What do you think of, when someone says Costa del Sol? A lot of people think of Marbella and its day clubs, champagne and partying. This is of course a big part of it but what a lot of people don’t realise is the Costa del Sol is the perfect destination for a family holiday.
You can get from London to Malaga in under 3 hours and are almost always guaranteed decent weather, even in winter the weather ranges from late teens to mid twenties. Picking up a car at the airport is easy and within an hour you can be in Estepona which is perfect for kids. If you are holidaying in Southern Spain you are most likely wanting to spend time on the beach, whether it’s soaking up the sun or building sand castles until the sun goes down. There are some amazing child friendly beaches in Estepona:
Playa Del Cristo
This beach is perfect for kids as it forms a cove and is sheltered from the wind, the water is also not as cold as other beaches because of this. It has parking, changing rooms, showers and even a climbing frame for the kids.
La Rada Beach
This beach is over 2km long and runs alongside the promenade, with climbing frames, trampolines and even bouncy castles. Numerous beachside bars and restaurant means you can spend the whole day on the beach. It is also a great place for an early evening dinner and stroll.
Playa del Faro
This blue flag beach is close to the marina and city centre of Marbella. It is a small beach, but because of its location it is very popular with locals and tourists alike.
Puerto Banus Beach
This blue flag beach is the most glamorous beach in Marbella with loads of restaurants and bars, some of the best in Marbella.
If you are wanting a beach free day, there are loads of other activities to keep the family occupied
Mundo Playground
An indoor and outdoor playground of dreams. A waterpark, trampolines, sports pitches, indoor soft play and games area for older kids – there really is something for everyone.

Sea Life Aquarium Malaga
If you are looking for a day out if the weather isn’t great or in our experience, if you have a late afternoon flight home. The Aquarium in Malaga is a great option. We visited on our last day as it was close enough to the airport that we could relax and enjoy our time there without worrying about over staying and being later for check in. With many zones it is good for kids of all ages and even has a little outdoor play area overlooking the ocean
Selwo Adventure Park
This safari park has over 2000 species of animals from around the world – with lions, giraffe, rhino, and zebras to name a few. You can book a Sernegetti Safari which will make you feel like you’re on an actual safari. Why not book a VIP Experience where you will get access to restricted areas and be able to chat to the keepers and biologists for a more hands on experience.
AquaMijas Waterpark
Another great day out for the family: with slides, jacuzzi’s, a wave pool and a separate area for kids up to 6 years old. a top tip is if you are after just a few hours you will receive 30 % discount if you arrive after 1430.
Bioparc Fuengirola
The ultimate zoo experience where you can experience magical rain forests and animals of Madagascar, Equatorial Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific islands.
As you can see, there is more than enough to keep everyone in the family entertained on your next holiday in the Costa Del Sol.
If you are looking for a beautiful, child friendly base, we have the perfect Villa in Estepona. It can be rented out as a 3 bedroom villa or for larger groups (or if you’re taking the grandparents) there is an annexe that increases the space. I stayed in this villa a few years ago with my family and some friends. We were 3 families all with a toddler. So we were asking for 3 cots, 3 high chairs and lots of toys to keep our girls happy. I have to say that Steve and Dana, the owners were amazing.
Casa Eucalyptus in Estepona





Casa Eucalyptus is a 4 bedroom townhouse with an open plan design which brings the outdoors in and visa versa. The house is set on a quiet street on an estate with a fenced pool and tennis courts. You are a short walk from shops, restaurants and beach. It really does have everything you need including all the mod cons you’d expect from a luxury accommodation rental.

DETAILS:
With prices from as low as £1400 a week in low season (from £2600 in high season) this is a great option for a large family or a 2 families travelling together.
The main bedroom features a king sized bed with an ensuite. The Second bedroom has 2 twin beds which can be converted into a super king sized bed if preferred. The kids bedroom has 2 sets of bunk beds (sleeping 4). There is a family bathroom that is shared by the twin / super king and the kids room. The annexe has a king sized bed and en suite.
The property boasts a private garden with play equipment and a private terrace with BBQ and outdoor dining area.
Cots, bed guards, monitors, high chairs, boosters, plastic cutlery, steriliser, baby bath are just a few of the baby and toddler equipment that is provided by Steve and Dana. There are also toys and games to keep the older kids happy, including an X Box, kids DVD’s and beach toys.


About the owners – Steve and Dana
‘Steve and Dana have owned Casa Eucalyptus since 2003 and continue to live in the neighbourhood just a couple of houses down the road. Their close proximity to the villa enables them to offer their guests the best and fastest service possible for anything they may require. Having lived on the coast for over 25 years, Steve and Dana have an extensive knowledge of Spanish culture, cuisine, as well as local family-friendly amenities, which they are only too happy to share!’
If you are looking for more info or are interested in booking this townhouse for your next holiday, click here.