A family villa near Torrevieja with a private, walled pool

The pool and garden

The plot is enclosed by high walls and fencing, so once the gate is shut children cannot wander out and nobody wanders in. The pool is unfenced inside the garden, which is normal in Spain; it has a shallow entry end, a pool-side shower, and a separate pool bathroom so nobody drips through the house. The cabana is shaded all afternoon: the place for the post-lunch nap and the bedtime story. There is no lifeguard, so an adult is always watching.

A beach that works with small children

Playa de Punta Prima is a sandy beach between two rocky points, which keeps the water calmer than the open beaches of Torrevieja. The walk is four flat minutes on pavement, pram and scooter friendly. The restaurant on the beach does breakfast and ice cream, and there are showers and lifeguards in season. See our Punta Prima guide and Torrevieja with kids.

Days out within 15 minutes

• Aquopolis Torrevieja, the big water park, 10 minutes.
• The S-61 Delfín submarine in Torrevieja harbour: a real submarine you walk through.
• The pink lake and the salt-works tourist train.
• Playgrounds and the promenade at Playa Flamenca; mini-golf, bowling and cinema at La Zenia Boulevard.
• Boat trips from Torrevieja port, including the pirate boat and Tabarca island.

The practical answers

Three bedrooms sleep up to 6. A cot and high chair can usually be arranged; mention it when you book. There is a washing machine and a laundry room, a dishwasher, and plenty of plastic cups for the pool. The kitchen has no microwave. Carrefour Express is five minutes on foot for nappies and milk, Lidl nine.