Traveling to Nerja with kids is a fantastic idea! This charming coastal town on Spain’s Costa del Sol has everything for a perfect family vacation.
You will find kid-friendly beaches, great hotels with pools, and fun excursions that even the youngest travelers will enjoy. Here are our top tips for an unforgettable stay in Nerja with children.
Where to Stay – Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools
A pool can be a lifesaver on hot days, especially for little ones who love to splash around. Here are some great accommodation options for families:
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Marinas de Nerja Beach & Spa – A beachfront apartment hotel with a large pool area and a spacious lawn where kids can run freely. It also has a kids' club and an all-inclusive option.
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Hotel Riu Monica – A stylish hotel with a great pool and close proximity to the beach. Perfect for families who want comfort but still wish to explore Nerja.
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El Capistrano Village – A charming apartment complex with lush gardens and several pools. A great option if you want a more local feel and the ability to cook your own meals.
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Apartamentos Toboso – Located in the heart of Nerja, near the famous Balcón de Europa, with a small pool and walking distance to several beaches.
The Best Beaches for Families
Nerja is famous for its beautiful beaches, and many of them are ideal for families with calm waters and soft sand.
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Playa Burriana – The most popular beach in Nerja and an excellent choice for families. It has gentle waves, plenty of space for building sandcastles, and a long promenade with restaurants and ice cream stands. You can also rent pedal boats and small kayaks.
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Playa El Playazo – Perfect if you want more space and fewer tourists. This long and wide beach offers plenty of room to run and play.
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Playa Calahonda – A small, picturesque beach right next to Balcón de Europa. It is well-sheltered from the wind, and the water is often calm—perfect for toddlers dipping their toes in the sea.
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Playa Maro – A short drive from Nerja, this scenic beach with crystal-clear water is a little more secluded. However, there are no beachside restaurants, so bring snacks and water if you plan to stay for a while.
Fun Activities and Excursions for Young Kids
Beyond sunbathing and swimming, there are plenty of fun activities for kids aged 2-5. Here are some of the best excursions for the whole family.
Explore the Nerja Caves
Just a short drive from the town center, Las Cuevas de Nerja is a stunning cave system filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Kids are often fascinated by the massive rock formations and the magical feeling of being underground. Be aware that some areas can be a little slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.
Play at Parque Verano Azul
A nice playground in central Nerja, named after a famous Spanish TV series. It has slides, climbing frames, and plenty of space for running around. A perfect stop after an ice cream break at Balcón de Europa.
Ride the Nerja Tourist Train
If little legs get tired, the whole family can hop on the Nerja Tourist Train, a small sightseeing train that takes you around the town’s best attractions. Kids love it, and it’s a great way to explore Nerja without too much walking.
See Animals at BioParc Fuengirola
For a slightly longer excursion, drive about an hour to BioParc Fuengirola, a green and naturalistic zoo where kids can see lemurs, monkeys, and flamingos up close.
Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Trip
For a calm yet exciting adventure, take a glass-bottom boat tour from Marina del Este, about 20 minutes from Nerja. Kids can look through the glass floor and discover colorful fish and other sea creatures.
Where to Eat – Kid-Friendly Restaurants
After a day of play and adventure, good food is a must. Here are some family-friendly restaurants in Nerja:
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Ayo – A legendary beachside restaurant on Playa Burriana, famous for its giant paella cooked over an open fire. Kids can run around on the sand while you enjoy a leisurely meal.
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La Dama – A great Italian restaurant serving pizza and pasta—always a safe choice for little eaters.
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Mesón Antonio – A traditional Spanish restaurant offering mild-flavored tapas that kids often enjoy, such as Spanish omelet and small meatballs in tomato sauce.
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Cochran’s Terrace – A relaxed spot with fantastic sea views. Perfect for an early dinner while the kids enjoy watching the waves crash against the cliffs.
Nerja is an amazing destination for a family vacation. With kid-friendly beaches, fun activities, and fantastic hotels with pools, it’s a place where both parents and children can enjoy sunny days by the Mediterranean. Whether you're spending time at Burriana Beach, exploring the Nerja Caves, or taking a boat trip, your trip is guaranteed to be a wonderful memory for the whole family.
