Málaga · With kids

Moorish fortresses stacked above the Roman theatre, full of ramps, tunnels and battlements. The climb to Gibralfaro is steep — bus 35 goes up. Ages 5+.

The city beach, ten minutes from the cathedral, lifeguarded in summer and backed by playgrounds and chiringuitos grilling sardines on spits.

Dolphins, penguins and a tropical aviary at Benalmádena, half an hour down the Cercanías line. Ages 3+; a half day is plenty.

Three floors of instruments children are allowed to play, a short walk from the cathedral. An easy hour when the heat becomes unbearable. Ages 3–12.

The old town is flat and pedestrianised, so buggies work; the Gibralfaro climb does not. Beach chiringuitos serve all afternoon, unlike the 8pm restaurants.