Out and about

We have drawn together a list of useful internet sites that should help when planning your stay, if during your visit you discover other useful information or internet sites that you feel would be of use to others please let us know.

A number of superb courses within easy reach
Some of the best water parks and outdoor activities are moments away
Relax on one of the many beautiful beaches
Enjoy local stores and city shopping trips to nearby Malaga

Golf courses

The villa is very well situated to take advantage of the many local golf courses in the area. The following courses are situated less than an hour's drive but if you are prepared to travel a little further then the world-renowned courses between Marbella and Sotogrande are only an hour and a half away.

Parador Malaga del Golf - one of the oldest courses in Andalucia. Designed by Tom Simpson (Muirfield and Turnbury).

Golf Antequera - a most enjoyable course. Built recently, but with some spectacular holes. Designed by Jose Maria Canizares.

Baviera Golf - another course designed by Jose Maria Canizares. Relatively easy and ideal for high handicappers.

Guadalhorce Club de Golf - situated just outside Malaga. An interesting course.

A comprehensive list of golf courses in Andalucia is available on the Federación Andaluza de Golf web site.

Water parks and activities

Aqua Arena:
Looking for an exciting day at the beach but want the added fun of a water park? Aqua Arena is a brand new attraction, with 800 metres of inflatable family fun, for everyone to enjoy. Essentially a bouncy castle on the sea, children and parents can both enjoy the entertaining and exciting activity. Visit http://aquaarena.com/ for more information about booking your day out or contact Aqua Arena via telephone: +34 902 504 885.

Aqualand:
Aqualand in Torremolinos is only a 1hrs drive away from the Villa. For those who enjoy the thrill and excitement of an adventurous water park visit http://www.aqualand.es for all the need to know information. Also available on the website are the various water rides on offer for all the family, gain a preview before you visit this fantastic water park!

Aquavelis:
Fancy a water park that is closer to home? Aquavelis is just a 5 minute drive from the Mercadona and El Ingenio shopping mall and has a wide selection of water rides for the whole family to enjoy. A journey you should be fairly familiar with if you have already made a shopping trip, the water park is only 30 minutes away from the villa and is easy to find. http://www.aquavelis.es

Sharky’s watersports:
Water-skiing, wake-boarding and Ringo’s knee-boarding are just some of the exciting watersports you can engage in. To sort out booking, the location of Sharky’s Watersports and many other important information you may need before you travel to this daredevil activity, go over to http://www.sharkyswatersports.com/.

Parque Acuáticos Mijas:
Kamikaze, Labyrinth of Slides and Adventure River are just a glimpse of some of the numerous thrilling rides in store for you when you pay a visit to Parque Acuáticos Mijas. Visit their website; http://aquamijas.com and have a look at the various amusements on offer.

Karting del Sol:
Karting del Sol is a place that offers a fantastic opportunity for a day out for the family. Situated just outside of Torre del Mar, Karting del Sol’s main entertainment is provided by go karting and motorcycling, however there are many other activities that the whole family can engage in. These include; minigolf (18 holes), trampolines, amusement games, a playground for the children and a bar & restaurant. Unfortunately they don’t have their own website but you can contact them via telephone at: +34 952 556 039.

Versus Paintball:
Fancy more of a challenging activity? Head over to Versus paintballing in Almayate, Malaga. Only a thirty minute drive from the villa, Versus paintballing is a place for the daredevils out there seeking the excitement of the battlefield. Enter the address; Ctra. Ma-3120, 29749, Almayate, Spain into Google Maps and follow the directions from there. Head onto Yelp.com for more information and pictures about Versus paintballing; http://www.yelp.co.uk

Bike Travel Spain:
Attention thrill seekers! Bike Travel Spain is a chance for the daredevils to enjoy guided motorcycle tours. Head over to their website: http://www.biketravelspain.com/ where their motto: “If the dirt ain't flying, you ain't trying.” gives an idea of the exciting adventures in store.

Redtread Spain:
Another motorcycle tour available for all you thrill seekers out there. Redtread Spain carries out its tours in Nerja, Near Malaga, Southern Spain, so there are plenty of places to visit whilst on your daredevil tour. http://www.redtread.com gives you more of an idea of what is on offer at Redtread

Theme and adventure parks

Selwo Aventura:
Located in Estepona, Malaga, Selwo Aventura is an adventure park packed full with various escapades. From visiting the animals to watching the numerous shows that the park’s trainers perform with the animals, there is plenty to do at Selwo Aventura. Check their website for more information about booking etc. http://www.selwo.es/en

Selwo Marina:
From the same company that brought you Selwo Aventura, there is Selwo Marina. Selwo Marina is home to all aquatic life, from dolphins to seals. Just like Selwo Aventura, there are plenty of performances from the park’s trainers and the animals. Visit Selwo Marina to view all of the fantastic performances on offer. Visit http://www.selwomarina.es/en to book now.

Tivoli World:
Tivoli World is a fantastic theme park with fun in store for all the family. There are rides for all ages, including young children so everyone can enjoy a day out on the rides in the Spanish sunshine. Head over to the website http://www.tivoli.es/ for more information.

Walking and horse riding

John Keogh Walking Tours:
Hikes are available if you prefer taking in the beautiful views whilst you enjoy hill walking. John Keogh has been running his hiking business for around 4 years and has seen his business grow into something successful. Visit http://www.hikingwalkingspain.com/ in order to book your day out with John or his younger brother Graham. Any queries you may have about the tours etc. you can contact John directly through his email; john@hikingwalkingspain.com or his mobile; +34 647 273 502.

Los Olivillos Horse Trail:
Los Olivillos is a chance for animal lovers to enjoy a peaceful trail ride with Spanish horses. Located in Competa, an hour’s drive away from Malaga International Airport, Los Olivillos allows you the chance to explore within the national park ‘Parque Natural Sierra Tejedas, Almijara & Alhama’. Contact Los Olivillos and book your day out now by email; jefflosolivillos@yahoo.co.uk or telephone; +34 619 171 592   +34 677 841 962 . If you’re interested in looking at booking Los Olivillos visit http://www.los-olivillos.com/

Beaches

Malaga City has much to offer a tourist, not only is it the cosmopolitan capital of the Costa del Sol it also has kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches. The beaches are all situated along the Promenade of Pablo Ruiz Picasso which is lined with bars and restaurants where you can sample Malagueño produce and culture at its best. Malagueta and La Caleta are the busiest beaches.

EL PALO
This beach is family friendly, the shoreline has been reconstructed to maximise the space, and improve the beach area. Facilities include: showers, bins, bar restaurants, parking and a public telephone. Sunbeds and parasols are available to hire. It is accessed by the promenade. It is a very popular beach for diving and fishing. Restaurants offer locally sourced fresh fish.

LAS ACACIAS - PEDRALEJO
This beach is clean and family friendly. It is a Blue Flag beach. Facilities include: disabled access, hire of sunbeds and parasols, showers, first aid point, life guard, warning advice bins, parking, public telephones, and a childrens play area

BAÑOS DEL CARMEN
This beach is situated on the Seafront of the city. It is a small beach, found along the Promenade of Pablo Ruiz Picasso. It´s facilities include: Bins, Parking, and Chiringuitos (beach bars). It is a popular fishing beach as ther eis a slight promentary. It is the location of the old bathing pavilion awaiting restoration.

LA CALETA
This beach is adjacent to La Malagueta, it is 1km long and paralell to the high rise flats of Malaga City, it is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Facilities include: First aid centre, hire of parasols and sunbeds, showers, W.C, Parking, Pedalo hire, warning advice and a public telephone. This beach is famously very clean.

LA MALAGUETA
This is a very large man made beach, it is accessed via the Pablo Picasso promenade whose bars and restaurants are busy day and night. It has a view of the fishing area where you can see the fisherman untangling their nets. There are a number of Chiringuitos offering a selection of drinks and Tapas. Facilities include: disabled access, warning advice, hire of sunbeds and parasols, parking, public telephone, showers, W.C and a children´s play area. This beach is the closest to the city centre located to the east of the port.

PLAYA SAN ANDRES
This long 2km beach lies to the west of port and the mouth of the river Guadalmar. It can be seen miles away for the tall chimneys of the old sugar factories. Backed by a promenade and seafront highway. Ample number of beach bars, Dubious distinction of location of the execution of Torrijos and Boyd and fellow revolutionaries in 1831.

SAN JULIAN GUADALMAR
This beach is backed by a Golf Course belonging to the Parador Malaga Golf Hotel and sits right under the Airport flight path. It is close to the Guadalmar Uranization. It is an official Malaga nudist beach, and frequented by mixed bathers. Facilities include: showers, off road parking, beach bar and a public telephone.

Shopping

Shopping in Malaga has come a long way and become much more of an extravagant experience over the last few years. The boom in tourism has resulted in a spurt of modern and trendy shopping centres, including top fashion names and traditional Spanish accessories stores. There is not only the shopping factor involved here; these centres feature a whole scope of entertainment for all the family. Many include multiplex cinema theatres, restaurants, bars, bowling allies and other consumer-oriented facilities.

Atarazanas Central Market
This place has a spectacular fish & meat section offering the best cuts in fish, meat, giant prawn, lobster and meat. But be sure to get there first in the morning if you want them fresh. The market is also a great junction for buying cheese along with fruits and vegetables at the best prices.

Address: Calle Atarazanas, 8 29005 Malaga, Spain
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
   

El Corte Ingles 
El Corte Ingles is a well-known shopping centre in Malaga. It is a multi-storey store with fashionable and trendy clothes, perfumes, shoes in addition to homeware, furniture and food.

Address: Avenida Andalucia 4-6, Malaga 29007
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm, Closed on Sunday
Tel.: +34 952 076 500
   

Calle Marqués de Larios 
This is one of Malaga's popular shopping spots where a majority of Spanish fashion is found. All the major retailers here, trade in smart street and evening fashion for men and women. Women can have a good time at Mango, Marqués de Larios 1 that offers quality trendy wear. For men's fashion, there is Massimo Dutti, Marqués de Larios 4, where stylish and elegant outfits can be purchased.   

Centro Comercial Malaga Plaza
Malaga Plaza Centro Comercial shopping centre is one of the recent additions to the mall phenomenon in Malaga. It houses pretty much everything under one roof including over 50 department stores, ranging from latest brands in clothes, shoes and accessories to electronics and homeware. The centre also features a cafeteria.

Address: Calle Armengual de la Mota, 12 29007 Malaga Spain
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, Closed on Sunday 
Tel.: +34 952 614 040
   

Centro Comercial La Trocha
Centro Comercial La Trocha is a very modern built shopping centre in Malaga. It features many shops, which include homeware, clothing and accessories, as well as an excellent El Corte Ingles food hall. There are also many British foods, which are desirable for the expats. Furthermore, the La Trocha houses a multi screen cinema.

Address: Carretera Coín-Cártama, Km1 29100 Coín Malaga, Spain
Opening Times: Daily, 10:00 am - 10:00 pm 
Tel.: +34 952 452 350
   

El Ingenio Centro Comercial
This shopping centre boasts a large line of quality products and entertainment. With over 60 shopping stores, a multi screen cinema and a large Eroski hypermarket, this is enough to keep one occupied all day. It also includes the popular Dunnes stores for clothing and homeware products.

Address: Av Juan Carlos I 29740 Torre del Mar - Vélez Málaga Málaga, Spain
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm, until 1:00 am for Leisure area. Closed on Sunday 
Tel.: +34 952 547 267
   

Centro Comercial La Cañada Marbella
This is one of the most popular shopping centres in Marbella. It features many shops including top brand names such as Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste. La Canada is well known for its large selection of restaurants and cafeterias, as well as housing a multi screen cinema, arcade and gymnasium.

Address: Carretera de Ojén, S/N 29600 Marbella Malaga, Spain
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Tel.: +34 952 860 142

Centro Comercial Parque Miramar Fuengirola
Parque Miramar is a fairly new shopping centre, which also houses a leisure complex. The centre features two floors filled with shops selling everything from food, clothes, accessories to electronics, stationary and homeware. Furthermore, it offers a free underground parking facility, a cinema and a large selection of restaurants.

Address: Avenida Encarnación, 29640, Fuengirola, Malaga Spain
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm, Closed on Sunday
Tel.: +34 952 198 195
   

Centro Comercial La Veronica
Located on the outskirts of Antequera, La Veronica shopping centre includes a large selection of retail shops including clothes, electronics and foods. It also houses the well-known hypermarket, Eroski.

Address: Calle Talavera 29200 Antequera Malaga, Spain
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tel.: +34 952 704 007
   

Plaza Mayor Centro Commercial
Plaza Mayor shopping centre is located on the outskirts of Malaga on the Costa del Sol. This is a very pleasant centre designed like a traditional Spanish village. The leisure complex houses many restaurants, a multi screen cinema, a bowling alley, and a large nightclub.

Tel.: +34 952 247 580   

Bodegas Bentomiz:
Prefer the finer things in life? Visit Bodegas Bentomiz’s website: http://www.bodegasbentomiz.com where you can arrange to tour their vineyards and sample their exquisite wine.

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo:
A contemporary art centre located in Velez Malaga is a place for those who prefer a peaceful and tranquil day out as opposed to the busy and action packed activities. Although the centre does not have its own website, it can be found on Trip Advisor, where reviews and other helpful information are available. The Centro de Arte Contemporáneo can be found at C/ Felix Lomas, 27, 29700 Velez-Malaga, Spain. In order to contact them directly, their phone number is :+34 952 504 349