How to Travel with Kids in Spain’s Costa del Sol

More than 300 sunny days a year and beaches in almost every town make Spain’s Costa del Sol a magnet for family travelers. The mix of beaches for kids and experiences in Spanish culture will appeal to all ages, making this “coast of the sun” a holiday winner for everyone.

Malaga is the largest city, facing the Mediterranean with a line of beaches, two of which are an easy walk from the center of town and have Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and safety. Lifeguards are stationed on them daily, mid-June to mid-September. A third beach, at the west end of La Misericordia, has shallow water ideal for younger children. Farther south, Porto Banus is also known for the calm, shallow water and fine sand of its cove-protected beach.

A promenade runs along Malaga’s beaches, with kiosks for food and beach supplies, and playgrounds keep kids busy with climbing features and slides. One of these, Parque Infantil Barco Pirata, features a wooden pirate ship kids can climb on.

For experiences on real boats, follow the coast south to Benalmádena, which harbors (along with an astonishing array of private yachts) several tourist boats. A kid favorite is a dolphin cruise where they can look for pods and see wild dolphins skim through the waves in their natural habitat. While at the port, visit Sea Life Benalmádena aquarium.

Its position on the warm waters of the Mediterranean is not Malaga’s only attraction. Andalusia is rich in local culture, including some of the features we think of as typically Spanish — such as flamenco. While most performance venues are open only at night and usually begin quite late, your whole family can get a taste of vibrant singing, dancing and guitar playing at Museo Flamenco Peña Juan Breva. Each week the museum has daytime performances; reserve ahead, as these are popular.

Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso, and although children may not be excited to spend time looking at his works in the excellent museum, they may take more interest in the Paint your own Picasso workshop at El Retorno de Lilith studio-gallery. As they create their own cubist work, they will learn more about the artist and his vision … and they will have a one-of-a-kind souvenir of their trip to Spain.