Located on Spain’s ever-sunny southern coastline, the Costa del Sol has been one of the most popular destinations with the British for over 50 years. There are lots of reasons to visit, but the guarantee of gorgeous sunshine and plentiful caramel-coloured beaches makes it difficult to beat! If you’re looking for your next family holiday to Spain, we’re here to help with our guide to the best resorts in the Costa del Sol for toddlers. We’ve considered the ideal hotels and attractions for toddlers, such as splash parks with sections for young children, fun zoos, and sandy shorelines. Read on to find out more…

#1. Benalmadena

Benalmadena is a brilliant resort for toddlers because it’s placed right by a bounty of beaches along with some incredible attractions. When you’re travelling here with toddlers, the Sea Life Benalmadena is sure to be at the top of your ‘to-do’ list. This amazing aquarium has an incredible array of aquatic life, including tropical fish, turtles, rays and more. Little ones are bound to be wowed by the underwater tunnel featuring fearsome sharks and rainbow-striped shoals. For yet more impressive attractions with your family, hop on the cable car to Mount Calamorro for unforgettable views that stretch all the way to Gibraltar and the coast of Africa. And if you’re on a search for sandcastle-friendly beaches, look no further than Carvajal Beach. It’s a perfect coastal paradise of caramel coloured sand lined by bars and restaurants. If you click on a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue. 

Best places to stay in Benalmadena

Globales Los Patos Park

The colourful splash park is the centrepiece of this Family Favourites hotel. It boasts multi-lane racers, tipping buckets, friendly sea creatures and more. Plus, the hotel is placed conveniently close to the beach.

MedPlaya Hotel Bali & Aqualand Waterpark

Stays at this fantastic hotel include up to 9 days entrance to both the Aqualand Waterpark and the nearby Crocodile Park! At the hotel itself, there’s also a small splash park too.

Holiday World Polynesia Hotel

Stay at the Hotel Polynesia and you’ll enjoy unlimited visits to the Beach Club and Waterpark. Toddlers are sure to love the model elephants at the lagoon-style pools as well as a replica pirate ship, and even artificial waterfalls!

#2. Torremolinos

For holidays with toddlers in Torremolinos, fun times begin at Aqualand Torremolinos! This incredible waterpark has a smorgasbord of slides including a 22m-tall kamikaze! Little ones won’t need to brave the bigger slides though, as there’s a smaller Kidzworld section designed especially for them, as well as a Jacuzzi pool. Next up, the Crocodile Park is well worth a visit with your family. It’s home to more than 300 reptiles including some huge crocodiles! For something a little more sedate, you can relax on Playa la Carihuela. It’s the biggest beach in the resort, so there’s plenty of space for playing in the sand and paddling in the gently shelving water.

Best places to stay in Torremolinos

Hotel Puente Real & Aqualand Waterpark

When you stay at the Hotel Puente Real, you’ll also enjoy up to nine days’ entrance to the Aqualand Waterpark and Crocodile Park. It really maximises the value of your holiday at this family-friendly hotel.

Sol Principe

Sol Principe is placed in the perfect location, right by Playamar beach and with wow-worthy views of the Mediterranean. It also has an on-site splash park and hotel-run kids’ clubs for different age ranges.

#3. Nerja

Nerja is known for being one of the more relaxed options for family holidays in the Costa del Sol. It’s a place of tranquil bars and beautiful coastal views, especially at the Balcon de Europa. It used to be a lookout fortress, but now it offers panoramic views of the sparkling Mediterranean. For an unforgettable attraction for all ages, it’s also well worth visiting the Nerja Caves. This subterranean wonder boasts the world’s largest stalagmite. But you’re sure to be just as impressed by the expansive caverns and unique rock formations. As a coastal resort, Nerja is also blessed with many sandy beaches, with El Playazo being the standout.

Best places to stay in Nerja

Iberostar Waves Malaga Playa

This hotel is a family favourite for its on-site splash park that features tipping buckets, spouts and waterfalls. It also has Iberostar hotel-run kids’ clubs for different age ranges and an on-site playground.

Ona Marinas de Nerja Spa Resort

This great value aparthotel is right on the doorstep of a sandy beach. There are also family rooms and two bedroom apartments available for an excellent choice of accommodation.

#4. Estepona

Estepona reveals the more traditional side of the Costa del Sol with its cobbled streets and authentic white-washed, sugar-cube style houses. And even though it’s peaceful, there’s still plenty to enjoy here for a relaxed family break. That includes the main Del Cristo beach, which is a sheltered arc of golden sand with calm, shallow waters and plenty of shade provided by huge palm trees. Selwo Aventura is also highly recommended. This oasis of a safari park features a thrilling array of more than 2000 animals. You can see flamingos, lions, zebras and more. There’s an adventure park within Selwo Aventura too, with trampolines, walking bridges, archery and even a zip line!

Best Places To Stay in Estepona

Ikos Andalusia

This impressive five-star hotel offers the epitome of luxury for your next family holiday in Spain. Its interiors boast sleek furnishings and serene spaces, combined with modern art and blissful sun terraces.

Sol Marbella Estepona Atalaya Park

The main pool at the Sol Marbella is the perfect place for enjoying the Andalusian sunshine, while there’s even a small splash park that’s ideal for toddlers too. It also features fantastic family-friendly facilities. That includes the Katmandu Adventures hotel-run kids’ club and a daily entertainment programme.

#5. Fuengirola

Fuengirola is a favourite pick for families mainly thanks to the world famous zoo that is located at the resort. Bioparc Fuengirola is an innovative safari park that aims to replicate many of the animals’ original habitats. It has a river styled like the Nile for crocodiles and cave mines serving as the ideal home for bats. The entire family is sure to love the shopping experience at the resort too, as there’s the Centro Commercial Miramar with over 160 shops along with a huge cinema and food court. That’s also not forgetting Fuengirola Street Market hosted in the centre of town weekly. It features authentic local arts and crafts and some fantastic street food too.

Best Places To Stay in Fuengirola

Globales Gardenia Hotel

The Globales Gardenia Hotel represents fantastic value in the Costa del Sol. It’s placed right by the beachfront and is just 3km away from the centre of Fuengirola.

Fuengirola Beach

More than just a beach as the name suggests, this vibrant aparthotel is decorated with bright pastel colours with plenty of space throughout. It’s also only 500m from the beach!

Costa del Sol Glamping Village

This peaceful retreat offers a classic camping holiday close to the beach and just 3km from the resort centre of Fuengirola.

Now you’ve discovered which are the best resorts for toddlers in the Costa del Sol, you can book your ideal family holiday to this sunny slice of Spain!