Things To Do
Aqualand · Bioparc · Selwo Marina · Cable Car · Nerja Caves
For Families
Malaga and the Costa del Sol is one of Europe's finest family holiday destinations, warm, safe, excellent beaches, world-class family attractions and a culture that genuinely welcomes children at every level.
Between the water parks, zoos, marine parks, cable cars and caves, there is enough to keep children engaged for two weeks without repetition. And unlike some family destinations, the quality of the beaches, restaurants and culture also keeps adults genuinely happy.
The combination of a private villa with pool (for the downtime days) and easy access to the attractions below makes for a near-perfect family holiday format, especially for families with children of different ages.
Best Family Resorts
Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Nerja
Water Parks
Aqualand (Torremolinos)
Best Zoo
Bioparc Fuengirola
Marine Park
Selwo Marina (Benalmadena)
Best Family Beach
Playa del Cristo (Estepona)
All Restaurants
Children very welcome
Attractions
Ages: All ages
One of the largest water parks in Spain, excellent for all ages with slides ranging from gentle lazy rivers to near-vertical drops. A full day activity that wears out even the most energetic children.
Tip: Book online for a significant discount. Arrive at opening time to beat the queues for the main slides.
Ages: All ages
One of the finest zoos in Spain, an immersive natural habitat zoo designed around African ecosystems. The gorillas, meerkats and pygmy hippos are extraordinary. More than just a zoo, a genuine wildlife experience.
Tip: Allow a full day. The feeding presentations are the highlights, check the schedule at the entrance.
Ages: 2+
An excellent marine park with penguins, dolphins, sharks and rays, the dolphin show is particularly impressive. A genuinely educational and entertaining family day with outstanding facilities.
Tip: Check dolphin and sea lion show times before planning your day, they drive the schedule.
Ages: All ages
A spectacular 15-minute cable car ride to the 769-metre summit of Calamorro mountain, the views stretch over the entire Costa del Sol and on clear days to the Atlas mountains of Morocco. Unforgettable for all ages.
Tip: Go in the morning for the clearest views. The café at the top is surprisingly good. Allow 2–3 hours total.
Ages: 4+
A surprisingly compelling attraction with 300 crocodiles and alligators, giant Aldabra tortoises and an excellent educational programme. The feeding presentations are extraordinary.
Tip: The giant tortoise feeding is a particular highlight. Smaller children love it. Check times at entry.
Ages: 3+
A classic Spanish amusement park in Benalmadena, rides, shows, live entertainment and a garden setting that makes evening visits particularly magical when the park is illuminated.
Tip: Evening visits (from 6pm) are significantly cheaper and the atmosphere is wonderful in the cooler air.
Ages: 5+
Extraordinary prehistoric caves with the world’s largest stalactite column and Stone Age cave paintings, a genuinely awe-inspiring underground world that captivates children and adults equally.
Tip: The caves are noticeably cool (18°C), bring a light layer even in summer. Book online to avoid queues.
Ages: 6+
The film sets of Almería (90 minutes east of Malaga) where dozens of Spaghetti Westerns were filmed in the 1960s, a fascinating and unique family experience. Includes re-enacted gunfights and film set tours.
Tip: Best combined with a visit to the extraordinary desert landscape of the Cabo de Gata natural park.
Safe enclosed gardens, child-friendly pools and space for the whole family, our family villas are the perfect base for a Costa del Sol family holiday.
Browse Family VillasFAQ
Fuengirola and Torremolinos are the most family-oriented resorts, excellent long safe beaches, abundant family attractions (Bioparc, Aqualand, Crocodile Park), good public transport and excellent value. Benalmadena adds the cable car and Selwo Marina. Nerja is perfect for families who want a more scenic, less busy experience with beautiful beaches and the Caves.
Very much so. Spanish culture is extremely family-friendly and children are genuinely welcomed in virtually all restaurants, regardless of the hour. Spanish families typically eat dinner at 9–10pm with children, so late evening dining with children is completely normal and accepted. Many restaurants provide highchairs on request.
Playa del Cristo in Estepona is ideal for very young children, an extremely sheltered horseshoe bay with calm, shallow water and excellent facilities. Playa de Fuengirola is excellent for families, long, safe, Blue Flag certified with lifeguards. Playa Burriana in Nerja is outstanding for older children who can appreciate its natural beauty.
The Costa del Sol is one of the safest family holiday destinations in Europe, excellent medical facilities, very low crime, clean beaches with lifeguards, child-friendly infrastructure and a genuinely welcoming attitude towards families at all venues and restaurants. Health standards are high throughout.
