Activities in Mijas and on the Costa del Sol

Golf

They call it the Costa del Golf - and with nearly 60 golf courses in Andalucia, including more than 30 are on the Costa del Sol, it's easy to see why! With year round sun the Costa del Sol is perfect for your golfing vacation; and Mijas is ideally situated for these many championship courses.

Among my personal favourites are:

Tennis

There is no shortage of places to play tennis on the Costa del Sol. The two most famous clubs are the Manolo Santana Club in Marbella where the Marbella Open is held each summer and Lew Hoads Campo De Tennis in Mijas (tel. +34 952 474858).

The Lew Hoads facilities include 8 tennis courts, tuition, beautiful landscaped gardens, bar, restaurant, pool, boutique and changing rooms. There are year round Tuesday and Thursday tournaments for all standards, plus another 5 major tournaments throughout the year. Ideal tennis playing conditions with an average daily temperature of 20 deg.C make it possible to play tennis all year round.

Horse Riding

An excellent riding school is located at the Alhaurin Golf & Country Club (tel. +34 952 595800) which is about 15 minutes by car from Mijas. Horses are provided for experienced riders and lessons can be arranged if required.

If you wish to see dressage demonstrations they are held every Thursday at The Andalucian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez. Many local tour operators have organised trips to Jerez include a visit to a sherry bodega. An Andalucian horse show is held locally at El Ranchito near Torremolinos every Wednesday at 5.30 pm. (tel. +34 952 383140).

There are numerous places to hire horses. Farms, riding schools, hotels and small stables offer a wide range of horses ranging from solid local Andalucian horses to stunning white stallions with tumbling manes.

Wolf Sanctuary

The Lobo Park (Wolf Park) is located near to Antequera, an unspoilt nature and wildlife park in the heart of Andalusia. You will find four large enclosures and observe European wolves, Timber wolves, the rare white Alaska-Tundra wolves (polar wolves) and Iberian Wolves. The 40-hectare protected and untouched nature park has innumerable rare plant and animal species. Unlike other parks you find socialised but not domesticated wolves that live in a semi-natural environment. The guided tour (Spanish and English) will lead you through the park and explain everything you need to know to have a better understanding for these precious animals.

Wolf Howl Nights - Come hear the wolves howl!

See the pack when they are most active and you even get the chance to howl along! If you are looking for a very special evening out, don't miss the regular weekend "Howl Nights" from May until October (During the Winter period once a month). Enjoy a BBQ on the terrace with a spectacular view of the El Torcal during sun set. Our "Wolf Howl Night" is a unique experience which will stay in the memory of the visitors. Definitely unforgettable!

For more information please visit: http://www.lobopark.com

Sailing

There are 15 marinas on the Andalucian coast - the most local to Mijas is Fuengirola. From here you can hire windsurfers, jet-skis, sailing dinghies and go water-skiing and fishing. Usually there are larger boats you can charter by the day from the marina office. Or you can sit back and relax with an evening cruise onboard the "Dawn Approach" - a lovely old sailing vessel based at the end of the main pontoon.

Walking

Walking in sunshine

Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe and the mountain range of the Costa del Sol extend almost to the coast. Most people content themselves looking at the mountains from their pool loungers but that is no substitute to being among them. The area of Mijas has some of the most stunning scenery and best walks that you can find in Europe. Best of all the trails are deserted and easy to access. The best time of the year for walking is from Mid September through to Mid June. Some seasonal delights are January when the skies are clear blue and the bare almond trees are in full blossom, and Spring when the mountains are alive with wild poppies, lavender and other flowers.

Discover hidden valleys and pine forests, walk though old open mines where the Romans first mined. Easily walk from one side of the mountain where you can see the sea to the other and gaze upon inland Spain. Visit the Shrine of Calvario that appears to float on the mountainside above Mijas.

The Costa del Sol is an area of contrast. El Torcal is a 'must' place to visit with its lunar like landscape and stunning views. The Sierra de Nieves National park is only a short drive from Mijas and offers another area to discover. As well as stunning scenery the cities of Malaga, Ronda and Granada all dating back to the Moors all offer cultural treats for visitors and walking around them allows you to take in the ambience of the streets. For those of a stout heart, the Ghost tour of Malaga may offer an unusual highlight to your holiday.

The tourist office in Mijas organises free walking tours on a Wednesdays ranging from an easy stroll to a whole day traversing the Sierra de Mijas. They also have free maps of the walks available, including information on the flora and fauna you are likely to see (call them directly on (+34) 952 58 90 34

Suggested books:
Guide to the Sierra de Mijas - Juan Antonio Gomez Alarcon
The best book by far for walking in Mijas containing a useful flora and wildlife section too.

Andalucia and the Costa del Sol - John and Christine Oldfield
Contains both suggested car routes and walks. A good guide for exploring more than just the immediate area of Mijas.

The areas around the Guadalhorce Lakes, El Chorro & Torcal (see Places to Visit for more info) have some of the most beautiful scenic countryside in Andalucia.
For more information see http://www.andalucia.com/rural/walking.htm

Walking in El Chorro

Guadalhorce Lakes
El Chorro is less than an hour's drive from Mijas and the drive itself takes you through the Guadalhorce lakes, an area of outstanding beauty.

The lakes themselves are an unbelievable shade of blue and in the summer provide a perfect place to swim.

El Caminito del Rey
El Chorro itself is very small but is well renowned for its world class climbing and the famous Caminito del Rey, a path constructed in 1901 100 mtrs above the gorge just 1m wide so that workers at the hydroelectric plant could easily walk between 2 parts of the plant.

In 1921 it was officially opened by King Alfonso XIII giving the path its name of ‘Little Kings Road’. The path is in disrepair, missing not only the hand rail but large sections of the path itself - this path is now closed.

Los Giantanes from the GR7
There are 3 well marked routes with posts here on information boards. Walking from the car park outside ‘El Chorro’ camping you will find a notice with 2 short walks on which take you around the gorge itself. If you start from the train station you are able to walk part of the GR7 following the Giantanes.

The GR7 is the longest trail in Europe, and is nearly 9000 km long. The route starts on the Atlantic coast near the Strait of Gibraltar and the path passes through Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria and ends in the Peleponesos in Greece. Following this route, or sections of it, is a great way to some excellent walks in Spain.

The Ruined Church at Bobastro
Very close to El Chorro and well worth a visit is the deserted village of Bobastro. The ancient church was built between 879 and 918 and is carved directly from the rock.

Climbing

Those who find hiking not quite exciting enough, may like to try mountaineering, rock climbing or caving, all of which are popular in this part of Spain with a wealth of challenges and some of the best areas in Europe outside the Alps.

The Garganta el Chorro (El Chorro Gorge - pictured here), two and a half miles long, up to 1,300 feet deep, and, in places, barely 30 feet wide, briefly splits the Andalusian heartland. Join the countless climbers who home in from all over the world and whose bright colors make its walls shimmer. Choose from over 200 routes traced into the rock face. Their names-The Policeman Stole My Walkman, Brain Clot, Mama Wants to be a Bullfighter-are as intriguing as the routes themselves. Standards range from beginner-type clambering up the Placa de los Cotos to scary routes up the near-vertical walls of the gorge's steepest sections. There are several mountaineering clubs and some challenging rock faces, particularly around the area of El Chorro near Alora (see above). Sierra de las Nieves, between Ronda and Malaga or Sierra Almijara are also popular with climbers.

Aqua Parks

The nearest aqua park is very close by on the Fuengirola ring-road next to the turn off for Coin/Mijas Golf. The other is located near the town of Torremolinos. Families travel from as far away as Gibraltar to spend a day at the Mijas aqua park. The aqua parks open from about Easter onwards for the summer season. Look out for special entrance offers in the local English newspapers (The Entertainer & Sur).

Bullfighting

I certainly don't advocate you try your hand at this! But if there is a bullfight on at The Plaza de Toros in Mijas Pueblo, and you are interested in Spanish tradition, it may well be worth a visit ..... and yes there is blood and they do kill the bulls. Not my idea of an afternoon out, but each to their own.

Bullfighting remains today as popular as ever in Andalucia, in fact it is gaining not losing popularity!

Flamenco

I am often asked 'where can I see flamenco'. Well, after a bit of research I have turned up the following :

Both the above are staged for tourists; if you are looking for 'real flamenco' then there are also many ferias and fiestas throughout the year where flamenco can be seen. If you would like to know more about flamenco click here for a listing of flamenco festivals, courses and competitions throughout Andalucia.

Fuengirola Zoo

The most modern Zoo in Spain, Fuengirola Zoo reflects the true environment of the animals

Open from 10.00h to midnight during July and August, giving a chance to see nocturnal animals by moonlight. Otherwise open from 10.00h to sunset.

Set amidst tropical forests of Madagascar, Equatorial Africa and south-east Asia, this zoo is designed to replicate the natural habitat of each of the animal species living here. Large areas have been created in which water and vegetation are plentiful - rivers, gigantic trees, waterfalls, bamboo-shrouded temples, hanging bridges and abandoned mines.

Quad Bikes

South Coast Quad - are run by an English family who decided to offer something different to do in Spain & take pride introducing you to a fun day out. So why not take the opportunity and live life in the open air of the Mijas mountains and in harmony with nature … they will find you the best route up into the mountains, stop for a quick drink in a typical venta and return by breathtaking views to the coast.

Located in Fuengirola Port Tel: 676 771 120

Fishing

Big game fishing between March to October - enjoy an unforgettable day aboard Sama (pictured here). Based in Benalmadena port, for full details tel. (0034) 617 923 178.

Also try Luna 5 also based in Benalmadena Marina - you should see the picture of their record tuna catch of 628lb ! Their boat is a new luxury Astinor 1000 with twin 240 hp diesels, cabin, shower, flybridge etc - full details at (0034) 670 611 427

Dolphin Watch

Established in 1969, the Original Dolphin Safari TM is the longest running and most popular marine safari in Europe. Based in Gibraltar our brand new boat called GOLDFIN, 430 horse power, is especially designed to watch dolphins and whales in the bay and Straits of Gibraltar. Strong, fast, modern, safe, with all the accommodation necessary inside and outside for one of the most enjoyable and unforgettable experience of your life.

For Reservations telephone: (0034) 607 290 400

Tours

There any many many day tours that are available with pick ups in the Fuengirola & Mijas areas. Trips include: Gibraltar, Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba, Ronda, Tangiers, Tetuan (Morocco), Ceuta, Torcal, Jerez, Frigiliana etc.

All can be booked from many agencies in the area.

Tivoli World

Enjoy the thrill of the many rides and amusements, using the Tivolino, the parks own currency or alternatively you may take advantage of the Supertivolino, which is a special offer that enables unlimited use of some 30 rides.

There are several squares where you will enjoy varied free shows.

At the Wester Square: An authentic reproduction of a Wild West Town, you will be delighted by sensational French Can-Can, and Country Western Shows. Also special kids shows are performed.

At Andalusian Square, you will be able to appreciate the Andalusian Folklore with the best Flamenco and Spanish Ballet shows on the Coast.

In high season there is an open air theatre which caters for all tastes with live music, folklore, dances etc.

Avda de Tivoli s/n Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. 29631, Málaga. España.

July & August open 1800 to 0200 - for other months Tel: (0034) 952 577 016

Sea Life - Benalmadena

Enjoy an unforgettable experience for the whole family as you explore the wonderful sea creatures of the marine world at Sea Life Benalmadena.

Discover the kingdom of the seahorses and enjoy our colourful tropical fish.

Enjoy the biggest collection of sharks in Europe and come face to face with more than 20 species of sharks from around the world.

Located in Benalmadena Port, open daily from 10 am.

For more information, please call on (0034) 952 56 01 50

Scuba

One 2 One diving are a friendly & professional team that invites you to experience the wide selection of marine life that the Costa del Sol has to offer … with stunning reefs, dramatic cavern & wall dives, boat dives, night dives and deep dives there is something for every one.

The team dive at a variety of sites, with itineraries based on customer’s levels of experience and prevailing weather conditions. Popular locations include Gibraltar, Tarifa, Marbella and Nerja each offering a different underwater experience. One 2 One offer a fun family experience with bubble maker and seal team for the kids and a full range of diving courses from ‘Discover Scuba’ through to PADI professional certification for the adults. They are also the only dive school I know of on the coast that offer facilities for disabled divers with an HAS trained instructor.

Snorkelling is also very popular in the marine reserve and equipment including buoyancy aids may be rented.

I personally dive with One 2 One regularly and recommend a fun day out with them, visit their web site at http://www.one2onediving.com

Contact Chris or Kate on (0034) 952 196 090 Mobile; (0034) 617 016 738

Selwo Aventura

SELWO is a nature park unique in Europe where animals of the five continents coexist in semi wild conditions. The park is divided into several zones, each of which features a variety of different animals. The first remarkable area which you will encounter is the lagoon which is populated by exotic birds, including some colourful flamingos. Nearby are habitats suitable for birds and monkeys. One of the park's most striking man-made features is the bird canyon, a massive enclosed area of hills and plants, within which more than 40 different species of birds live freely. A great part of the circuit is made in all-terrain trucks, although there is lots to see on foot, so I recommend you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Also there is limited shade so summer visitors should remember to bring along a hat and sun cream. Open 7 days from 10 am.

Autovía Costa del Sol, km 162,5; Las Lomas del Monte s/n ; 29680 ESTEPONA

Tél : (34) 902 19 04 82

Hot Air Ballooning

A Balloon Flight in Spain ................ a truly magical experience!

Come and join us for the exclusive thrill of a lighter-than-air flight in the undiscovered Andalucian hinterland near to the Costa del Sol, and take a birds-eye view of the spectacular Spanish countryside. Weather permitting, we offer daily passenger flights in Ronda and Antequera two of the most historic towns in Andalucia and only a short drive from either Marbella or Malaga. With the predominantly good flying conditions here in Southern Spain, we can offer balloon flights all year round. The changing seasons enhance the experience and offer something unique during each flight. So climb aboard and enjoy the magic of the oldest and gentlest form of aviation.

For more information please visit: http://www.gloventosur.com

PS: Being a balloon pilot myself - you will never forget your first flight in a balloon, it’s just simply magical!

Ian Fishwick (MD Mijas Villas)