For travellers looking to avoid the tourist traps, a holiday on the Costa del Sol might not be your first thought. But despite the popularity of one of Spain’s most visited regions, this area has plenty of hidden gems and quieter locations that allow for a relaxing family holiday away from heaving crowds. Here are some of our favourite things to do on the Costa del Sol that are a great addition to any holiday itinerary and will make for a truly memorable experience.

Book a Boat Trip from Marbella

Kick your family holiday off in style by booking a boat trip from Marbella to Puerto Banus. Departing from Marbella’s marina, the boat ride provides a chance to soak up the warm Spanish sun and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze as you glide across the crystal-clear waters of the Costa del Sol. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, which are frequently spotted in this area.

Upon arrival in Puerto Banus, you can wander the marina to see luxury yachts and high-end shops. This is the perfect place to admire some of the world’s most expensive boats and soak up the exclusive atmosphere of this renowned hotspot. Spend time visiting some of the museums and galleries in the area, or take a bike ride along the beach for the perfect day trip.

Relax on El Cañuelo Beach

No family holiday is complete without a few visits to the beach. While the Costa del Sol is known for its lively beach resorts, there are still a few hidden stretches of coastline where you can escape the crowds and enjoy nature’s beauty in peace. El Cañuelo Beach, situated at the far eastern end of the region, is one such spot—a pristine cove nestled at the base of the stunning Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve.

Unlike the more commercial beaches of Marbella or Torremolinos, El Cañuelo remains largely untouched. Its crystal-clear waters make it an ideal destination for snorkelling and scuba diving, with vibrant marine life and underwater rock formations to explore. Because it’s more remote, you’ll need to hike to it along the cliffside trail or take the shuttle bus, but the result makes it completely worthwhile.

Wildlife and Conservation: Bioparc Fuengirola

Bioparc Fuengirola is far from your typical zoo—it’s a revolutionary wildlife park that prioritises conservation, education, and natural habitats. Instead of traditional enclosures, the park recreates the lush environments of Madagascar, Southeast Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and Equatorial Africa, so visitors feel as though they’ve stepped into the animals’ native homes.

With over 200 species residing in the park, many of which are endangered or at risk of extinction, Bioparc plays a crucial role in conservation efforts for this area too. It participates in breeding programmes for endangered species and promotes awareness about habitat destruction and wildlife protection. Some of the standout animals include Sumatran tigers, gorillas, lemurs, and Komodo dragons, all living in surroundings designed to mirror their natural ecosystems. It’s a must-visit for any family holiday itinerary and one of the best things to do in Malaga with kids.

Adventure in the Wild

If you and your children are craving an outdoor adventure, Sierra de las Nieves National Park is the perfect destination. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this rugged and diverse landscape offers everything from dense pine forests and deep ravines to snow-capped peaks in the winter months.

The park is a haven for hikers, so parents travelling with teens will enjoy this activity, with trails leading to dramatic viewpoints, hidden waterfalls, and even the Torrecilla Peak, which offers some of the best panoramic views in the region.

Enjoy the Whitewashed Charm of Casares

Perched on a hill overlooking rolling Andalusian countryside, Casares is one of the most remote and authentic whitewashed villages in the region. Known for its labyrinth of narrow, winding streets and traditional Moorish architecture, this charming pueblo blanco feels like a step back in time.

A visit to Casares offers a peaceful escape from the bustling coastline. Start by exploring the historic Castle of Casares, a medieval fortress with breathtaking views stretching all the way to Gibraltar and the North African coastline. Then wander through the quiet plazas and alleys, where every turn reveals flower-adorned balconies, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old churches.

Casares is home to several local artisan shops and traditional Andalusian eateries too, where you can savour regional specialities like gazpacho, Iberian ham, and locally produced goat cheese.

The Costa del Sol may be a holidaymaker favourite, but it still offers so much to delight and surprise visitors. It’s packed with hidden gems that make it so much more than just a beach destination. If you’re looking for a new family holiday destination that’s kid-friendly, offers ample sunshine and beaches, but still delivers in terms of unique activities and neighbourhoods, the Costa del Sol is a great choice.

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The best places to visit on the Costa del Sol for families

Selecting the right place to go on a holiday with children can be difficult. As adults, you want a place where you can unwind and relax. At the same time there has to be enough on offer to stop the kids getting bored. Spain’s sunny Costa del Sol has got your back when it comes to family fun in the sun with more “Blue Flagged” beaches than anywhere else in Europe and a population that bends over backwards when it comes to being child-friendly. Whether it is fun on the beach or getting an adrenaline rush at one of the many theme parks, or the chance to see wild animals up close, you won’t find a better place to holiday with children. So here are the best places to visit on the Costa del Sol for families:

Pretty seaside town: Nerja

There are so many things to do with kids in Malaga, but if you are looking for a quieter base away from the city,  you can’t go wrong with the pretty seaside town of Nerja. The airport transfer from Malaga to Nerja is only 60 minutes, so the kids won’t get too restless on another long journey after just landing. Nerja is not overrun with tourists on package holidays and still maintains that friendly, small-town vibe, where it is safe to stroll around no matter the time of day or night.

Things to do in and around Nerja

For an activity that the children will remember for a lifetime rent a sea kayak from either Burriana or Maro beach and explore the rocky coves and underwater caves as you paddle towards the Doncella waterfall. The area is a protected marine zone, making it one of the best locations in Andalucía for snorkelling and diving.

Other nearby attractions include the Nerja Caves and a hike along the Chillar River with steep rocky gorges and natural pools for swimming it is a great place to have a picnic lunch.

Popular seaside resort: Torremolinos

In the opposite direction, east of Malaga, a transfer from Malaga airport to Torremolinos takes even less time. Along this part of the coast, younger and older children won’t have the chance to become bored as there’s so much to do:

Things to do in and around Torremolinos

What would a holiday in Spain with the children be without a visit to at water park? The biggest is Aqualand Water Park in Torremolinos but there are plenty of others to choose from. The park is home to the 22-metre-high Kamikaze water slide and a 1,440 square meter pool complete with a wave making machine. There is also a Kidzworld area where young children can enjoy themselves in complete safety. For a family night out visit Tivoli World in Benalmádena where you will find over 40 rides and attractions that include the traditional Ferris wheel and bumper cars. There is always live entertainment on the go and a Wild West show that the kids will just love. In Benalmádena you can also take a 15-minute ride up Mount Calamorro where on a clear day you can see the African coast and the Rock of Gibraltar.

To witness wild animals like you have never seen before, the nearby Bioparc Fuengirola (Fuengirola) has changed how we will think of zoos forever. Gone are the traditional enclosures that have been replaced with a living zoo where animals are allowed to roam freely. The kids will love being able to walk amongst the animals in complete safety along paths that were designed to be wheelchair friendly. Bioparc Fuengirola is not only a living zoo, but a breeding centre for endangered species. Despite having only been open a short time it has gained widespread recognition for its work both in Spain and beyond.

This is just a mere smattering of what the Costa del Sol has to offer. It has much to offer to families, and would make a great destination for one of your next single parent family holidays. So visit Spain for yourself and see why it is one of the most popular destinations on the planet.

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