Is Andalusia good for a holiday with children?

Yes, especially if you take a finca outside the city. Plenty of space, a pool, nature, easy meals. The combination of the interior (cooling off in the mountains) and trips to the coast works for children of all ages.

What is the best age for the Caminito del Rey?

At least 8 years old (mandatory). With children aged 8 to 12 it is very doable, provided they are not afraid of heights. Pushchairs and baby carriers are not allowed.

What are the best activities with young children (4 to 7)?

Kayaking on the lake, a day at the beach near Nerja or Mijas, the Aqualand Torremolinos water park, watching dolphins at Selwo Marina, or simply playing in the pool at the finca.

Is it too hot for children in summer?

July and August are often above 35 degrees. For small children that can be hard going. May, June or September are better. In July and August, adapt the day: mornings and evenings outside, midday rest indoors or in the pool.

How do you arrange child car seats for the rental car?

Reserve them together with the car at Sixt or OK Mobility. Roughly 5 to 10 € per day per seat. Bringing your own is cheaper if you have enough room in your suitcases.

Family holiday in Andalusia

By Maartje, mother of two and host of Finca Alora

I have lived here for years with our two children and I regularly welcome families. Here is everything I wish I had known before our first family holiday: what works, what doesn't, how to handle the heat and which activities are still fun for bored teenagers even after three days.

Private pool with mountain panorama, ideal for families — A pool of your own makes all the difference on a family holiday.

First: why the interior?

Many families book a resort on the coast at Marbella or Torremolinos. That is fine, but you also get crowded beaches, expensive restaurants and little contact with the real Andalusia. A finca in the interior, an hour from the coast, gives you:

A pool of your own with no queue or fight over the loungers.
Space to play outside, light fires (in season) and grill.
The coast within easy reach for a day at the beach.
Authentic villages, local restaurants, no tourist traps.

Activities by age

Toddlers and preschoolers (1 to 4 years)

The pool at the finca is the clear winner. Pull a shade sail across the dining area. No long car journeys, no heavy programme. A morning at the beach in Torremolinos or Fuengirola (calm sandy beach, shallow water), back in time for the afternoon nap.

Tip: an inflatable pool for indoors is a lifesaver during the hottest hours.

Small children (5 to 7 years)

Start every day in the pool, then something active: watching dolphins at Selwo Marina in Benalmádena, the Aqualand Torremolinos water park, or a day at the beach. A walking trail around the lake at El Chorro also works well with a backpack carrier for the smallest.

A donkey ride through Mijas? Don't. Deeply unfair and not sustainable.

Children (8 to 12 years)

Now it gets really fun. The Caminito del Rey is possible from age 8, and most children find the suspension bridges unforgettable. Kayaking on the reservoir with mum or dad in a double kayak. A day in Málaga city with the Picasso museum and lunch at the market. Ronda is fine, as long as the gorge doesn't get too scary.

My favourites at this age: kayaking on the lake plus an ice cream afterwards, and the Cueva del Tesoro (a cave near Rincón de la Victoria) for adventure.

Teenagers (13+)

Ask them to help plan. Teenagers switch off at old churches and stone towers, but thrive on climbing in El Chorro (genuinely world-famous for sport climbing), surfing on the west coast near Tarifa, or photo outings in Ronda with their smartphone.

Give them their own room and an evening with no family programme. The wifi at the finca is usually good.

My daily schedule with children

In summer (July and August) this is how we plan our days:

7:30 - 10:30 Breakfast outside, an outing (Caminito, beach, village market).
11:00 - 16:00 Back at the finca. Pool, lunch, siesta. Outside it is not pleasant between 14:00 and 17:00.
16:00 - 19:00 A second outing or the pool.
19:30 - 22:00 Dinner outside. In Spain people don't start eating until 20:30 or later, but for children we can eat earlier.

In May, June and September: far less strict. Then you can simply stay active all afternoon.

Eating out with children

Spanish restaurants are generally welcoming to families. But a few things to know:

Meal times are late. Lunch between 14:00 and 16:00, dinner only after 21:00. For children, plan either an earlier light meal, or adjust their rhythm.
No children's menu. Spaniards order small portions of the normal menu for children. Croquetas, grilled chicken, pasta with sauce, fish. Almost always a hit.
Tapas are perfect for children. Small plates, no pressure to clear their plate, and you can taste lots of different things.
High chairs are available at most restaurants. Ask for una trona.

My favourites with the children in Álora: Bar Marín for tapas, Mesón Tito for the view and the play area.

Safety and health

Pharmacy (farmacia): in Álora open from 9:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:30. For emergencies at night there is a 24-hour one in Pizarra.
Hospital: the nearest is in Antequera (35 min). For specialist care you go to Málaga (45 min).
Drinking water: tap water is safe to drink throughout the region.
Insects: in summer mosquitoes can be a nuisance. Bring a good repellent (the Dutch brands work fine here too) or ask me for a window screen.
Sun: factor 50 is a must for children, even during cloudy hours. You burn faster here than in the Netherlands.

Practical tips for families

Flights: direct to Málaga (AGP) from Schiphol, Eindhoven and Brussels. No connection means a lot more calm for children.
Rental car: an SUV or MPV for the luggage. Reserve child seats in advance (Sixt or OK Mobility), or bring your own in a cover.
Groceries: the Mercadona in Pizarra is your best friend. Cheaper than in Álora, a wide range, parking right outside.
Laundry and baby kit: most fincas have a washing machine. Nappies and baby formula in every supermarket.
Booking restaurants: not necessary at Bar Marín, but yes at TARANTELO (and that is not a restaurant for children).

How many days should you plan?

For families with children, a stay of 10 to 14 days works better than a short week. The first 2 to 3 days everyone acclimatises (there is no jet lag, but you do feel the heat), then comes the time to truly enjoy it. A week often feels too rushed: one outing after another.

Top 5 tips from my own experience

Plan less than you think. Andalusia invites you to slow down. Three outings a week is enough.
The pool is a holiday in itself. Our children still rate the pool as the highlight.
Eat in the shade. Spaniards rarely eat in the sun. Follow them.
An early morning is wonderful. Get up with the children at 7:30 and you are given two hours of quiet and cool as a gift.
Don't jump at every request. A week of holiday boredom is good for children.

Frequently asked questions

Andalusia with children, good idea?

Yes, especially with a finca outside the city. Plenty of space, a pool, easy meals.

Caminito del Rey with children?

From age 8, mandatory. No pushchairs. Not for children who are afraid of heights.

Best activities for young children?

Kayaking on the lake, a day at the beach, the pool. No long car journeys.

Too hot in summer?

July and August often above 35 degrees. May, June or September are better. Otherwise adjust the daily schedule.

Arranging child car seats?

Reserve at Sixt or OK Mobility together with the car, or bring your own.

Are you coming with children? I am happy to help plan, just tell me their ages and what they enjoy. View the finca.