Kids will of course enjoy endless hours of fun on the beaches of Andalucia, but one attraction that is sure to delight them is a visit to Gibralter to see the famous Barbary Macaques, considered by many to be the top attraction and the unofficial national animal of Gibralter.

Take a taxi to the top, where about 230 macaques live in five troupes at the Upper Rock. Visit the Apes' Den to get close and take photos. They often approach and sometimes climb on people, since they are so used to human interaction. But remember, they are still wild animals and should be approached with care. Most of all, it is important not to feed them, or even to eat in their presence. In fact, feeding the macaques in Gibralter is now against the law, and offenders face a fine of up to $750.

Some scientists believe the Barbary Macaques were first introduced to Gibralter from North Africa by the Moors, probably to be used as pets. But another story tells that Gibralter is linked to Africa by a 15-mile-long subterranean passage that goes under the Straights of Gibraler, and this is how the Barbary Macaques arrived at The Rock from Morocco.

According to legend, as long as there are Barbary Macaques on Gibralter, the territory will remain under British rule. During World War II, when the macaque population dwindled to just seven monkeys, Sir Winston Churchill ordered their numbers be replenished from Morocco and Algeria because of this traditional belief.

Other activities for kids:

• Tivoli World, Benalmádena: the largest amusement park on the coast
• SeaLife, Benalmádena: rescued sharks and other sea creatures
• Mijas Aqua Park: water slide, wave pools, mini-golf and rock climbing
• Parque de las Ciencias, near Granada: interactive science museum
• Selwo Adventura: nature reserve, with over 2,000 animals living in semi-freedom
• Toremolinos Crocodile Park
• Castellar Zoo
• Parque Zoológico, Jerez: care station for injured animals, in particular endangered species
• Carromato de Max, Mijas: a collection of the world’s smallest curiosities, with a copy of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper on a grain of rice, fleas wearing suits, and a bust of Churchill sculpted from a piece of chalk