Costa del Solfor families with babies
Costa del Sol earns its place in the directory almost single handedly because of Ikos Andalusia. The flight is 2hr 45min from London Gatwick to Malaga, the transfer to Estepona is 50 minutes on a fast motorway, and the hotel takes babies into the Heroes Creche from 6 months at published staff ratios. That combination (short flight, all inclusive included in the room rate, regulated childcare from 6 months) does not exist in this density anywhere else on a Mediterranean coast accessible from the UK. The rest of Costa del Sol I am more cautious about: Marbella town itself is loud, the buggy pavements are uneven near Puerto Banus, and a lot of the older resorts between Fuengirola and Torremolinos haven't updated their baby provision in years. La Zambra, inland near Mijas, is the other one I'd shortlist, particularly if you want pine forest quiet and adults only restaurant options alongside a family pool. Late April through June, and September, give you 22 to 27C and sea around 19 to 22C. The under two case for Costa del Sol is really a case for Ikos Andalusia specifically, with La Zambra as the inland alternative if your child is finding the beach noise too much. Don't expect Mallorcan water clarity; expect efficiency.
