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The 20 best things to do in the Costa del Sol

As one of Europe's top tourist destinations, the Costa del Sol positively brims with things to do and see. From bucket-and-spade days to world-class art, via ancient ruins, adrenaline-fuelled adventures and local pageantry, the long coastline and its stunning inland scenery offer something for everyone. And usually at wallet-surprising prices. Whether you're looking to please your crowd, entertain the kids, discover Andalusian culture, learn a new skill or simply enjoy nature at its wildest, the Costa del Sol is your holiday destination. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in the Costa del Sol. Find out more below, or for more Costa del Sol inspiration, see our guides to the hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs and beaches. Find things to do by type: Best for families Best free things to do Best local flavour Best historical activities Best outdoor activities Best for families Dolphin spotting Sail alongside the pods The Costa del Sol has several resident dolphin families who frolic through the waves between Nerja and Estepona. The pods seem to love an audience and put on impressive displays of flips and turns, often next to the boat. Sightings are more likely on trips out of Marbella and Puerto Banús, but visitors on catamarans from Benalmádena and Malaga can also get lucky. Insider's tip: Take the water taxi between Marbella and Puerto Banús to see the magnificent mountain backdrop behind the resort and catch the local dolphins – the boat crew take a slight detour if the pod is in town. Bioparc Fuengirola Take a worldwide tour with the fauna Go wild on a globe-trotting adventure with more than 200 species of exotic animals and birds at one of Spain's trailblazing conservation zoos. Five immersive zones transport you across continents, where animals live in near-natural habitats. Watch cheeky lemurs dart through the 'Island of Madagascar', shimmering tetras and scalars glide through the 'Amazon', and powerful Komodo dragons and iguanas prowl ancient ruins in the 'Khosmal Temple'. Insider's tip: Check out the daily calendar for activities like guided tours and conversations with the zookeepers. If you're visiting in July and August, buy an evening ticket to see the nocturnal animals in action. Nerja Caves Discover a world of underground marvels The Cuevas de Nerja are the Costa del Sol's crown jewel – vast, magical caves filled with waterfalls, towering stalactites (including the world's longest) and ancient rock formations. Discovered in 1959, the caves also house numerous well-preserved prehistoric paintings, some of which are more than 20,000 years old, as well as remarkable archaeological remains. A subterranean wonderland for the whole family. Insider's tip: If you're visiting in July, check out the Festival de Nerja programme. The concerts and dance performances feature top artists and take place inside the caves whose acoustics rival the world's best auditoriums. Selwo Aventura See the big five Well, you can almost see all of the big five – since this giant park has cheetahs instead of leopards – but otherwise you'll visit iconic safari mammals and colourful tropical birds in almost their natural habitats. After walking through tropical rainforests and riding a jeep across an African savannah, take in the daily bird shows and snap a selfie with a lemur or snake. Tired of the wildlife? Whizz across the 380-foot (116m) zipline. Insider's tip: For the ultimate safari experience, stay overnight in a Masai hut or Zulu villa (all with air-conditioning, showers and great views) and wake up to the sounds of Africa. Best free things to do Baños de la Hedionda Do as Julius Caesar did Tucked at the far west end of the coast lie these steamy, sulphur-rich baths, where the most famous Roman Emperor is said to have soaked away a stubborn skin complaint. He built the original complex, later revamped by the Moors. Today, you can relax under the striking domed roof (online booking only mid-June to mid-Sept) or unwind in the outdoor pools. Insider's tip: These baths are popular, so avoid weekends at any time of year; expect the water to be flesh-bitingly chilly between October and May; and maybe pack a clothes peg for your nose. Website: Estepona Murals Marvell at street art The streets in Estepona's old quarter double as an open-air gallery, with more than 60 vibrant murals by local and international artists. Many nod to the town's fishing roots or cleverly blend features in the facades into eye-popping trompe-l'oeil. Grab a map from the tourist office or online and start exploring – don't miss Fishing Day, Spain's largest mural, sprawling across six facades. Insider's tip: As you make your way around the murals, look out for the sculptures and inscriptions of poetry scattered around the town centre. Don't miss The Tourist on the seafront and The Happiest Elephant in Plaza de las Flores. Genalguacil Visit the village that's an open-air art museum This pretty white village is roughly 25 miles (40km) from Estepona, and despite only having just 400 inhabitants, has over 200 installations on show, the legacies of the artists who have participated in the biannual Encuentros de Arte since 1994. Must-see highlights include the Arco del Viento metal chairs arching over an alleyway, 10 ceramic footballs 'lost' around the village and the Pink Panther bandolero, a perfect selfie partner. Insider's tip: Encuentros de Arte take place in August in even-numbered years, but if your visit takes place during an odd-numbered year, check out the Arte Vivo festival when resident guest artists do their thing. Ralli Museum Get surrealist on the Golden Mile When art collector Harry Recanati chose Marbella's Golden Mile for one of his five Ralli Museums, he gifted the resort with a vibrant trove of Latin American and European Surrealist masterpieces. Expect bold works from Wilfredo Lam, Roberto Matta, Bacon, Chagall, and Dalí. With its striking permanent collections and rotating exhibitions, it takes you on a deep and thrilling dive into the world of surrealism. Insider's tip: Include a side step to the museum when you stroll along the Golden Mile promenade, but note that it's open Tuesday to Saturday only, and, unlike most museums in Spain, it closes early (4 or 5pm). Return to index Best local flavour Feria time Celebrate in Andalusian style The Costa del Sol loves to party, with annual ferias (fairs) in even the smallest village, celebrating the patron saint's day and lasting at least three days. Everyone's invited to the festivities, which kick off with colourful romerías (a pilgrimage) and continue with fireworks, dancing, singing and fairground rides. Flamenco frills are a must for the ladies, as are horse and carriage parades. Insider's tip: Ferias are a one-off experience that takes over a resort completely for almost 24 hours every day. If big, noisy crowds aren't your thing, make sure your visit doesn't coincide with the local jamboree. Holy Week in Malaga Experience hard-core devotion Easter in Malaga is a profoundly moving spectacle of faith and tradition. For a whole week, 45 grand processions fill the streets with towering floats of Christ and the Virgin, solemn marching bands, and hooded penitents. Locals gather in their thousands, some moved to sing flamenco laments. Even if you're a non-believer, this soul-stirring celebration never fails to give you goose bumps. Insider's tip: Malaga's most famous local, actor Antonio Banderas, is a long-time devotee of the Lágrimas y Favores de Fusionadas brotherhood and takes part in their procession in the afternoon during Palm Sunday, when he joins the float-bearers. Malaga Bodegas Taste the local vino The Romans planted the first vines on the Costa del Sol, now home to the D.O. Málaga and D.O. Sierras de Málaga labels. Five regions produce everything from bold reds to sweet muscatels, along with excellent fizz. For standout tastings, head to Bodegas Bentomiz or Sedella Vinos in the Axarquía or spend a day sipping among the vines in Ronda's scenic bodegas. Insider's tip: Know before you go by getting the low-down on local wine. If you're in Malaga, head for the Museo del Vino (tasting included) or visit the Wine Centre in Ronda. Paella Class Create your own lunch Roll up your sleeves and cook like a local with chef Laura at her Lebasi Taller de Cocina in central Malaga. In this hands-on, three-hour session, you'll master two regional dishes plus authentic paella (that's correct, no chorizo). Discover expert tips, including how to achieve a perfectly crispy socarrat base. The best part? You'll enjoy your delicious creations over a leisurely lunch. Insider's tip: Before your class, visit the Mercado de Atarazanas fresh food market nearby and feast your senses on the stalls literally groaning with gourmet produce, much of it grown, produced or caught locally. Return to index Best historical activities Dolmens of Antequera Step back in time Dig deep into the Costa del Sol's roots at these dolmens (tombs) outside Antequera. The World Heritage site dates back to 2,500BC and the megalithic burial chambers rank among the most important in Spain. Begin at the visitors' centre for a general overview, and then admire the Cueva de Menga, the largest, with a picture-perfect view from its entrance; the smaller Cueva de Viera; and El Romeral, featuring unusual domed ceilings. Insider's tip: Time your visit to coincide with a spring or autumn equinox, or a summer or winter solstice, when there are special events at the Cueva de Viera. La Concepción Botanical Gardens Explore a horticultural paradise In 1855, two of Malaga's rising bourgeois class took a leaf from the Victorian collecting playbook and created one of Spain's largest botanical gardens. The lush grounds house more than 50,000 trees and plants; don't miss more than 80 types of palms, the water features, the black bamboo forest, the wisteria pergola (best mid to late March) or the Modernist mirador. Insider's tip: Excellent guided tours in English (minimum three people) are available year-round – book by phone, WhatsApp or email. If you're here at Christmas, book an evening visit to the stunning festive lights throughout the gardens. Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Malaga Step into the world of Al-Andalus The 10th-century Alcazaba in Malaga's city centre was initially imagined as a fortress, but quickly became a palace and symbol of the Almohad dynasty's power. Walk the battlements, admire the horseshoe arches and marvel at the intricate engravings in the palace chambers. Then, climb the steep slope to the separate Gibralfaro and walk the entire walled perimeter for simply stunning 360-degree views. Insider's tip: Reward all those steps with a little something on the terrace of the Parador de Gibralfaro, with panoramic views of Malaga and the Mediterranean beyond. Need something more substantial? Pop upstairs to the restaurant for delicious food and even better views. Río Verde Roman Villa The Costa del Sol's first luxury villa Travel back in time to probably the first luxury villa ever built on the Costa del Sol, on the east side of Puerto Banús. Dating back to the second century AD, the ruins' stars of the show are the black and white mosaics whose motifs include kitchen utensils, a stunning head of Medusa, dolphins, birds and even a pair of flipflops. Insider's tip: Time your visit for a weekend morning as the site opens Friday to Sunday, 10:30am to 1:30pm only. Combine it with a seafront stroll from Marbella (almost five miles or 7km) or a ferry ride to see the dolphins. Return to index Best outdoor activities El Caminito del Rey Embark on a daring gorge walk Malaga is one of the highest provinces in Spain, and one of the best ways to experience its peaks is along this almost five-mile (7.7km) gorge walk. Make your way through stunning scenery, including turquoise lakes and limestone crags, along the wooden pathway, complete with glass-floored viewing points and a suspension bridge. Hard hats (provided) and photographic ID are compulsory, and a zero fear of heights is preferable. Insider's tip: Regular tickets sell out quickly, so book well ahead. If these aren't available, consider joining the excellent guided tour in English, which is just as enjoyable, more informative and only a few euros more. Parque Natural de la Desembocadura del Guadalhorce Enter a twitcher's paradise Sandwiched between Malaga Airport and a motorway is this surprisingly quiet nature reserve, once gravel pits and now one of the best places for birdwatching on the Costa del Sol. The saltwater lagoons house numerous species, including the more unusual osprey, booted eagles, flamingos and white-headed ducks, as well as herons and cormorants. Go early and you might just spot hares and mongoose-like ichneumons. Insider's tip: No binoculars? Ask one of the friendly local twitchers in a hide to let you have a go with theirs. Helpful information panels in English allow you to identify the birds. Kayak Tour Paddle below the cliffs Much of the stunning Nerja coastline is only accessible by sea, which is why a kayak comes in handy. Hire your own craft or join a tour from Burriana beach and paddle eastwards into the coastal nature reserve. Skim around waterfalls, tumbling from the clifftop usually all year, venture into a sea cave and then take a dive to discover the busy marine life. Insider's tip: Kayaks are available daily for hire, and tours operate between April and November, unless there are rough seas or bad weather. Book ahead in July and August. Over-sevens only. El Torcal See weird and wonderful rock formations This massive limestone plateau dates back to the Jurassic period and brims with breathtaking views and quirky rock formations. Three well-signposted walking routes guide you around the plateau (the shop in the visitors' centre sells a good map), ranging from less than a mile (1.5km) to almost five miles (7.2km) and taking up to three hours. Insider's tip: If your visit is in the summer months, check out the nighttime activities, which include a guided tour at full moon. Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip and stay on the designated paths – it's easy to get lost. Return to index How we choose Every activity or experience to do in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser-known corners, to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations. About our expert Joanna Styles I have been championing the Costa del Sol since 1990. When I'm not waxing lyrical about my forever home, you'll find me running on the Malaga promenade or catching up on new art in the city.