The adventure awaits
Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida - two coasts of Spain that stretch roughly from Alicante to the southern tip of the country, are becoming increasingly popular, especially with families with children. Who wouldn't be attracted by the Mediterranean climate, gentle entry into the sea, beautiful nature, great cuisine, and especially people who expect children to simply be children. And at the same time, the most precious thing in our lives, always and everywhere.
On this trip, you will manage a lot of fun and interesting trips, including, for example, the smallest inhabited island in Spain, you will sail on a catamaran, speedboat, visit a military submarine, an aquarium, explore three big cities, and most importantly, eat lots of ice cream and romp together in the waves of the sea :)
We took this trip during the summer holidays, when the boys were five and three years old, and our youngest was four months old and was at the sea for the first time. I really enjoyed walking with a travel stroller along the promenades.
Today's goal is to make it to the accommodation. Before that, you'll arrive at the airport where you'll rent a car (according to the instructions you received before the trip). If you have time and energy left after the journey, you can take a swim in the sea or go for a walk around the area.
Alicante Airport is rather small. From the plane, you walk to the hall across the airfield, so definitely keep that in mind when preparing for your flight. Pick up your reserved car at the airport. Then, head to Torrevieja, which is a larger city in the middle of the area you will visit. This makes it a great starting point for taking trips both north and south. The journey to the accommodation takes less than an hour, driving along the coastal highway.
Torrevieja is a larger town known for its healthy microclimate. While the whole of Spain can be gripped by a heatwave in the summer, it is a little cooler in this area. It is also known for its salt lakes and beautiful beaches.
If time permits, after settling in, you can take a walk along the promenades.
The first and last day completely without a car. In the morning, you'll dive into exploring a submarine and walk along a beautiful seaside promenade to the beach - you'll encounter several playgrounds along the way, so it may take longer than expected. But sometimes the journey is the destination :) In the afternoon, you can swim in the sea on the beach near the accommodation.
Expect the walk to take you longer. You'll be walking along the coastal promenade, where there are playgrounds, shops, cafes, ice cream parlors... you definitely understand :)
You can head out to explore a decommissioned Spanish Navy submarine first thing in the morning. The submarine is from the 70s, so it's a bit of a retro experience. Admission is purchased on-site and is only two euros, it is only open in the morning and it was a great experience for my son. Just be aware - there is a height limit of 115 cm - smaller children and babies in carriers are not allowed inside for safety reasons.
After visiting the submarine, you can head to the beach. We liked Playa del Cura the most out of the city beaches - if you go to its western edge, thanks to the tall hotel you will have shade all morning. Plus, you'll be right next to the pedal boat rental :)
The beach has clean water, a very gradual entry into the sea, and right next to it you will find several restaurants, shops, and especially ice cream parlors.
Early in the morning, you'll set off on a trip to the bustling Spanish city of Alicante, which offers a wide range of activities and places to discover. Your main destination is "Mushroom Street" and the promenade along the coast. With older children, when the weather is good, it's a nice experience to climb to the medieval castle of Castillo de Santa Barbara. Admission to the castle is free. It is even possible to take an elevator to it (for EUR 2.70), or drive directly up to it by car, where there is even a parking lot. Because we had a baby in a stroller and it was very hot, we left the castle for next time. After visiting the city, you will move to the picturesque town of Villajoyosa to relax on the beach.
Back to the big city where you landed. When visiting larger Spanish cities, we find it works best to park in the El Corte Inglés department store. Parking is safe, the price is the same, and we also like to shop at El Corte Inglés before heading back. To explore Alicante, I recommend parking at El Corte Inglés Seguros, from where you can reach the city center in a short time (again, passing several playgrounds along the way).
The goal of visiting Alicante is clear, it's Mushroom Street!
A place with a vibe! Kids will be thrilled to discover the mushroom sculptures. While watching them, you can enjoy the local gastronomy.
Continue to the city's iconic promenade.
A beautiful promenade along the sea in the shade of palm trees. It just has a vibe! It's a joy to walk here. Children can run back and forth without worry, as there is no danger lurking for them because there is a separate lane for cyclists. Have (another) ice cream, tapas, drink...
Head back to the El Corte Inglés department store, which our family simply enjoys on every visit to Spain. Several floors for shopping for everything. We had a great lunch in a restaurant overlooking the city (they also had a children's menu and the children got toys), bought food and drinks and went to the beach in Villajoyosa.
Alicante itself certainly deserves more time. There is much more to discover. For example, The Ocean Race Museum in the port (free) about the ocean with interactive elements. Or the very nice De lo Morant park, where you will also find several playgrounds.
A wonderful place! Houses with brightly colored facades like something out of a fairy tale, right on the promenade along the beach. An ideal place to relax after a trip to Alicante.
Park in the large parking lot right by the beach and you can head straight into the waves. On the promenade, choose the right refreshment for you from a wide selection. And a few popsicles to go with it. Then head back to your accommodation, you've definitely had enough for today.
Today's plan is to enjoy a day at the beach with the kids. This smaller beach is perfect for spending active time with children. The kids will climb the rocks on the shore, where they can observe mini crabs and fish, they will swim and dive... and you can have a drink and good food at the beach bar. Once you've had enough swimming, head to La Zenia shopping center for some fun, where you can shop, eat, play on the playgrounds, go bowling... and in the evening you can still enjoy a fun fair with various mega attractions or even a Monster Truck Show!
If you set off early in the morning, you'll definitely snag a parking spot right by the beach. Otherwise, you can find a spot anywhere around the beach.
If you prefer smaller, lesser-known beaches with opportunities for exploration, climbing, discovery, and walks all around, then you'll love it here. Our kids loved climbing on the rock in the sea, diving around it, and exploring the fish and crabs. So be sure to bring nets and buckets :) I, on the other hand, liked the very pleasant beach bar the most, where you can get a nice pizza in addition to drinks.
It wasn't great for a walk with a stroller - you need to carry the stroller to the start of the beach, where a very nice path along the coast begins (it's several kilometers long), but it wasn't ideal with a travel stroller.
If you found yourself missing beach equipment after today at the sea, no problem! On the way back to Torrevieja, you can visit the La Zenia Boulevard shopping center. Decathlon is right next to it. The shopping center is like a "shopping village" - shops, restaurants, but also several playgrounds that are really worth it! We liked the Zitron playground the most, the indoor playground in the Al Campo restaurant, and the jellyfish-shaped playground. The playground with water spraying from the ground was also a hit!
If you're staying longer, you can also play bowling - they think of children here, they have a "slide" available for the bowling ball.
But the biggest event of the season only starts later in the evening - the Monster Truck Show. This is simply a must for every little boy. Buy tickets several days in advance, they may be sold out quickly in the main season. And for night explorers, right next to the Monster Truck arena is a large fair with lots of attractions. So get your wallets ready :)
Cartagena surprised us so pleasantly! It is a truly beautiful city with lots of trees, parks, nice cafes and, above all, a friendly atmosphere. You can look forward to visiting the harbor, sailing on a catamaran, visiting the maritime museum and the city, beautiful parks and imaginative playgrounds.
There are several companies in the port that offer sightseeing cruises along the coast of Cartagena, some offer a cruise to the Navidad fortress and back, but we decided to just take a catamaran cruise, which lasted less than an hour. The kids really liked it; we sailed past military and supply ships and the aforementioned fortress. It wasn't rocky, and you could buy refreshments and use the toilet on the boat.
The Naval Museum was actually our trip's destination, but unfortunately, it was closed upon arrival. Even so, we liked the building and the cannons in the harbor.
The city has a number of sights worth visiting - Roman walls, a theater, an ancient castle... But we and the children didn't have such ambitions, and a walk from the port to the historical center of the city was enough for us, where we ate and played on the beautiful playgrounds under the trees.
Right next to the beautiful playground with real fun for children is a military museum. The kids would have been thrilled, but it was also closed.
Today is another day of fun at the beach. While "lounging" on the beach, you can explore the medieval defensive tower against pirates, eat in the town, and have fun in the evening at the mini fair for children in the town of La Mata.
La Mata was our favorite area of the entire location. The town has a small square right on the beach with shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. What's more, in the summer season, the entire square turns into one big fair in the evening! Bouncy castles, carousels and various other attractions, and you certainly won't get the kids to bed at a reasonable time. But that doesn't matter at all 😊
You can park for free in any side street near the beach. If you arrive early in the morning, you can also snag a spot in the larger parking lot at the beginning of the beach towards Torrevieja. La Mata Beach is several kilometers long with a promenade where you will find many shops, cafes, restaurants, ice cream parlors and bars.
But watch out for two things - there is no shade anywhere, so bring a parasol or, even better, a beach tent. Also, be aware of the undercurrents - the locations are marked.
In the northern part of the beach you will find a tower - Torre de la Mata, which was used to defend against pirates. The kids will definitely love that.
Murcia, have you heard of it? I bet you haven't. And I'll admit that Murcia wasn't even a planned destination on our vacation. Who would rush to the inland capital of a province on vacation? And yet it charmed us.
Park anywhere near the Museum, as it is located not far from the center.
The Museum of Science and Water really impressed us. The children saw many exhibits, as well as live animals (newts, octopuses, fish, lizards... a total hit with the little boys), learned about silk production, the universe, nature, and conducted various experiments, because the exhibition is interactive and adapted for children.
But the best part was the one-hour workshop directly for children - a separate room where children could explore the world, create, and play in a scientific environment. There was also a separate area for babies with a stimulating environment and sensory toys.
And completely free! We didn't want to leave at all – but time was relentless, as siesta time arrived. So, set aside plenty of time for a visit to the museum.
From the museum, walk across the river over the Puente Viejo bridge, also known as Puente Peligro (danger), but don't worry, no danger awaits you, on the contrary! In the water you will find giant artistic sculptures of fish.
You can see the beautiful square with the Cathedral (worth a visit, the kids can handle it), the Bishop's Palace, or just wander the streets with beautiful parks and playgrounds. We bought the kids some proper ice slushes and enjoyed the atmosphere from the shade of the huge trees. There is a lot to see and do in the city. We also had the Archaeological Museum on the agenda (it's free), but in the end we couldn't manage anything else besides the atmosphere.
Another day full of discovery. The plan includes the pleasant town of Santa Pola, where you can visit a smaller, but absolutely awesome aquarium for free. You will continue to the port, where you will board a boat that will take you to the smallest inhabited island in Spain, which you will explore (on foot, it is car-free).
When I ask the boys what they liked most about their holiday in Spain, they both immediately say Santa Pola Aquarium! The aquarium is open all day except for the early afternoon during siesta time, and it's completely free. Although the aquarium is smaller, there's really a lot to see, including a giant octopus and various large, strange fish.
After visiting the museum, you can get refreshments in the town, which is really very nice, clean, with lots of shops and cafes, or head straight to the nearby harbor.
Several companies operate in the port that will transport you to Tabarca Island for EUR 10-15. You can buy tickets on the spot. The journey takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on the type of boat. You don't have to worry about seasickness, it really doesn't rock too much and it only takes a while. Some boats have a glass bottom and a small stop in the harbor for underwater life watching.
The island is tiny, but it's an experience! No cars, you can let the kids go completely without worry. You can explore the shops, restaurants, ancient fortress, soak on the beach and go back to the mainland in the same way.
Pick up the parked car and return to the accommodation.
The goal of today is to prepare everything for the trip home. Check out of the accommodation, travel to Alicante airport, return the car, and board the plane home.
The journey to Alicante airport takes less than an hour, you return the car at the airport and return home.
It was a great vacation, not just for little explorers, right? Several cities, beaches, boat trips, cathedrals, museums, an island, pilgrimages, shows... just the kind of vacation it should be :)
Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida - two coasts of Spain that stretch roughly from Alicante to the southern tip of the country, are becoming increasingly popular, especially with families with children. Who wouldn't be attracted by the Mediterranean climate, gentle entry into the sea, beautiful nature, great cuisine, and especially people who expect children to simply be children. And at the same time, the most precious thing in our lives, always and everywhere.
On this trip, you will manage a lot of fun and interesting trips, including, for example, the smallest inhabited island in Spain, you will sail on a catamaran, speedboat, visit a military submarine, an aquarium, explore three big cities, and most importantly, eat lots of ice cream and romp together in the waves of the sea :)
We took this trip during the summer holidays, when the boys were five and three years old, and our youngest was four months old and was at the sea for the first time. I really enjoyed walking with a travel stroller along the promenades.
Today's goal is to make it to the accommodation. Before that, you'll arrive at the airport where you'll rent a car (according to the instructions you received before the trip). If you have time and energy left after the journey, you can take a swim in the sea or go for a walk around the area.
Alicante Airport is rather small. From the plane, you walk to the hall across the airfield, so definitely keep that in mind when preparing for your flight. Pick up your reserved car at the airport. Then, head to Torrevieja, which is a larger city in the middle of the area you will visit. This makes it a great starting point for taking trips both north and south. The journey to the accommodation takes less than an hour, driving along the coastal highway.
Torrevieja is a larger town known for its healthy microclimate. While the whole of Spain can be gripped by a heatwave in the summer, it is a little cooler in this area. It is also known for its salt lakes and beautiful beaches.
If time permits, after settling in, you can take a walk along the promenades.
The first and last day completely without a car. In the morning, you'll dive into exploring a submarine and walk along a beautiful seaside promenade to the beach - you'll encounter several playgrounds along the way, so it may take longer than expected. But sometimes the journey is the destination :) In the afternoon, you can swim in the sea on the beach near the accommodation.
Expect the walk to take you longer. You'll be walking along the coastal promenade, where there are playgrounds, shops, cafes, ice cream parlors... you definitely understand :)
You can head out to explore a decommissioned Spanish Navy submarine first thing in the morning. The submarine is from the 70s, so it's a bit of a retro experience. Admission is purchased on-site and is only two euros, it is only open in the morning and it was a great experience for my son. Just be aware - there is a height limit of 115 cm - smaller children and babies in carriers are not allowed inside for safety reasons.
After visiting the submarine, you can head to the beach. We liked Playa del Cura the most out of the city beaches - if you go to its western edge, thanks to the tall hotel you will have shade all morning. Plus, you'll be right next to the pedal boat rental :)
The beach has clean water, a very gradual entry into the sea, and right next to it you will find several restaurants, shops, and especially ice cream parlors.
Early in the morning, you'll set off on a trip to the bustling Spanish city of Alicante, which offers a wide range of activities and places to discover. Your main destination is "Mushroom Street" and the promenade along the coast. With older children, when the weather is good, it's a nice experience to climb to the medieval castle of Castillo de Santa Barbara. Admission to the castle is free. It is even possible to take an elevator to it (for EUR 2.70), or drive directly up to it by car, where there is even a parking lot. Because we had a baby in a stroller and it was very hot, we left the castle for next time. After visiting the city, you will move to the picturesque town of Villajoyosa to relax on the beach.
Back to the big city where you landed. When visiting larger Spanish cities, we find it works best to park in the El Corte Inglés department store. Parking is safe, the price is the same, and we also like to shop at El Corte Inglés before heading back. To explore Alicante, I recommend parking at El Corte Inglés Seguros, from where you can reach the city center in a short time (again, passing several playgrounds along the way).
The goal of visiting Alicante is clear, it's Mushroom Street!
A place with a vibe! Kids will be thrilled to discover the mushroom sculptures. While watching them, you can enjoy the local gastronomy.
Continue to the city's iconic promenade.
A beautiful promenade along the sea in the shade of palm trees. It just has a vibe! It's a joy to walk here. Children can run back and forth without worry, as there is no danger lurking for them because there is a separate lane for cyclists. Have (another) ice cream, tapas, drink...
Head back to the El Corte Inglés department store, which our family simply enjoys on every visit to Spain. Several floors for shopping for everything. We had a great lunch in a restaurant overlooking the city (they also had a children's menu and the children got toys), bought food and drinks and went to the beach in Villajoyosa.
Alicante itself certainly deserves more time. There is much more to discover. For example, The Ocean Race Museum in the port (free) about the ocean with interactive elements. Or the very nice De lo Morant park, where you will also find several playgrounds.
A wonderful place! Houses with brightly colored facades like something out of a fairy tale, right on the promenade along the beach. An ideal place to relax after a trip to Alicante.
Park in the large parking lot right by the beach and you can head straight into the waves. On the promenade, choose the right refreshment for you from a wide selection. And a few popsicles to go with it. Then head back to your accommodation, you've definitely had enough for today.
Today's plan is to enjoy a day at the beach with the kids. This smaller beach is perfect for spending active time with children. The kids will climb the rocks on the shore, where they can observe mini crabs and fish, they will swim and dive... and you can have a drink and good food at the beach bar. Once you've had enough swimming, head to La Zenia shopping center for some fun, where you can shop, eat, play on the playgrounds, go bowling... and in the evening you can still enjoy a fun fair with various mega attractions or even a Monster Truck Show!
If you set off early in the morning, you'll definitely snag a parking spot right by the beach. Otherwise, you can find a spot anywhere around the beach.
If you prefer smaller, lesser-known beaches with opportunities for exploration, climbing, discovery, and walks all around, then you'll love it here. Our kids loved climbing on the rock in the sea, diving around it, and exploring the fish and crabs. So be sure to bring nets and buckets :) I, on the other hand, liked the very pleasant beach bar the most, where you can get a nice pizza in addition to drinks.
It wasn't great for a walk with a stroller - you need to carry the stroller to the start of the beach, where a very nice path along the coast begins (it's several kilometers long), but it wasn't ideal with a travel stroller.
If you found yourself missing beach equipment after today at the sea, no problem! On the way back to Torrevieja, you can visit the La Zenia Boulevard shopping center. Decathlon is right next to it. The shopping center is like a "shopping village" - shops, restaurants, but also several playgrounds that are really worth it! We liked the Zitron playground the most, the indoor playground in the Al Campo restaurant, and the jellyfish-shaped playground. The playground with water spraying from the ground was also a hit!
If you're staying longer, you can also play bowling - they think of children here, they have a "slide" available for the bowling ball.
But the biggest event of the season only starts later in the evening - the Monster Truck Show. This is simply a must for every little boy. Buy tickets several days in advance, they may be sold out quickly in the main season. And for night explorers, right next to the Monster Truck arena is a large fair with lots of attractions. So get your wallets ready :)
Cartagena surprised us so pleasantly! It is a truly beautiful city with lots of trees, parks, nice cafes and, above all, a friendly atmosphere. You can look forward to visiting the harbor, sailing on a catamaran, visiting the maritime museum and the city, beautiful parks and imaginative playgrounds.
There are several companies in the port that offer sightseeing cruises along the coast of Cartagena, some offer a cruise to the Navidad fortress and back, but we decided to just take a catamaran cruise, which lasted less than an hour. The kids really liked it; we sailed past military and supply ships and the aforementioned fortress. It wasn't rocky, and you could buy refreshments and use the toilet on the boat.
The Naval Museum was actually our trip's destination, but unfortunately, it was closed upon arrival. Even so, we liked the building and the cannons in the harbor.
The city has a number of sights worth visiting - Roman walls, a theater, an ancient castle... But we and the children didn't have such ambitions, and a walk from the port to the historical center of the city was enough for us, where we ate and played on the beautiful playgrounds under the trees.
Right next to the beautiful playground with real fun for children is a military museum. The kids would have been thrilled, but it was also closed.
Today is another day of fun at the beach. While "lounging" on the beach, you can explore the medieval defensive tower against pirates, eat in the town, and have fun in the evening at the mini fair for children in the town of La Mata.
La Mata was our favorite area of the entire location. The town has a small square right on the beach with shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. What's more, in the summer season, the entire square turns into one big fair in the evening! Bouncy castles, carousels and various other attractions, and you certainly won't get the kids to bed at a reasonable time. But that doesn't matter at all 😊
You can park for free in any side street near the beach. If you arrive early in the morning, you can also snag a spot in the larger parking lot at the beginning of the beach towards Torrevieja. La Mata Beach is several kilometers long with a promenade where you will find many shops, cafes, restaurants, ice cream parlors and bars.
But watch out for two things - there is no shade anywhere, so bring a parasol or, even better, a beach tent. Also, be aware of the undercurrents - the locations are marked.
In the northern part of the beach you will find a tower - Torre de la Mata, which was used to defend against pirates. The kids will definitely love that.
Murcia, have you heard of it? I bet you haven't. And I'll admit that Murcia wasn't even a planned destination on our vacation. Who would rush to the inland capital of a province on vacation? And yet it charmed us.
Park anywhere near the Museum, as it is located not far from the center.
The Museum of Science and Water really impressed us. The children saw many exhibits, as well as live animals (newts, octopuses, fish, lizards... a total hit with the little boys), learned about silk production, the universe, nature, and conducted various experiments, because the exhibition is interactive and adapted for children.
But the best part was the one-hour workshop directly for children - a separate room where children could explore the world, create, and play in a scientific environment. There was also a separate area for babies with a stimulating environment and sensory toys.
And completely free! We didn't want to leave at all – but time was relentless, as siesta time arrived. So, set aside plenty of time for a visit to the museum.
From the museum, walk across the river over the Puente Viejo bridge, also known as Puente Peligro (danger), but don't worry, no danger awaits you, on the contrary! In the water you will find giant artistic sculptures of fish.
You can see the beautiful square with the Cathedral (worth a visit, the kids can handle it), the Bishop's Palace, or just wander the streets with beautiful parks and playgrounds. We bought the kids some proper ice slushes and enjoyed the atmosphere from the shade of the huge trees. There is a lot to see and do in the city. We also had the Archaeological Museum on the agenda (it's free), but in the end we couldn't manage anything else besides the atmosphere.
Another day full of discovery. The plan includes the pleasant town of Santa Pola, where you can visit a smaller, but absolutely awesome aquarium for free. You will continue to the port, where you will board a boat that will take you to the smallest inhabited island in Spain, which you will explore (on foot, it is car-free).
When I ask the boys what they liked most about their holiday in Spain, they both immediately say Santa Pola Aquarium! The aquarium is open all day except for the early afternoon during siesta time, and it's completely free. Although the aquarium is smaller, there's really a lot to see, including a giant octopus and various large, strange fish.
After visiting the museum, you can get refreshments in the town, which is really very nice, clean, with lots of shops and cafes, or head straight to the nearby harbor.
Several companies operate in the port that will transport you to Tabarca Island for EUR 10-15. You can buy tickets on the spot. The journey takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on the type of boat. You don't have to worry about seasickness, it really doesn't rock too much and it only takes a while. Some boats have a glass bottom and a small stop in the harbor for underwater life watching.
The island is tiny, but it's an experience! No cars, you can let the kids go completely without worry. You can explore the shops, restaurants, ancient fortress, soak on the beach and go back to the mainland in the same way.
Pick up the parked car and return to the accommodation.
The goal of today is to prepare everything for the trip home. Check out of the accommodation, travel to Alicante airport, return the car, and board the plane home.
The journey to Alicante airport takes less than an hour, you return the car at the airport and return home.
It was a great vacation, not just for little explorers, right? Several cities, beaches, boat trips, cathedrals, museums, an island, pilgrimages, shows... just the kind of vacation it should be :)
itinerary by Martina Beck
Kid-friendlyThe adventure awaits
Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida - two coasts of Spain that stretch roughly from Alicante to the southern tip of the country, are becoming increasingly popular, especially with families with children. Who wouldn't be attracted by the Mediterranean climate, gentle entry into the sea, beautiful nature, great cuisine, and especially people who expect children to simply be children. And at the same time, the most precious thing in our lives, always and everywhere.
On this trip, you will manage a lot of fun and interesting trips, including, for example, the smallest inhabited island in Spain, you will sail on a catamaran, speedboat, visit a military submarine, an aquarium, explore three big cities, and most importantly, eat lots of ice cream and romp together in the waves of the sea :)
We took this trip during the summer holidays, when the boys were five and three years old, and our youngest was four months old and was at the sea for the first time. I really enjoyed walking with a travel stroller along the promenades.
Today's goal is to make it to the accommodation. Before that, you'll arrive at the airport where you'll rent a car (according to the instructions you received before the trip). If you have time and energy left after the journey, you can take a swim in the sea or go for a walk around the area.
Alicante Airport is rather small. From the plane, you walk to the hall across the airfield, so definitely keep that in mind when preparing for your flight. Pick up your reserved car at the airport. Then, head to Torrevieja, which is a larger city in the middle of the area you will visit. This makes it a great starting point for taking trips both north and south. The journey to the accommodation takes less than an hour, driving along the coastal highway.
Torrevieja is a larger town known for its healthy microclimate. While the whole of Spain can be gripped by a heatwave in the summer, it is a little cooler in this area. It is also known for its salt lakes and beautiful beaches.
If time permits, after settling in, you can take a walk along the promenades.
The first and last day completely without a car. In the morning, you'll dive into exploring a submarine and walk along a beautiful seaside promenade to the beach - you'll encounter several playgrounds along the way, so it may take longer than expected. But sometimes the journey is the destination :) In the afternoon, you can swim in the sea on the beach near the accommodation.
Expect the walk to take you longer. You'll be walking along the coastal promenade, where there are playgrounds, shops, cafes, ice cream parlors... you definitely understand :)
You can head out to explore a decommissioned Spanish Navy submarine first thing in the morning. The submarine is from the 70s, so it's a bit of a retro experience. Admission is purchased on-site and is only two euros, it is only open in the morning and it was a great experience for my son. Just be aware - there is a height limit of 115 cm - smaller children and babies in carriers are not allowed inside for safety reasons.
After visiting the submarine, you can head to the beach. We liked Playa del Cura the most out of the city beaches - if you go to its western edge, thanks to the tall hotel you will have shade all morning. Plus, you'll be right next to the pedal boat rental :)
The beach has clean water, a very gradual entry into the sea, and right next to it you will find several restaurants, shops, and especially ice cream parlors.
Early in the morning, you'll set off on a trip to the bustling Spanish city of Alicante, which offers a wide range of activities and places to discover. Your main destination is "Mushroom Street" and the promenade along the coast. With older children, when the weather is good, it's a nice experience to climb to the medieval castle of Castillo de Santa Barbara. Admission to the castle is free. It is even possible to take an elevator to it (for EUR 2.70), or drive directly up to it by car, where there is even a parking lot. Because we had a baby in a stroller and it was very hot, we left the castle for next time. After visiting the city, you will move to the picturesque town of Villajoyosa to relax on the beach.
Back to the big city where you landed. When visiting larger Spanish cities, we find it works best to park in the El Corte Inglés department store. Parking is safe, the price is the same, and we also like to shop at El Corte Inglés before heading back. To explore Alicante, I recommend parking at El Corte Inglés Seguros, from where you can reach the city center in a short time (again, passing several playgrounds along the way).
The goal of visiting Alicante is clear, it's Mushroom Street!
A place with a vibe! Kids will be thrilled to discover the mushroom sculptures. While watching them, you can enjoy the local gastronomy.
Continue to the city's iconic promenade.
A beautiful promenade along the sea in the shade of palm trees. It just has a vibe! It's a joy to walk here. Children can run back and forth without worry, as there is no danger lurking for them because there is a separate lane for cyclists. Have (another) ice cream, tapas, drink...
Head back to the El Corte Inglés department store, which our family simply enjoys on every visit to Spain. Several floors for shopping for everything. We had a great lunch in a restaurant overlooking the city (they also had a children's menu and the children got toys), bought food and drinks and went to the beach in Villajoyosa.
Alicante itself certainly deserves more time. There is much more to discover. For example, The Ocean Race Museum in the port (free) about the ocean with interactive elements. Or the very nice De lo Morant park, where you will also find several playgrounds.
A wonderful place! Houses with brightly colored facades like something out of a fairy tale, right on the promenade along the beach. An ideal place to relax after a trip to Alicante.
Park in the large parking lot right by the beach and you can head straight into the waves. On the promenade, choose the right refreshment for you from a wide selection. And a few popsicles to go with it. Then head back to your accommodation, you've definitely had enough for today.
Today's plan is to enjoy a day at the beach with the kids. This smaller beach is perfect for spending active time with children. The kids will climb the rocks on the shore, where they can observe mini crabs and fish, they will swim and dive... and you can have a drink and good food at the beach bar. Once you've had enough swimming, head to La Zenia shopping center for some fun, where you can shop, eat, play on the playgrounds, go bowling... and in the evening you can still enjoy a fun fair with various mega attractions or even a Monster Truck Show!
If you set off early in the morning, you'll definitely snag a parking spot right by the beach. Otherwise, you can find a spot anywhere around the beach.
If you prefer smaller, lesser-known beaches with opportunities for exploration, climbing, discovery, and walks all around, then you'll love it here. Our kids loved climbing on the rock in the sea, diving around it, and exploring the fish and crabs. So be sure to bring nets and buckets :) I, on the other hand, liked the very pleasant beach bar the most, where you can get a nice pizza in addition to drinks.
It wasn't great for a walk with a stroller - you need to carry the stroller to the start of the beach, where a very nice path along the coast begins (it's several kilometers long), but it wasn't ideal with a travel stroller.
If you found yourself missing beach equipment after today at the sea, no problem! On the way back to Torrevieja, you can visit the La Zenia Boulevard shopping center. Decathlon is right next to it. The shopping center is like a "shopping village" - shops, restaurants, but also several playgrounds that are really worth it! We liked the Zitron playground the most, the indoor playground in the Al Campo restaurant, and the jellyfish-shaped playground. The playground with water spraying from the ground was also a hit!
If you're staying longer, you can also play bowling - they think of children here, they have a "slide" available for the bowling ball.
But the biggest event of the season only starts later in the evening - the Monster Truck Show. This is simply a must for every little boy. Buy tickets several days in advance, they may be sold out quickly in the main season. And for night explorers, right next to the Monster Truck arena is a large fair with lots of attractions. So get your wallets ready :)
Cartagena surprised us so pleasantly! It is a truly beautiful city with lots of trees, parks, nice cafes and, above all, a friendly atmosphere. You can look forward to visiting the harbor, sailing on a catamaran, visiting the maritime museum and the city, beautiful parks and imaginative playgrounds.
There are several companies in the port that offer sightseeing cruises along the coast of Cartagena, some offer a cruise to the Navidad fortress and back, but we decided to just take a catamaran cruise, which lasted less than an hour. The kids really liked it; we sailed past military and supply ships and the aforementioned fortress. It wasn't rocky, and you could buy refreshments and use the toilet on the boat.
The Naval Museum was actually our trip's destination, but unfortunately, it was closed upon arrival. Even so, we liked the building and the cannons in the harbor.
The city has a number of sights worth visiting - Roman walls, a theater, an ancient castle... But we and the children didn't have such ambitions, and a walk from the port to the historical center of the city was enough for us, where we ate and played on the beautiful playgrounds under the trees.
Right next to the beautiful playground with real fun for children is a military museum. The kids would have been thrilled, but it was also closed.
Today is another day of fun at the beach. While "lounging" on the beach, you can explore the medieval defensive tower against pirates, eat in the town, and have fun in the evening at the mini fair for children in the town of La Mata.
La Mata was our favorite area of the entire location. The town has a small square right on the beach with shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. What's more, in the summer season, the entire square turns into one big fair in the evening! Bouncy castles, carousels and various other attractions, and you certainly won't get the kids to bed at a reasonable time. But that doesn't matter at all 😊
You can park for free in any side street near the beach. If you arrive early in the morning, you can also snag a spot in the larger parking lot at the beginning of the beach towards Torrevieja. La Mata Beach is several kilometers long with a promenade where you will find many shops, cafes, restaurants, ice cream parlors and bars.
But watch out for two things - there is no shade anywhere, so bring a parasol or, even better, a beach tent. Also, be aware of the undercurrents - the locations are marked.
In the northern part of the beach you will find a tower - Torre de la Mata, which was used to defend against pirates. The kids will definitely love that.
Murcia, have you heard of it? I bet you haven't. And I'll admit that Murcia wasn't even a planned destination on our vacation. Who would rush to the inland capital of a province on vacation? And yet it charmed us.
Park anywhere near the Museum, as it is located not far from the center.
The Museum of Science and Water really impressed us. The children saw many exhibits, as well as live animals (newts, octopuses, fish, lizards... a total hit with the little boys), learned about silk production, the universe, nature, and conducted various experiments, because the exhibition is interactive and adapted for children.
But the best part was the one-hour workshop directly for children - a separate room where children could explore the world, create, and play in a scientific environment. There was also a separate area for babies with a stimulating environment and sensory toys.
And completely free! We didn't want to leave at all – but time was relentless, as siesta time arrived. So, set aside plenty of time for a visit to the museum.
From the museum, walk across the river over the Puente Viejo bridge, also known as Puente Peligro (danger), but don't worry, no danger awaits you, on the contrary! In the water you will find giant artistic sculptures of fish.
You can see the beautiful square with the Cathedral (worth a visit, the kids can handle it), the Bishop's Palace, or just wander the streets with beautiful parks and playgrounds. We bought the kids some proper ice slushes and enjoyed the atmosphere from the shade of the huge trees. There is a lot to see and do in the city. We also had the Archaeological Museum on the agenda (it's free), but in the end we couldn't manage anything else besides the atmosphere.
Another day full of discovery. The plan includes the pleasant town of Santa Pola, where you can visit a smaller, but absolutely awesome aquarium for free. You will continue to the port, where you will board a boat that will take you to the smallest inhabited island in Spain, which you will explore (on foot, it is car-free).
When I ask the boys what they liked most about their holiday in Spain, they both immediately say Santa Pola Aquarium! The aquarium is open all day except for the early afternoon during siesta time, and it's completely free. Although the aquarium is smaller, there's really a lot to see, including a giant octopus and various large, strange fish.
After visiting the museum, you can get refreshments in the town, which is really very nice, clean, with lots of shops and cafes, or head straight to the nearby harbor.
Several companies operate in the port that will transport you to Tabarca Island for EUR 10-15. You can buy tickets on the spot. The journey takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on the type of boat. You don't have to worry about seasickness, it really doesn't rock too much and it only takes a while. Some boats have a glass bottom and a small stop in the harbor for underwater life watching.
The island is tiny, but it's an experience! No cars, you can let the kids go completely without worry. You can explore the shops, restaurants, ancient fortress, soak on the beach and go back to the mainland in the same way.
Pick up the parked car and return to the accommodation.
The goal of today is to prepare everything for the trip home. Check out of the accommodation, travel to Alicante airport, return the car, and board the plane home.
The journey to Alicante airport takes less than an hour, you return the car at the airport and return home.
It was a great vacation, not just for little explorers, right? Several cities, beaches, boat trips, cathedrals, museums, an island, pilgrimages, shows... just the kind of vacation it should be :)
Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida - two coasts of Spain that stretch roughly from Alicante to the southern tip of the country, are becoming increasingly popular, especially with families with children. Who wouldn't be attracted by the Mediterranean climate, gentle entry into the sea, beautiful nature, great cuisine, and especially people who expect children to simply be children. And at the same time, the most precious thing in our lives, always and everywhere.
On this trip, you will manage a lot of fun and interesting trips, including, for example, the smallest inhabited island in Spain, you will sail on a catamaran, speedboat, visit a military submarine, an aquarium, explore three big cities, and most importantly, eat lots of ice cream and romp together in the waves of the sea :)
We took this trip during the summer holidays, when the boys were five and three years old, and our youngest was four months old and was at the sea for the first time. I really enjoyed walking with a travel stroller along the promenades.
Today's goal is to make it to the accommodation. Before that, you'll arrive at the airport where you'll rent a car (according to the instructions you received before the trip). If you have time and energy left after the journey, you can take a swim in the sea or go for a walk around the area.
Alicante Airport is rather small. From the plane, you walk to the hall across the airfield, so definitely keep that in mind when preparing for your flight. Pick up your reserved car at the airport. Then, head to Torrevieja, which is a larger city in the middle of the area you will visit. This makes it a great starting point for taking trips both north and south. The journey to the accommodation takes less than an hour, driving along the coastal highway.
Torrevieja is a larger town known for its healthy microclimate. While the whole of Spain can be gripped by a heatwave in the summer, it is a little cooler in this area. It is also known for its salt lakes and beautiful beaches.
If time permits, after settling in, you can take a walk along the promenades.
The first and last day completely without a car. In the morning, you'll dive into exploring a submarine and walk along a beautiful seaside promenade to the beach - you'll encounter several playgrounds along the way, so it may take longer than expected. But sometimes the journey is the destination :) In the afternoon, you can swim in the sea on the beach near the accommodation.
Expect the walk to take you longer. You'll be walking along the coastal promenade, where there are playgrounds, shops, cafes, ice cream parlors... you definitely understand :)
You can head out to explore a decommissioned Spanish Navy submarine first thing in the morning. The submarine is from the 70s, so it's a bit of a retro experience. Admission is purchased on-site and is only two euros, it is only open in the morning and it was a great experience for my son. Just be aware - there is a height limit of 115 cm - smaller children and babies in carriers are not allowed inside for safety reasons.
After visiting the submarine, you can head to the beach. We liked Playa del Cura the most out of the city beaches - if you go to its western edge, thanks to the tall hotel you will have shade all morning. Plus, you'll be right next to the pedal boat rental :)
The beach has clean water, a very gradual entry into the sea, and right next to it you will find several restaurants, shops, and especially ice cream parlors.
Early in the morning, you'll set off on a trip to the bustling Spanish city of Alicante, which offers a wide range of activities and places to discover. Your main destination is "Mushroom Street" and the promenade along the coast. With older children, when the weather is good, it's a nice experience to climb to the medieval castle of Castillo de Santa Barbara. Admission to the castle is free. It is even possible to take an elevator to it (for EUR 2.70), or drive directly up to it by car, where there is even a parking lot. Because we had a baby in a stroller and it was very hot, we left the castle for next time. After visiting the city, you will move to the picturesque town of Villajoyosa to relax on the beach.
Back to the big city where you landed. When visiting larger Spanish cities, we find it works best to park in the El Corte Inglés department store. Parking is safe, the price is the same, and we also like to shop at El Corte Inglés before heading back. To explore Alicante, I recommend parking at El Corte Inglés Seguros, from where you can reach the city center in a short time (again, passing several playgrounds along the way).
The goal of visiting Alicante is clear, it's Mushroom Street!
A place with a vibe! Kids will be thrilled to discover the mushroom sculptures. While watching them, you can enjoy the local gastronomy.
Continue to the city's iconic promenade.
A beautiful promenade along the sea in the shade of palm trees. It just has a vibe! It's a joy to walk here. Children can run back and forth without worry, as there is no danger lurking for them because there is a separate lane for cyclists. Have (another) ice cream, tapas, drink...
Head back to the El Corte Inglés department store, which our family simply enjoys on every visit to Spain. Several floors for shopping for everything. We had a great lunch in a restaurant overlooking the city (they also had a children's menu and the children got toys), bought food and drinks and went to the beach in Villajoyosa.
Alicante itself certainly deserves more time. There is much more to discover. For example, The Ocean Race Museum in the port (free) about the ocean with interactive elements. Or the very nice De lo Morant park, where you will also find several playgrounds.
A wonderful place! Houses with brightly colored facades like something out of a fairy tale, right on the promenade along the beach. An ideal place to relax after a trip to Alicante.
Park in the large parking lot right by the beach and you can head straight into the waves. On the promenade, choose the right refreshment for you from a wide selection. And a few popsicles to go with it. Then head back to your accommodation, you've definitely had enough for today.
Today's plan is to enjoy a day at the beach with the kids. This smaller beach is perfect for spending active time with children. The kids will climb the rocks on the shore, where they can observe mini crabs and fish, they will swim and dive... and you can have a drink and good food at the beach bar. Once you've had enough swimming, head to La Zenia shopping center for some fun, where you can shop, eat, play on the playgrounds, go bowling... and in the evening you can still enjoy a fun fair with various mega attractions or even a Monster Truck Show!
If you set off early in the morning, you'll definitely snag a parking spot right by the beach. Otherwise, you can find a spot anywhere around the beach.
If you prefer smaller, lesser-known beaches with opportunities for exploration, climbing, discovery, and walks all around, then you'll love it here. Our kids loved climbing on the rock in the sea, diving around it, and exploring the fish and crabs. So be sure to bring nets and buckets :) I, on the other hand, liked the very pleasant beach bar the most, where you can get a nice pizza in addition to drinks.
It wasn't great for a walk with a stroller - you need to carry the stroller to the start of the beach, where a very nice path along the coast begins (it's several kilometers long), but it wasn't ideal with a travel stroller.
If you found yourself missing beach equipment after today at the sea, no problem! On the way back to Torrevieja, you can visit the La Zenia Boulevard shopping center. Decathlon is right next to it. The shopping center is like a "shopping village" - shops, restaurants, but also several playgrounds that are really worth it! We liked the Zitron playground the most, the indoor playground in the Al Campo restaurant, and the jellyfish-shaped playground. The playground with water spraying from the ground was also a hit!
If you're staying longer, you can also play bowling - they think of children here, they have a "slide" available for the bowling ball.
But the biggest event of the season only starts later in the evening - the Monster Truck Show. This is simply a must for every little boy. Buy tickets several days in advance, they may be sold out quickly in the main season. And for night explorers, right next to the Monster Truck arena is a large fair with lots of attractions. So get your wallets ready :)
Cartagena surprised us so pleasantly! It is a truly beautiful city with lots of trees, parks, nice cafes and, above all, a friendly atmosphere. You can look forward to visiting the harbor, sailing on a catamaran, visiting the maritime museum and the city, beautiful parks and imaginative playgrounds.
There are several companies in the port that offer sightseeing cruises along the coast of Cartagena, some offer a cruise to the Navidad fortress and back, but we decided to just take a catamaran cruise, which lasted less than an hour. The kids really liked it; we sailed past military and supply ships and the aforementioned fortress. It wasn't rocky, and you could buy refreshments and use the toilet on the boat.
The Naval Museum was actually our trip's destination, but unfortunately, it was closed upon arrival. Even so, we liked the building and the cannons in the harbor.
The city has a number of sights worth visiting - Roman walls, a theater, an ancient castle... But we and the children didn't have such ambitions, and a walk from the port to the historical center of the city was enough for us, where we ate and played on the beautiful playgrounds under the trees.
Right next to the beautiful playground with real fun for children is a military museum. The kids would have been thrilled, but it was also closed.
Today is another day of fun at the beach. While "lounging" on the beach, you can explore the medieval defensive tower against pirates, eat in the town, and have fun in the evening at the mini fair for children in the town of La Mata.
La Mata was our favorite area of the entire location. The town has a small square right on the beach with shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. What's more, in the summer season, the entire square turns into one big fair in the evening! Bouncy castles, carousels and various other attractions, and you certainly won't get the kids to bed at a reasonable time. But that doesn't matter at all 😊
You can park for free in any side street near the beach. If you arrive early in the morning, you can also snag a spot in the larger parking lot at the beginning of the beach towards Torrevieja. La Mata Beach is several kilometers long with a promenade where you will find many shops, cafes, restaurants, ice cream parlors and bars.
But watch out for two things - there is no shade anywhere, so bring a parasol or, even better, a beach tent. Also, be aware of the undercurrents - the locations are marked.
In the northern part of the beach you will find a tower - Torre de la Mata, which was used to defend against pirates. The kids will definitely love that.
Murcia, have you heard of it? I bet you haven't. And I'll admit that Murcia wasn't even a planned destination on our vacation. Who would rush to the inland capital of a province on vacation? And yet it charmed us.
Park anywhere near the Museum, as it is located not far from the center.
The Museum of Science and Water really impressed us. The children saw many exhibits, as well as live animals (newts, octopuses, fish, lizards... a total hit with the little boys), learned about silk production, the universe, nature, and conducted various experiments, because the exhibition is interactive and adapted for children.
But the best part was the one-hour workshop directly for children - a separate room where children could explore the world, create, and play in a scientific environment. There was also a separate area for babies with a stimulating environment and sensory toys.
And completely free! We didn't want to leave at all – but time was relentless, as siesta time arrived. So, set aside plenty of time for a visit to the museum.
From the museum, walk across the river over the Puente Viejo bridge, also known as Puente Peligro (danger), but don't worry, no danger awaits you, on the contrary! In the water you will find giant artistic sculptures of fish.
You can see the beautiful square with the Cathedral (worth a visit, the kids can handle it), the Bishop's Palace, or just wander the streets with beautiful parks and playgrounds. We bought the kids some proper ice slushes and enjoyed the atmosphere from the shade of the huge trees. There is a lot to see and do in the city. We also had the Archaeological Museum on the agenda (it's free), but in the end we couldn't manage anything else besides the atmosphere.
Another day full of discovery. The plan includes the pleasant town of Santa Pola, where you can visit a smaller, but absolutely awesome aquarium for free. You will continue to the port, where you will board a boat that will take you to the smallest inhabited island in Spain, which you will explore (on foot, it is car-free).
When I ask the boys what they liked most about their holiday in Spain, they both immediately say Santa Pola Aquarium! The aquarium is open all day except for the early afternoon during siesta time, and it's completely free. Although the aquarium is smaller, there's really a lot to see, including a giant octopus and various large, strange fish.
After visiting the museum, you can get refreshments in the town, which is really very nice, clean, with lots of shops and cafes, or head straight to the nearby harbor.
Several companies operate in the port that will transport you to Tabarca Island for EUR 10-15. You can buy tickets on the spot. The journey takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on the type of boat. You don't have to worry about seasickness, it really doesn't rock too much and it only takes a while. Some boats have a glass bottom and a small stop in the harbor for underwater life watching.
The island is tiny, but it's an experience! No cars, you can let the kids go completely without worry. You can explore the shops, restaurants, ancient fortress, soak on the beach and go back to the mainland in the same way.
Pick up the parked car and return to the accommodation.
The goal of today is to prepare everything for the trip home. Check out of the accommodation, travel to Alicante airport, return the car, and board the plane home.
The journey to Alicante airport takes less than an hour, you return the car at the airport and return home.
It was a great vacation, not just for little explorers, right? Several cities, beaches, boat trips, cathedrals, museums, an island, pilgrimages, shows... just the kind of vacation it should be :)
