If you’re planning a family escape to the sunny south of Spain, here are the best resorts for family holidays on the sunny Costa del Sol.
Spain is a vibrant destination that boasts all the ingredients needed for an unforgettable family holiday.
Spain has excellent transport services to help you get from A to B, as well as sumptuous food that will impress even the fussiest eater and endless activities for all ages. And of course, Spanish culture celebrates children so you will typically find your entire family is welcome wherever you go.
Spain famously enjoys fantastic weather throughout the year. However, the region of Andalusia – which essentially covers the country’s entire south coast – is usually the best when it comes to offering guaranteed sunny days and warm temperatures throughout the year.
Of all of this region, the Costa del Sol (literally ‘Coast of Sun’) is probably the best-known and popular destination for British holidaymakers.
Malaga
What better place to start than Malaga, one of Andalusia’s largest and most charming cities. It might seem modern and subdued from the outside, but this city has a rich history, extensive art scene and some of the most stunning architecture in Spain. Not only that but it’s also positioned right on the coast, so you can still enjoy sand and sea whenever you like – a breach and city break in one!
Take your children on a culture trip to see some of the incredible artworks and artefacts held in the Malaga’s best museums and galleries.
Try the Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga, the Centre de Arte Contemporaneo de Malaga or the Museo Picasso Malaga, which celebrates Malaga’s most-famous resident.
And don’t forget to check out the Alcazaba fortress, which is the best-preserved Moorish fortress in Spain, alongside its younger cousins, the Alcazar in Seville and the Alhambra in Grenada.
Torremolinos
Head south-west and you’ll reach Torremolinos and Benalmadena, which are also excellent places to enjoy beautiful sunny coastline while having plenty of activities available for the kids. The beaches here are absolutely wonderful, made all the more so by being able to take various boat trips to go whale and dolphin spotting – a truly magical experience for grown ups a kids a like.
Thrill-seekers should spend a day at the Aqualand waterpark (Torremolinos) or Tivoli World (Benalmadena), an amusement park for adults and children alike.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is another great Spanish holiday destination for families. The city is lively and buzzing, with lots of opportunity to wear the kids out before spending the afternoon relaxing on the beach.
Talking of the beach, Fuengirola is home to three out of the five Costa Water Parks. These inflatable playgrounds are great for older kids (and energetic adults too!).
There’s also the Bio Parc Zoo, which is not only a wonderful collection of animals but a breeding centre for endangered species. The zoo is filled with misty habitats and shaded areas in order to keep the animals at a comfortable temperature, but it works for humans too! Although the park isn’t home to many larger creatures, it makes up for it by housing an incredible variety of babies.
Marbella
Travel a little further along the coast and you’ll find the famously glamorous Spanish city of Marbella, which is known for being one of the most cosmopolitan beach resorts in Europe.
It’s packed with designer boutiques, high-end clubs and luxury accommodation. However, the relaxed daytime atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for older children that are growing out of the “kids holiday” phase.
Golf clubs, pretty cafes and impressive cars and boats at every corner make Marbella perfect for people-watching. For something a little higher-octane (and where the adults can feel young at heart), head over to Funny Beach amusement park to have a go on jet skis, go karting, banana boating and paddle surfing.
Marbella is also an excellent base for travelling taking day trips to the attractions in Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Torremolinos.
Get There
All of these destinations are easy to get to from Malaga Airport, which is less than three hours from London, or just over 3 hours from Manchester. All you need to do is pick your favourite and start packing!
