Family Friendly Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol may have one of the hottest nightlife scenes in Spain, but it is also a great destination for families. When you and the kids need a break from the beach, there are plenty of attractions to keep everyone happy.

In 2010, President Obama and his family visited Selwo Aventura (tel. 95-257-77-73), highway A7, Km 1062 in Estepona. The wildlife park focuses on mega-fauna—Asian elephants, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, white rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses. Daily feeding times for many of the animals are posted. A trampoline area, zipwire, and hanging bridges are great for active kids. The wildlife park is closed January and early February; in July and August it’s open daily 10am‒8pm, with shorter hours the rest of the year. Adults pay 30€, seniors and children 24€; online advance purchases get significant discounts.

Benalmádena draws families with a cluster of three attractions. Sea Life Benalmádena (tel. 95-256-01-50) at Malapesquera Beach features a tunnel-like aquarium, a rock pool, and habitats for sharks, giant turtles, and rays. It’s open daily 11am‒7pm, with longer hours in July and August. Discounted admission, purchased online, is 19.50€; treat the kids to a round of minigolf for 5€ more.

Selwo Marina, Parque de la Paloma, s/n (tel. 95-257-77-73), features dolphin and sea lion encounters and an exotic bird exhibition. Its Penguinarium has one of Europe’s most notable collections of penguins. The marina is open mid-February through October daily 10am to at least 6pm with later hours in summer. It is open Friday through Sunday only in November and December. Admission is 25€ adults, 20€ seniors and children; there are significant discounts for online advance purchases.

For a more low-key and sweetly old-fashioned good time, visit the Butterfly Park of Benalmádena, C/Muerdago, s/n (tel. 95-121-11-96). More than 1,500 butterflies from around the world flit freely in this controlled environment. New hatches daily mean kids get to see them emerge from the chrysalis. It’s open daily 10am‒6:30pm (shorter hours on Christmas and New Year’s Eve). Admission for adults is 12€, seniors and ages 2‒12 9.50€.