Aqualand Torremolinos

If there is one plan that has worked with children on the Costa del Sol for forty years, this is it. Aqualand Torremolinos is the benchmark water park in the province: big slides, a genuinely good toddler area and enough space to spend the whole day without watching the clock.

What you’ll find

• High slides for the adrenaline seekers: kamikaze drops, free-fall ramps and multi-lane racers.
• Family rides on double or quad rings, so you can go down together.
• Toddler area with a shallow pool, mini slides and water games, designed for under-8s.
• Wave pool and rest areas with grass and shade.
• Food outlets inside the park and picnic areas.

Getting there

It’s in Torremolinos, a few minutes from the town centre and from Bajondillo beach. By car, take the A-7 exits for Torremolinos; there is on-site parking. By public transport, take Cercanías line C-1 to Torremolinos and then a local bus or a short walk. Many hotels in the area run a shuttle service in season.

How to make the most of the day

Arrive at opening time. The first two hours have the shortest queues, and in July and August the difference is dramatic. Buy tickets online: they are cheaper than at the gate and you skip the entrance queue. Bring a rash vest or high-factor sun cream — you’ll spend many hours in the sun and in water, which strips sunscreen fast — and water shoes, because the ground gets scorching by midday.

With small children

The toddler area is separate from the big rides, which makes life much easier if your group spans different ages. There is locker and sunbed hire, and in August it’s worth sorting that out the moment you walk in.

Opening season

Open from May to September, with extended hours in July and August. Outside those months the park is closed, so if you’re travelling in early spring or autumn, plan for alternatives that open year-round.

Is it worth it?

With children aged 5 to 14, absolutely — for many families it’s the best day of the holiday. Without children, it depends how much you like slides. Either way, treat it as a full-day plan: don’t try to combine it with anything else.