Spain with Kids: Valencia & Costa Blanca

Spain with Kids: Valencia & Costa Blanca

ByEvan Parker

So, you want to tackle Spain with kids—specifically Valencia and the sparkling Costa Blanca. Maybe you’ve seen those dreamy photos of endless beaches, palm-lined promenades, and plump oranges right off the tree. Or maybe you just want sun, sand, and a break from daily logistics battles (packing school lunches, anyone?). Either way, seven days is just enough for a taste of the good life, without burning out your wallet or your patience.

Why Valencia & Costa Blanca?

Valencia is big enough for adventure, but small enough to navigate with tired little legs. The city is walkable, the food is famously child-friendly (paella, churros, and oranges—what’s not to like?), and the beaches are clean and easy to reach. Costa Blanca, with its string of relaxed towns, adds the seaside escape and a change of pace. You’ll find decent public transport, plenty of playgrounds, and—my favorite—most museums and attractions let kids in for free or at a serious discount.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure if a week would be enough, but with some savvy planning, it felt like a real break—even with a preschooler in tow.

Real Talk: Budget & Transport

Spain is still one of the more affordable Western European countries for families. Trains and buses are reliable, and you can often snag apartments with kitchens for less than a hotel. Renting a car gives you max flexibility along the coast, but you can absolutely do this trip with public transport if you plan ahead.

Here’s what we spent for 7 days (family of 3):

  • Accommodation: €65/night (Airbnb with kitchen, city center)
  • Food: €25-€40/day (mix of groceries and restaurants)
  • Transport: €90 (train + local buses + one Uber splurge)
  • Attractions: €60 (mainly museums and aquarium)
  • Beach fun: €0 (unless you count gelato!)

7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Turia Gardens

Land in Valencia. Drop your bags, then stretch your legs in the Turia Gardens—a former riverbed turned mega-park that snakes through the city. There are nine playgrounds, bike paths, cafes, and enough green space for a jet-lagged picnic.

  • Tip: Grab bikes or a family-friendly quad bike to cover more ground.

Day 2: Old Town & Science

Start at the Central Market for breakfast (fresh juice and empanadas). Then wander the old town—kids love the spooky cathedral towers and quirky street art. In the afternoon, hit the City of Arts and Sciences. The Oceanogràfic aquarium is a highlight (book tickets online for discounts).

Day 3: Beach Day (Malvarrosa)

Pack a tote with towels and snacks, and take tram 4 out to Malvarrosa Beach. The sand is soft, the water shallow, and you’ll find playgrounds right on the boardwalk. Don’t skip horchata from a beachside kiosk.

Day 4: Day Trip to Albufera Natural Park

Hop on bus 25 (or rent bikes) and head south to Albufera. You can take a boat ride through the wetlands, spot flamingos, and feast on paella in El Palmar village (where it was invented!).

Day 5: Train to Alicante (Costa Blanca)

Morning: Train to Alicante (about 2 hours). Drop bags, then stroll the Explanada de España—palm trees, tile mosaics, and gelato stands galore. Take the elevator up to Santa Bárbara Castle for city views and pirate stories.

Day 6: Beach-Hop (San Juan & Villajoyosa)

Catch tram L3 to San Juan Beach—less crowded than city beaches, with calm water and snack bars. In the afternoon, take the tram to Villajoyosa for its technicolor houses and chocolate factories (Valor Chocolate Museum is free!).

Day 7: Chill or Explore More

Wind down with a lazy morning on the beach, a playground crawl, or a quick visit to the MARQ Archaeological Museum (surprisingly kid-friendly). If you’re feeling ambitious, there’s a tram to Benidorm for water parks and more sandy fun.

15-Minute Family Planning Checklist

  • Book: Flights, first 2 nights in Valencia, and train to Alicante
  • Download: Renfe (trains), EMT Valencia (buses), and Moovit apps
  • Pack: Sun hats, rash guards, refillable water bottles, snacks
  • Pre-check: Free museum days (usually Sundays!)
  • Research: Where the nearest supermarket is—Mercadona is everywhere
  • Charge: Your devices, and download offline maps

Quick Budget Table

Item Cost (7 days, family of 3) Notes
Accommodation €455 Airbnb, central location
Transport €90 Trains, buses, trams
Food €245 Mix of groceries & dining out
Attractions €60 Kids often free or discounted
Beach & Parks €0 Free & fun
Total €850 7 days, family of 3

Handy Apps & Tools

  • Renfe: Book trains between cities (site: renfe.com)
  • EMT Valencia: City bus times, contactless payment (site: emtvalencia.es)
  • Moovit: All-in-one public transport planner
  • Google Maps: For tram schedules and walking directions
  • Omio: Compare train, bus, and flights in one place (site: omio.com)
  • Booking.com / Airbnb: For last-minute places if plans change

And if you’re looking for some extra inspiration or local tips, check out:

Final Thoughts

Spain with kids doesn’t have to mean herding everyone onto a tour bus or spending a fortune. With a little prep, you’ll find Valencia and Costa Blanca are easy, affordable, and packed with the kind of moments that stick with you—like chasing bubbles in the Turia or eating sticky churros at sunset. You’ll come home sun-kissed and maybe, just maybe, a bit more relaxed than when you left.

Pro tip: Always, always carry snacks and a sense of humor. Both are lifesavers when nap time and Spanish lunch hours collide.

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