A wonderful opportunity to get close to whales, dolphins and other sea mammals, in their natural habitat in the Straits of Gibraltar. This is the area of sea where where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meet, in the narrow space between the southermost point of Spain, and the African continent.
The waters off the coast of Andalucia are home to a large population of whales and dolphins. They are known formally as cetaceans and can be divided into two main orders: mysticeti and odontoceti, and you can see them both by joining one of the many boat expeditions offered by companies operating from various points along the Costa de la Luz, and the Costa del Sol, especially from ports of Tarifa and Gibraltar.
Andalucía is a birdwatcher's paradise and attracts ornithologists throughout the year. The best time of the year, however, is during the spring, as this is when you can see many wintering species, together with those arriving for the summer months.
There are many ways to spend your time in Andalucía, from outdoor activities like whale watching, to guided tours of historic cities and numerous museums and art galleries. Here is a selection with online ticketing.
Sailing can be such fun, there is nothing like being out in the fresh air sailing along the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol. Some companies offer luxury yacht and boat hire, a luxury sailing concierge, who can arrange almost everything from sunset cruises with fine dining to trips to Morocco and Portugal.
Markets (mercados) are a common sight in towns and villages throughout Costa del Sol are an essential part of local life largely unaffected by competition from supermarkets and hypermarkets. They are colourful, noisy and entertaining and an experience not to be missed, whether you plan to buy anything or not.
See a selection of excellent excursions from Malaga city, perfect opportunities to see the biggest and best attractions in Andalucia without the hassle of having to organise it yourself.
Looking for adventure? Make a bee line for the Zip lines in Andalucia. They can be found at Alhaurin el Grande, Sanlúcar de Guadiana, Castillo de las Guardas, Comares, Elviria, Marbella and Fuengirola.
A wonderful opportunity to get close to whales and dolphins in their natural habitat in the Strait of Gibraltar. This is the area of sea where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meet, in the narrow space between the southermost point of Spain, and the African continent.
Andalucia is the perfect destination for many types of marine activities, with its long coastline and endless hours of sunshine promising warm weather and perfect sea conditions. The Costa de Sol has an excellent selection of reputable companies offering these types of exciting water sports.
Tarifa is a great place for birdwatching, being situated on the edge of Los Alcornocales National Park, and also on the migration route for more than 400 species of birds which fly in flocks towards the Straits of Gibraltar and across to Africa to spend the winter, and then return again in spring.
Thanks to its ideal situation on the Straits of Gibraltar opposite Africa, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, with constant winds, Tarifa is already known as the European capital of windsurfing. The expansive golden beaches to the north of the town (Playa de los Lances and Playa Valdevaqueros are ideal for these sports). For more information see our windsurf page.
Thanks to its ideal situation on the Strait of Gibraltar opposite Africa, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, with constant winds, Tarifa is already known as the European capital of windsurfing. The beaches of this historic Moorish town have also now established themselves as a world-class destination for another hugely popular, and very beautiful, wind-powered watersport: kitesurfing (also known as kiteboarding).
There are many karting circuits in Andalucia where you can have fun. They can be found at Campillos, La Puebla de Cazalla, Cartaya, Torre del Mar.
Yoga and tai chi are quite popular in Andalucía and classes can be found in both public and private centres. Because of the nature of these activities, you should be able to join a course and enjoy learning new skills even if you are only here for a two or three week holiday.
Wineries are located throughout this region and many of the larger companies offer tours of the facility via guides that explain the processes involved and can answer your questions regarding how wine production differs in Andalucía from that in other parts of Spain and the rest of the world.
Thanks to the mild climate in southern Spain, outdoor tennis can be enjoyed year round. So why not take a few classes and improve your stroke while you're on holiday here? You can find courses through your hotel, the administrative offices in the community of apartments or villas where you are staying or by visiting the nearest town hall and asking for the area's "polideportivo", or municipally sponsored sports centre.
With all the press devoted to sun and beaches it might be difficult to imagine taking a ski holiday in Andalucía, but Sierra Nevada in Granada makes that not only possible, but an excellent idea.
In ports all along the coast of Andalucía sailing classes are typically offered through the port's club, or members' association. As courses are often sold as a package involving a certain number of hours/weeks, these are best reserved only for an extended holiday.
Personal development as a subject - and course offering - is relatively new in Andalucia (and most parts of Spain). However, as more and more foreigners from northern Europe, flock to this region, an increasing number of workshops, seminars and courses are being offered in English and other languages - and you will find the occasional course offering in Spanish as well.
