Things to do in Costa del Sol

Nat Geo Day Tour: Echoes of Al-Andalus in Malaga

Journey through time and culture as you uncover the fascinating heritage of Al-Andalus in Malaga. Visit the Alcazaba, a formidable fortress standing as a testament to the military prowess of the Arab era. As you explore its imposing walls and strategic design, you'll be transported back to a period of grandeur. Continue the adventure at Malaga Museum, where Al-Andalus' vibrancy is showcased through a collection of ceramics and Moorish calligraphy. Marvel at exhibits merging history and art, delving into the cultural richness of the past. Next, you will stop at a restaurant to enjoy a typical tapa merging Arabic and Mediterranean flavours, washed down with local wine. Then, learn how to write your name in Arabic at a calligraphy workshop, crafted exclusively for National Geographic travellers. Discover the characteristic streets of the historic centre, revealing the urban heritage shaped by Al-Andalus. Admire the decorative tiles and intricate details that bear witness to the fusion of cultures, creating a unique landscape. Wrap up your experience at the colourful Atarazanas Market, its Moorish entrance beckoning you into the sensory overload of colours and aromas. Engage with vendors as you meander through stalls filled with fruits and herbs. To fully immerse yourself in the local experience, take a sip from an Andalusian-style wineskin.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Birdwatching in Caminito del Rey

Join a seasoned birdwatching specialist on this National Geographic Day Tour, which takes you on a special journey along the Caminito del Rey – Spain's unique gorge path and once the world's most dangerous trail. The exploration unfolds within the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Area, a sanctuary renowned for housing diverse bird species. You'll receive an introduction to the site and the measures taken to protect its biodiversity. As you traverse this striking landscape, keep your binoculars ready (these will be provided for you) to spot birds from over twenty families, including golden eagles and griffon vultures which can be seen gliding through the gorge. You will also find out about the history of Caminito del Rey, a path originally built for maintenance workers and now meticulously refurbished for public use. What makes this tour unique is the combination of an incredible hiking tour with the expertise of your guide. With qualifications in Ornithology and Herpetology, your knowledgeable companion will provide insights into the area's natural wonders and its intriguing past. This tour is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Embrace the heart-pounding beauty of soaring raptors, the delicate charm of botanical treasures, and the enthralling narrative of this iconic gorge. Capture these moments with your binoculars as you embark on a one-of-a-kind day tour.

Day Trip to Gibraltar including Minibus Tour of the Rock

An exotic blend of the familiar and the unusual, Gibraltar is a must-visit. This tour ticks off all its top attractions – the Barbary apes of the Rock, St Michael's Caves and the Main Street. Rosa, one of our local guides, says: ‘Gibraltar is one of the most unexpected culture shocks I've ever encountered. It feels like my native Andalusia, but everything looks British. Wandering around, listening to the locals chat in their cute dialect is always a joy.'The fun kicks off on a high with a guided tour of the Rock of Gibraltar. Towering 426 metres above the Med, its steep slopes look daunting – but you'll be discovering it from the comfort of a minibus. The first stop is packed-with-monuments Europa Point, a popular spot for taking snaps. At the Upper Rock nature reserve, you'll meet the free-roaming Barbary apes – Europe's only wild monkeys. On a clear day, you can see all the way across to Africa. Next up is St Michael's Cave. Once home to Neanderthals and used as a war hospital during World War II, they're now an atmospheric concert hall.Back at ground level, Gibraltar's town centre has a distinctly British feel to it, whether it's the more obvious red phone and post boxes or the more succinct ones such as arched Georgian door frames. Tuck into a pie or maybe some fish and chips for lunch, before some retail therapy. Main Street, where many of the British high street chains have outlets, is famed for its duty-free shops.

Marbella and Golden Mile Tour with Puerto Banus Visit

The charming old town of Marbella and the upscale opulence of Puerto Banus provide a perfect contrast on this trip. Take half a day to discover them both, with a little help from your guide. Sip a coffee in its famous Orange Tree Square, see the Dali sculptures along the Avenida del Mar, and see the millionaire's playground of Puerto Banus.

Malaga Old Town and Mijas Mountain Village Tour

From big city to quaint whitewashed village, experience both sides of life in the Costa del Sol. In Malaga, you can shop-till-you-drop, explore the historic old quarter or visit one of the many art museums. A change of pace in Mijas sees you stroll flower-lined streets and enjoy views over the sea.

Andalusia Tour with El Torcal, Antequera and lunch

This tour is a scenery-rich journey through some often-overlooked corners of inland Andalusia. You'll visit historic Antequera, immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of El Torcal and the Guadalhorce lakes, and round off the day at Juanito's orange farm. Sonia, one of our guides, says, ‘You'll pass through miles of stunning, varied and unspoilt scenery. It's a rare chance to try local food and wine in a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere.'First up is the UNESCO-listed nature reserve of El Torcal. Here, you can stroll about its gnarled and otherworldly karst rock formations, which date back to the Jurassic age. Next, we'll stop to enjoy panoramic vistas of the Antequera's Moorish fortress and Lovers' Rock – a mountain steeped in local legend. The city has been dubbed the ‘Florence of Andalusia' because of its Renaissance and baroque palaces and churches. Free time to explore the old town is followed by lunch made from locally sourced seasonal ingredients, washed down with regional wine, in a family-run restaurant.In the afternoon, we'll head to the jade-green waters of the Guadalhorce reservoirs. But the best is yet to come, with a visit to the citrus farm of the larger-than-life Juanito. He'll proudly show you around his groves and offer you his tangy fruits. ‘Juanito is a true character who'll give you insights into local farming methods and let you taste his freshly squeezed orange juice and homemade orange cake,' Sonia adds.

Caminito del Rey Tour

The Gaitanes Gorge is the must-see natural attraction in inland Malaga. This deep and steep canyon has a legendary walkway halfway up one of its vertical walls – the Caminito del Rey – which you'll get to trek on this full day tour. After a scenic drive through the country, we'll stop off at a typical village for some free time to wander around its narrow, whitewashed-fringed streets. Then, don your walking boots as we set off on an 8km walk along the recently reopened Caminito del Rey, or King's Walkway.Departing from the pine-fringed reservoirs, you'll trek along a spectacular walkway pinned along the steep gorge walls. Your guide will give you an insight into its geological origins and fascinating historical past. Finally, at the end of the journey, you'll have a well-earned break in El Chorro for the chance to grab a spot of lunch.

Guided Tour of La Axarquia with Frigiliana and Nerja

Considered the most picturesque part of the Costa del Sol coastline, Nerja is a trip that you shouldn't miss out on. On this half-day morning excursion, you'll explore the white village of Frigiliana and the charming town of Nerja to visit the ‘Balcon de Europa'– a stunning coastal viewpoint.

Full Day Tour to Ronda with Reservatauro Ranch Visit

Heading into the hills from the Costa del Sol, you'll come across one of the most storied medieval towns in the region – the one and only Ronda. Spend the whole day exploring its cobbled alleys and discover its history and local traditions, including a visit to a bull ranch. Marilo, one of our expert local guides, says ‘Ronda's famous bridge is still known as Puente Nuevo, even though construction began over 250 years ago. It joins the two parts of Ronda – the new town, “Mercadillo”, and the old town, “La Ciudad”.'After arrival, you'll set off on a guided walk around the town, checking out its churches, mansions and the Puente Nuevo. This magnificent stone bridge straddles the 100-metre-deep Tajo gorge that bisects the town, serving up dizzying views. Ernest Hemingway was a frequent visitor – so much so, there's a sculpture of him, opposite one of Orson Welles, another Ronda aficionado – in Blas Infante park. Then, you'll enjoy more views over the ravine from the Casa Don Bosco, a modernist mansion perched above the gorge, as well as a glass of wine.You'll round off at the Reservatauro Ranch – set in a biosphere reserve filled with centuries-old oak trees, it's a perfect habitat for breeding Spanish bulls and Andalusian horses. Learn more about the history of Spanish bulls and Andalusian horses, in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. You'll stroll through wooded pasturelands studded with oaks and get to meet these lovingly cared-for animals, which are free to roam the vast ranch.

Full day Tour of Cordoba during the Patio Festival

On this full day tour, you'll visit the UNESCO-listed old town of Cordoba in May, when it comes to life during the annual patio competition. You'll see the flower-festooned patios on a guided tour, discover the great mosque and enjoy free time to explore.

Gibraltar Dolphins by Boat and Historical Walking Tour

Gibraltar is a unique Mediterranean gem teeming with history and marine wonder. Look out for playful dolphins when you head out on the waves, and find out the history of Gibraltar on a walking tour of the town. As Orazio, one of our expert local guides, puts it, 'We'll pass by The Convent, the official residence of His Excellency the Governor, who is the monarch's representative in Gibraltar. If you're lucky you'll witness a changing of the guard, Gibraltar's version of the daily parade outside Buckingham Palace.'Start with the Dolphin Tour, where you'll go out into the waters around Gibraltar by boat and with luck, you'll have the chance to see up close the playful dolphins that call these waters home. Next, we invite you to step back in time with our Walk Through History tour. Starting at Landport Gate, the historic entrance to Gibraltar's fortification, you'll be led through Casemates Square and up Irish Town, each step revealing more about Gibraltar's diverse past.Take a look at Bomb House Lane's distinctive architecture and pay your respects at Trafalgar Cemetery, final resting place for many sailors lost during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. You'll hear tales of Moorish, Spanish, and British rule, as shared by our knowledgeable guides. Finally, it's time for some retail therapy along Main Street, Gibraltar's bustling commercial hub. Here you'll find duty-free shops offering everything from luxury goods to souvenirs.

Gibraltar Dolphins, Panoramic Tour and Botanical Gardens

A magical family-friendly adventure is waiting for you in Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea is a playground for dolphins and history whispers through the ancient city walls. As Angie, one of our expert local guides says, ‘One of the most panoramic stops on this tour is Europa Point, the “Southern tip of Europe” from where you can see the Rif Mountains and on a clear day even as far as the Atlas Mountains of southern Morocco stretching across the horizon.'Start with the Dolphin Tour, where you'll go out into the waters around Gibraltar by boat and with luck, you'll have the chance to see up close the playful dolphins that call these waters home. Next, take a panoramic bus tour that takes you back in time to the Battle of Trafalgar at Rosia Bay. The bus winds its way around Gibraltar's scenic coastline, offering glimpses into the region's military history and awe-inspiring views over the Bay of Gibraltar towards Spain.Enjoy uninterrupted views across the Strait of Gibraltar from Europa Point, before enjoying a tranquil stroll through Gibraltar's Botanical Garden where kids will love looking out for the faces carved into some of the trees. Listen for the sounds of Gibraltar's distinctive wildlife as you soak up the vibrant plant life. To finish, take a stroll down Main Street, a bustling area lined with shops selling a wide range of goods, and end your trip at Casemates - the heart of Gibraltar.