Things To Do in Calahonda

Food-wise, Calahonda likes to serve up British favourites along with the ever-popular Chinese and Italian. But it’s not all fish ’n’ chips – succulent seabass and hearty paella give more of a local flavour, as do the tapas. You’ll find a good choice of restaurants in El Zoco centre, and there are more on the beachfront and around the marina.

With its marina location and sea-view terrace, it’s no surprise this popular bar and grill does a good line in fish dishes. The scallops and homemade fish pie are both popular choices. Do pop inside to check out the quirky decor – the place is filled with old telephones and theatrical pictures, along with a penny-farthing bicycle.

This Thursday-morning market runs from 10am ’til 2pm in the Calypso Urbanizaçion, a five-minute bus ride from the town centre. It’s quite a big deal, with around 70 stalls showcasing local ceramics and flamenco dresses. It’s also the place to find good deals on bags, belts, wallets and shoes – you can tuck into hot honey-roasted almonds while you browse. For fashion and gift stores, head for El Zoco shopping centre.

Calahonda’s nightlife hub centres on The Strip, behind El Zoco shopping centre by the seafront. Cocktails or sangria will soften the vocal chords ready for some karaoke, or you can relax in front of the big-screen footie at one of the Brit-style lounge bars. Dancing ’til the early hours is another option. It’s all pretty lively, though regular buses can spin you over to the bigger scenes of Marbella and Fuengirola, both around 20 minutes' drive away.

Set off from Cabopino marina for a sea safari. You’ve a chance of spotting whales and sea turtles, as well as friendly bottlenose dolphins – so you might want to pack your camera and binoculars. Most operators throw in a good lunch, and some drinks and snacks are included, too. Choose from daytime and evening cruises, starting from around 40 euros.

Kayaking, paddle boating and jet-skiing rule the waves at Cabopino Beach, but a few metres under the surface are some of Spain’s best dive sites, as well as interesting sealife like moon fish and hands-of-death sponges. Snap on a snorkel to take a quick look, or visit the diving centre on the prom for PADI scuba diving lessons and trips to sites like Fraggle Rock – two sunken cars from the Sixties – or Punta de la Mona, a deep-yellow coral field.