The region offers a wide selection of excursions, trips, days out and activities. A good first port of call is your local tourist office where you'll find lots of information to help you plan your day out. Keep a look out for discount vouchers and package deals incorporating two or more attractions. No matter what your interests, there is something for every member of the family.
We’ve highlighted some of the main attractions including water parks, target shooting, mountain biking and animal sanctuaries but there is much more to do on land and sea - and even in the air!
BORN TO BE WILD
Address: C/ Igualada 3, 29670 Marbella or visit the Blue Dolphin Beach Club, Estepona Beach.
Web: www.borntobewild.es
Discover Andalucia’s wildlife through the adventure company with over ten years' experience in the area. They offer top quality half or full day tours and excursions where you can pilot your own speedboat in search of the local dolphins on their Dolphin Eco Tour; learn about these incredible sea mammals and get close enough to touch them in their natural habitat. Jeep Eco Tours to the Andalucian Sierras for a day of adrenaline and adventure are also available. Afterwards, you can chill out in their very own beach Chiringuito - the Blue Dolphin - and enjoy mouth-watering local seafood dishes or international cuisine. They are open daily from 9am until 8pm.
CABLE SKI MARBELLA
Address: C/ Las Medranas S/N, 29679 Marbella | Web: www.cableskimarbella.com
No boat? No problem. Here you can brush up on your wakeboarding or water-skiing technique. An all day ticket is available for 34 Euros - or you can opt to pay per lap although this works out more expensive if you plan to be there for the day - and we're sure one lap won't be enough! The timetable varies according to the season so it's best to check their site for further information.
CLUB HIPICO 'EL JINETE'
Address: La Cala de Mijas | Telephone: 952 932 209
This English run riding stables offers lessons for all standards at all ages (children included).
CROCODILE PARK
Address: C/ Cuba, 14 29620 Torremolinos (MÁLAGA) | Telephone: 952 051 782 | Email: arkosaurio@crocodile-park.com | Web: www.crocodile-park.com
Just a short drive from Estepona is the famed 'Croc Park'. These magnificent creatures have survived unchanged since pre-historic times. You'll be able to marvel (in safety!) at these 200 million year old reptiles - including Paco, currently Europe’s largest crocodile - and get your picture taken with baby crocodiles. With interesting and informative daily guided tours and scheduled feeding times, it makes for a great family day out. They are open most of the year; check their site for opening and closing times. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
EL REFUGIO DEL BURRITO
Address: Fuente de Piedra, Málaga | Telephone: 952 735 513
Only 30 minutes drive from Malaga is the Donkey Sanctuary. A subsidiary of the UK-based Donkey Sanctuary, they are devoted to providing a comfortable home for these gentle and loveable creatures that are all too often neglected and abused. This is a perfect stop-off point for visiting the nearby Flamingo Lake – and just a little time with the donkeys will relax you and give endless joy to the children... "Mum, can I have a donkey?" Open 11am until 7pm daily.
ESCUELA DE ARTE ECUESTRE
Address: CN340 Km 159, Estepona | Telephone: 952 808 077
Is there a more memorable way to explore the impressive Sierra Bermeja that overlooks the region than on horseback? Only really suitable for the more competent rider, the journey brings you back in touch with nature and the traditional lifestyle of Andalucia. With breath-taking views en route, you'll be riding with people who are experts on the local area. There are daily training lessons for those not quite so confident on horseback and Fridays feature a show with Andalucian horses.
FUENGIROLA ZOO
Address: Avda. Camilo José Cela, 8-10, 29640 Fuengirola | Web: www.zoofuengirola.com
With over 140 species represented, 1300 animals on site and a strong conservation ethos, the zoo provides lots to see and learn about. Enjoy a tranquil break from the busy beach lifestyle and give the kids something to talk about, strolling through enclosures laid out to mimic the rainforests of Madagascar, equatorial Africa and South East Asia. At every turn you will feel like you're on a different continent. The moonlight tour, available in July and August, is highly recommended. The jungle comes to life with the noises and activity of the animals by night. It's a totally unique experience - and the perfect location for a walk after your evening meal.
KARTING CLUB MÁLAGA
Address: Camino de Coin, s/n - Mijas | Telephone: 952 581 704
Suitable for adults and kids over six years old, the karting club in Marbella offers you the chance to race the same circuits as Lewis Hamilton! Attractions also include trampolines, bumper boats and other children's rides.
NATURA AVENTURA THEME PARK
Address: C/Santa Beatriz, San Pedro | Telephone: 902 011 077 | Web: www.natura-aventura.com
Natura Aventura has much to offer outdoor enthusiasts: rock climbing, kayaking, pot holing, archery, paintball, 4x4 safaris and quad bike tours. If it's a totally action-packed day you're after, this place won't disappoint. A paradise for kids of all ages, located just outside Puerto Banus.
ORIGINAL DOLPHIN SAFARI
Address: Marina Bay, Gibraltar | Telephone: 9567 71 914 | Web: www.dolphinsafari.gi
If your dream is to see dolphins, then look no further - these guys can organise your whole day out in style. Recommended by Sir David Attenborough, they're regarded by many as the best tour operator of their kind around.
PARQUE ACUATICO MIJAS
Address: Carretera Nacional 340 km.209, 29640 Mijas Costa | Telephone: 952 460 404 | Email: aqualand@aquamijas.com | Web: www.aquamijas.com
Open from May through October and only 26km from Marbella, the aquatic attractions here include numerous waterslides, an adventure river, a wave pool and kiddies play area; in short everything you'd expect to find in a water park and more. A truly family-friendly park, you'll have to drag the kids away at the end of the day!
SEALIFE CENTRE
Telephone: 952 560 150 | Web: www.sealifeeurope.com
With over 5000 different species on show including many native to the Mediterranean, this is an unmissable attraction on the Costa. Get close to sharks measuring 2 metres in length in the classic 'walk through' glass tunnel (as seen in Jaws 2). Look out for discount vouchers at the local tourist offices, although prices for entrance are extremely reasonable even without these.
SELWO ADVENTURE PARK & SELWO MARINA
Address: CN340 Km 162.5, Estepona | Telephone: 902 190 482 | Marina Telephone: 952 577 762 | Web: www.selwo.es / www.selwomarina.com
Boasting over 2,000 different species from five continents and including some of Africa's big game animals (lions, tigers, elephants, rhinos and hippos) this is a true safari experience and one of the Costa's favourite destinations. Packages can include both the Adventure Park and Marina (home to the first dolphinarium in Andalucia and also host to other creatures such as sea lions and penguins). Remember to bring hats and sun protection during the hot summer months as some parts of the park have little shade. Open daily from 10am until 9pm - but one visit might not be enough to see everything.
TELEFÉRICO BENALMÁDENA
Address: Explanada Tívoli, s/n, Arroyo de la Miel, 29630 Benalmádena | Telephone: 902 190 482 | Web: www.teleferico.com
Close to Selwo is the cable car where you can enjoy stunning views across coastal Andalucia and the Calamorro mountains. Climbing to an altitude of 769 metres above sea level, on a good day you can take in panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada, Gibraltar and the coastline of North Africa. Open from 10am to 6pm.
TIVOLI WORLD
Address: Avda Tivoli s/n, Benalmádena, Costa del Sol | Telephone: 952 577 016 | Email: info@tivoli.es | Web: www.tivoli.es
The largest amusement park on the Costa Del Sol, Tivoli combines rides, attractions and live shows to create a lively, fun experience for the whole family. With beautiful gardens, Jurassic adventures and attractions such as 'Pirates', 'Dinolandia', 'Barco Misterioso' and the 'Castillo del Terro', at only 4 Euros entrance fee it’s a total value for money day out. As some rides cost extra, we recommend the 'SuperTivoli' ticket that allows access to virtually all rides and attractions for only 10 Euros. Be aware that height restrictions do apply for many rides. Open daily from 1pm.
LOBO PARK (WOLF PARK)
Address: Ctra. Antequera-Alora (A343), 16 km, Apartado de correos 244, 29200 Antequera | Telephone: 952 03 11 07 | Email: info@lobopark.com | Web: www.lobopark.com
A little further afield but well worth the trip is the fascinating Wolf Park. A nature park in the heart of Andalucia, here you can learn about one of the world's best known but rarely seen animals, the wolf. There are timber wolves, tundra, Iberian and even the extremely rare Alaskan white wolf all living a virtually natural existence within this unspoiled 40 hectare protected area. Great care has been taken not to domesticate the animals and they are provided with the respect they deserve. There is also a vast collection of rare animal and plant species to be seen. Informative guided tours are available at set times during the day (check their website for times) and the Wolf Museum is also open. The site also has a small petting zoo and horse riding is available too.
WHALE WATCH ESPAÑA
Address: Avenida de la Constitución 6, 11380 Tarifa | Telephone: 639 476 544 | Email: whalewatchtarifa@whalewatchtarifa.net | Web: www.whalewatchtarifa.net
When the season starts in March each year, a short boat trip out to the strait of Gibraltar can provide unforgettable experiences. You can see common, striped and bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales - and it's not unusual to also see killer whales, sperm whales and fin whales on their migratory route! Viewing these incredible animals in their natural environment is a genuine 'experience of a lifetime' - and it’s right on your doorstep. The group are a non profit making organisation concerned with the protection and well-being of these creatures in the area - and the education of their guests. These real value for money trips combining education and conservation are dependent upon weather conditions and depart from three separate locations. Not to be missed! Don’t forget your camera and be prepared to get wet or wear waterproof clothing.
I.O.E MARINA - YACHT HARBOUR OF ESTEPONA
Telephone: 607 217 683 | Web: www.ioemarina.es
Rental service for a fleet of modern boats at the marina of Estepona. Take advantage of their special programmes including dolphin watching and sea fishing.
BUGGY SAFARI MARBELLA
Address: Centro commercial Contur, Ctra. de Cádiz 191, Elviria, Marbella, 29604 | Telephone: 952833664 | Email: info@buggysafarimarbella.com | Web: www.buggysafarimarbella.com
As seen on the BBC's 'Living in the Sun', Buggy Safari is one of the area's newest adventure experiences. Offering half day, full day and three-day packages, you'll hit the Andalucian mountains in your very own two-seater buggy. Cruising through pine forests and mountain woodland, splashing through streams and secluded valleys, you are sure to get wet and very dirty! At the end of the day you'll be in need of a long shower, but will have a smile on your face and a story to tell! Half day tours last about 3.5 hours; a full day is about 6 hours and the three-day package includes accommodation - it's a novel way to explore the area. Whilst this is suitable for the whole family, remember that a current driver's licence is needed to pilot your own buggy!
MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB
Address: Cuesta de la Herrera, s/n, 29110 Monda, Málaga | Telephone: 95 211 2161 | Email: marbellagun@yahoo.co.uk | Web: www.marbellagunandcountryclub.com
Take aim at clay pigeons, use a crossbow or practice with air pistols. This superb venue, located in the heart of the mountains, also offers excursions into the surrounding area on quad bike or horseback. Safety is paramount; their fully trained instructors look after you carefully whilst ensuring a high element of fun for everyone. The restaurants on site are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
AQUALANDIA
Address: C/ Cuba, nº 10 , 29620 TORREMOLINOS | Telephone: 952 388 888 | Web: www.aqualand.es
Boasting the new 'Boomerang Ride' this water park is worth the drive. Rides like the 'Kamikaze' are not for the faint-hearted!
SPHERE MANIA
Web: www.spheremaniaespana.com
Fancy being strapped inside a giant ball and being pushed down a hill? You're not alone; this attraction has become very popular all over the world. Here you can try it for yourself - just don’t eat too much beforehand!
JOY RIDERS MOUNTAIN BIKE TRIPS
Telephone: 957 723 363 |i Email: info@joy-riders.com | Web: www.joy-rider.com
If you're into mountain biking give Joy Riders a call. They're a well-established, small and friendly company who provide tailor-made holidays, day trips and multi-day packages. Whether you are a beginner wanting to break into the sport or an advanced rider, they can cater for you. Routes throughout the area include an outstanding 4000 ft descent in Estepona. The trails are graded (as with ski slopes) into green, blue, red and black runs and you'll need to have a good level of fitness. Some routes can be quite challenging and last up to 5 hours. There are no chairlifts so it’s pedal power alone to get you through.