Why ALMERIA is Perfect for a Family Holiday

If you’re dreaming of a family holiday in Spain but don’t fancy the busy resorts of Marbella or the high-rise crowds of the Costa Blanca, the northern Andalusia district of Almeria might just be the perfect alternative. This sun-soaked corner of Spain — stretching from Almería up to Águilas — is packed with family-friendly beaches, charming whitewashed villages, and authentic Spanish culture. Best of all? It’s much easier on the budget than the more touristy coasts.

Getting There

You’ve got a few options when it comes to flights. The nearest airport is Almería, but you can also fly into Murcia (Corvera) or even Alicante if flight prices are better. From Murcia or Alicante you’re looking at around a two-hour drive, but it’s an easy, scenic journey along the coast.

Budget-Friendly (Without Compromising)

One of the biggest perks of this region is the cost. Compared with the Costa del Sol or Marbella, everything here feels more affordable — from accommodation to eating out. Tapas is still very much part of daily life, and in many local bars you’ll pay just a couple of euros for a drink and get a plate of food included. Family meals in restaurants don’t break the bank, and even peak-season accommodation is often cheaper than busier parts of Spain.

For families travelling on a budget, it means you can enjoy longer stays or add extra experiences — like a boat trip or pottery workshop — without feeling like you’ve overspent.

YEAR ROUND SUN

The Almería and Murcia region is one of the driest and sunniest parts of Spain, with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Even in early spring or late autumn you’ll often find highs in the low-to-mid 20s — warm enough for the kids to enjoy the beach but not so hot that sightseeing is a struggle.

We travelled in late April, which can be a bit temperamental weather-wise, but it’s a risk worth taking. Prices are cheaper outside peak summer, we had plenty of sunny days reaching 25°C, and while one rainy day kept us indoors at Herculaneum, it never spoiled the trip.

Where to Stay

When it comes to accommodation, there’s something for every type of traveller in this region.

• Mojácar Playa is by far the best base for families — it’s affordable, convenient, and packed with child-friendly hotels, apartments, and beachside restaurants. It also makes a great starting point for exploring the rest of the area.

• Mojácar Pueblo is perfect if you love charm and views. Perched on the hillside, it’s full of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, though it’s not the most practical with little ones in pushchairs.

• Garrucha offers more of a local, working-town feel with a buzzing port and promenade — a good option if you prefer somewhere a bit less touristy but still close to Mojácar.

• For nature lovers, Cabo de Gata National Park is unbeatable. With eco-lodges, boutique stays, and campsites, it’s the spot for hikers, kayakers, and families wanting to get off the beaten track.

Authentic and Less Touristy

This is a corner of Spain where life still moves at its own pace. You won’t find endless chains of international restaurants or themed nightlife strips. Instead, you’ll stumble across family-run tapas bars, pottery workshops, morning markets, and locals enjoying their evening paseo (stroll).

It’s quieter, more relaxed, and it feels authentic. Kids can play in plazas while parents sip a coffee, you can wander cobbled village streets without being shoulder-to-shoulder with tour groups, and when you hit the beach, you’re more likely to find families from nearby towns than tourists with selfie sticks.

Why Families Will Love It

• Family-friendly beaches with calm waters, soft sand, and facilities.

• Affordable eating out — kids can try Spanish staples without parents wincing at the bill.

• Quaint towns and villages like Mojácar Pueblo and Níjar with easy half-day trips.

• Outdoor fun — caves, desert walks, boat trips, coastal trails.

• Slower pace — fewer crowds, safer for children to explore.

The northern Andalusia and Murcia border may not have the glitz of Marbella or the name recognition of the Costa Blanca, but that’s exactly why it’s special. It’s more affordable, more authentic, and still offers everything families want from a Spanish holiday: sunshine, beaches, good food, and space to unwind.

For parents looking for something different — a place to make memories without blowing the budget — this overlooked corner of Spain is a perfect choice.