Marbella is a perfect holiday destination as well as a favourite playground for the international elite, simply because there is so much to see and do. The historical town centre still preserves its old-world character of narrow Arab-style streets, lined with whitewashed buildings. There are ruins and castles, shops, restaurants, theme parks, beautiful beaches, water sports, festivals and plenty of other activities for all the family.

Beaches
There are more than 30 kilometres of beaches, some very busy and others practically deserted. All of the urban beaches are similar in that they have dark-coloured sand and good services, such as showers, deck chairs and shades, parking, water sports facilities (jet skis, kayaks, water bikes, etc.), and bars and restaurants. Undoubtedly, the best beaches are Las Chapas (Artola, Cabopino and Calahonda) as they have fine, pale gold sand and are not too crowded.

To prevent that poached lobster look (which is so un-cool) and the post sunburn whinge (which is so noisy) use a cap, sunglasses, and waterproof sun cream (factor 30+ for the first days). Stay in the shade at midday, and use this opportunity to indulge in a siesta or in a mouthwatering paella at a seaside restaurant. Both are tempting, as well as healthier, alternatives to the early afternoon sun.

Water sports
Many beach bars have jet skis and pedal boats (water bikes) available for hire. For water skiing, there is Cable Ski Water (www.cableskimarbella.com) which offers tuition. At Bounty Beach (just before the Marbella arch, going towards Fuengirola, on the right), not only do they have lots of jet skis, but you can also try out the surfing banana which seats about 10. It’s great fun! At Funny Beach (just beyond the Marbella arch) they also have jet skis and water bikes in addition to numerous other activities for the more energetic members of your family, while you can quietly enjoy the water, sand, deckchairs and restaurant with buffet service if you need to recharge your batteries. This fun park offers everything you need to have a good time (www.funnybeach.com).

For those quieter underwater explorers and mariners, there is the Happy Divers’ Club Scuba for diving, snorkelling and boat excursions at the Atalaya Park Hotel. Atalaya Park Hotel also organise rock-climbing, canoeing and abseiling trips (www.atalaya-park.es). Sailors also have a wide range of boats to choose from at the Puerto Deportivo. Discover the joy of sailing and take sailing classes (at the Escuela Náutica Deportiva courses of all levels and types are given) or simply sit back and relax, enjoy the cruise and a cold drink. There are daily excursions around the bay.

Aquarium Puerto Banús (The Control Tower)
The kids will love the “underwater baptism” option, diving into a 3m-deep tank, under an instructor’s supervision, and surrounded by rays, lobsters, eels, and small sharks. They can pet and feed the well-behaved rays, also known as “sea puppies.” (Tel. 0034 952 818 767).

The Promenade
The promenade, or Paseo Maritimo, with its balustrade, palm trees and cafes, is more than 6 kilometres long but few people ever walk its entire length. This is because it’s so pleasant at any time of year to stroll, cycle or roller-skate along, and stop here and there to bask in the sun and watch people go by. Of course, the kids will make you stop anyway to make you buy them some ice-cream!

Prado World, Estepona
This complex is an amusement and water park. The facilities include two swimming pools, waterslides, a ball pool, trampolines, mini golf, train rides through the park, football, shooting gallery, basketball, remote control lorries and tons of other activities for kids. (Take the N-340, Km.159. Tel. 952 791 174)

Shopping
Rainy days are far and few between on the Costa del Sol, but should this misfortune happen to you and lamentations of “I’m bored!” are raining down upon you, then La Cañada shopping centre may be the answer. Even if your kids aren’t obsessed with fashion, they will still approve of the Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream, bowling ally, the cinema and the restaurants there. The Saturday street market, near the Marbella bull ring, could be a good place to pick up the occasional trifle or souvenir. At Puerto Banus you’ll find a feast for your eyes: spectacular yachts and cars, the most elegant shops, restaurants and the best dressed pop stars, dancers and models.

Selwo Safari Park (Estepona, only 5-10 minutes’ drive from Marbella)
This is a highly recommended wildlife park in the hills near Marbella. You’ll see lions, wolves, bison, ostriches, hippos and hundreds of other animals gathered together from all five continents in semi-wild conditions and the fantastic tropical canyon of birds. There is an adventure playground and camel rides. Tickets can be purchased on site or through agency shops. There are plenty of ice cream and catering outlets throughout the park. Comfortable clothes and shoes are advisable, as this is a full day out for the whole family.

Horse-riding
The Escuela de Arte Ecuestre de la Costa del Sol in Estepona (equestrian school) puts on spectacular shows throughout the year. There´s a Pony Club for the little ones, a shoeing service and a shop selling tack made in their own workshop. The complex is well equipped and there is a very good restaurant called El Abrevadero

Fiestas
San Bernabe Fair, celebrating Marbella’s patron saint, is held during the first two weeks of June. The festivities include daily bullfights, an open-air market and performances by famous singers and groups. In July and August, other local festivities are celebrated in the suburbs of Marbella, too.

The Castle Walls and Roman Ruins
For kids who love history and mystery, the remains of the Arab castle and city walls can be found in the old quarter. There are many legends of secret, underground passages, leading from the fortress to the sea. On the outskirts of Marbella you will find the remains of a Roman settlement destroyed by an earthquake called Las Bovedas (The Domes). You can visit these along with the better preserved Villa Romana de Rio Verde with its internal courtyard, columns and rooms. The mosaics on the floors of the old villa have magnificent motifs and faces. Guided tours are free, but are by prior appointment and a car is needed to get here from the meeting point (the tourist office is in the Plaza de Los Naranjos).

Parks
The local parks are great places in which to relax, to let the kids kick a ball around or run amok. For the energetic, the park has football pitches as well as a number of athletics tracks, while green and woodland areas provide an opportunity for those who merely want to take a walk. The Bonsai-Museum, the most important collection of these “micro-trees” in Europe, is also found in this park. Another park worth seeing is the Parque de la Constitucion, especially in summer when they hold concerts and ballet performances.

Places to Eat
Picasso’s restaurant or Pizzas Puerto Banus, although they have long queues, are well worth a visit. Terra Sana also has something for every member of the family (there are three of them: Nueva Andalucía, La Cancelada and in La Cañada, www.terrasana.net). However, if you’re not up to a full meal (too many ice creams?), you could try the tapas (small, 3 or 4 bite portions) in the little bars dotted around the old part of town and the Plaza de Los Naranjos. This is the town’s prettiest square that retains its Renaissance-style fountain, 15th-century chapel and the orange trees that give it its name and create a wonderful environment in which to relax. There are also several bars at the Marbella marina (Puerto Deportivo) where you can try their famous fried fish or the other recipes of delicious fresh fish or seafood.

To sum up, Marbella has great beaches, a great climate and an extensive offering of activities, gastronomic delights and entertainment that will more than satisfy the needs and tastes of all, including the most demanding critics of holidays – children! They’ll be begging you to bring them back next year.