The Costa del Sol is renowned for its incomparable sun, sand and golf… but that’s only the beginning. The leisure options on offer are as varied as they are comprehensive, with activities to suit every taste and every budget. Adventures on land, sea, or in the air, theme parks and exciting shows are just some of the infinite possibilities. So let yourself go – and enjoy a world of leisure.
It’s no surprise that the sea is the star of the show when it comes to leisure activities. Lovers of water sports will be in their element thanks to companies such as Fuengirola-based ‘Smile High’ with whom you can experience the Mediterranean Ocean from a height of 200 metres, or slice through the waves in its 450HP speedboat appropriately named ‘Beast’. For hardened adventurers, there’s nothing better than the high octane rush of driving a buggy. In Marbella, ‘Buggy Safari’ operates family-friendly country excursions with a duration of between three and six hours from which to choose.
Want to have fun on the sand? Then Funny Beach is the place to be! A must-visit attraction park in Marbella, there’s karting, wet bikes, trampolines, mini electric cars and much more besides… right next to the sea. ‘Born to be Wild’ – also in Marbella – run 4×4 safaris through the breathtakingly beautiful Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, declared a Unesco Biosphere due to the wealth of its flora and fauna.
For those who long to get up close and personal with wildlife in its most natural of environments, ‘Selwo Aventura’ (Estepona) and ‘Selwo Marina’ (Benalmádena) are a must. A tropical forest where more than 200 animals live in semiliberty, ‘Selwo Aventura’ also offers visitors the chance to prolong their stay at their onsite ‘Selwo Lodge’. Camel rides, archery and rope suspension bridges are just a few of the attractions. The adventure continues at ‘Selwo Marina’, where you can swim with sea lions and say “hello” to friendly penguins. ‘Fuengirola Zoo’ also deserves a special mention. Acclaimed as one of the finest new-generation zoos in Europe, it’s a faithful reproduction of a tropical rainforest where not only do the inhabitants enjoy enhanced levels of ‘freedom’, but it’s also good to know that the organisation participates in more than 35 breeding programmes to conserve species threatened by extinction. Still on the wild side, in Torremolinos you’ll find ‘Crocodile Park’, home to more than 300 of these fearsome yet fascinating creatures.
And for a memorable Andalusian experience of the purest traditions, the amazing ‘Show Cartujano’ equine spectacular – taking place in Mijas Costa every Thursday – is a must-see dressage demonstration featuring majestic thoroughbred Cartujano horses. But there’s also plenty of room in the region for more altruistic initiatives. Situated just 40 minutes from Málaga, for example, ‘El Refugio del Burrito’ provides a safe and caring home for maltreated donkeys and mules rescued from every part of Europe. With free admission, you can visit these endearing animals every day of the year. Who knows, you may even decide to adopt one of these gentle and deserving creatures yourself.
Another option that you just can’t miss is the unforgettable experience of going on one of the many whale- and dolphin-watching excursions operated by several leisure companies in Gibraltar and Marbella. One such example is ‘Dolphin Safari’ which offers relaxing and peaceful boat trips in search of these remarkable cetaceans. Watch a video of Residencia Estates’ day out on the water on the 23rd of December 2011
For a fun-filled day out for all the family, head to ‘Tivoli World’ in Benalmádena Costa – the Coast’s very first theme park – where the attractions include a big wheel, roundabouts, the house of terror, bumper-boats, free-falling and karting to name but a few.