Family Adventures in the Costa del Sol

One of the most popular getaways in Europe for those seeking to escape dreary weather is Spain's Costa del Sol, located on the southern tip of Spain's coast with the Mediterranean Sea. Despite being known for having a party-like atmosphere, this area also plays host to a variety of fun attractions oriented toward families who are visiting the area on vacation. If you have children and are planning on staying in the area in the near future, the following locations are some of the must-see places you should visit while in the Costa del Sol region.

Located directly outside the city of Torremolinos, Aqualand is a family-themed water park that includes various water slides, pools, green areas to relax in and an 18-hole mini-golf course on the premises. Considered by many Europeans as one of the best water parks on the continent, this waterpark is open from May through September and provides fun and relief from the hot sun in the summer months. A family of four can expect to spend approximately 80 euros to get into the park, where everyone has all-day access to everything the park has to offer.

Perhaps the most exciting animal attraction on the Mediterranean, the Fuengirola Zoo is located in the city of Fuengirola, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Malaga. The climate of the area resembles that of Madagascar, which is where many of the animals featured in this zoo originate. You and your children will see orangutans, toucans, leopards, exotic parrots and many other forms of fauna that can survive nowhere else except in Costa del Sol and Madagascar, due to the similar forms of vegetation and climate that exist in the two places. Your family will be able to spend the entire day enjoying this park and be able to eat for less than 100 euros.

The number one place to visit for a fun time at an amusement park, Tivoli World offers families the chance to enjoy beautiful fountains and gardens, thrilling rides, food and a variety of carnival games to enjoy while walking about the premises. One of the best parts for those on a budget is that all children under 1 meter in height get in free (adults and children over 1 meter cost 10 euros each)! With wristbands available for just 12 euros, you can ride all the rides in the park as many times as you want. Unlike some amusement parks that have sub-par food, all of la comida featured here is locally-made and tastes great. This is one of the most fun, most affordable family options for a daily outing in the Costa del Sol region.

This experience, located between the coast of Benalmadena and Mount Calamorro, offers unparalleled views of the Costa del Sol area via a connecting cable car system that takes you above the hustle and bustle of the area. For just 5 euros per person, you can ride the line in a comfy cable car from the bottom of the coast up to the top of Mount Calamorro, which is approximately 800 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy various attractions that are on-site, including donkey rides, avian demonstrations and shows, and a series of walking/hiking trails that offer unique viewpoints of the area below.