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Couple, Friends, or Family: Where to Go for Carnival According to Your Plan

5

Feb 2026

The most colorful dates of the calendar are here, and with them comes the eternal question: should we stay home or take the chance for a getaway? If this year you’re wondering where to go for Carnival to experience it differently, the answer depends a lot on your company. Because partying in the streets until dawn with friends is very different from planning a comfortable outing with little ones.

Spain has amazing traditions, but choosing the wrong destination can ruin the experience. To help you decide where to celebrate Carnival in Spain, we’ve prepared this guide according to your travel style. Pack your suitcase and your costume!

 

Carnival 2026 Dates and How to Make the Most of the Long Weekend

Before booking, let’s check the calendar. Carnival dates change every year because they depend on Easter. In 2026, key days fall in mid-February. To plan your schedule properly and know exactly when Fat Thursday or Ash Wednesday are, check out our guide on the best parades and dates.

The trick for a good getaway is to use the weekend. If you’re wondering where to go for the Carnival long weekend (taking Friday or Monday off), you can enjoy 3 or 4 full days—enough time to relax and enjoy the festival without rushing.

 

The Best Carnivals in Spain, by Experience Type

Quick selection of where to go for Carnival in Spain:

  • Party & Humor (friends): Cádiz reigns with its chirigotas and street wit. Ideal for groups looking to laugh and enjoy the street atmosphere.
  • Spectacular & Glamorous (couples & adults): Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas offer the most impressive visual parades, with enviable weather.
  • Tradition & Elegance (couples & families): Sitges or Vilanova i la Geltrú’s Carnivals mix fun with history along the Catalan coast.
  • Family-Friendly & Local: Tarragona stands out for its spectacular “Rua de l’Artesania,” one of the most important in Catalonia, perfect for seeing elaborate costumes without massive crowds.

Where to Celebrate Carnival in Spain with Kids

Traveling with little ones changes priorities: you look for daytime schedules, safety, and comfort. The Costa Daurada is a winning option, with towns like Salou or Cambrils offering family-friendly parades in the afternoon, allowing a timely return to the hotel.

For accommodations, look for hotels with specific kids’ activities. This way, the fun continues after the parade with mini costume discos and workshops. Another foolproof option is themed hotels, where the fantasy immersion lasts 24 hours a day.

Carnival Long Weekend Itinerary Ideas

Not sure how to organize your days? Here are three proposals to make the most of the long Carnival weekend.

2-Day Itinerary – Weekend Carnival Plan

  • Saturday: Arrive, get ready, and attend the main afternoon parade.
  • Sunday: Relaxed breakfast, stroll along the waterfront, participate in local activities.

 

3–4 Day Itinerary – Long Weekend Carnival Plan

  • Friday: Travel and check-in. First encounter with the night vibe.
  • Saturday: Main day. Parades, costume contests, and big celebrations.
  • Sunday: Cultural excursions to unwind from the hustle and bustle.
  • Monday: Souvenir shopping and return home.

 

Itinerary with Kids

Key here is pacing. Morning at the park or beach (if sunny), strategic nap after lunch, afternoons for watching floats and collecting candies. Early dinner is essential to avoid extreme fatigue.

 

How to Choose a Carnival Destination According to Your Group

Deciding where to celebrate Carnival often sparks debate. Couples should seek destinations offering more than just partying: a good spa or romantic restaurants to combine with the fun (Venice is dreamy, but Sitges or Cádiz are excellent closer options).

Friends should focus on logistics: choose places walkable everywhere, so you don’t depend on a car at night. Families should prioritize destinations with good hotel infrastructure and indoor entertainment options if the weather isn’t ideal.

Practical Carnival Tips to Save Your Trip

  • Costume in layers: February is cold. If your costume is thin, wear thermal clothing underneath.
  • Comfortable shoes: You’ll be on your feet for hours. Forget heels or new shoes; sneakers are your ally.
  • Book in advance: The best Carnival weekend spots fill up months ahead.
  • Emergency kit: Safety pins, extra makeup, and wipes will save your life.

 

PortAventura World during Carnival

If you want an all-in-one experience, Carnival at PortAventura World is unbeatable. The park is transformed with batucadas, color, and rhythm, all within easy reach.

You don’t just walk around—you experience the festive spirit through top-level performances. Street animations will get you dancing anywhere.

 

 

FAQs

Opt for rural tourism or medium-sized inland cities. Many towns host traditional carnivals (like in Galicia or Navarra) that are fascinating and much less crowded than coastal events.

Theme parks like PortAventura World or children’s parades in Reus or Tarragona are perfect: they start early, are well organized, and 100% safe.

Sitges is a classic that never fails: lively, fun, cosmopolitan, with excellent dining options after the parade.

Canary Islands (Tenerife or Gran Canaria) are safest for mild temperatures in 2026. On the peninsula, the Mediterranean coast is usually milder than the north.

The sooner, the better. For famous destinations, ideally book 3–4 months ahead for reasonable prices.

Besides your costume: portable charger, warm clothes for the evening, and, most importantly, a willingness to have fun!