Educational holidays don’t have to mean boring vacations. On the contrary, traveling can be one of the most enriching ways to continue learning, especially for younger children. With the right environment, questions flow, curiosity is awakened, and the entire family becomes a learning community.
At Best Schools in Spain (BSS), we understand education as a process that occurs both inside and outside the classroom. That’s why many of our schools promote contact with the environment, local culture, and active discovery. In this article, we present a selection of places in Spain perfect for educational holidays, where learning and adventure go hand in hand.
What are educational holidays?
These are trips that combine rest, fun, and formative experiences. They don’t involve “teaching” in the summer, but rather making use of the environment to reinforce skills such as:
Observation and critical thinking
Connection with history, science, or nature
Creativity, autonomy, and expression
Languages and intercultural communication
Emotional and social education within the family
The goal is clear: to enjoy and learn at the same time.
5 Places in Spain where you can learn while traveling
1. Atapuerca (Burgos) – A journey to our origins
Ideal for children curious about history and archaeology. The Atapuerca Archaeological Park and the Museum of Human Evolution offer activities for all ages:
Excavation workshops and prehistoric life simulations
Guided tours of real excavation sites
Interactive experiences about evolution and science
2. Lanzarote (Canary Islands) – Geology, art, and sustainability
The island is a natural classroom for science and creativity. Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua, or César Manrique’s House offer multiple learning opportunities:
Volcanic formations and geothermal energy
Art and architecture integrated into the landscape
Environmental awareness in protected space
3. Granada – History, science, and cultural diversity
This Andalusian city allows you to explore centuries of history while experiencing a multicultural adventure:
The Alhambra as a living classroom of art and history
The Science Park with interactive workshops
Neighbourhoods like Albaicín to learn urban geography
Workshops on ceramics, Arabic writing, or Andalusian cuisine
4. Tarragona – The roman empire up close
Tarraco was one of the major cities of the Roman Empire in Hispania. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a fascinating place to explore as a family:
Amphitheatre, Roman circus, and aqueduct
Routes for children with historical clue-based games
Museums with workshops and recreations
5. Valle de Arán (Catalan Pyrenees) – Nature and science in action
Mountains, forests, rivers, and wildlife: this valley combines outdoor activities with curricular content:
Hiking with species identification
Observing tracks and signs
Astronomy from high mountain viewpoints
Visits to interpretation centres and refuges
How to turn the trip into an educational experience
Beyond the destination, the family approach is what turns a holiday into a learning opportunity. Some recommendations:
Involve children in planning the trip
Prepare a guide or illustrated travel journal together
Take advantage of spontaneous questions to go deeper
Propose challenges: identify animals, solve maps, calculate routes
Relate what you see to what they’ve learned in class
Many BSS schools use this approach in their educational outings and extend it to daily life, promoting active and meaningful learning.
Learning together, even on holidays
Educational holidays are a way to spend time together as a family without neglecting each child’s personal development. Rather than “forgetting school”, trips can reinforce what has been learned, spark new interests, and cultivate fundamental skills for the future.
At Best Schools in Spain, we encourage families to integrate learning into their lifestyle, even during the summer. Because every trip can be an unforgettable lesson.
Visit www.bestschoolsinspain.com to find BSS-certified schools that share this global educational philosophy.
