Spanish town with beach

[Tribe85]

Looking to go away with my 3 young children for the first time abroad. Looking for a Spanish town that has a beach as well as restaurants/cafes. We’d prefer an apartment in a town rather than an all inclusive hotel. Any ideas?

The Poniente beach side of Benidorm is lovely, lots of apartments. We go every year at Easter, tons of food choice.
Very short walk to Old Town and the Castle look out point, and also a supermarket and indoor food market in Old Town.
Nice flat beach and mostly calm sea.

Totally away from the rowdy side of Benidorm, it’s very Spanish.
Alicante is a nice town but the beach is small.
You can get the tram or bus all the way along the coast from Alicante - Benidorm - Altea.
Nice short flight too.
There are theme parks / a Zoo and a waterpark as well.

Cadiz.

My first abroad holiday with my two kids was in salou. We all love it there and have been many times. We always go self catering as it’s easier with my eldest who is asd and very funny with eating. There’s a McDonald’s kfc and Burger King 🤣 the beaches are lovely and stay shallow quite far out. We have stayed in inter2, Albetros family, Pierre sunset. Also easier to fly into Reus airport it’s about 20-30 mins away rather than Barcelona which is 2 hours roughly. Happy holidays 😊

Valencia. It's a stunning city with so much to see and do. The Science Centre, aquarium etc is great got kids and adults, and there's loads of historical/cultural stuff in the city. The beach is big and there's loads of great restaurants and bars along the promenade - it really does feel like two holidays in one with the city break-type stuff and the beach resort.

Benalmedena- there’s loads to do with the dc, it’s easy to navigate and get around, and everyone there seems pretty welcoming

There are a lot of very different towns with beaches in Spain OP. It would probably help people suggest places if you told us a bit more. What kind of things are you looking for in your holiday? Do you want a typical holiday resort or somewhere a bit off the beaten track? Small place or big city? Water parks or art galleries?
Personally, I think there is a lot to be said for Mallorca. It's a short flight from most UK airports and there is a lot packed into quite a small island. If you want a typical beach holiday there are plenty of resorts but there are quieter places, mountains, caves, etc and Palma is a nice place if you want a trip into a city. Alcudia or Puerto Pollensa are popular with families so maybe have a look there. Menorca is also a good option for a beach holiday with small children though there's not as much to do there.

Santander is very nice. There is a big sandy beach and a town centre.

Sitges.

Was just about to say this. We loved it

Thanks hadn’t looked at Santander but looks like a good option and short flight! Is there any particular area you’d recommend staying or is it all quite compact?

Santander is good, but it is further North, so if you are not too concerned about consistent sunshine it could work for you.

I agree with Benalmadena in Spain. It has everything you are looking for and plenty of activities for your 3 kids. And you! Very easy transfer from the airport also and a short enough flight.

I like Estepona further South from Benalmadena. It is a gorgeous town full of little cafes, restaurants, independent shops, a big Sunday market, fabulous beaches, a lovely paseo (seafront paved walk) and much more besides. It is a longer transfer from Malaga, but worth it I think.

San Sebastián or Valencia

We really liked Malaga, busy town , great beach (was blue flag) easy transfer from the airport and easy access to other towns /beaches along the coast by train.

Second this. Very reasonably priced apartments too and 30 min train ride to Barcelona.

Valencia is a good suggestion, it’s three in one really, as there’s old town, the science center bit and the beach.

We love benalmedena - we always rent an apartment near Parque de las Paloma then you’ve got the park with animals (free) and cafes, the beach as well as the lovely town of Arroyo de las miel at the top of the hill.

Mallorca. Peniscola is pretty. Not Barcelona, as the beach is full of thieves.

The area near the beach is fairly quiet and has some nice hotels. The town centre is more busy/lively with families sitting outside until late in the evening. The areas aren't far apart so you can still do both wherever you stay.

@Mumsntfan1 Thanks, definitely going to check. It out

@Fernsrus Peniscola looks lovely. Any idea how busy it would be in August?

The town beach is small though. Plus sadly the old town is getting over run by cruise tours that unload their passengers for the day, leading to serious over crowding. Used to live Cadiz, but our last visit was not so pleasant.

Oh goodness. I’ve not been for 20 years. It’s a good trip to combine with Barcelona on the way back.

I thought the beach was a decent size.

Just as an alternative, I had a great stay on Cádiz 3 years ago when we stayed on the outskirts (15-20 min train into town).

I realise this may not suit everyone but our apartment was a stone’s throw from Chato beach which is a huge sandy stretch and quiet too

Another vote for Benalmedena. DCs loved Tivoli world at night. Absolutely loads to do. They never got bored.

Think about when you are going and the temperatures that you prefer. San Sebastien is cooler than the Andalucian towns ( Cadiz, Estepona, Benalmadena) for instance. Preferable in August possibly, not so much in April.

Cambrils is a lovely family orientated Spanish town with fishing fleet leaving the harbour, fish market and the nearby Port Aventura theme park, flights to Reus or Barcelona. Near to Salou, but much more Spanish!
Not quite as hot as Analucia either.