Family holidays to Valencia, Alicante and the Costa Blanca with Babies & Toddlers…
The Costa Blanca is a popular family holiday destination located in the Southeast coast of Spain on the Mediterranean Sea. The Costa Blanca is ideal for family travel and is one of the most popular holiday spots in Europe for families with resort towns such as Benidorm Albir, Alfaz del Pi, Calpe, Moraira, Villajoyosa and Elche being the most popular destinations for parents with younger kids.
Benidorm
Benidorm receives around 1 million visitors each year and caters both to those seeking nightlife and families with younger kids. Benidorm may not suit everyone as it is a busy resort but if you are staying close by, there are loads of family friendly activities in the town such as Mundomar with its dancing dolphins, pirates, sea lions, and parrot performances, waterparks, beaches and little train. A great option for little ones is a boat trip to peacock island, you can then take the glass bottomed boat around the island.
Avenida is Benidorm’s old town and is close to Levante beach. There is a street called “walking street” here and just up there is a supermarket here where you can buy yoghurts, snacks fruit, bottled water and juice. Generally tap water is safe to drink but has a high mineral content. It is always safer to use bottled water.
The nightlife can be found in the new town, so stay close to the old town if you can.
Quieter Resorts
Although the original fishing villages along the coast have long been engulfed by the sprawl of resorts, a few towns have maintained their original characteristics such as Xàbia (Jávea) and Altea. These are quieter, more laid back spots and perfect for families seeking a more low key vacation in Spain.
Alicante & Valencia
The cities of Alicante and Valencia are popular weekend break destinations also and make for fantastic day trips if you are staying elsewhere in the region. There are plenty of family friendly theme parks, safari parks, nature reserves, enchanting villages, caves, waterfalls, lively markets and many exciting fiestas with fireworks and fancy dress. The golf courses are internationally-renowned and there’s water sports galore.
Baby & Toddler Essentials
You will find baby and toddler friendly hotels and restaurants throughout the region and you will easily be able to find all of your baby and toddler essentials such as nappies, wipes, formula and baby food easily. You will also be able to order taxis with booster seats quite easily (many taxis carry these in the car) however, if you require a car seat for a baby you will more than likely need to book a taxi in advance.
Getting There & Getting Around
By Plane
Alicante’s airport is relatively close to the beaches in Costa Blanca, such as Benidorm. Alicante and Valencia both have regular flights to and from the UK and Ireland. Murcia San Javier’s Airport may be an alternative, specially for the southern beaches.
By Train
Trains coming from Madrid (Altaria), which takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes, and Barcelona and València (Euromed). It also has a picturesque (and slow) train coming from Dénia and going by the coast until Alicante. This is the so-called TRAM system. The tracks have been electrified, with ultra-modern cars, from Alicante to Benidorm. Between Benidorm and Denia, the line is still served by the old diesel train cars, a quaint but somewhat noisy mode of transportation from a bygone era.
By Bus
Many buses come from almost every big city in Spain. The main bus station is located in the centre of Alicante.
By Car
Use the AP-7 highway if you come from the coast (Valencia or Barcelona). There is also a motorway coming from Madrid and another from Murcia. If you decide to rent a car, make sure you pre-book a car seat. For tips on driving in Spain, see general information and for car seat laws, click here.
See also…
Baby & Toddler Essentials on the Costa Blanca
Family friendly hotels in Valencia, Alicante and the Costa Blanca
Top family activities on the Costa Blanca
Eating out – Family friendly food on the Costa Blanca
Baby and toddler essentials in Spain
Barcelona with a baby or toddler
