Local Attractions And Activities

There is literally something for everyone on the Costa del Sol : great food and wine, sailing, sports, Mediterranean culture, historical sites and best of all - a wonderful climate in which to enjoy them !

ACTIVITIES

Riding

Horses have been a part of life in Spain since perhaps as long ago as 4000 BC, and the Andalusian horse is known around the world for its abilities in High School dressage.

What better place, therefore, to go riding?

The Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa Del Sol is based outside Estepona, very close to Dominion and Hacienda Beach. One of the best equestrian centres in Spain, they have wonderful facilities and also take complete beginners. They are a BHS and ABRS approved training and examination centre.

Scuba diving

Southern Spain offers some of the best scuba diving in the country and there are many diving centres and clubs that welcome new members and visitors alike, offering BSAC and PADI courses right up to instructor level. It is very easy to take a diving course whilst in Spain on holiday. The Mediterranean offers a varied selection of sea life and marine plants and very few are harmful and present any danger. There are also many wrecks worthy of investigation.

Dolphin watching

A dolphin-watching trip is a great opportunity to actually see dolphins in the wild. There are several boat trips to choose from. The Original Dolphin Safari's boat goes out from Gibraltar 7 days a week all year round except for December, January, February and March, for a 1.5 hour trip.

Skiing

Sierra Nevada is only 2 hours drive away, so it is possible to sit on the beach in the morning and ski in the afternoon. Sierra Nevada, which means "Snowy Mountain Range", includes some of the highest peaks in Europe, not to mention the highest concentration of peaks over 3,000m in Spain.

The ski terrain is prominently peaked by the Pico Veleta (3,398m), which is Spain's third highest peak. The ski resort of Sierra Nevada offers its visitors a wide range of facilities and a ski terrain to suit skiers and boarders of all standards.

Tennis

There are a number of local tennis clubs, the closest being at Bel Air and Benavista.

PLACES TO VISIT

Laguna Village

By the underpass only 2 kilometers from Dominion, Laguna Village is a small shopping centre, with bar, restaurant and pool area, as well as a beach club.

Selwo Adventure Park, Estepona

The park covers more than 100 hectares and is home to free roaming animals from all over the world in natural habitats that have been recreated. It features more than 2,000 semi-free roaming animals, birds of prey, shows, archery, camping exhibitions, nature classes, swinging bridges, safaris and accommodation. Their website is in Spanish only.

Selwo Marina, Benalmadena

Selwo Marina has a dolphinarium, sea lions and penguins, and features exhibitions and shows. Again, their website is only available in Spanish.

Fuengirola Zoo, Fuengirola

Once an old-fashioned collection of cramped cages, Fuengirola zoo was modernized in 2001 to feature "tropical-forest" dwellings. The zoo now specializes in captive breeding for endangered species, chimpanzee-group research and tropical-forest education.

Sea Life Aquarium, Benalmadena

First opened in 1995, Benalmadena's Sea Life Centre is a walk-through underwater park, where you can see aquatic species from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans and the Red Sea.

Mijas Aquapark, Fuengirola

This water fun-park is located on the outskirts of Fuengirola. Mijas Aquapark has a wave pool, kamikaze slide, water chutes, adventure river with winding raft slides and a mini aqua park for kids. The park also has a full entertainment program including shows for children, water aerobics (displays and free classes), regional dances and beach volleyball competitions.

Cable Ski, San Pedro

The Cable Ski has a cable system which pulls skiers round the lake, simulating waterskiing. Good for learning or improving your water skiing, this attraction is also for those who just want a fun day out.