If you ever wanted to visit somewhere where your young family will be welcome – it’s Spain. The Spanish adore children, and it’s reflected in their willingness to accommodate them in all areas of life.
Here we suggest three great places can be enjoyed in safety during a trip to Spain with a young family.
For peace of mind, it’s useful to take some basic safety items on your travels, such as a children’s medical kit and a reliable baby monitor with interchangeable plugs for travelling abroad. Visit in the spring and autumn when the temperature is comfortable, and enjoy a taste of Spanish hospitality!
Fuengirola – Costa del Sol
If you want a place where the beach, the shops and the transport is easy to access, there’s Fuengirola, just 12 miles away from Malaga on the over ground train or a 35 minute drive. It’s a bit of high-rise place, but just one street behind the hotels, are some wonderful Spanish shops and the children’s clothing and footwear is very reasonable and beautifully made. The beach is swept clean every day – and there are lots of little beach front bistros offering children’s portions too. The water is clean, and safe for paddling. Catch a bus up to the little town of Mijas, with its horse drawn carriages and stunning views. For younger children there are theme parks at nearby Torremolinos which is now a family friendly holiday destination, having cleaned up its act some time ago. It’s easy to get around and if you don’t want to do anything other than wander out from your hotel to the beach you can!
Grazalema National Park near Cadiz
Visit the Grazalema National Park, which is at its best in springtime. The lush meadows and hillsides are ablaze with wild peonies and orchids. If your family enjoys walking – there are dedicated wild flower walking routes to try out. You can stay in local villages such as Torrox – which is known for its fabulous Moorish architecture. Or stay in Grazalema, a true Spanish Village with whitewashed walls and ancient cobbled streets. It was once world famous for its textiles and you can still buy beautiful blankets and ponchos today. – perfect for a present for a baby! Visit the ArtesanÃa-Textil de Grazalem and visit the workshop where you can see looms and carding machines and check out the textiles. The town also has a lovely open air pool with some spectacular views over the Sierra and Grazalema. You’ll find it on the eastern side of the village. There are lots of little restaurants around its traditional square and of course, there will be lots of babies and children eating out late with their families, so finding somewhere suitable to eat with young children is never a problem.
Barcelona – Catalonia
It’s not all high rise hotels in Barcelona. You might want to consider renting a house and a guide – and go for a living-local experience. Once you have got to grips with the accommodation, your personal guide can help with just about anything – you might want some help in buying glorious food at Barrio Market, tickets for buses and trains or renting a car. Your guide will be available, as and when you need them, so you’ve got lots of flexibility. It’s a great way to meet people and test out your Spanish too!
