Beach holidays and small children go together like peanut butter and jelly. Entire days can be enjoyed, once the high protection sun cream is applied and bucket and spades are chosen. A day on the sand is a free day out, leaving the whole family tanned, relaxed and rejuvenated. But where are the safest family beaches located? With our sunglasses firmly on, we set out to find three of the best, safe family beaches along the Costa del Sol.
Time to relax on a family beach
Undoubtedly, the beach is the main attraction when you consider spending a week or two on the Costa del Sol. The clue is in the name, it’s sunshine all the way, from when you land until you take off for home, happy and bronzed. For families, it’s downtime, away from the humdrum days of life at home. Málaga province boasts a good stretch of coastline, over 160 km, just begging to be explored.
Marbella and Playa Real de Zaragoza
Staying in Marbella? Then head straight for Playa Real de Zaragoza. A swathe of fine, golden sand awaits. Regularly cleaned, this beach is always in pristine condition. There are toilets, showers, plenty of places to grab something to eat if you don’t fancy sand sandwiches. There’s enough to carry with young children in tow, so rent a sun lounger and parasol shade whilst there. Lifeguards are on duty during high season. Parking is also close-by, so no long distances to cover getting to the beach.
Estepona and Playa El Cristo
Estepona is also home to Marriott’s Playa Andaluza, where you may be lucky enough to stay. Undoubtedly, locals will point you and your family straight to El Cristo, Estepona’s best beach. Facing west to Gibraltar, El Cristo is a sheltered spot, a wide curve of fine, dark sand and shallow waters for paddling safely. Find it just after the marina, and park right by the beach. This Blue Flag beach also has a lifeguard on duty during the summer months.
Benalmadena and Playa Malapesquera
Drive a little further afield, and you’ll reach Benalmadena, and Malapesquera Beach. Older kids will enjoy the beach volleyball and football areas. There is also plenty of opportunity to rent equipment such as kayaks, water-sports are especially popular here. Back on the 700 metre stretch of beach, sit back and relax on one of the sunbeds available to rent, and remember you’re just a ten-minute walk from the centre of town, should you wish to explore more lunch options than that available beach-side.
Where’s your favourite family beach? Tell us where and why you love it so much, we’d love to hear all about it.