Costa del Sol is a fantastic family destination with plenty of sandy beaches, delicious food, and diverse activities, including water parks, theme parks, and outdoor adventures. The region’s pleasant climate, stunning coastline, and numerous family-friendly attractions make it a popular choice for families visiting Spain with kids and looking to create unforgettable memories together. Here’s what to do, where to go, stay, and eat in Costa del Sol with kids.
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Things to Do in Costa del Sol With Kids
The Costa del Sol is a beautiful region in southern Spain that is known for its sunny weather, stunning beaches, and rich history and culture. It is a popular destination for families with children, as there are many things to see and do to keep everyone entertained. Here are a few ideas for things to do in Costa del Sol with kids:
- Visit the beaches. The Costa del Sol has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or building sandcastles. Some of the most popular beaches include Playa de la Malagueta in Malaga, Playa de Burriana in Nerja, and Playa de Maro in Maro.
- Go hiking or biking. The Costa del Sol has a number of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains. Some of the most popular trails include the Caminito del Rey, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the El Torcal de Antequera.
- Visit a theme park. There are a number of theme parks in the Costa del Sol, perfect for families with children of all ages. Some of the most popular theme parks include Tivoli World, Aqualand Torremolinos, and Selwo Aventura.
- Take a boat trip. There are a number of boat trips available that offer stunning views of the Costa del Sol coastline. Some of the most popular boat trips include a boat trip to Gibraltar, a boat trip to the Cueva de Nerja, and a boat trip to the Castillo de Gibralfaro.
- Visit a museum. There are a number of museums in the Costa del Sol that offer a variety of exhibits on topics such as art, history, and science. Some of the most popular museums include the Picasso Museum, the Museum of Malaga, and the Automobile Museum.
- Take a cooking class. There are a number of cooking schools in the Costa del Sol that offer classes for children of all ages. This is a great way to learn about Spanish cuisine and spend some quality time with your family.
- Visit a farm. There are a number of farms in the Costa del Sol that offer educational tours and activities for children. This is a great way for children to learn about farm life and animals.
- Go shopping. There are a number of shopping malls and markets in the Costa del Sol where you can find everything from souvenirs to designer clothes. Some of the most popular shopping areas include the El Corte Inglés in Malaga, the Larios Center in Malaga, and the Mercado de Atarazanas in Malaga.
- Enjoy the nightlife. The Costa del Sol has a vibrant nightlife scene with something to offer everyone. Some of the most popular nightlife spots include the Soho in Malaga, the Pedregalejo in Malaga, and the Puerto Banús in Marbella.
Where to Go in Costa del Sol With Kids
Here are a few ideas for places to go in Costa del Sol with kids:
- Malaga: The capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga is a vibrant city with a rich history. There are many things to see and do in Malaga, including visiting the Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba, and the Gibralfaro Castle.
- Marbella: A glamorous resort town, Marbella is known for its luxury shopping, fine dining, and lively nightlife. There are also a number of family-friendly attractions in Marbella, including the Tivoli World theme park and the Selwo Aventura wildlife park.
- Benalmádena: A family-friendly resort town, Benalmádena has something for everyone. There are beautiful beaches, a water park, a cable car, and a variety of other attractions.
- Fuengirola: Another popular resort town, Fuengirola has a long stretch of sandy beach, a lively promenade, and a number of family-friendly attractions.
- Torremolinos: A lively resort town, Torremolinos is known for its nightlife, its beach, and its many bars and restaurants.
- Nerja: A charming town with a beautiful coastline, Nerja is home to the Cueva de Nerja, a series of caves with prehistoric paintings.
- Ronda: A historic town perched on a cliff, Ronda is known for its stunning views, its bullring, and its Puente Nuevo, a 17th-century bridge that spans the El Tajo gorge.
- Mijas: A whitewashed village with a Moorish castle, Mijas is a popular destination for families with children. There are a number of family-friendly attractions in Mijas, including the Butterfly Park, the Mundo Mijas theme park, and the Mijas Pueblo cable car.
- Almuñécar: A historic town with a beautiful coastline, Almuñécar is home to the Castillo de San Miguel, a 16th-century castle that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Granada: A city with a rich history and culture, Granada is home to the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also a number of other family-friendly attractions in Granada, including the Albayzín, a Moorish quarter, and the Sacromonte, a gypsy quarter.
Where to Stay in Costa del Sol With Kids
There are many great places to stay in Costa del Sol with kids, depending on your budget and interests. Here are a few suggestions:
- Apartments: Apartments are a great option for families with kids, as they offer more space and privacy than a hotel room. There are many apartments available in Costa del Sol, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious villas.
- Hotels: There are also many family-friendly hotels in Costa del Sol, many of which offer kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and other amenities. Some popular family-friendly hotels include the Hotel Riu Guadalinez, the Hotel Meliá Costa del Sol, and the Hotel Barceló Málaga.
- Camping: Camping is another great option for families with kids, as it’s a fun and affordable way to experience the outdoors. There are many campsites available in Costa del Sol, some of which are located right on the beach.
- Villas: If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, consider renting a villa in Costa del Sol. Villas come in all shapes and sizes, and many offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Where to Eat in Costa del Sol With Kids
Here are a few suggestions:
- Restaurants with outdoor seating: If you’re traveling with young children, it’s a good idea to choose restaurants with outdoor seating. This will give them a chance to run around and burn off some energy. Some popular restaurants with outdoor seating include La Carihuela in Torremolinos, El Pimpi in Malaga, and La Bodega in Benalmádena.
- Restaurants with children’s menus: Many restaurants in Costa del Sol offer children’s menus, which are a great option for picky eaters. Some popular restaurants with children’s menus include El Tintero in Fuengirola, La Malagueta in Malaga, and El Tapeo in Benalmádena.
- Theme restaurants: If you’re looking for a fun and interactive dining experience, consider visiting a theme restaurant. There are a number of theme restaurants available in Costa del Sol, including the Hard Rock Cafe, the Rainforest Cafe, and the Chuck E. Cheese’s.
- Fast food restaurants: If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, consider visiting a fast food restaurant. There are a number of fast food restaurants available in Costa del Sol, including McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC.
- Street food: Street food is a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine. There are a number of street food vendors available in Costa del Sol, selling everything from tapas to churros.
When to Go to Costa del Sol With Kids
The best time to go to Costa del Sol with kids is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when the weather is warm and sunny but not too hot. The summer months (June-August) can be very hot and crowded, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re traveling with young children.
How Long to Stay in Costa del Sol With Kids
The amount of time you should stay in Costa del Sol with kids depends on your interests and budget. If you’re looking to relax on the beach and soak up the sun, you could easily spend a week or more in Costa del Sol. If you’re interested in exploring the region’s history and culture, you may want to spend a longer amount of time.
Here are some things to consider when planning your trip:
- How many activities do you want to do? There are a number of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained in Costa del Sol, such as swimming, sunbathing, playing on the beach, visiting theme parks, and exploring the region’s many historical and cultural attractions. If you want to do a lot of activities, you’ll need to plan for a longer trip.
- What is your budget? Costa del Sol can be an expensive destination, so it’s important to set a budget before you go. There are a number of ways to save money on your trip, such as staying in budget-friendly accommodationsCosta del Sol Itinerary With Family, eating at local restaurants, and taking advantage of free activities.
- How long can your kids stay away from school? If you’re traveling with school-aged children, you’ll need to factor in their school holidays when planning your trip.
1-Week Costa del Sol Itinerary With Family
Here is a possible itinerary for a 7-day family trip to Costa del Sol:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Malaga and check into your hotel.
- Take a walk around the historic center of Malaga and visit the Picasso Museum.
- Have dinner at a traditional Spanish restaurant.
Day 2:
- Visit the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle.
- Take a boat trip to the Cueva de Nerja, a series of caves with prehistoric paintings.
- Have dinner at a seafood restaurant in Nerja.
Day 3:
- Visit the Tivoli World theme park.
- Have dinner at a restaurant in Benalmádena.
Day 4:
- Visit the Selwo Aventura wildlife park.
- Have dinner at a restaurant in Fuengirola.
Day 5:
- Visit the Caminito del Rey, a walkway suspended over a gorge.
- Have dinner at a restaurant in El Chorro.
Day 6:
- Visit the city of Ronda.
- Have dinner at a restaurant in Ronda.
Day 7:
- Depart from Malaga.
How to Get Around Costa del Sol
There are a number of ways to get around Costa del Sol, depending on your budget and interests. Here are a few suggestions:
- By car: If you’re planning on doing a lot of exploring, renting a car is a great option. This will give you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. However, it’s important to note that traffic can be heavy, especially during the peak season.
- By bus: There is a good bus network in Costa del Sol, which can be a cheap and convenient way to get around. However, it’s important to plan your trips in advance, as buses can be crowded, especially during the peak season.
- By train: There is also a train network in Costa del Sol, which can be a good option for getting between major cities. However, the train network is not as extensive as the bus network, so it may not be the best option for getting around smaller towns and villages.
- By taxi: Taxis are available in all major cities and towns in Costa del Sol. They can be a convenient option, but they can also be expensive.
- By foot: If you’re staying in a city or town, it’s often possible to get around on foot. This is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise.
- By bike: There are a number of bike rental companies in Costa del Sol. This can be a great way to explore the region at your own pace. However, it’s important to be aware that the terrain can be hilly, so it’s not the best option for everyone.
