The Costa del Sol is recognised internationally as a top family travel spot. It provides a wide range of hotels and leisure activities for children, and there is lots to do when you are looking for a fun, relaxing getaway. For some real fun in the sun with your children, check out the most child-friendly beaches in the Costa del Sol below.
1. Playa de los Álamos in Torremolinos
Tucked between Malaga’s city limits and the Playamar Beach, Playa los Alamos in Torremolinos is known for its light waves and golden sand. With its plentiful water sports and activities such as pedal boat rides, it is one of the greates beaches for children in the Costa del Sol. If you are travelling with teenagers, you can even rent a jet ski or banana boat. That’s some fun in the sun sorted for you!
2. Playa de Real de Zaragoza
Playa Real de Zaragoza is one of the best and biggest beaches in Marbella. Its shallow, calm waters make it very safe for young children and it is far enough from the centre of Marbella to enable guests to relax and disconnect. Access to the beach is well signposted also, making it easily accessible by both car and foot.
3. Playa de Benagalbón in Rincón de la Victoria
Situated in Rincón de la Victoria, Playa de Benagalbón is a 700 metre long, dark-sand beach which can be accessed easily by car, bus or foot. Its calm waters make it one of the safest beaches for young children. It is also an ideal destination for water sports which the whole family can take part in.
4. Playa de Burriana in Nerja
Most consider Playa de Burriana in Nerja to be one of the greatest beaches in all of Malaga and one of the best for families in the Costa del Sol. It has 800 meters of fine golden sand and in 2018, it was awarded a ‘Q’ for its quality. This beach is a bit harder to read, however, if you are travelling with children who do not require a pram, it is well worth the walk. The beach has numerous amenities so you can spend the entire day there without worrying about a single thing. For the perfect day, you can rent water sports equipment from kayaks to pedal boats to scuba gear, or you can hop on a kayak tour to see the nearby spectacular caves and beaches.
5. Playa Ancha in Casares
Based in Casares, Playa Ancha is a gem in the Costa del Sol. This gorgeous natural beach spans 1,300 metres long and 50 metres wide. Its calm waters are particularly ideal for families with young children. In 2019, it was awarded a blue flag – a designation provided by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) to beaches that meet the strict environmental standards.
6. Playa de Torre del Mar in Vélez-Malaga
Situated in Vélez-Malaga, Playa de Torre del Mar is an urban beach which is spread across around 2,000 metres of the Spanish coastline. There is a children’s area here with swings and slides right next to a lifeguard hut and a promenade packed with beach bars whereby guests can taste delicious ‘pescaítos fritos’ and ‘espetos’. Ensuring its top quality, this beach was awarded the blue flag and the Q for quality.
7. Playa del Pinomar in Marbella
Playa de Pinomar in Marbella is one of the biggest stretches of beach in Marbella at 350 metres long, along with Playa el Alicate and Playa de Costa Bella, which are both nearly 2 kilometres long. Its accessibility, long list of amenities and location make it the best beach for your family trip to the Costa del Sol.
8. Playa de la Malagueta in Malaga
Situated in Malaga, the well-known Playa de la Malagueta is a dark sandy beach which stretches 1200 metres long. It can be discovered between Playa de la Caleta and Port of Malaga. Its mild waves, children’s playground, plentiful beach bars, umbrellas, sun loungers and water sports equipment that is available to rent make Playa La Malagueta one of the greatest beaches to visit with children in Malaga.
9. Playa de Malapesquera in Benalmadena
Playa de Malapesquera in Benalmadena spans 700 metres long and 50 metres wide. It is a lively beach with an impressive wide range of activities and sports for children and adults. If you are there during the summertime, you should definitely take advantage of daily sports games and lessons for the entire family. Your children will adore this part of the Costa del Sol.
