Costa del Sol, Spain
Spain’s popular “sun coast” serves up a fine array of traditional tapas bars, chiringuitos (open-air beach bars), authentic whitewashed villages, Andalusian landscapes, and plenty of beaches tracing the Mediterranean coastline. Every year families are enticed by the near promise of year-round sun and its diverse mix of kid-friendly attractions, too. From fun-filled days along the shore to nature-rich experiences, the whole family will fall for a Costa del Sol escape.
Sandcastles and Sangria
One of the greatest joys of a family vacation is a day at the beach. Little ones can dig their toes in the sand and build mighty sandcastles at Playa del Cristo, a Blue Flag beach in Estepona. Meanwhile, Playa de La Rada, another Blue Flag family-favorite, is popular for its golden sands, a floating water park (during the summer months), myriad maritime activities, and children’s playgrounds. There’s a bustling promenade nearby with plenty of beach bars and tapas restaurants, too, perfect for a post-beach Spanish feast—expect Málagan favorites, such as pescaíto (fried fish) or sardine skewers, washed down with a refreshingly fruity glass of Sangria for the adults in the family.
Adventure, Amplified
Beyond the beaches, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained from morning time to dusk. Start the day at Andalucia’s largest adventure park, Aventura Amazonia Marbella, where kids can zip through the jungle treetops and tackle other aerial challenges along the way. When the temperature starts to heat up in the afternoon, cool off with Aqualand Torremolinos’ water slides and other splash-tastic attractions.
For your family’s nature lovers, visit Monowa Butterfly Park in Málaga. Set inside a Thai-style temple, the tropical greenhouse is home to more than 1,500 butterflies fluttering about in vibrant colors. Further inland, at the heart of Andalucia, Lobo Park offers a fascinating insight into the world of wolves. Its “Wolf Route” is designed for children ages five to 12, with safe, up-close encounters, while the monthly “Howl Nights” reveal the pack at dusk, when howls can sometimes be heard across the El Torcal mountain range.
