Traveling with kids doesn’t mean you have to skip out on culture—in fact, it’s often the best way to bring it to life. At Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club, families can experience the vibrant traditions of Andalusia with hands-on activities designed to inspire creativity, connection, and curiosity. Welcome to Manos Sucias, our signature series of playful workshops and cultural experiences for all ages.
Manos Sucias—which means “dirty hands” in Spanish—is all about learning through doing. Picture your child molding clay into a miniature botijo (traditional water jug) during a pottery class in nearby Mijas, while you learn about the Moorish influences that shaped this art form. Or weaving your own fishing net with a retired marino from Estepona who still carries the stories of the sea in his callused hands.
These activities aren’t tourist gimmicks—they’re real cultural practices shared by locals who love passing them on.
Top experiences near Gran Marbella Resort:
🎨 Pottery & Ceramics in Mijas Pueblo
Visit the whitewashed village of Mijas, just 35 minutes from the resort, where your family can join a hands-on ceramics workshop at Taller de Cerámica Mijas. Children can sculpt and paint their own souvenir, and adults will appreciate the cultural insight.
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🧵 Traditional Net Weaving in Estepona
Explore the fishing legacy of the Costa del Sol in a net-making class with local artisans. These experiences are usually arranged through community cooperatives or private guides like Oletrips. Contact them for custom family tours that include craft activities.
👉 Oletrips – Cultural Family Experiences
🥁 Flamenco Rhythm Workshop (Kids Welcome!)
At Flamenco Marbella, your whole family can learn the basics of flamenco rhythm using clapping (palmas) and percussion instruments like the cajón. Great fun for kids and an excellent way to understand the cultural roots of flamenco.
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👩🍳 Olive Oil & Churros for Kids
Combine food and fun with a family-friendly olive oil tasting session at D·Oliva Marbella, followed by a churros-making activity with local chefs (available on request for groups).
👉 D·Oliva Olive Oil Tastings
Back at Gran Marbella, the resort will also offer seasonal Manos Sucias workshops—from soap-making with local herbs to tile painting inspired by Al-Andalus patterns. Keep an eye on our activities calendar or ask Concierge for the weekly lineup.
Because sometimes, the best souvenirs are the ones made with messy hands and big smiles.
