Things To Do in Costa del Sol

Despite being under British sovereignty since the 18^th century, Gibraltar isn’t the bowler-hat and cucumber-sandwich type. This island has an identity of its own. You only need to look at the local fauna for evidence. The island is home to a colony of cheeky Barbary apes, and dolphins swim not far from the coast.

There are two sides to Ronda’s story. This mountain-top village, an hour’s drive from Marbella, is split in half by a canyon that’s as deep as 23 double-decker buses. You get the best views of the gorge from the Puente Nuevo Bridge, which connects the village. When you’re stood in the middle of this structure, there are 120 metres of fresh air between you and the canyon floor.

Approximately four kilometres from Benalmadena Port, Las Yucas Beach is a picnic hotspot. The 700-metre ribbon of sand and shingle here isn’t cluttered by sunloungers, so everyone brings a blanket and a packed lunch. The beach is backed by rocky coves, so the whole place is pretty sheltered from the elements.

Cordoba is one of Spain’s pin-up cities. The Mezquita, in particular is a real sight for sore eyes. This 1,200-year-old mosque is home to a grand hall, where 856 columns are made out of jasper, onyx, marble and granite. The journey to the city from resorts like Torremolinos and Benalmadena takes about an hour and 45 minutes.

Golfers affectionately call the Costa del Sol the Costa del Golf. There are more than 70 courses in this part of Spain, including the elite Sotogrande and the established Parador Golf, where the greens were laid in 1925. Each course has a different character and degree of difficulty, with everything from tricky doglegs to deep bunkers to test your skills.

Just when you thought you knew Malaga, it’ll surprise you. For instance, did you know the Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas was born here? Or were you aware that the city was one of the oldest in the world? Malaga’s curiosity shop nature has earned it international recognition.

The sea just off Estepona’s shore is paddling-pool shallow, which makes it popular with families. The sand has been awarded Blue Flag status, which means little ones can build castles until their heart’s content. Plus, there’s a play area with slides on the sand.

This beach, half an hour’s drive from Malaga, is one to watch. At the moment, the footfall on the long sandy beach and seaside promenade is local. But, if the nearby marina gets upgraded from a fishing port, this place could go the way of Puerto Banus.

Some people call it the 8^th wonder of the world, others refer to it as a pearl set in emeralds. But one thing’s for sure, the Alhambra Palace rarely gets a bad review. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 10^th century by the Sultan of Granada. Inside, it’s still fit for royalty. Throne rooms, courtyards, and a harem that could only be entered by the sultan and his concubines are all on display here.

These caves are home to two record-breakers. First, some walls are daubed with Spain’s oldest cave paintings, which may date back to 21,000 BC. Plus, one of the chambers contains a gigantic rock pillar that’s actually the world’s widest natural column. As if that wasn’t enough, scientists have discovered species here thought to be extinct – blind scorpions among them.

Just a 10-minute drive from central Torremolinos, this mammoth waterpark is one of Spain’s largest. It’s got the full works, from steep chutes and kamikaze drops to gentle rafting rivers and splash pools. Topping the list for daredevils is the new Boomerang ride. This massive, U-shaped slide shoots you down a near-vertical slope before swooshing you back up its curved base.

Tivoli World is the biggest theme park on the Costa del Sol. There are more than 40 attractions here, ranging from white-knuckle rides to family activities. The park’s skyline is dominated by the drop tower, which raises riders 60 metres into the air before plummeting them towards the ground. There’s a miniature one, too, for roller coaster riders in waiting.

Just five minutes from the centre of Torremolinos, La Carihuela is an example of beach best practice in the Costa del Sol. The sand is sieve-soft. There’s an area of the sea that’s cordoned-off especially for swimmers. And there’s a good selection of tavernas close to the beach.

A manicure, an oversized pair of designer sunglasses and a kaftan will make you feel at home on this nipped and tucked stretch of sand. This is where Spain’s glitterati come to see and be seen. Most visitors bypass the loungers on the sand in favour of the shore-side beach clubs, where Champagne flows freely.

This festival is held in honour of John the Baptist. It begins at midnight when fireworks are let off over Benalmadena Beach. Some locals pack a picnic to eat on the sand while they gaze up at the sky in awe, while others take in the spectacle from the marina.

This week-long festival is one big hats-off to culture of the Costa del Sol. Throughout the week, the paving stones of Plaza del Marina get scraped by the heels of flamenco shoes, crafts stalls cluster around Plaza de la Merced, and the whole thing culminates in a parade.