If you’re holidaying with teenage children, you’ve probably outgrown the “are we theeeerrre yet?” stage, but there’ll be no resting on your laurels because it’s more than likely been replaced with “but what is there to doooooo?” Good news! Torremolinos, on Spain’s sun-soaked Costa del Sol, has all the answers for an active, adventure filled family holiday that will definitely get the tough talking teenager seal of approval!
Family Fun that’s Second to None!
The seafront promenade is a world of fun in itself. Six beautiful beaches make up the 7km coastal strip, and even if there weren’t some of the best attractions on the Costa del Sol close by (but there are!), it would be enough to keep the kids occupied for an entire week! Just to give you the lay of the land, the beaches are:
- Los Alamos
- Playamar
- Bajondillo
- La Carihuela
- Montemar
- El Saltillo
Tip: We wouldn’t want to play favourites, and half the fun is discovering your own, but the great news is that, with recent improvements to the promenade, all the beaches are linked – so the kids can safely go off exploring while you top up your tan…
Slip ‘n Slide on a Sea Pedalo
That doesn’t sound quite right, does it? But the sea pedaloes in Torremolinos are actually a hybrid between a regular pedal-powered vessel and a floating water slide. Teens will love the novelty of peddling themselves out off the beaches and taking a slip ‘n slide into the ocean!
You can hire out pedaloes from most of the beaches, along with windsurfers, kayaks, sailboats, stand-up paddleboards, kite surfers, wakeboards, surfboards and snorkels. There are also a number of companies that run scuba-diving lessons and trips.
Aqualand Torremolinos
Prepare to receive your lifetime award for best parents of the year when your teens discover how much fun there is to be had at the biggest water park on the Costa del Sol – Aqualand.
With everything teens have to prove, they’ll find themselves busy on the host of wet and wild big kids’ rides. This is no place for wimps, so if you’re not up to it, you’re excused to curl up with a good book in the sun and challenge your kids to take on the adrenaline-infusing water slides, including:
- Kamikaze
- Anaconda
- Black Hole
- Super Slalom
- Rapids
- Twister
There’s no real need to describe them in detail – the names say it all! Tell the kids to save the park’s newest ride – the (literally) breathtaking Boomerang – for last. Just make sure they come back…
A public bus runs from Torremolinos to Aqualand. The park is open May through to October, 11.00am-18.00pm (19.00pm in July/Aug). Adults and children over 11, admission €28, or €26 if purchased online.
Get Up Close to a Crocodile
Yes, really close (within a couple of metres) – but it’s perfectly safe, so don’t worry. The Crocodile Park is home to over 200 crocs, and the lush rainforest environment really sets the scene for the kids to get personal with these fascinating prehistoric predators.
You can choose from a guided tour, including live feeding and demonstrations, or go it alone, with a helpful map advising the order in which to visit each viewing station. The kids will get a big thrill at the small animals farm, where they can hold a live croc. Smart phones at the ready for the best selfie opportunity of the holiday!
The park’s ultimate attraction, and undisputed King of Torremolinos (maybe not officially, but who’s going to argue!), is Paco, aka Big Daddy – at 600kg, the largest crocodile in Europe.
The Crocodile Park is open all year round from 10.00am-18.00pm. Closing times vary within an hour each way, depending on the season. Admission price for adults and children over 12 is €15.50. You can take a public bus from the resort directly to the park, with a number of options including the M-110 and M-120.
Tivoli World
The parade of biggest and best on the Costa del Sol continues at Tivoli World, which is the region’s largest centre for family entertainment.
There are over 300 rides, set within the lush tropical gardens, along with fairground attractions, restaurants, and a host of evening entertainment with illuminations, flamenco shows, musical acts, and theatrical performances in the 3000-seat outdoor amphitheatre.
But the favourite for teens (especially the boys) is invariably the Far West Corner, where kids can pit their skills against the bucking bronco and play real-life cowboy. Just make sure they leave their spurs at the door.
You can catch a bus right to Tivoli World on the Arroyo de la Miel-Benalmadena bus route. The park is open all year round, and opening hours vary, but closing times range from 21.00pm up to 2.00am.
This is just a roundup of what’s on offer to keep the older kids happy in Torremolinos. There’s plenty more to go towards that coveted teens tick of approval – and it won’t take long to find it!
Tip: Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, you may be able to impress the family with one of Spain’s legendary fiestas. Read about a couple of the ones held around Málaga here.
How to Get to Torremolinos from Málaga Airport
Getting to Torremolinos is a breeze, even with teens. Flying from the UK to the Costa del Sol takes under three hours, with flights from budget carriers starting from as little as £32. The most convenient airport to fly in to is Málaga, and at just 15 minutes by road from Torremolinos, there won’t even be time for the kids to revert to “are we there yet”.
The easiest way to get from the airport straight to your accommodation is with fast and friendly Málaga airport transfers. Shuttle Direct’s shared or private services ensure that you, your restless teens and all your luggage will get to Torremolinos in the most convenient and cost effective way.
Where to Stay:
Apartamentos Bajondillo: Reach out and touch the beach at the fabulous Apartamentos Bajondillo in one of the best locations in Torremolinos. The kids will have room to move in the spacious apartments, and the whole family will be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities and entertainment. Stay home and enjoy the pool, library and entertainment programme, head off for a day at the water parks, or simply stroll across the road to the beautiful beach.
Hotel La Barracuda: At the beachfront Hotel La Barracuda, your family will have a lot of decisions to make. Stay in the hotel and enjoy the rooftop terrace, fabulous pool and outdoor area, table tennis, bouncy castle, and tennis courts? Relax on the patio and admire the sea views? Stroll down the road to the marina complex? Or walk just a few steps and take a dip in the ocean? All those choices and more await at the Hotel La Barracuda.
Pierre et Vacances Torremolinos: The perfect family accommodation in Torremolinos, the Pierre et Vacances Torremolinos makes everyone feel at home. The kids will love the fun, contemporary décor of the apartments and fabulous outdoor pool, while you’ll love the convenience of the 24-hour reception, self-catering kitchen facilities, and even the luxury of a coffee maker. Set right in the heart of the resort, just a short walk to the incredible Bajondillo Beach, your entire holiday is right at your fingertips.
About Shuttle Direct
For the most convenient, easy to book airport transfers throughout Europe and North Africa, Shuttle Direct’s fast and friendly service offers peace of mind and exceptional service. Book a shared or private transfer online before you leave home and our experienced drivers will meet you at the airport and transport you to and from your holiday accommodation without delay. Choose Shuttle Direct for the best airport transfers in the business.
