The Costa del Sol is world famous for its beaches, golf courses and sunshine, but there is in fact so much more to see and do. If you’ve tired of lounging by the pool, soaked up enough sun or overdone it on cocktails, it might be worth considering some alternatives. There are plenty of options, from the extreme to the serene. We’ve summed up a few of our favourites for you to check out, all within 30 mins of Marbella town centre.
Trapeze Yoga
It may sound like the circus is in town, but in fact this alternative form of Yoga offers a huge range of health benefits. As well as helping improve your core, upper body strength and balance, Yoga Trapeze is an excellent way to reduce chronic lower back pain. With the help of the suspension system, the body is supported through calming yoga movements. The space between each vertebra is lengthened and the back is able to stretch deeper. There are a selection of group classes which run throughout the week in Guadalmina Alta and Marbella, both indoor and outdoor. There are also private individualised classes available.
Group classes start from €10
http://www.yogatrapezemarbella.com/
Off Road Karting
So much of our everyday lives on the Costa del Sol is focused around the beach. It’s very easy to forget that we are also surrounded by rolling hills, rivers and nature. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful countryside, whilst also taking in some pretty impressive coastal views is on an Off Road Karting tour. This is most definitely a thrilling ride for those looking for adventure. You will be guided up into the highest, most beautiful and remote mountains of the Costa del Sol, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Prices start at €90 per buggy for 2 people on a 2 hour trip
Jet Boat Marbella
Hold on, and prepare to get soaked! The bright red Jet Boat in Marbella, offers all the speed and adrenaline of a typical Jet Ski ride, but with the benefit of being able to share the experience as a group. Up to 10 passengers can be whizzed, spun and splashed together, speeding up and down the Marbella seafront. There is no better way to cool off, after a roasting hot day at the beach.
Price €40 per person. Discount for groups
http://www.jetboat.es/index.php/en/
Saddle Up
Positioned perfectly between Estepona and Puerto Banus, Ranch Siesta de los Rubios offers an extensive range of horse based experiences. Their new ‘Saddle Up’ package is ideal for nervous riders or those looking to refresh their skills. Not only do you have the chance to ride through the Sierra Bermeja national park, but they will also guide you through grooming and tacking up your horse and take you through the riding basics in their school. There are also more challengings hacks for the more advanced rider, as well as Pony Club for kids and special events for Mum’s and Tot’s. This is a fabulous all round riding school, and definitely one to check out.
Price for the Saddle Up Experience- €35 per person for a 2 hour experience
http://www.ranchsiestalosrubios.com/
La Concha Mountain Hike
La Concha (The Shell) sits proud and peaceful as a dramatic backdrop to the Marbella seafronts below. For those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the towns, and swap their flip flops for walking shoes, this is a challenging 4 hour round trip. Reaching the summit you are rewarded with views, that only the peak at 1200 metres above sea level can offer. This is the perfect way to work off that excess paella, take in views of the North African coastline and experience the Costa del Sol from a completely different perspective. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, snacks, sun cream and a fully charged mobile phone
Price: Free
http://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2012/03/13/up-marbellas-magic-mountain/
Acequia de los Angosturas, Benahavis
If hiking huge mountains is not your cup of tea; ambling along the Acequia (Irrigation Channels) in Benahavis could be more your cup of tea. The route guides you gently alongside historic irrigation streams, in complete tranquillity. It is suitable for all ages and abilities, and other than the initial ascent is a smooth flat path. Starting at the wooden bridge 1.5km before Benahavis village, you can easily complete the full circuit in around 45 mins. There are picnic benches dotted along the route and great viewpoints for photos. The added bonuses are that after your efforts you can treat yourself by either bathing in the natural rock pools below or taking full advantage of the excellent range of dining options in Benahavis village.
Price: Free
Mayan Monkey Mijas Chocolate Factory
Would you believe, you can have your very own Willy Wonka-esque moment right here on the Costa del Sol?! The Mayan Monkey Chocolate Factory in Mijas, have been producing chocolatey creations with their own signature flavours since 2012. They offer tours, chocolate workshops, school visits and birthday parties all centred around an ethical and sustainable micro production concept. The team are experts in their field, and passionate about their work. This is an ideal add on to a visit to beautiful Mijas Pueblo, and is a hit for all the family.
Price: Express Class €11.70 per person for a 10min introduction to chocolate making, including 3 bars of chocolate
http://www.mayanmonkey.es/index.html
Volunteering Costal del Sol
This is one for the dog lovers. There are thousands of dogs that are left abandoned, sick and injured up and down the Costa del Sol every year. Adana in Estepona dedicates themselves to rehabilitating their canine residents, and actively re-homing as many dogs as possible. Giving a few hours of your time to Adana could be one of the most worthwhile mornings you ever spend. The animal association is run entirely by donations and volunteers, who are in desperate need of assistance. They are always in need of an extra pair of hands to help with exercising, socialisation, cleaning, maintenance and fund raising. It’s an added bonus that their rescue centre sits in a fantastic elevated spot within Pedregales natural park.
Price: Free, but always appreciate donations
http://www.adana.es/en/
Aventura Amazonia
Who would have thought you can have a tree top experience, only 500m from the beach in Elviria! Climb, swing, and leap your way through nature, in this woodland adventure park. This is the place to be if ziplines, rope swings and horizontal ladders are your idea of fun. There are 6 circuits of varying difficultly, some not for the faint of heart, but plenty to entertain the children from as young as 4 years old. Take respite from the sun, and enjoy the shade offered by the forest canopy. It’s the perfect way to escape the crowds and enjoy the peace of the sea breeze blowing through the branches.
Price: From €16 for Kids. €21 for Adults.
http://www.aventura-amazonia.com/parques-amazonia/marbella/
Fly Blue Catamaran
Looking to sail on the waves, without breaking the bank? The Fly Blue catamaran cruises unhurriedly back and forth between Puerto Banus and Marbella marinas. It offers an easy-going ocean experience for those that don’t need the speed of the adrenaline water sports. There is seating upstairs on the sun deck, or downstairs in the shade. You can have your very own titanic moment at the bow of the vessel or kick back on the rope net trampolines, and glide along the water. The on board bar offers drinks and snacks and even full catering options for private group hire. Ditch the taxi and jump on board!
Price: €15 return per person
http://fly-blue.com/en/fly-blue-dos-fly-blue-tres/
If you love the Costa del Sol, and are thinking about making it your home, click here to check what properties we currently have available. There has never been a better time to buy a new home in the sun.
