
The Ultimate Family Guide to the Costa del Sol: Making the Most of Your Holiday
Did you know that the Costa del Sol, the stunningly beautiful region of Spain’s southern coastline, is a fantastic destination for a family holiday? With its warm Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and countless attractions, this region is packed with fun, relaxation, and cultural discovery. In this guide, we will help you make the most of your time in the Costa del Sol with your family, covering activities, places to eat, things to do, and much more. So, if you’re looking for things to do in the Costa del Sol for families, keep reading!
Why the Costa del Sol is Perfect for Family Holidays
The Costa del Sol has earned its reputation as one of the best family holiday destinations in Europe and there are tonnes of great reasons as to why. When looking for things to do in the Costa del Sol for families, you’ll find the gorgeous natural beauty, exciting activities, and welcoming atmosphere to be a total dream for family holidays.
- 300+ Days of Sunshine: The Costa del Sol region boasts year-round sunshine, ensuring gorgeously warm and sunny weather whatever time of year you visit.
- Variety of Activities: Known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, nature reserves and more, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in the Costa del Sol for families.
- Safe and Accessible: Most importantly, the Costa del Sol is known for being family-friendly, with modern infrastructure, clean beaches, and welcoming locals, making it safe and accessible to families and solo travellers.
1. Planning Your Family Holiday in the Costa del Sol
Before we dive into all the things to do in the Costa del Sol for families, let’s chat about planning your family holiday to the Costa del Sol. If you’ve read any of my travel articles before, you’ll know that I am a big believer that a little preparation goes a long way in making your family holiday stress-free and enjoyable. Here are some tips on the best times to visit and where to stay.
When to Visit the Costa del Sol for a Family Holiday
The Costa del Sol’s mild climate means it’s a fantastic destination for holiday-goers all year round. However, certain seasons may suit your family’s plans better.
- Spring (March–May): Ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying mild temperatures without the summer crowds.
- Summer (June–August): Perfect for beach lovers, though it’s the busiest season. I recommend always booking activities and accommodations early to avoid disappointment.
- Autumn (September–November): The sunny, warm weather continues, and prices for flights and hotels often drop.
- Winter (December–February): A quieter time to explore cultural sites and enjoy festive events.
Choosing Family-Friendly Accommodation
Where you stay can make a huge difference in your holiday experience. The Costa del Sol offers a variety of family-friendly options to suit different needs.
When choosing your next Costa del Sol resort holiday, consider the type of amenities you will need. Many resorts offer kids’ clubs and family pools, as well as being situated near the beach and other attractions.
If you’re keen to cook your own meals and make your stay into a more home-away-from-home experience, a self-catering villa may be more suited to you.

2. Family-Friendly Beaches in the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is famous for its pristine beaches, many of which are perfect for families. So, when considering things to do in the Costa del Sol for families, visiting some of the best beaches the region has to offer should be high on your itinerary. Here are some of the best beaches in the Costa del Sol where your family can relax and have fun.
Playa de Burriana, Nerja
This bustling beach is a favourite for families thanks to the amenities offered, including sunbeds, showers, and a lifeguard to ensure safety. You’ll find that outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling are popular at Playa de Burriana, making it a fantastic place to try something new. In addition to this, you’ll find beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and family-friendly meals.
Playa de la Carihuela, Torremolinos
Playa de la Carihuela is known for its laid-back vibe and shallow waters. This is a favourite for families with younger children as the water isn’t too deep and children can paddle safely. If you fancy venturing away from the beach, there are more things to do in the Costa del Sol for families at Playa de la Carihuela, including exploring the promenade and trying local food at one of the many beach bars.
Playa de Cabopino, Marbella
If you’re looking for a quiet day out, the hidden gem, Cabopino, is ideal. Take in the natural beauty of sand dunes and pine forests and enjoy sunbathing on a beach that’s significantly less crowded than others within the area. There are even some lovely spots along the beachside that are perfect for picnics.

3. Top Family Attractions in the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol offers an array of family-friendly attractions that will keep the entire family entertained, no matter their age. From thrilling safari parks to historical caves, here are some of the best must-visit spots.
Selwo Aventura (Estepona)
Selwo Aventura is an exciting zoo and safari park jam-packed with exciting exotic animals. You could easily spend the whole day strolling around the zoo, spotting animals from various continents such as Africa and Asia. Book yourself on the safari to get up close and personal with the animals, or head to the park where kids can burn off excess energy by ziplining and climbing. There are plenty of added extras you can also opt for if you are looking to make your trip to the Costa del Sol extra memorable.
You may also like: Complete Guide to Visiting the Alhambra in Granada, Spain
Bioparc Fuengirola
In the heart of the Costa del Sol, you’ll find the Bioparc Fuengirola. This immersive zoo offers over 200 species of animals and large enclosures that mimic natural habitats, including rainforests and savannas. Additionally, there are plenty of activities for kids to do and the zoo has a large focus on conservation and the protection of endangered species.
Cueva de Nerja
The Nerja Cave is located 158 meters above sea level and spans 4,823 meters, making it one of Andalusia’s most topographically extensive caves. The Cueva de Nerja is a must-see and the natural wonder of the hugely impressive stalactites and stalagmites will captivate kids and adults alike. Opt for a guided tour, or a free audio guide, and discover the prehistoric art and the amazing history behind these caves.

4. Outdoor Activities for Adventurous Families
If your family loves the great outdoors, the Costa del Sol has plenty of adventures in store. Here are some of the best outdoor activities for families to enjoy.
Kayaking and Snorkeling in Nerja
Wanting action-packed things to do in the Costa del Sol for families? Look no further than the kayaking and snorkelling experiences in Nerja. Paddle along the cliffs and caves of Maro-Cerro Gordo with an expert guide. Many of the operators offering kayaking and snorkeling experiences provide life vests and easy-to-use kayaks so no one needs to miss out on the fun of exploring the Costa del Sol’s crystal clear waters.
Hiking in Sierra de las Nieves
Hiking in the Costa del Sol is a breathtaking experience. Surrounded by brilliant natural beauty spots, it can be hard to decide where to start. The shorter paths, such as the Pinsapo Route, are great for kids and those who want to see the Costa del Sol from a different angle. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife as you hike, you’ll likely spot wildflowers, eagles, and ibex.
Aventura Amazonia (Marbella)
Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. The Aventura Amazonia treetop adventure park offers some exciting courses featuring zip lines, rope bridges, and climbing walls for all ages. The staff are all friendly and the instructors are always on hand to ensure a fun and secure experience. With a total of 83 challenges and 20 ziplines distributed over 6 adventure circuits, there’s something for everyone, no matter your confidence levels.

5. Cultural Experiences for Families
The Costa del Sol is rich in culture, which means that it’s full of things to do in the Costa del Sol for families looking to immerse themselves in some of Spain’s history and traditions.
Flamenco Shows
Introduce your family to Spanish culture with an authentic flamenco show! Many venues offer flamenco shows that are suitable for children, and some venues even offer flamenco dance workshops.
Museo Picasso Málaga
Visit a museum dedicated to one of the world’s most famous artists: Picasso. Addmission to the Museo Picasso is very reasonable, although it’s advisable to book online and arrive early as it can get quite busy. Featuring some of his finest work and interactive exhibits, the Museo Picasso lets kids explore art through engaging activities. The museum even offers hands-on workshops where kids can unleash their own creativity.
Júzcar, the Smurf Village
Juzcar, known as the ‘Blue Village’ or ‘the Smurf Village’ is always a hit with families. The whole village is painted blue, from painted houses to playgrounds – everything is blue! While exploring, you’ll find plenty of your favourite cartoon characters from The Smurfs painted on various buildings, making this a great selfie spot.
6. Dining in the Costa del Sol: Family-Friendly Options
As we’ve mentioned, the Costa del Sol is a great family destination for holiday-goers. Sometimes eating out can be a little stressful as a tourist, however, the restaurants here have catered to kids and offer a variety of delicious dishes they’ll love.
Top Family-Friendly Restaurants
- El Tintero (Málaga): Dishes are served auction-style, making for an entertaining dining experience.
- TikiTano Beach Restaurant (Estepona): A beachfront favourite with a kids’ menu and fantastic views.
- La Lonja (Benalmádena): Known for its fresh seafood and welcoming atmosphere.
Must-Try Local Dishes
- Churros con Chocolate: A sweet treat for breakfast or dessert.
- Gazpacho: A refreshing cold soup that’s light and kid-friendly.
- Croquetas: Creamy croquettes filled with ham or chicken are a hit with little ones.

Conclusion: Costa del Sol Awaits Your Family Adventure!
The Costa del Sol is truly a great place for a family holiday. With beautiful beaches and crystal clear water, a rich cultural history and delicious food, exciting attractions, and natural wonders, there’s something to entertain every member of the family.
We hope this article has given you some useful tips and inspired you to start planning your own family holiday to the Costa del Sol. If you have visited this area with your family, I’d love to know what you think should be included as a must-see on this list. Let me know in the comment section below!


One Comment
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
I would love to go to the Costa Del Sol as there seems to be a good amount of things to see and experience. It looks and sounds like a lovely place to spend some time!