With its sea breezes and golden sun, the Costa del Sol is typically Mediterranean. Temperatures in August regularly pass 30C, and the wind makes the area comfortable enough to bask in without having to rush off to the shade every five minutes. It’s also peak season during this month, so all attractions are open for business.
Ten-kilometres from Marbella, this palatial resort sits on acres of subtropical gardens, and borders the golden-sands of Nikki Beach. The hotel offers rooms with dark-wood furnishings, varying décor and views of the surrounding mountains. The resort’s beach club has a freeform pool with a waterfall.
This apartment complex is situated within two-kilometres of the beach and Nerja centre. Apartments are decorated in light colours, with neutral fabrics and include balconies, kitchenettes and satellite television.
This modern, glass-fronted hotel is situated in Málaga facing the Mediterranean Sea. The 179 air-conditioned guestrooms have modern decor with polished wood floors, extensions to balconies or terraces, satellite television and a pillow menu.
With restaurants, bars, a tennis court, mini-golf, health club with indoor pool, spa tub and sauna, you’ll find it easy to keep busy here. The resort is two-kilometres from the beach and 15km from Marbella. Apartments feature modern Spanish decor with wrought iron and rustic wooden furnishings, tiled floors and ceiling fans.
Opened in 2003, this hotel lies a short stroll from the beach, two-kilometres from Old Town and five-kilometres from Selwo Adventure Park. The 129 guestrooms have furnished balconies with garden or pool views, traditional furniture, tiled floors, fully equipped kitchenettes, marble baths, and wireless internet access.
Selwo is the biggest animal theme park of its kind in Europe. Part safari reserve, part adventure park, there are over 2000 animals on show – ranging from lions and tigers to birds of prey.
The inland Senda Retiro is located a short distance from Malaga, in Churriana. Its spectacular botanical gardens are really relaxing, and will tell you much about the natural beauty of the Costa del Sol.
If you want to wear your kids out by treating them to a spot of canoeing, rock climbing and archery, then Natura Aventura is the place to go. A small number of overnight cabins are also available to rent.
The best way to travel to the top of Monte Calamorro is by cable car. Limited to four people per pod, this journey takes just 15 minutes, and when you get to the top, you’re greeted with spectacular views reaching as far as the North African coast.
The Costa del Sol’s biggest amusement park, Tivoli’s varied programme includes flamenco shows and Wild West attractions. The coastal resort also has an area dedicated to younger kids.