanity saver.

  • Kids under 4 often ride free: On trains, in museums, and even at the Alhambra. Always ask.

  • Bring a baby carrier or compact stroller: Old cobblestone streets are charming—but not always stroller-friendly.

  • Dinner starts late in Spain: Plan early meals at more casual places or book ahead at kid-friendly restaurants. Many spots don’t even open for dinner until 8 p.m.

  • Tapas are perfect for picky eaters: Bread, potatoes, olives, grilled meat—there’s always something they’ll eat. Let them try a little of everything!

  • In Gibraltar, you’ll walk across the airport runway: Yes, really. And yes, the kids will think it’s the coolest thing ever.

What to Pack: Gibraltar & Spain Family Essentials