The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for British holidaymakers and hordes of tourists from across the globe flock to the sunny coast every year.
Lengthy sunshine hours, a limited amount of rainfall and soaring high temperatures are almost a guarantee when coming to the Costa del Sol, as well as a vibrant buzzing nightlife atmosphere, a glorious choice of restaurants and plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy.
Many will choose the likes of Malaga, Marbella, Benalmadena and Fuengirola to spend their holiday, while Torremolinos, Estepona and Nerja are other popular locations dotted around the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
Whether it is a love for doing something active and sporty, exploring an iconic historic landmark, getting up close and personal with a variety of animals, or having a whale of a time in one of the many theme or water parks, Costa del Sol provides a dizzying array of fun things to do.
Step back in time
If you're something of a history buff (and even if you're not) Costa del Sol has plenty to offer; Malaga with its variety of historic landmarks, museums and galleries is the best place to head to for.
The city's most iconic landmark is Malaga Cathedral. The cathedral is one of Malaga's most majestic and beautiful buildings and putting half a day or more aside to go and check it out is well worth it. Nestled around the edge of the cathedral are little chapels, which are dedicated to the various Spanish saints who are celebrated on an annual basis. This impressive structure dates back to the 15th century and offers an interesting insight into Malaga's history.
Car enthusiasts should definitely beeline to the spectacularly laid-out Museo Automovilistico de Malaga. Here, 85 vintage cars are on exhibit, including a Lancia Italia, which was primarily used by Italian dictator Mussolini for his town messages, and the Excalibur USA car which has had some rathers famous owners including Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. With a bevy of beautiful cars displayed according to different themes such as models dating back to the 1920s and an English Tradition section, this museum explores the history of cars in fine and fascinating detail.
Pablo Picasso is one of the most famous artists to have ever lived. Widely recognised as being among the greats, he was born in Malaga and learnt how to paint in the Costa del Sol capital. In 1991, the Casa Natal de Picasso became the headquarters of the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation. Now, this same museum plays host to an exhibition celebrating his life and work. Covering two floors, all of Picasso's early art is displayed, alongside some sculptures and other family memorabilia. Art lovers and Picasso fans - this is your Mecca!
Be a good sport
It doesn't matter where you go in Spain, they love their sport. Football, tennis and motorcycling are firm favourites, and the Costa del Sol provides a plethora of sporting events and fun for everyone to enjoy.
Golf is a popular sport in the whole of the Mediterranean, and the Costa del Sol is no different. Arguably, one of the best in Europe is the Valderrama golf course in Sotogrande. Valderrama made a nice piece of history in 1997 when it staged the first prestigious Ryder Cup competition outside of the regular UK and America bases. That year, Europe retained the trophy, captained by one of Spain's greatest ever sportsman, Seve Ballesteros. Since then, it has staged various international golfing events, including the final event on the European tour until 2011, the Volvo Masters. Valderrama has some perfect greens to master and some fine natural beauty to soak up in the process.
Bang into your footie? Take a trip to the La Rosaleda football stadium, home to the rising La Liga side Malaga. Malaga have become a growing force in European football and went under rich Qatari ownership in 2011, bringing the likes of multiple French title winner, Jeremy Toulalan and former Manchester United goal poacher, Ruud van Nistlerooy to the club. They reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in their debut season in 2013, and no team visiting La Rosaleda will have an easy game in this small but nevertheless intimidating atmosphere. It looks spectacular from the outside, and while it might not have the passion of the Nou Camp or boast anywhere near Bernabeu in Madrid's impressive capacity, La Rosaleda is a great setting to worship 'the beautiful game'.
If you enjoy getting to grips with a saddle and two reins, good horse riding opportunities are available in the pretty village of Casares. Enjoy superb views of the Andalusian countryside while giving an exhilarating fun activity a go one that all the family can enjoy, too. Fun in the Sun offer a great range of, hacks from dawn until dusk, and will tailor all rides to varying ages and skill levels. There is a selection of horses to suit each individual rider from an experienced expert to a nervous novice. A gentle canter along a long stretch of Mediterranean beach under the sunthere's nothing quite like it.
Nature's finest
The Cuevas de Nerja in Nerja is steeped in history as well as a striking natural attraction. This series of limestone caves which were first discovered over 40 years ago by a group of boys who were out exploring. There are rock paintings of animals, from dolphins to goats and deer. The setting also holds the huge Cataclysm Hall, which is the tallest column of its kind in the entire world. In the summer, it turns into a concert hall for popular classical music events. As for the boys who discovered this fantastic attraction, they are honoured near the entrance with a group of sculptures of themselves.
Near the thrilling Tivoli World theme park, the Benalmadena Cable Car runs to the summit of the Monte Calamorro Mountain. When reaching peak heights, this four-person experience offers some of the best landscapes possible throughout the Costa del Sol. On clear days, visitors might be lucky enough to spot the North African coast and the island of Gibraltar. The journey takes 15 minutes, and is well worth it for the spectacular views alone.
On the coastline of the Carahuela part of Torremolinos lays the Parque La Bateria, or Battery Park as it's more commonly known to tourists. Opened in July 2007, this park is home to stunning lakes and delightful fountains, along with the sounds of the park's colourful birds and some interesting military memorabilia. This setting is actually an old military fortress and there is a viewing tower with old military cannons to remind tourists of its earlier history. The kids won't complain, as there is a play area to keep them busy.
Family fun
Why not learn the art of flamenco dancing and have a whole load of fun along the way. The Kelipe Centre de Arte Flamenco is an 18th century palace, which has turned into a flamenco paradise. While retaining its historical background and integrity, the flamenco dancing, songs and performances have been tweaked to appeal to modern-day tourists. A whirl around with a pair of maracas is also an excellent work out!
One of the largest water parks in Europe is Aqualand in Torremolinos. Aqualand is open from late May until mid-September, and is a perfect place for the whole family to head to for some fun in the sun. Some of the rides include the speedy and bendy Twister slide, the Super Slalom, which is a combination of three winding slides, each with different obstacles and Crazy Race. Crazy Race sees four competitors going together down a long slide in lanes; first one to the bottom wins. Other facilities include an area for smaller children, Jacuzzis and an 18-hole mini golf course.
Elsewhere, the biggest amusement park on the Costa del Sol is Tivoli World in Benalmadena. The park has its own currency, so ditch the unstable Euro and try out the 'Tivolino' economy, or the 'Supertivolino', which gives those interested a wristband and unlimited use of 37 rides included in the offer, subject to safety restrictions. An area of the park is called Tivolandia, which is specifically for younger children. Adults won't be bored either, with Wild West and flamenco shows among the varied programme of entertainment.
Where the wild things are
From sea life creatures, to a unique park for crocodiles, Costa del Sol caters for animal lovers and natural hisory enthusiasts alike
Zoo Fuengirola is a modern zoo, which although relatively modest in size, is laid out with great care and attention. It is very close to the centre of Fuengirola, so easy to get to and ideal for a great family day out. Expect to see the usual zoo animal suspects, plus a regular entertainment show involving the smaller creatures and birds. The trained guides are always happy to share their inexhaustible about the various animals' interesting features, habits and habitats. A highly enjoyable and educational experience that's bound to be a big hit with the little ones in your life.
Over in Torremolinos, the Crocodile Park is home to more than 300 crocodiles of all ages and sizes. This is a unique attraction, which is situated just a few metres away from the Aqualand water park, so it makes sense to combine the two. There is a specialised crocodile trainer providing regular and safe tours around the park. Kids under 12 must be accompanied at all times by an adult.
The Nerja Donkey Sanctuary is bound to pull on a few heartstrings not to mention trigger cries of 'can we have a pet donkey please mum and dad?'. Free of charge to visit, this is a fabulous charity and your donations keep this place open and running so please donate as generously as you can! There are other animals, chickens, goats etc, as well as braying donkeys and friendly horses.