Things To Do on the Costa del Sol
Things to do on the Costa del Sol - So what do you do if you want to take a rest from sunbathing? You don’t fancy trawling round the shops and Centro Commercials and you’ve had your fill of the daily markets (You know you’ve overdone it when you start recognising the stall holders from one market to the next!) Or maybe the day is overcast or you’re visiting out of season when the weather is changeable.
So what the devil do you do on days such as these?
QUICK START
This is where Things to do on the Costa del Sol comes in. Below is a comprehensive guide to days out, trips to take and in general, alternative things to do for you and your family when you visit southern Spain
Hopefully it will give you scope and show you there is more to the Costa del Sol than just sunbathing and drinking. This is not the be all and end all of what there is to do by any means, but if you need a few pointers read on!
Things to do on the Costa del Sol - Nature Days Out
Take one step back from the coastline of the Costa del Sol and you will find yourselves in some of the most beautiful countryside Spain has to offer. Andalucia has a good half dozen areas that have been protected by the government as areas of outstanding beauty.
Many of these areas have facilities for members of the public to enjoy and to discover that there’s more to the Costa del Sol than sea and sun-cream! Listed below is a range of excursions we have taken as a family and everyone has thoroughly enjoyed. So if you’re here and the weather’s a bit ‘off’, or you want to go eagle spotting with the kids there is something for everyone here.
- Pinar del Rey Forest – San Roque, western Costa del Sol
- Guadiaro River Estuary (Birdwatching) – Sotogrande
- Picnic in the Parque Nagueles - Marbella
- Walks around and up to La Concha Mountain – Marbella
- Picnicking by River Guardiaro – Sotogrande
- Selwo Aventura Safari Park - Estepona
- Selwo Marina – Benalmadena
- Cable Cars (Teleférico) – Benalmadena
- Sea Life Centre - Benalmadena
- Flamingos at Fuente de Piedra (Birdwatching)
- Fuengirola Zoo
- Crocodile Park - Torremolinos
Things to do on the Costa del Sol - Historical Days out
Just by its location, the whole coast of the Costa del Sol is steeped in important history. From the earliest stone-age settlements, to the obvious battles between the marauding Moors and the Spanish armies over the centuries and the Roman occupation creating the towns along the coast that still exist today, the Costa del Sol has wonderful examples of all of these dotted around. So if you fancy a step back in time, here are a couple of worthwhile days out we have been on and enjoyed as a family.
- Sohail Castle – Fuengirola
- Castella de la Frontera - Western Costa del Sol
Things to do on the Costa del Sol - Out for a Drive
Sometimes it’s great just to get in your hire-car and go off and explore! Once off the beaten track you can discover that a little bit of ‘real’ Spain still exists …sometimes only 10, 20 or 30 kilometres inland. There are many beautiful whitewashed villages that still seem relatively untouched by the 21st Century. As a family we love exploring, so here are a few of our favourite journey’s and what you can expect to see on the way.
- Drive up the Sierra Bermeja Mountain (Estepona)
- T.B.C.
Things to do on the Costa del Sol - Entertaining the Kids
Yeh, yeh, yeh….if they’re happy, you’re happy! There are some fantastic days out that all the family can enjoy here on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Sometimes (heaven forbid) there is an off day with the weather, or maybe you’re here out of season and the pool or beach scenario just isn’t an option.
We have looked into a selection of activities both indoors and outdoors that can keep you and your loved ones happy. Here are quite a few we have enjoyed and that are suitable for all the children in your family with relevant seasonal opening times where applicable.
- Tivoli World – Benalmadena
- Waterpark (Parque Aquatico Mijas) – Fuengirola
- Aqualand - Torremolinos
- Ball Park and Pet Shop – Agro Jardin Garden Centre (nr. Estepona)
- Ten Pin Bowling – La Canada, Marbella
- Marbelandia – San Pedro de Alcantara
- Karting Club - Mijas
- Funny Beach – Marbella
- Xarblanca Park – Marbella
- Blue Planet Ball Park – Estepona
- Iguana Park Ball Park – Sotogrande
- Ice Skating – Benalmadena
- Aqua Vista – Glass Bottomed Boat – Fuengirola
Things to do on the Costa del Sol - General Things to Do
Sometimes it’s us ‘older kids’ that need entertaining! There are plenty of activities here on the Costa del Sol for us to do too, whether you are sports minded and like a bit of adventure, or you are wanting to celebrate a stag/hen night or special birthday, all these things can be more than catered for at the establishments listed below.
- Marbella Gun and Country Club
- Horse Racing at the Hipodromo Costa del Sol – Mijas
- Paint Balling – Marbella
- Born to be Wild Adventures – Estepona
- Exploramas Adventure Sport – Alhaurin el Grande
- Visitors Train (Trenecito) – Marbella
- Tourist Train – Benalmadena
Things to do on the Costa del Sol - Organised Excursions
There are some things here on the Costa del Sol that it is worth doing as an organised excursion. These have a central booking number, they do speak English so don’t worry! Then depending on where a particular excursion is, they have selected pick up/drop off points along the coast. These are all worthwhile trips and exceptionally well organised giving you peace of mind to enjoy the day out.