Málaga is an easy and rewarding city for families. It has a safe, walkable old town, city beaches, warm weather for much of the year, castles to climb and plenty of ice cream. With a little planning you can mix culture and play so that everyone enjoys the trip. Here is how to do it.
Start with the beach
The city beaches, La Malagueta and the quieter stretches to the east at Pedregalejo and El Palo, have gentle slopes, lifeguards in the season and plenty of cafés. Malagueta is the nearest to the centre and has playgrounds and showers nearby. The sand is dark and fine, and the water is calm for much of the summer. Pedregalejo has seafood restaurants where you can order fried fish and watch the grilling of sardines on skewers, which children often find fascinating. Pack sun hats, sunscreen and sandals for the hot sand.
Climb a castle
Children usually love the Alcazaba, with its gates, towers, ramparts and fountains, and the adjoining Roman Theatre. The paths are steep and cobbled, so younger children may need a carrier rather than a pushchair, and there is a lift from the street behind the fortress. Gibralfaro Castle, higher up the hill, has long walls to walk and big views of the port. Use the bus or a taxi up and walk down, and bring water. Keep the visit to about an hour and a half if the children are small, and promise a reward such as an ice cream afterwards.
Take to the water
A boat trip is often the highlight of a family holiday. The sunset catamaran leaves from the port and gives a relaxed look at the coast, with the possibility of seeing dolphins on some cruises, and it is a gentle way to cool down. Check the minimum age and what is included when you choose a trip, and bring light jackets for the breeze when the sun goes down.
Go underground
The Caves of Nerja are a hit with many children. The vast chambers, the huge stalactites and the giant column, one of the largest in the world, feel like something from an adventure story, and the temperature inside is constant and cool, which is a relief in summer. The walk is on level paths with steps, and a visit takes about an hour or an hour and a half. Combine it with the Balcón de Europa and a beach in Nerja for a full day, or with the white village of Frigiliana for an easy, pretty walk.
Meet the monkeys
A day trip to Gibraltar is a favourite with older children because of the Barbary macaques on the Upper Rock and the cave and tunnels. Remind children not to feed or touch the animals and to hold on to snacks. The trip is long, so bring games and drinks for the coach.
Museums that work for children
Not every museum suits young visitors, but a few do, particularly if you keep visits short and turn them into a game. The Picasso Museum and the Picasso Birthplace are good for school-age children, who can look for pigeons, faces and animals, and the Centre Pompidou’s bright colours and modern art appeal to many. Check the weekly closing days, because several museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays. Cool, air-conditioned museums are also a welcome rest in the heat of the afternoon.
The Caminito del Rey and age limits
The Caminito del Rey is one of the great adventures of the area, but children under 8 are not admitted, and anyone with a fear of heights may find it hard. If your children are old enough and keen, it is a thrilling day out. If not, choose another walk or a boat trip instead.
Pacing and practicalities
In summer, plan sightseeing for the morning, return to the hotel or the beach for the hottest hours and go out again in the evening, when Spanish families do. Dinner is late, but many restaurants will serve earlier if you ask, and tapas are ideal for fussy eaters because you can order small dishes. A hotel with a pool, such as those with rooftop pools in the centre, can save the day. Pushchairs are workable in the old town, though the lanes are crowded in the evening, and a baby carrier is easier on cobbles and at the castles. Pharmacies are plentiful in the centre. Finally, keep the schedule light: one big sight a day, with plenty of time for ice cream, the beach and the playground, is the recipe for a happy family holiday.
