Fueringirola. How much spending money for a family of 4?

sazziecee

Hello

We are going on our first ever family holiday abroad on the 4th July.

It is in Fuerigirola on a self-catering basis in an apartment. There is me and my OH and our 2 boys aged 5 and 7. We are there for 1 week. We have hired a car.

My parents and 16 year old siblings are going too but in a seperate apartment. Probably some things we can split the cost of, but not much.

We are planning to eat breakfast at the apartment most days and take picnic lunches a couple of days, but for the main we will be eating out.

I have no idea what to budget, I have read that restaurants CAN be expensive so need to think about that, and also would like to take the boys to at least 1 zoo/theme park etc but other than that we just intend to chill out.

We get married 5 days after returning, so I am not planning on drinking a lot of booze (gives me really bad skin) so thats not really a major consideration. But also cos of the wedding I am concious of not taking more than we NEED as we may be tempted to spend it on tat for the kids!

I have only ever been on a girls holiday abroad, I went to benidorm 2 years ago on a half board basis and struggled to even spend £300 even going out every night and buying gifts, but that was a different holiday entirely.

Any clues please? thanks a lot

Sarah

itsakidsworld

Hi,

Fuengirola is great fun and is totally different to Benidorm!

Here is an online link to ideas whilst there: www.guidetothecosta.com which is full of information.

When shopping, look for the Mercadona supermarkets as these tend to be the cheapest and the locals use them. However it is not geared up for English speaking so take a little guide book on Spanish translation/food with you- very cheap and well worth it with the food excellent(unless of course you can speak Spanish?)

When eating out the seafront can be fun and cheap but also some restaurants charge typical seafront prices. However many bars/restaurants on the seafront have special "menu del dia" which is menu of the day- all at good prices.

The best way is to look at the streets behind the seafront which have some amazing little restaurants with cheaper prices- normal for a seaside resort.

A pint can vary from 1.50 Euro to 3.50 Euro and this is normally a yard stick for other prices in that particular bar.

"Fish Alley" in Fuengirola is packed with bars and restaurants, gets very busy and is full of lucky lucky men selling watches, bags and anything else really. They are very annoying but be polite, say no and they move on. It is an experience but the kids will want to buy all the stuff which glows and flashes in the dark so you have been warned!!

"Los Boliches" end of Fuengirola is quieter and is probably a better bet for you and the children if you want to eat out. This then runs into Torreblanca which is even quieter and nice.

There is a train which starts at Fuengirola and runs right into Malaga, the cost is peanuts, about 2 Euros each and it is very reliable and better than using the car in a busy city. The train stops at many places along the way so you can get off and have a look around. Fuengirola has a zoo and a water park which are brilliant- look out for vouchers which give you a bit of discount. Ask local bars if they have any. Torremolinos has a bigger water park and next door is a Crocodile park so that can be worth a visit.

There is Tivoli World in Benalmadena which is ok! It has a cable car ride to the top of the mountain where there is a bird show and horse show so that is great fun- pick a clear day though to get the best views.

A trip to Gibraltar takes around one and a half hours and is worth the trip if you have never been. Monkeys and history are Gibraltar so that is a personal choice!

On the beach to sunbathe with a sunbed and parasol was 8 euros a day- or take your own! The seafront is 7km long and flat so plenty of choice where to stop for the day. Go early though to get a good parking spot. Look to park always towards the castle end of Fuengirola behind the Las Piramides hotel- it will all become obvious to you.

And finally, where ever you go take plenty of water with you- everywhere! Water in the supermarket can be as cheap as around 30 pence for a litre and half bottle- on the beaches you will pay over 2 euros.

Hope this little blog helps you and I am sure you will have a great time.

Nosht

Not been for a few years, were in an apartment & we all enjoyed it.
Watch out for the sun & the undertow from the waves at the beach - very strong.
We shopped in supermarkets, prices reasonable; shops OK but shop around.
With a young family we did not really go out at night but would have a few drinks in a bar with family before making meal.
It was really great to see the natives eating out on their verandas at night time.
Had a car but seldom needed to use it unless we travelled inland or for a big amount of shopping.

Regards,

N.