Malaga, Granada, Nerja- Easter holidays

[DinoDandy]

I can get reasonably priced flights to Malaga and I’m looking at 7-16 Apr 25 during the school holidays. We are a family of 4 with an 8yr old and a 5yr old with SEN.

We spent a week in Estepona last Easter and had a lovely time- very child friendly. We had a hire car so took day trips to Ronda and Marbella. This year I’d like to explore somewhere new- maybe Malaga, Granada and Nerja- possibly with a day skiing in Sierra Nevada- but we won’t be able to fit it all in the 9 days we’ll have.

Santa Semana (Holy Week) is 13-20 Apr this year so I’m thinking we’ll go to a beach hotel those last 3 days as the cities might be too hectic with processions and I’m not sure if shops/attractions will be open. I know the water will be cold but we can still enjoy the scenery and hopefully the sun will be shining! I’m looking at Iberostar Malaga Playa or Ona Marinas de Nerja as the kids love a buffet and entertainment! Has anyone stayed in these hotels or nearby and would the Santa Semana be a problem?

Would 3 nights in Malaga, 3 nights in Granada and 3 nights in Nerja work well or is that over ambitious? We can get a hire car but I think that would be a nightmare to park in the cities so could save that for the 3 days in Nerja maybe.

The kids are good walkers as long as we break up the day with playgrounds, stop for meals, etc. I personally would love to go to the Alhambra but I’m not sure if that is suitable for energetic, noisy kids? I wouldn’t want to drag them around quiet museums but general sight seeing should be fine.

Should we cut out Malaga or Granada and stick with just 2 destinations maybe? I think I have my heart set on Nerja so we have some more relaxing days. Are either of those cities child friendly or best to wait until they are older? I don’t think I’ll get a chance at an adult only holiday any time soon!

Any ideas or tips would be welcome!

I think I'd spend the whole time in Nerja or Malaga and day trip from there. Packing and unpacking for different places would do my head in quite honestly especially with children. Iberostar is not in Malaga city it's in Torrox which is a bit outside, so you wont have the hassle of the Semana Santa in Malaga. It is heaving in the city that time although it is spectacular, spooky and different to see just the same!

There are buses to Granada from Nerja and trains and buses from Malaga city. You could do the Alhambra in a day no problem or stop overnight. It is vast but you don't have to see every single part of it. Book tickets in advance and bring ID.

Oh and I agree about Estepona. I'm there right now and it is just a glorious place. Caught the Three Kings Parade yesterday and Although I've no kids it was just delightful to watch!

A quick question - are you sure that the week beginning 7th April is in the school holidays? As for us it's the week before, which may be why your flights are reasonable.

In terms of travel between your destinations, you could get the train to Granada from Malaga (it's two hours I think), or equally it's around an hour and a half drive from Nerja - just thinking if you didn't want to stay in 3 separate places. Malaga has a beach, but I think you would find Nerja more relaxed as a resort, and there is a choice of beaches there too. There is actually an Easter Sunday parade in Nerja which is very interesting.

Not sure my post was clear there - trying to say that w/c 7th April is before schools break up - by us anyway.

Thanks for the replies- 7th April is the start of the holidays for us so it works well. I’ve had some time to think since I last posted and I think I’ve settled on driving straight to Sierra Nevada for 3 nights, 2 nights Granada and then 4 nights in Nerja. This way we’re at the ski resort mid week and so should be quieter and then we can do Granada before Santa Semana starts. If the snow doesn’t look good for skiing I can refund the Sierra Nevada hotel/apt (haven’t booked yet) and do Malaga instead. We can save Malaga for another time I think- given that the ski season is still open in April I’d like to give that a try.

I know it’s 3 destinations to pack and unpack for but I think I prefer it that way then doing a load of day trips. Not sure whether to get a car rental for the whole trip for ease (and then pay a premium to park at the ski resort) or do a private transfer from the airport. Will have a think about that. Definitely don’t want to be using trains or buses with kids and luggage if I can avoid it!

The Iberostar is a 10 min drive to Nerja so we thought we could day trip there and other local areas while we stay. Or we can stay in Nerja itself. I just have to choose between those 2 hotels. We really like Iberostar Selection in Majorca so we might try their hotel in Torrox- I know it’s a less premium hotel but the reviews seem very positive and it’s a good price.

Ah OK. I think I've probably made a mistake on booking a holiday that week myself then! I was trying to avoid school holidays.

I've just looked up your planned hotel in Nerja and I know where it is. It's a little outside the resort so should be a peaceful place to relax with your family. I think it's around 2 km outside but it would be a flat walk in to the town centre, although I would recommend driving/a taxi if you wanted to go to Buriana beach. Frigiliana, which is just into the hills is a nice place for a little wander and lunch.

We've been in Nerja in holy week and there was a procession from the church near the Balcon de Europa which was really interesting to see. The streets were decorated and there were aromatic plants in the streets (on the ground) which smelled amazing. Marinas de Nerja is also away from the main centre I think so that would work for you.
The Alhambra is a massive site with a lot of outdoor space - as you say, the inside bits are not suited to kids running around.
Your hol sounds great - enjoy!

Thanks for your replies everyone- I’ve booked the hotel in Torrox and will use the car for day trips. There are a few bars and restaurants on a promenade so we can still wander out in the evenings. I’ll check the processions for Nerja- that sounds lovely. Will add Frigliana to our day trip plans. Now I have to choose where to stay in Granada :-)

Malaga is lovely , I think this would be my choice

Yes I definitely want to go to Malaga but I’ll save that for another trip. Our local airport is well served with cheap flights to Malaga so I’ll be planning more trips that way anyway :-)

We took our daughter to the Alhambra when she was around 5 or 6, I don’t remember any issues, and she seemed to enjoy it.

Sorry to jump on.

Does anyone know how much things close down at Easter? Shops, restaurants, buses?

Thank you