Where to Go in Alicante with a Young Family in Tow – Alicante’s reputation precedes itself, as a family-friendly holiday destination that’s got it all: sunshine, azure-blue seas, golden sands, and a city brimming with culture. As such, it would be no surprise to see Alicante at the top of your family holiday shortlist – but how can you engage the whole family on your trip to Costa Blanca?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to note that the Aeroport d’Alacant is a significant distance from the fun of Alicante itself. To ensure minimum disruption to your family holiday – meaning minimal tantrums from the younger members of your entourage – you should stump for an airport transfer ahead of time. Once you’ve been shuttled to your hotel and dropped off your bags, though, try the following places and activities for a holiday you and your children will remember.
Playa de la Almadraba
The Playa de la Almadraba is a beautiful beach nestled in the Cap de l’Horta region, itself found in the northern reaches of central Alicante. The beach is southern-facing, and thus sheltered from the southerly winds of the Costa Blanca. The sunshine it receives is unmatched by many other beaches on the coast, and its quiet residential setting is the perfect place to enjoy some uninterrupted quiet time as a family. The area is also much less touristy, and thus much more natural in geography – making for a uniquely beautiful resort setting.
Aqualandia
Aqualandia is a full day of family fun in one self-contained package and only a short hop up the Costa Blanca to Benidorm. It is the largest water park in Europe, with attractions and features that cater to all the family. The thrill-seeking little ones can plunge themselves down some of the tallest and longest waterslides in the world, while the adults can take a load off in the relaxing hot tubs.
Guardamar del Segura
Guardamar del Segura is a brilliant stretch of coastline to the south of the Alicante province, well worth a visit for its miles of the white-sand beach alone. However, Guardamar is also home to several activity days and weekends that the kids can enrol in – including ‘nautical summer schools’ that coach children in watersports such as kayaking, sailing, and even windsurfing.
Safari Aitana
The municipality of Penaguila is home to Safari Aitana, an incredible opportunity to take your family on a globe-hopping safari without the prohibitive cost of travelling to Africa. The safari encompasses several zones, some of which aim to replicate the natural habitats of species indigenous to Africa. Here you can get close to all manner of animals, exotic and endangered, from camels to elephants and even lions. The safari’s mission is to put the animals first, and that they do – with vast spaces in which the animals can live freely, tended to by professionals.
Poppy Watt