My 13 year old and I will be in Spain from our July 3rd arrival (into Madrid) until our July 11th departure (from Madrid) this summer. I am planning on renting a car for the ultimate in mobility, ability to get off the beaten path and flexibility. I would very much appreciate any thoughts (including a full itinerary if someone has one) on what our 8 days should look like. Muchas Gracias.

Hi Michael and welcome to ST!

You will find Spain has many fantastic things to keep a 13 year old interested - it is one of the most child-freindly places (is a 13 yr old really a child?)that I know.

It might help us to know your child's interests.

Car hire is not really a necessity with the fantastic train network (unless one wants to go where the train service is infrequent)

You might want to consider a few days in Valencia for example - the City of Science and Arts and the Biosfera or Bioparc will have them amused for days (and you too!) Plus there is the attraction of a beach! It will be hot in Madrid (and many locals escape!)

Michael

Michael, here is a recent thread that might interest you:

Most fun locations with young kids?

Spain is big and 8 days is not a lot of time so yes, it would help to know your interests - there are caves, castles, art, architecture... what is your son most into?

See as you are only in Spain for only 8 days I would suggest you stay for most of the time in Madrid. (This is after all a Slowtravel forum!). You may need time to get over jet lag too.
A car is next to useless in the city of Madrid, so do not hire one for those days you are in the city.
We do not know the sex of your child, but maybe if they are a boy and interested in all things knights then a train trip to Toledo where they make swards and other bits of metal work. Stay over night they you see real beauty of the place after the day trippers have gone.
In Madrid apart form the normal tourist museums and art you could take them to Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium; if they like Soccer that is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S...ernab%C3%A9u_Stadium
Also if all of these old historical location prove too much then head for Warner Bros film park just 25 km away from Madrid.
http://www.parquewarner.com/

From the main Madrid tourism website I found this.
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/por...6&NM=3&TR=C&IDR=1011
I would also keep an eye on the main portal as they update the whats on section regularly
http://www.esmadrid.com/