The sunniest region of Spain promises a relaxed family vacation in a broad selection of private holiday homes which come well equipped to ensure home-from-home comforts and luxuries, endless entertainment in the pool, barbeques al fresco and safe enclosed gardens for children to roam or even challenge parents at table tennis. Chefs, cleaners and nannies are all on tap at a small additional cost which can be a wonderful help if a large family group. The advantages of no timetable or set meal times gives families the freedom to plan their daily activities or simply relax around the pool, often with only butterflies, goats and horses as neighbours in the surrounding hills. Nestled in the countryside surrounding the quaint towns of Mijas, Ronda and Antequera are many beautiful homes with the opportunity to explore and enjoy “old Spain” with an evening of tapas guaranteed to delight all palates.
 

There are so many exciting days out nearby for all the family to enjoy together. A day trip to the lakes of El Chorro with its three giant reservoirs known as Conde del Guadalhorce with pedal boats to explore its uninhabited beaches combined with an adrenaline-fuelled walk along the Caminito del Rey (King’s Walk) should be in the diary. The Caminito was a walkway pinned along steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, built in 1901 for maintenance workers of the dam. A totally renovated feat of architecture and engineering, it’s safe for all ages, 7.7km long and an easy stroll through the gorge’s narrow ravine with stunning views, eagles circling overhead and the highlight of crossing a suspension bridge at the end of the gorge.

For a day at the beach the choices are endless and outside July and August there are many quiet and beautiful coves along the Mediterranean with safe swimming. If you prefer the countryside, it’s a wonderful family experience with older children to trek on horseback through the hills and olive groves and splash through gentle flowing rivers. If the kids are not exhausted from all their daytime activities, an evening at Tivoli near Torremolinos promises colourful fountains in beautiful manicured gardens,  a great selection of unique rides and attractions and varied entertainment including authentic flamenco performances.