Teenagers can be a challenge when it comes to holidays, but, even though I am not a mother of teenagers just yet, I am up to speed enough to know that the more activities you have planned for them, the better. According to many of my friends who have active teenage kids, Fuengirola is a prime destination choice.
Adrenaline Fuelled Activities in Fuengirola
Smile High Parasailing
For fun, excitement and memory making stuff, the Smile High club has all the ingredients you need. While you watch from the boat below (if you don’t fancy it yourself), your teenagers can enjoy the exhilarating experience of flying up to 600ft above the coastline, and even being dipped in the water if they like!
With an excellent safety record, Smile High Parasailing is open every day from March through October, but booking is definitely recommended in July and August. A flight costs around €35.
Practicing Tricks at Fuengirola Skate Park
Jumping by Antonio is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
My daughter might still be under 2 years old, but I already see kids not much older than her on scooters and other 2-wheeled vehicles. Kids today have so many options and learning to ride a bike, scooter, skates or skateboard is excellent for their motor skills, balance, confidence, and (particularly in the case of teenagers) their mood!
The Fuengirola Skate Plaza is a fantastic facility located just off the N340 Costa Road close to Miramar Shopping Mall, and is the perfect antidote for kids with extra energy they need to burn off.
Flyboarding like Superman
Kids will go mad for a chance to fly like one of their super heroes, and with Jet Watersports S.L. they can.
This easy and safe activity is great fun and is available everyday for the bargain price of €50. For more information on this unique way to get the kids thinking you really are the best parents in the world, check out this link.
Buggy Safari
This adventure is definitely a favourite among teenagers I know. Choose between a 1-hour or 4-hour trip that includes lunch, and you will be taken ‘off the beaten track’ through some of the most unspoilt Andalucía countryside. Over 18s can take a turn at driving the on and off road buggy, and there will be plenty of opportunity to stop and enjoy the great views as well as take pictures. Exciting mountain trails and the chance to ‘off road’ it through rivers make this trip one not to be missed. And it’s a great family bonding experience too!
For more information on Rangers Safari Tours, see their website.
Horse Riding
If you and your kids fancy a day out riding some of the island’s beautiful horses, then Finca La Algeria Horse Riding have exactly what you need. Privately owned and offering summer camps, weekend camps and guided hacks, the riding school is home to all kinds of horses, from Shetland ponies to the famous Andalusian beauties. Teachers are all well qualified, so you have no worries there, and the excellent way the horses are looked after is very evident.
Open 6 days a week, you can find the riding school 5 minutes from the coast between Fuengirola and Marbella.
How To Get to Fuengirola
The closest airport to Fuengirola is Malaga (AGP), but you could also fly into Gibraltar if that’s more convenient. Malaga Airport is a busy hub and there are several flights scheduled daily from the UK with carriers including British Airways, easyJet, Veuling, Thomson Airways, Monarch, and Ryanair.
The flight takes just under 3 hours, which means that the kids won’t have time to get bored, and if you book with a budget airline such as easyJet, who fly from London Gatwick, you can pick up flights for £250, even in the height of summer. British Airways also offer some good deals if you are flexible with dates and times, and they offer a larger hold baggage allowance, which is useful when you have teenagers!
If you are looking at flying into Gibraltar, you can choose between British Airways, Monarch and easyJet. No matter which airport you fly into, however, you want your onward transfer to your accommodation to go as smoothly as possible, especially with older kids who I hear can be quite prone to mood swings. Book with us at Shuttle Direct and you can rest assured that stress free means stress free. From Malaga Airport, your transfer to Fuengirola takes only 25 minutes and, for the bargain price of around €17* per person, you and your gang can enjoy a personal meeting on arrival and a private transfer direct to your accommodation. The 1 ½ hour transfer from Gibraltar to Fuengirola costs €77* per person.
*prices accurate as per July 2016
Where to Stay:
Apartamentos Fuengirola – I love the spacious feel and simple, yet well equipped, apartments at Apartamentos Fuengirola and think that they are perfect for families. The eating area in the kitchen is ideal if you need to do some self-catering and the toaster is a real bonus for ravenous teenagers, who have spent their day expelling energy by the bucket load! The free Wi-Fi is a real relief when the kids need some down time and the outdoor pool offers the perfect way to cool off at the end of a long day.
Apartamentos Stella Maris – Kids and adults alike will appreciate the fact that these apartments are only a minute’s walk from the beach and, because of this, all apartments have fabulous sea views that you can enjoy from your own private balcony. Air conditioning is a huge plus point and something you will all appreciate when you need some wind down time in the heat of the day, although there is always the outdoor pool if you don’t want to miss out on the sunshine. Close to bars and restaurants, the Apartamentos Stella Maris are perfectly located for wandering out and exploring.
Casa Consistorial – One of my favourites in Fuengirola, Casa Consistorial is just a short walk from the beach, but in the heart of the old part of town, which makes it a great choice if you like exploring a little local history and culture. The pool is on the rooftop and is surrounded by a terraced area. Free Wi-Fi will keep teenagers happy and air conditioning will keep everyone cool! It is the extras that make this place special, such as the toiletries, the bathrobes, the slippers and the minibar, but I also really enjoy the gourmet restaurant located in the elegant dining room. Dine here and the kids will feel very grown up!
About Shuttle Direct:
Travelling with kids, no matter how old, can be logistically difficult, but book a transfer with Shuttle Direct and you can all sit back and relax. We are the largest provider of airport, cruise port, train station and hotel transfers in Europe and North Africa. We pride ourselves on our excellent, efficient, comfortable and reliable service, which you can book in advance.
