Costa del Sol holidays

Being by the coast, there’s no shortage of seafood dishes in the Costa del Sol. One must-try gambas al pil-pil – king-sized prawns in a spicy sauce. Made with garlic, chillies and white wine, this popular plate arrives sizzling hot, and goes perfectly with crusty bread and a glass of chilled vino blanco. If you find yourself in a chiringuito (beach bar) in Malaga, be sure to order the espeto. Freshly caught sardines are lightly seasoned, skewered, then barbequed over hot coals. Try this local specialty with a crisp bottle of Cruzcampo, a lager from Andalucia. Arroz con leche is a delicious, creamy dessert made with rice and milk – think rice pudding with a Spanish twist. This moreish after-dinner treat is made with goat’s milk, lemon zest and cinnamon and is loved by all ages in Spain – be prepared to ask for seconds!

The perfect all-rounder in Marbella, Playa de Casablanca welcomes visitors with soft, golden sand and lovely light-blue water. Palm trees line the beach, and there’s a buzzy promenade packed with beach bars and restaurants. Grab a bicycle and explore Marbella’s captivating coastline. For a slice of beach paradise, make a day of it at Playa de Maro in Nerja. The pristine waters are perfect for snorkelling, and the setting is idyllic, with steep cliffs towering over the beach. Kayak hire is available, too – paddle around the coast to find dramatic waterfalls and hidden caves. Playa de la Carihuela is the go-to beach in Torremolinos. Enjoy the long stretch of sand and wonderfully clear, shallow water. You’ll find sun beds and parasols, showers, and even a kids’ playground – this one’s got the lot.

Aqualand: Gather the crew and spend a splash-tastic afternoon at Aqualand Torremolinos! Experience G-force thrills on the highest Kamikaze slide in Europe, and race the family to the finish line on Speed Racer. Little ones will have a whale of a time at Children’s Paradise, and when it’s time to chill out, head poolside for the sunbeds and giant whirlpool.

Sunview Park: If you’ve ever fancied flying through the air at 100km/h, now’s your chance! At Sunview Park – just 30 minutes from Fuengirola – you can experience the adrenaline rush of Spain’s second longest zipline – a heart-racing 1.4km-ride over the Spanish countryside. If you fancy something a little calmer, there’s plenty more at Sunview Park to keep you occupied, including archery, pony trekking and disc golf.

Rock of Gibraltar: An easy drive south from Estepona will take you to the world-famous Rock of Gibraltar (don’t forget your passport). There are almost 300 monkeys that call the rock home, and the easiest way to see them is on a cable car ride. Just be careful not to feed these mischievous macaques – they’re on doctor’s orders!

Nerja Caves: Just 45 minutes from Malaga, the Nerja Caves are a fascinating day out for the whole family. This vast cave system stretches for over 5km, and is home to the world’s biggest stalactite – a 32m-high monster! If that wasn’t enough, Nerja has another claim to fame – 42,000 year-old cave paintings were discovered here – the oldest artworks known to man.

Gaitanes Gorge: For some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find anywhere, spend a day at Gaitanes Gorge in Malaga province. Here you’ll find the famous Caminito del Rey, a suspended 100m-high walkway that snakes its way around the vertical cliffs of the gorge. There’s even a wooden suspension bridge that crosses the river far below. Bring your head for heights!

Rio Chillar: For a unique hiking experience, tackle the Rio Chillar, a popular river trek near Nerja. Slip on your water shoes as you walk on the riverbed upstream, passing through natural pools and mountain gorges. You’ll be rewarded with the perfect way to cool off – a cascading waterfall at the end of the trail.