You may know Spain’s Costa del Sol as the winter retreat of British retirees, but don’t let that fool you: there’s plenty here to entertain the younger set – even the perennial tough customers, your teens. There are many fun-filled towns along the coast in Málaga province – try Fuengirola on for size with your family!
What to Do
Bioparc Fuengirola
More than simply another zoo, Bioparc Fuengirola is committed to the conservation and preservation of its animals’ habitats. In keeping with this, all of the park’s species are housed in extremely naturalist settings – as close as possible to the animal’s native habitat. As you visit habitats representing Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, you’ll see everything from the slow-going tortoise to the speedy cheetah – a great way to see the world without going far.
Calle Camilo José Cela, 6, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain
Tel: +34 952 66 63 01
Hours: 10:00am-7:00pm
Prices: € 19.90 for adults
Quad and Buggy Safaris
Your teens may have outgrown the baby buggy, but have they even begun to realise the possibilities of off-road buggies? In these four-wheeled vehicles you can bump and splash your way all over the Costa del Sol countryside – provided the driver is over the age of 18. From rivers to mountain trails, these sturdy little buggies can handle more than you might think. Choose from a one-hour session or a four-hour freewheeling excursion (lunch included) if you just can’t get enough.
For more information, contact the activity operator at +34 649 01 33 74.
Karting Experience
If buggy off-roading doesn’t quench your teens’ need for speed, they can get their fix at the Fuengirola karting racetrack. This action-packed high-adrenaline activity is the perfect choice for teenagers bored with sitting on the beach. While the younger set is burning rubber at the racetrack, mom and dad might want to have a bite to eat or a wander through the adjacent Miramar shopping centre.
Terraza del Centro Comercial Miramar (Salida 208 de la A-7) Avenida de la Encarnación, Fuengirola, 29640
Tel: +34 667 668 607
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00am-10:00pm
Costa Waterpark
With half a dozen locations in the Costa del Sol region, Costa waterpark isn’t your average aquatic centre. Rather, these “parks” are actually elaborate floating playgrounds anchored just offshore at some of the region’s most popular beaches – three in Fuengirola alone. Featuring slides, swings, ladders, and trampolines, kids of all ages can find a challenge on this floating jungle gym.
Open June-September 11:00am-8:00pm at Los Boliches, Playa Del Castillo, and Carvajal beaches, Fuengirola
Aventuria Amazonia
If you’re thinking of making a day trip, the nearby city of Marbella (approximately 25 minutes away by car) offers even more activities. At Aventuria Amazonia, brave souls can whiz through the trees on a zip line, climb rock walls, and navigate ropes courses to complete any of six ‘adventure circuits’. Parents needn’t worry – everyone gets a safety harness and plenty of instruction.
Avenida Valeriano Rodriguez 1
Tel: +34 952 83 55 05
Hours: Tue-Fri 10:00am-6:00pm. Sat & Sun 10:00am-7:00pm
Prices: €24 for adults
How to Get to Fuengirola
The quickest way to start your Fuengirola holiday is to fly from London to Málaga airport, which serves the Costa del Sol area. Plenty of nonstop flights (about three hours’ duration) are available with Monarch, Ryaniar, easyJet, British Airways, Norwegian, and Iberia airlines. As an extremely popular destination, you should have no trouble finding good deals on tickets to Málaga.
Once you’ve arrived, you’re likely seeking a low-stress way to get to Fuengirola. Málaga airport transfers with Shuttle Direct are easy to book and will make all those nagging details of holiday planning vanish with just a few clicks.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Las Rampas – Decked out with traditional Andalusian furnishings and décor, this hotel provides a warm welcome to the Costa del Sol. Conveniently located for accessing the beach, train station, and airport, the Hotel Las Rampas is the perfect choice for the family looking to cut down on hassle without sacrificing comfort.
Apartamentos Stella Maris – Located right on the beach, you can wake up to a sea view every morning in this cosily-furnished apartment complex. With a welcoming sitting room, well-equipped kitchenette, and private balcony, Apartamentos Stella Maris is a home away from home.
Apartamentos La Jabega – With sweeping views of Fuengirola’s seaside promenade, you’ll want to be out on your balcony all the time at the Apartamentos La Jabega. Located just a stone’s throw from the centre of town, this mid-budget apartment complex is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring all that the Costa del Sol has to offer.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct provides fast, easy and economical transfers from airports, railway stations and ports to destinations all over Europe and North Africa. Our user-friendly online booking system makes it easy to organise your travel arrangements before you leave home, and one of our friendly drivers will meet you at the airport and transport you and your luggage to and from your final destination without delay.
