This year’s Spring Break was one for the books! With the kids off school and a serious case of wanderlust setting in, we packed our bags and headed across the Atlantic for a Spanish getaway filled with sunshine, history, and plenty of churros. Our itinerary had the perfect blend of beach time, family relaxation, and big-city excitement: a long weekend in Málaga, a cozy week at our home base in Nerja, and a grand finale in Madrid.
Long Layover: Paris Style
On our way to Spain, we lucked out with a long layover in Paris—just enough time to get a little taste of the City of Light. With about 12 hours between flights, we grabbed a taxi into downtown and found ourselves in the heart of the city by late morning. Unfortunately, we were hit with some terrible spring wind and rain, but that didn’t stop us! It did mean that our main souvenir was pair of umbrellas, but even in the rain, this short stop was enough to make us plan for a future trip (just maybe later in the summer!). We were still able to get in a perfect Parisian brunch and catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa before heading back to the airport. It was a whirlwind mini-adventure, but it made the travel day feel more like a bonus stop than a layover. A perfect appetizer before the main course in Spain!
Málaga: A Warm Welcome to the Costa del Sol
After getting back to the Paris airport, we took the short flight down to Costa del Sol. We kicked our week off in Málaga, and honestly, we couldn’t have asked for a better start. Stepping off the plane into the biznaga-filled air instantly lifted our spirits. It’s been two years since we’ve been here, and the smells of the city came instantly back. Málaga is such a vibrant city—modern and traditional in the best ways.
We were so excited for our apartment in downtown historic Malaga. We definitely lucked out! When we’re traveling, having access to a small kitchenette and outside space is a top priority, and this one was one of the best we’ve found yet. Complete with an outdoor lounge area AND hot tub, this was the perfect spot for our morning coffee and evening aperitif.
One of the things I adore most about Malaga is the incredible variety of experiences you can dive into within just a 15-minute walk. Whether you find yourself enchanted by the rich history of Spain, the vibrant modern downtown, the alluring ocean, or the pristine beach, it’s all at your fingertips. We seamlessly hopped between these captivating spaces, savoring delightful snacks along our journey, soaking in every moment!
Of course, food was a highlight (as it usually is in Spain!). We sampled fresh gelato along the boardwalk, feasted on tapas in the old town, and grabbed churros every afternoon. When we’re traveling, we also make a point to pick up a deck of cards unique to where we are as a souvenir. They come in handy while we’re waiting for service, having a drink, or just sitting around. We intentionally didn’t make any big plans this trip – it was to intentionally relax, and we did just that! We’re fortunate that this was our second time here, which meant more opportunity to soak in the culture. (But if you’re curious about things to do here – check out my guide on visiting Costa del Sol with kids!)
Nerja: Home Sweet (Temporary) Home
After a few days in Málaga, we headed east along the coast to Nerja—our home base for the next week. If you’ve never been, Nerja is like a postcard brought to life: whitewashed houses, turquoise water, and the dramatic Sierra Almijara mountains in the background.
We rented a cozy townhome near the Balcon de Europa, and the pace of life slowed in the best possible way. Mornings meant long breakfasts on the terrace, followed by beach days or exploring nearby towns like Frigiliana. A 15-minute drive from Nerja, this picturesque mountain town is definitely worth the visit, especially for those seeking a serene escape into nature. Once voted the “most beautiful village in Spain,” it lives up to its reputation with charming whitewashed houses, vibrant floral displays, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. It serves as a fantastic jumping-off point for hikers, with an extensive network of trails that offer varying levels of difficulty, catering to both novices and experienced trekkers alike. As you explore, we always discover hidden gems along the way, like quaint cafes, local artisan shops, and more breathtaking vistas that make this village an unforgettable destination.
We also took a day to explore the famous Nerja Caves, which even though we had been before, still blew our socks off. Tucked into the cliffs just outside of Nerja, these vast caverns stretch for nearly 5 kilometers and are home to some of the oldest cave art in Europe—prehistoric paintings believed to be over 40,000 years old. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just curious traveler, the “Cuevas de Nerja” are a must-see marvel that will keep making our travel agenda for many trips to come.
One of our favorite discoveries on this trip was something we’ll now call a travel must: booking a cooking class. This time, we dove into the vibrant world of Spanish cuisine with a hands-on paella cooking class, and it was an absolute game-changer. Not only did we learn the secrets behind creating the perfect socarrat (that irresistible crispy rice layer!), but we also got to connect with a local over fresh ingredients, rich aromas, and shared stories. It wasn’t just about the food—it was about the experience, the laughter, and the memories we cooked up together. If you haven’t added a cooking class to your itinerary yet, trust us—it’s a deliciously immersive way to explore a destination.
Now the primary reason we chose Nerja was for the beach experience, and despite encountering some rain and overcast skies, we enjoyed THE PERFECT beach day on our final full day. For just 20 euros, we secured a spacious bed with direct beach access and spent the day relishing the sand. It was the perfect culmination of our week here, leaving each of us with that “sun-kissed glow” we were eager to take home. Nerja provided us with the opportunity to relax, reconnect, and truly enjoy our time as a family.
Madrid: The Perfect Grand Finale
From the stunning coast to the vibrant capital, we embarked on the train journey from Málaga to Madrid, marking the final leg of our adventure. The high-speed AVE train transformed our cross-country trip into a delightful and scenic experience. Undoubtedly, this was our kid’s favorite segment of the entire journey! We indulged in an incredible lunch onboard and spent the entire 2.5-hour ride marveling at the breathtaking countryside that unfolded outside our window. On our previous visit to Spain, we opted for air travel when venturing inland from the coast, but after this experience, I can confidently say that I won’t be making that choice again! Riding the train felt like a touch of luxury, offering an extraordinary way to enjoy our time together—and sneak in a few more rounds of card games!
Before we knew it, we were stepping into the energy and elegance of Spain’s capital. We left warm and sunny Nerja and entered into a cold, wet and windy Madrid! But when the clouds come out, that just means our coats go on! I’m so grateful our kids have learned to be flexible with our travel plans. This really help us to sneak into what makes the most sense for our family in the moment and avoid big crowds where we can. We live by the motto “Expect to come back” – meaning if it doesn’t work out this time, it gives us something to look forward to next time.
Madrid was fast-paced but incredibly fun. I was glad we didn’t make too many structured plans here. The weather changed the availability of many attractions we hoped to see and turned the indoor museums into a zoo of tourists. The good news is that we are primarily here for the food and family company, and so a little bad weather just meant a lot of opportunities to sneak into tiny restaurants and get a bite or drink as a “reprieve” from the weather.
On the final evening of our trip, we scored tickets to the Azotea del Círculo, an enchanting rooftop terrace and bar. Miraculously, we snagged seats just in time for an incredible late lunch, followed by a breathtaking sunset from the balcony. After days of rain leading up to our departure, this afternoon, the skies parted magically, offering us views of the city that I will treasure for a lifetime.
Adiós, For Now
After two weeks in Spain, we left with sun-kissed skin, full hearts, and a few extra pounds thanks to all the churros. From the coast to the capital, every stop offered something different, but all shared that magical Spanish vibe—warm, welcoming, and full of life.
We’re already talking about what to do next time we go back… because after this Spring Break, one thing’s for sure: Spain has a piece of our hearts.
Want to chat about planning your next family trip? Let’s chat! Send me an email at peeblesonpto@gmail.com!
Peebles on PTO 
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