Valancia or Malaga with teen.

[cheesenpickle]

We are looking to do a week away in August. We normally do all inclusive beach resorts in summer but teen (13)is waiting for operation on foot which means he can't do a week of being in a pool every day. We are thinking somewhere on/ near coast .(could do a day trip to coast) He is OK doing history/ culture but we need to also need to have fun things to do Waterpark, fun experiences etc. Thinking of valancia or malaga just to keep flight cost down at bit. Which would be better and is there anywhere else that would be worth considering?

I took teen DD to Malaga last year - to be honest neither of us were huge fans and DD was bored out of her mind after a few days. Not much to do if you don’t particularly like galleries or museums. We found the beach very dirty as well. Have heard much better things about Valencia for teens!

Barcelona would be great for your DS. So much to do and see - it’s really one of those cities that suits everyone no matter your interest. You could take him to PortAventura as a day trip, it’s really well connected via trains

I love valencia but i do love museums etc

I would suggest Mijas Costa, nice little beach and good place to access other places like Marbella, etc. Torremolinos has a good water park and fuengirola is fun at night. Definitely recommend hiring a car. Malaga is a place we do a day visit but wouldnt base myself there.

MIjas Pueblo is lovely too and worth a visit

https://www.aquaval.es/ver/96/Piscina-Benicalap.html

https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/valencia-accesible/turia-garden

https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-see-valencia/historical-centre/del-carmen-neighborhood

https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-see-valencia/beaches-in-Valencia/city-beaches

https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-see-valencia/city-of-arts-and-ciences/city-of-arts-and-sciences-monuments
These are few things that you / a teenager might like in Valencia. I think it's a fantastic city

@stressedespresso we went to Barcelona last year which we loved. We want something similar with culture but a bit more relaxing .

I will look at other suggestions. Thanks.

@Svdavies thanks. I think I'm swaying towards valancia just looking to see if we can fill a week now.

@rogueone they both look lovely, flight to valancia is cheaper at moment so that's a factor as well.

Did Valencia last year and loved it. It's very walkable but buses are plentiful and it has the advantage of having a city and a beach. Beaches are lovely, food is amazing and reasonably priced. It's not as touristy as other places I've been in Spain. Architecture is fabulous, both old and very modern, and great shopping!!

I have heard Valencia be described as what Barcelona used to be like, if that helps any. My DC1 loves Malaga too actually but I've only been to the airport!

Mijas mentioned above is lovely but some very steep climbs as I recall! If I was going to Costa del sol I'd go further along the coast, Estepona direction.

@Runnerinthenight we are planning to do 7 days, do you think there is enough to do? Can you recommend any day trips out of valancia at all please?

I like both but Valencia has nicer beaches. Albufera Lagoon is a nice day trip.

We spent all week in Valencia, sorry, so can't recommend anything. We were three adults so I'm not that sure what an teen might enjoy.

I agree that Albufera is really nice, or Xativa for Roman history

If you do happen to go to Malaga the caminito del rey is a great day trip for teens.

One other thought is Madrid. Beautiful city and loads to do

@rogueone we have now booked valancia but are considering a day trip to Madrid as there are fast trains there. What would be must sees?

Prado Museum is fantastic in Madrid and you have the added benefit of it being air-conditioned.

@MariaLuna thanks for suggestion it looks good.

Madrid is lovely. I love the Retiro Park and the palace. (I've been to Madrid previously not when I was in Valencia!)