Costa Tropical - Every Child's Dream Holiday Destination!
Discover a world of family-friendly fun on the Costa Tropical. From beaches to exciting water sports, Aquatropic or the Loro Sexi Ornithological Park, explore a range of activities that will keep children entertained and create lasting memories. Unwind in a destination that caters to both relaxation and adventure for the whole family
Loro Sexi Exotic Bird Park
The Loro Sexi bird park (“Sexi” was the original name of Almuñecar!) has a fascinating collection of tropical birds on display, including peacocks, parrots, tucans, cockatoos, swans, ducks, ostriches and many other weird and wonderful species. In summer the park holds regular parrot shows for children. The park also has a cactus garden.
Entrance to the Loro Sexi parks, rather appropriately, in the Calle Bikini, just off the Plaza de Abderramín on the beachfront below the castle, a short walk from the centre of Almuñecar town.
Contact info:
Tel: 958635617/ 615 321 462
Email: reservasparqueszoologicos@almunecar.es
Opening Times are:
From October until March included: Tuesday to Sunday 10:30am – 2pm and 4pm – 6pm.
During April, May, June and September: 10:30am – 2pm and 5pm – 8pm.
During July and August: 10:30am – 2pm and 6pm – 9pm.
Admission fee: adults 4 euros, children and pensioners 2 euros.
Tickets are on sale up to 30 minutes before closing
Visit website
Aquatropic
Aquatropic is situated right on Velilla Beach, just a short stroll from Almuñecar town centre, on the Costa Tropical. The park is quite large (18,000 square metres) and offers a range of water features, including slides (“ring-rapids” and, for the more adventurous, “kamikaze”). There are also a number of swimming pools catering for people of all ages. There is a wave machine, a waterfall, revolving current and a “black hole”. Aquatropic also offers other events and activities, including beach volleyball, massage, and, in the evenings, a disco. There are green areas throughout the park where visitors can relax beneath the shade of palm trees. The park has its own bar and restaurant in addition to a number of outlets serving pizzas, hamburgers, snacks, cold drinks and, of course, ice-cream. A picnic area has been provided for those who would prefer to bring their own lunch.
Contact details
Aquatropic is open every day from mid July to mid September from 11am until 7pm.
For further details, tel +34 958 632081
Email: info@aqua-tropic.com
Website
Sexi Tuk Tuk in Almuñécar
Sexi Tuk Tuk in Almuñécar is a unique and fun mode of transportation but also a fantastic and family-friendly way to explore the town. Families with children will find it an exciting and enjoyable experience that adds an extra element of fun to their visit. These colorful and compact three-wheeled vehicles, known as “tuk tuks,” provide an entertaining and convenient way to navigate the narrow streets, discover local attractions, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Almuñécar.
The name “Sexi Tuk Tuk” pays homage to the town’s Roman origins, as “Sexi” was the Roman name for Almuñécar.
One of the key advantages of using Sexi Tuk Tuk is their ability to navigate through the narrow and winding roads of Almuñécar, which can be a challenge for larger vehicles. This makes them an excellent choice for sightseeing, especially for visitors who may have difficulty walking long distances or navigating steep inclines.
Sexi Tuk Tuk offers various routes and tours. For families, the tuk tuk ride becomes an interactive and educational journey. Kids can learn about the town’s Roman heritage, its historical sites, and local traditions. It’s a hands-on way to introduce children to history and culture in a fun and accessible manner. The drivers are often bilingual and knowledgeable about the town’s history and culture, providing an informative and engaging experience for both parents and children.
In addition to standard tours, Sexi Tuk Tuk can be hired for special occasions or events, providing a unique and memorable transportation option for weddings, parties, or other celebrations.
Routes:
The first route will take you through the San Miguel neighborhood, with visits to the Castle and the Cave of Seven Palaces. It will traverse the streets of the San Sebastián neighborhood, visiting the Arches with their magnificent views of the Vega de Río Verde, passing through sections of the Roman Aqueduct, entering the Tropical Valley, and returning via Altillo Promenade and Prieto Moreno-Caletilla. Price is 20 euros.
The second route will start from Almuñécar, covering San Cristóbal, Cotobro, descending along Punta de la Mona until reaching La Herradura Castle, visitin the lighthouse at Punta de la Mona and Marina del Este, returning to Almuñécar with stops to photograph the beautiful panoramas. Price is 22 euros. Both routes will have an approximate duration of 2 hours.
They also offer shorter tours: one around Playa Cotobro and the city center which last 30-35 minutes and its price is 10 euros, and other route that also includes Tropical Valley which takes 50-60 minutes and it costs 15 euros per person.
Contact details
Tel: 627582166
Swimming with Dolphins
Dolphins abound in the waters of the Costa Tropical and seem to enjoy putting on impromptu acrobatic displays for people on the shore. They frequently swim alongside small boats, leaping out of the water and zig-zagging in front of the prow.
They often approach and interact playfully with swimmers and divers, though it should be noted that playing with dolphins is forbidden by law in Spain. Dolphin boat trips are available all along the coast.
Botanical-Archaeological Park El Majuelo
El Majuelo Park is a haven of natural beauty and biodiversity nestled in the charming town of Almuñécar. El Majuelo covers an area of nearly 5 hectares. Here, visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in a world of fascinating flora and tranquil surroundings.
Explore over 180 species of plants, including rare and exotic varieties, carefully curated to showcase the rich biodiversity found in tropical regions around the world. Here, species from Argentina, Peru, Cuba, Brazil, and other countries in Central and South America coexist with plants originating from Polynesia, New Zealand, Melanesia, Malaysia Islands, Micronesia, Africa, the Philippines, Madagascar, Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, China, India, Arabia, and even Japan.
Inside El Majuelo you can also visit the Roman Fish Salting factory. Find more information in our Historic sites page.
Sculpture park: visit the open air gallery of more than 30 sculptures by modern sirian artists.
Throughout the year various cultural events take place: music concerts, stand-up comedy shows, craft fairs, and magic performances are some of the activities you can enjoy throughout the year, but especially during the summer.
El Majuelo is situated at the foot of San Miguel Castle and just a few meters from San Cristóbal Beach.
It is open everyday beet 9am and 23pm.
Free admission
Oasys Mini Hollywood
The location of filming of many of the 1960’s Spaghetti Western movies, including A Fistful of Dollars, The Magnificent Seven and The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, is now a Wild West theme park just a stagecoach ride from the Costa Tropical, in the Desierto de Tabernas (Europe’s only desert), Almeria. Attractions include a twice daily simulation of a spectacular gunfight when bandits ride into town to hold up the bank (shootouts are at 12am – high noon! – and 5pm), a carriage museum, a film museum, a cactus garden, Indian tepees, a stockaded fort, a western style saloon and a zoo featuring giraffes, bears, hippo, elephants, kangaroos, iguanas and many other species of animals. There is also a bar, a restaurant, a swimming pool and a children’s playground. A similar Western film set, Texas Hollywood, is located in the same area. Movies are still being made here, but visitors can come in and have a look around.
Admission if you book online is €24 for adults and €15 for children. The park is open from 10am – 21pm in the summer and 10am-18pm in the winter.
Contact info:
Tel: (+34)950 365 236 / (+34)950 362 931
Email: taquilla@oasysparquetematico.com / poblado@oasysparquetematico.com
Granada Science Park
Even if you have no interest in science, you’ll thoroughly enjoy a visit to the Granada Science Museum. In fact it is more of a technological funfair than a museum, with interactive exhibits and experiments involving electricity, light, sound, gravity. astronomy, meteorology and various other natural phenomena, presented to entertaining and educational effect. There are 270 interactive features, including a 50m observation tower (overlooking Granada city), a planetarium, a house of tropical butterflies, a maze, water gardens, an astronomy garden, a distorted house, a giant chess board, and a 12-meter Foucault pendulum. There is a separate Exploration Hall for children from 3 to 7 years old.
Opening times: Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10am – 7pm. Sundays from 10am to 3pm. There is a free car park.
Entrance fee: €5 (discounts for children and adults over 65 years).
Tel: +34 958 131 900
Email: web@parqueciencias.com
Jolúcar hanging Bridge in Torrenueva Costa
The first hanging bridge on the Mediterranean coast in Spain, it’s a tourist attraction that connects the urban area of Torrenueva Costa from the Jolúcar Peñon Viewpoint to the PR A-420 trail leading to the new Hondurón Viewpoint, La Joya Beach, and Sacratiff lighthouse
It was inaugurated in 2022, and since then, it has been a resounding success in terms of visitors. The walkway is located at the eastern end of Torrenueva Beach. After climbing some stairs, you’ll find yourself facing the walkway.
Although it sways a bit as you walk, it’s quite stable and sturdy. There’s a maximum number of people allowed on it at any given time. In its central part, there’s a glassed area that allows you to see the bottom of the ravine and the Mediterranean Sea. For people with a fear of heights, it might be a bit nerve-wracking, but if you only have a little or no fear at all, it’s a delight.
This walkway offers a panoramic view of the vastness of the Alborán Sea, rising 35 meters above sea level, with a length of 60 meters on Iroko wooden planks. At sunset, the rocky slopes are illuminated with warm spotlights that accompany and allow you to appreciate the height of the structure, alongside the LED light strips that run from one end to the other.
Once you’ve crossed the walkway, you can either return the same way or continue with the hiking route (see our page Viewpoints and cliffs of Torrenueva Costa hiking trail). You can choose to do the complete circular route or just go as far as the Sacratif Lighthouse. There are no significant slopes, and the distance isn’t very long.
The route begins at the end of Torrenueva Beach, where a set of stairs ascend towards the cliffs. You can park on nearby streets, and there’s an open area used for parking very close by. As you ascend the stairs, you’ll come across a small image of the Virgin of Carmen on a viewpoint overlooking the beach. A path follows along the edge of the cliffs, passing by some houses that cling to the cliffs until you reach the walkway. As mentioned earlier, the appeal of the walkway lies in the height it spans over the cliffs and its glass central section, which may induce vertigo in some individuals.
The bridge has all the necessary safety measures in place to enjoy the unique views this location offers, and it will be open from 7:00am to 1:00am in the summer and from 7:00am to 7:00pm in the winter. Occasionally, for safety and weather reasons, the walkway may be closed.
Puppet Festival in La Herradura
The Puppet Festival in La Herradura is a vibrant celebration of the art of puppetry, captivating audiences of all ages. Held annually in the last days of July and/or early August, this lively event brings together talented puppeteers from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of puppet styles and techniques. From traditional marionettes to innovative shadow puppets, the performances enchant with their creativity and storytelling. With its rich cultural exchange and enchanting spectacles, the Puppet Festival in La Herradura is a highlight of the local arts calendar.You can see the shows every night from 10 p.m. in Plaza de la Independencia, outdoors. Admission is free until full capacity is reached.
Skiing with kids in Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada Ski Resort promises an unforgettable family adventure amidst its stunning winter landscape. Beyond exhilarating skiing opportunities, it offers dedicated zones for family fun, ensuring a perfect blend of excitement for parents and little ones. The resort caters to families with free lift passes for children under 6, special prices, and family-friendly facilities.
Sierra Nevada boasts family-friendly skiing zones for all skill levels, emphasizing safety and enjoyment for children. Specialized areas, ski schools, and themed zones contribute to a holistic family skiing experience. The region’s enchanting slopes, coupled with mountainside villages and family-friendly amenities, create a wholesome environment.
The resort introduces young ones to skiing through programs like Jardín Alpino and fun family slopes like Pista del Mar and Pista del Bosque. Mirlo Blanco Fun Park stands out as a hub for family snow fun, featuring a Russian Sled and diverse activities.
Nursey, Kidspark, Family Kids, and sled rental options provide additional family-centric services. From introductory skiing programs to dedicated family areas, Sierra Nevada ensures that every family member, regardless of age or skill level, finds joy in the magic of winter and skiing. Experience a winter wonderland where family fun meets winter bliss at Sierra Nevada Ski Resort! See our Skiing with children in Sierra Nevada article for full information.