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Activities

Below a few words on nice, interesting, and hopefully also enriching activities close to Costalita or even a little bit further away that you might enjoy. This section is divided into three parts: activities for adults, activities for children and activities for the whole family. Activities in the form of excursions are not included here but described under a separate section of this website. Most of the activities described below also provide their own websites where updated information can be found. For example, many of the attractions offer discounted ticket prices for tickets bought over Internet. All price examples in the descriptions below are for tickets bought on-site. The simplest access to the websites of the different activities is by double-clicking on their names in the descriptions below.

Activities for Adults

To commence, I would like to mention the possibility of interesting (and useful) Walks with Costalita as a starting point. These walks should preferably be started early in the morning just after sunrise when the sun is not yet high in the sky sky and the temperatures are more pleasant.

Happy fishermen fix a boat and nets after fishing tour

Roman remains just before arriving at San Pedro

Finally arrived at the San Pedro Beach Walk

The first alternative is walking along the beach eastwards with, eg., San Pedro as a goal. You can walk along the beach all the way, sometimes a bit narrow and sometimes with more pebbles than sand, but no major obstacles preventing you from reaching your destination. Along the walk, there are several opportunities to study different styles of houses, hotels, and beach restaurants. Just before you arrive in San Pedro, there are some interesting historical Roman remains (dating to the first century before Christ). These remains are found just above the beach, before you come to the last "defence tower" (from the 13th century) before San Pedro. The walk is around three kilometres long and takes approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. For those finding a return trip the same way too hard, it is possible to take the bus (the bus stop is found on the main road) back.

Here we go!

Bird life is rich

Playa del Ángel Park

Beautiful wooden bridges all over

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New phase for 2019, Alcazaba Beach

Cormorants on the beach

Those of you interested in testing the "new" beach promenade, which, if and when it will be completed, will take you all the way from Nerja to Manilva, can try the section between Estepona and Costalita and start your walk from the Estepona side where most of the promenade is completed. Take the bus to the Estepona bus station, walk over to Carrefour and from there go straight down to the sea to join the beach promenade. As the distance between the promenade and the main road is relatively short it will, if you get tired, be easy to leave the walk, find a bus stop and take the bus back to Costalita. The full distance back to Costalita is approximately 10 kilometres. Those of you getting tired could leave the promenade eg. at Laguna Village, which is located approximately four kilometres from the start, and make a stop there either to get some refreshments at one of the restaurants or jumping on the bus back to Costalita at the bus stop. Along the beach promenade there are possibilities to enjoy not only the sea, the fantastic flora and fauna but also pieces of art. In 2018 the Spanish sculptor Santiago de Santiago was offered the opportunity of create 12 works to be placed in the Playa del Ángel Park which you will pass by in the beginning of this walk. Don't miss it!

Happy Canadian artist on visit

Emilio Sújar is already an established artist

The beach could be used for a lot of activities besides walking. Only your imagination sets the limits. A very popular activity is painting. Along the Beach Promenade there are plenty of objects inviting you to do this and there are also plenty of benches where one can install oneself.

Fishing at dawn

Let's see what bait to use now

Weather protection is sometimes necessary

Our scuba diving neighbour with his catch

Another activity, easily practised from the beach is Fishing. For many spaniards this is a popular hobby, mostly exercised during low season weekends. Often complete weekend nights are spent on the beach, maybe the catch is at its best during those hours. With some luck there will be a few sea bass or soles to bring back home. One of our neighbours takes on his scuba diving equipment and his harpoon and walks straight out into the sea. Most of the times he returns, maybe an hour or so later, with some fresh soles or octopusses.

Preparations..

..and up we go

Kitesurfing

Electric paragliders

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While we are still on the beach I would like to promote some other activities that could be exercised when conditions are the right ones, activities such as wind surfing, kite surfing and paragliding with or without engine. These activities are preferably exercised during the low season allowing you to be more or less alone on the beach and, of course, good winds will be of help, but that is rarely an issue.

Buddha Gym

...with adapted decoration

On days when the weather does not allow outdoor activities and you still need your daily exercise, one alternative could be to visit a gym. The one closest to Costalita is Buddha Gym, located on the upper (northern) side of the main road in Cancelada on the parallel road, in the westward direction. Open Monday-Friday 8 am - 11 pm and Saturdays 10 am - 3 pm.

One activity that always is at hand and which can be practized independently if the weather is bad or good is reading a good book. I will here take the opportunity of mentioning a few (Swedish) books where the action takes place right down here at the Costa del Sol. Most of them are detective stories and the author that, as far as I know, has written most books where at least part of the action takes place here is Åke Edwardsson, whos main character, detective Erik Winter, often pays a visit to his old mother down here. Among his novels deserves to be mentioned especially Sun And Shadow where we could read that EriK Winter's favourite restaurant also happens to be one of our own favourites, namely Johnny Bar up in Nueva Andalucia (closed in 2019). One of Edwardsson's latest books, Meet me in Estepona takes place, as the title supposes, in Estepona, but here Erik Winter is no longer the main character. Also Liza Marklund, who for a couple of years lived at the Costa del Sol but now has moved back to Sweden, has written a novel where the action takes place in Nueva Andalucia, namely The Long Shadow. Finally also one of Sweden's most famous authors, Stieg Larsson, let part of the action in the last of his Millenium series novels, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest take place, if not exactly on the Costa del Sol, at least close by, namely in Gibraltar.

For those who enjoy a game of Bridge, depending on your preferences there are various opportunities available. If you are already a pair then all that is necessary is to select and go to the game of your choice. If you have no partner, it is preferable that you announce this well before going to the game. Most game places are only too happy to help one find a partner.

Less experienced (Nordic) players should visit the CNC, the Nordic Cultural Center situated in Nueva Andalucia, where you can play on Thursdays at 3.45 pm during the winter months. Here, the play is more focused on socializing than on competition bridge ie., on strictly following all the rules of the game. After a couple of rounds, there is a coffee break after which the game continues. The language spoken here is Swedish.

For those of you looking for more of a competition type of bridge, a visit to the Paraíso Bridge Club (click for more info) is recommended. This club is found a bit up along the exit to El Paraíso, one kilometre in the direction to Marbella on the mountain side of the main road (from Costalita you have to go first to the Benahavís exit in order to turn around). The bridge is played at the El Paraíso Country Club, which is also what you have to look for on the sign posts. Bridge is being played on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 4.30 pm. Lessons are also given. For more info please have a look at their web page or contact the club directly. The players are of many different nationalities and the official language is English.

Bena Vista Tennis/Lawn Bowling and Country Club

An English sport with great tradition is Lawn Bowling, which can be enjoyed in the Bena Vista area, across the main road a few hundred yards in the direction of Marbella. The complex is called the Bena Vista Tennis/Lawn Bowling and Country Club and, as can be deduced from the name, there are also possibilities for playing tennis or having a cup of coffee or tea or even a glass of beer here. A visit is recommended.

For those of you interested in knowing more about wines there are various possibilities of Wine sampling at the Costa del Sol. Wines can be sampled either at one or many of the local wine distributors or, even more interesting, by visiting one of the vineyards close by. The closest vineyards are located in Gaucín, where Swede Rickard Enkvist cultivates his vines or close to Ronda where there are a number of vineyards. More information is found under section Excursions. Please click on one of the links above for further information.

Activities for Children

Here I play!

...and me too!!

Kidz Kingdom (tel 952 928 936) is an Indoor Playground for children, situated opposite Supersol across the main road from Costalita. Here there are different activities for children, including slides, climbing devices, and high-boards. One section is dedicated for children less than three years of age, while the rest is adapted for children from 3 to 12. Open Tuesday - Friday 4 pm - 9 pm and Saturday - Sunday 12 pm - 9 pm. All-day tickets cost 10€ for children over three and 5€ for the younger ones.

Playing for kids possible during the summer

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Plenty of slides

VP Raquet Club Villa Padierna (tel 952 887 301), closest neighbour west of Costalita, facing the hotel Iberostar, offers an area dedicated as a children's Playground with climbing platforms, slides, etc. Something perhaps to occupy and interest the children while their parents play tennis or enjoy a meal (there is also a restaurant)? The installation is open from 10 am until 10 pm during the winter and from 8 am until midnight during summer (see also the sections about tennis further down on this page or restaurants).

Activities for the whole family

Family playing tennis

Municipal swimmingpool in Cancelada

Tennis can be played at several clubs in the vicinity of Costalita. Most are private but often one can pay for temporary admittance to a court and play. The tennis court constituting a part of the Cancelada Municipal Sports Facilities, right behind the El Carnicero restaurant, provides the simplest (and cheapest) way of playing. They are open daily during the winter from 3 pm to 11 pm. On bank holidays, Wednesdays, and weekends they open at 10 am. Payment is on an hourly basis and equipment can be rented on the site. Next to the court, and also part of the installation, there is a 25-metres-long swimming pool, changing rooms, and a bar where coffee is served. One reaches the court by taking the pedestrian bridge to Cancelada and then the second street (next street to the west after the "restaurant" street) towards the mountains, the same street where you find the local street market every Friday.

VP Raquet Club Villa Padierna (tel 952 887 301), the closest neighbour west of Costalita houses facilities for tennis (there are a number of playgrounds, with hard court as well as artificial grass) as well for padel (eight courts). All cours are open to the public even though the name may indicate something else. For information on pricing please refer to the web site of the location as there are many different alternatives, depending on season and whether you are a member or not. The area also houses a restaurant, a sports shop, and locker rooms plus showers. Tennis lessons and equipment rental are available as well as a playground for children. Opening hours during the winter season are from 10 am until 10 pm and during the summer from 8 am until midnight (depending on demand). Artificial light is provided, permitting play also during evening hours.

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New for the 2018 season is the possibility to play croquet at the VP Raquet Club Villa Padierna. There are two croquet grounds in the southern part of the area.

Possibility of Yoga practice

Bel Air Tennis & Padel Club (tel 952 883 221) is yet another alternative, not only for playing tennis and padel, but also a possibility to exercize various kinds of fitness activities, such as eg. Yoga. To get there, take the road between Lidl and Mercadona northwards until you get to Calle Mejorana where you turn right.

Riding away at dawn...

Pony Club Villacana

Along the main road, there is an equestrian installation where horses can be rented for rides along the beach. I have, however, no further details as I (so far) haven't used this installation. In the Villacana area, right to the west of Costalita, you will find the equestrian school Pony Club Villacana (Please click for more info).

Now they will soon open...

Suppertime, finally!

The Zebra is an animal with stripes...

Rhinocerus

Elephant Walk

Selwo Aventura (tel 902 190 480 or 902 190 482), lying above the coast road roughly half way to Estepona (km 162,5), is the Costa del Sol's own Animal Park with more than 2000 animals of more than 200 species from five continents. The park also offers adventure activities such as zip-wire descents, camel rides or walks along the path of the hanging bridges. During the day, a number of "shows" are presented, of which the bird show, taking place each day at noon, certainly is the most spectacular. During the summer months (July-August) open daily from 10 am until 8 pm. For other times reference is made to their website. Entrance is 25.90€ (17.90€ over the Internet) for adults and 18€ (14.90€ over the Internet) for children 3-10 years old and Senior Citizens (65 and over). Children under three enter for free. Selwo Aventura, Selwo Marina, and Telecabina Benalmádena offer a discounted package price for visits to all of these three installations. More information can be found on the web page of each attraction. Parking 3€.

Tiger digesting his lunch

Parrots in the show at Fuengirola Zoo

Fuengirola Zoo, tel 952 666 301, (click for more info) in central Fuengirola has more than 1300 animals of 140 different species. The Zoological Garden is divided into four different sections: Madagascar, South East Asia, Equarital Africa and Indo-Pacific islands, each housing animals from that region. Here are the tigers, leopards, alligators, and, of course, monkeys. Twice daily there is a show for the younger visitors where smaller animals and birds such as porcupines, armadillos, ant eaters, and parrots are displayed. Times for the show are noon and 6 pm on weekdays and 1 pm and 6 pm on holidays. The Zoo is found on the Marbella side of the old main road crossing Fuengirola from west to east (next to the Fuengirola Cinema Center). It is open to visitors daily from 10 am and during July and August it is also open at night. Entrance fee, 20,50€ for adults, 15,50€ for children 3-9 years of age and 16,50€ for senior citizens (65+). Next to the Zoo there is a Parking Garage with easy access for cars.

Parque Acuático (tel 952 460 404) in Mijas Costa (Fuengirola) is the largest water park on the coast offering swimming pools and other fun activities for children as well as adults. Besides the swimming and wave pools, toboggans, and rafting there are also climbing walls, miniature golf, and a number of other activities. Parque Acuatico is situated right below the main road A7, the western Mijas exit. Open daily 10 am - 6 pm. In July and Augusti 10 am - 7 pm. Entrance fee 24.50€ for adults, 18.50€ for children 8-12 years of age, 13.50€ for kids 4-8, and 16.50€ for senior citizens (65+).

Aqualand (tel 952 388 888 or 902 114 996) in Torremolinos is a water park with swimming pools, green areas and restaurants for the whole family. Open daily in May (opens May 17th), June and September (closes September 20th) 10 am - 6 pm, July and August 10 am - 7 pm. Entrance fee 26€ for adults and 19€ for children and senior citizens (65+).

Crocodile Park (tel 952 051 782) in Torremolinos (right next to Aqualand) is open June-September 10 am - 7 pm, March-May, October 10 am - 6 pm, November-February 10.30 am - 5 pm. During the summer, there are three guided tours a day: 11.30 am, 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm. Visitors are allowed to take photographs holding a small crocodile in their hands! Entrance fee 16€ for adults, 14€ for children from four years old senior citizens (65+). Children younger than four pay 4€. Children younger than twelve must be accompanied by an adult.

Selwo Marina (tel 902 190 482) in Benalmádena has an aquarium with dolphins and penguins. Open daily 10 am - 6 pm. Entrance costs 19.50€ for adults and 14.95€ for children 3-9 years old and senior citizens (65+). Younger ones enter free. Selwo Aventura, Selwo Marina and Telecabina Benalmádena offer a package price to all of three installations. More information is found on the web page of each attraction.

Sea Life (tel 952 560 150) in Benalmádena's harbour is a "Submarine Aquarium" open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Visitors walk around in glass tunnels with the fishes swimming along their sides. Here are found around 100 different species, among them sharks, sting rays, moray eels, and barracudas. Entrance fee is 15.50€ for adults, 12.50€ for children 3-9 years and senior citizens (65+).

Tivoli World (tel 952 577 016 or 902 114 700) in Benalmádena is the largest (and only permanent) amusement park on the coast, offering over 40 different attractions as well as gardens, illuminated fountains, bars and restaurants. It is situated right below the main road (A7), exit 222. During summer months grand public concerts are frequently offered within the area. Opening hours differ a little depending on season: during the winter it's open on Sundays and possibly Saturdays from noon; during the summer, it's open daily from 1 pm in May, from 4 pm or 5 pm in June, and from 6 pm in July, August, and September. It is adviseable to check on the web or by a phone call what the actual opening hours are. Persons taller than one metre pay a 7.95€ entrance fee, shorter ones and senior citizens (65+) enter for free.

Telecabina Benalmádena is a cable car taking off from the Tivoli area in downtown Benalmádena Costa that takes you up to Estación Calamorro, 769 metres above sea level. The 12-minute trip offers fantastic views over the coast. At the top, a number of activities, suitable for all ages, are available, including a Spanish horse show, a birds-of-prey (falcons, eagles, owls and vultures) show, and tranquil donkey riding. A number of paths are marked for those who enjoy walking and exploring the various sightseeing points. Times for activities vary depending on time of the year, so it is best to check on the web or the phone before deciding on your plans. In the summer, the last bird show takes place at 8 pm and the last horse show at 10 pm. Open every day during the summer from 10 am until midnight. A return ticket costs 13.25€ for adults, 10€ for children and senior citizens (65+). Selwo Aventura, Selwo Marina and Telecabina Benalmádena offer a joint discounted package price for visits to all three installations. More information is available on the web page of each site.

Upper lifts

Ski Instructors

Skiing enthusiasts can satisfy their desires in the Sierra Nevada, Costa del Sol's own Alps, which is found a couple of kilometres beyond the city of Granada, but at a much higher altitude, which is why one has to allow for a good half hour’ and where there are also bars, restaurants, ski schools, shops for equipment rental, etc. There are 39 ski runs of varying degree of difficulty, with an overall total lenght of 61 kilometres. In order to maintain as long a season as possible, several permanent snow guns are installed. There are two (smaller) cabin lifts, "gondolas", which allow one to travel up the mountain without skis. Sierra Nevada exists, of course, during the summer, when you can walk in or climb the mountains.

Photos from Tarifa: Torbjörn Boström

Kite surfers

Windsurfing lovers will have their wishes fulfilled in Tarifa, known as the windiest place in Europe- with hundreds of wind-powered mills along the shoreline. Follow the motorway westwards (or the coast road, free of charge) towards Cádiz. After passing Algeciras the road shrinks into a narrow road climbing up the mountain side. At the summit, there is a small café offering splendid views over Gibraltar and Africa. Carry on for another 15 km after Tarifa and turn left at the sign ”Bolonia”. The road leads down to the beach and to one of the most intact Roman ruined cities in Europe. There are also a few pasable restaurants down there. This part of the coast is called Costa Ballena and is very exposed to the Atlantic.

Buying tickets

Per looking for Dolphins

Dolphins swimming alongside the boat

Dolphin Safaris (tel 956 680 741) are organised with departures either from Algeciras or Tarifa. We find Tarifa offers the best alternative; the reason is that Tarifa is a small town, easier to negotiate and navigate and also that boats departing from Tarifa sail in towards the Gibraltar straits as well as outwards into the Atlantic, and thus increasing the probability of viewing more species of dolphins. There are two tours daily from Tarifa (at noon and 5 pm); they last for roughly two hours, and cost 30€ per person, 20€ for children 4-14 years of age and senior citizens.

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