South of Granada

[Lezzles]

We've booked flights to Granada for the end of the month but we can't decide where to book accommodation. We only have one week and with two children, we'd really rather stay put for the duration. What would be best at this time of year, the Alpujarras or the Costa Tropical?

[RojiBlanco34]

i was just in the alpujarras and its already gettin somewhat chilly, but if you like the mountains, definitely head up there. beautiful region. if not, i havent been to almeria yet so i dont know!

[Lezzles]

Thanks Rojiblanco. The more I look at houses for rent in the Alpujarras, the more it sounds like Dordogneshire. All the houses seem to belong to English couples offering alternative therapies along with accommodation. Still haven't booked anything, we're keeping our options open for the moment.

[Culebronchris]

If you've got kids I'd avoid the mountains. Nice to look at but not a lot to do mind you the coast there is a bit on the seedy side too. Plenty to see and do in Granada itself and still within striking distance of hills and sea.

[Juanjo]

The more I look at houses for rent in the Alpujarras, the more it sounds like Dordogneshire. All the houses seem to belong to English couples offering alternative therapies along with accommodation. Still haven't booked anything, we're keeping our options open for the moment

Granada gets cold and miserable for the next two or three months- even the delights of the Alhambra, Generalife and Albaicín are unlikely to cheer you up after the first few visits.

I would head west- ignore the beer & chips resorts and then the gin & tonic resorts- and keep going west until at least San Pedro de Alcántara the other side of Puerto Banus. There is a pleasant small village in the foothills about 5-6 miles from San Pedro (which is OK for shopping) called Benhavis that rents out houses. It boasts itself "the gastronomic corner of Andalucia", there are certainly a couple of "proper" Spanish restaurants worth eating at- not too expensive either' and easy reach of the bright lights and classy shops of Puerto Banus and Marbella, if you need them.

Keep going west, you will find a couple of reasonable places between San Pedro and Estepona, but don't go too far inland otherwise you will get into the English enclave of "Riojashire"- Gaucín and places around there.

Juanjo

[landlady]

What ages are the kids? If the kids are happy, then the parents - generally - are happy! If they are too young to complain, then the Worlds your oyster, but if they are at an age where they think they are your World !!!

Our then, 12 year old loved the mountains - but that was at Easter when there was still plenty of snow! Dad loved it too!

Granada - great for adults and older children - take the little bus and go exploring in the Albaicín - but for younger children I think the coastline would have more to keep them amused..... bit tacky, as others have suggested, but plenty of restaurants, shops, bars etc.