A paradise for sport and outdoor activity, what can families do when rain stops play in Sotogrande? Luckily, an ever-ready supply of inland and indoor entertainment within easy reach makes for fun, active and educational days out.
Report: Louise Cook-Edwards
ANIMAL MAGIC
If you want to get up, close and personal with some exotic creatures, there is no shortage of animal attractions within close proximity to Sotogrande:
A Bijou Zoo
Very close to Sotogrande is the Zoo de Castellar – dedicated to the care, conservation and breeding of some 120 species of fabulous fauna from five continents. While you may not wish to cuddle up to the giant, albino porcupine – or the crocodiles – you might get to snuggle a lion or tiger cub or lounge around with the lemurs… Here, animal lovers can feed, stroke and interact with a plethora of fun fauna. Open every day of the year. www.zoodecastellar.es
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
For a taste of the great outdoors, head to Selwo Adventure Park Estepona, a vast safari park covering 100 hectares. Here wild animals roam free – safely away from visitors, but close enough to view them in their own habitat. Hear the roar of lions, and observe rhinos, zebras, cheetahs, meerkats, even the endangered Iberian lynx, along with many more creatures and exotic birds. The “safari” takes four hours, trekking on foot, around a lake, over a swinging rope bridge, and in 4-wheel drive trucks. Selwo also boasts a 116-metre zip line over the lake, which is suitable for children weighing over 40 kg. www.selwo.es
A Taste of Africa
Close to the village of Jímena de la Frontera, we find Pequeña Africa or “Little Africa”, a “mini” version of a larger safari park, packing in a plethora of animals including lions, tigers, zebra, wallabies, water buffalo, antelopes and lemurs. In the “farm school” kids learn by hands-on holding and feeding sessions. In this attractive, natural enclave, they can also burn off excess energy with indoor wall climbing, archery and kayaking. www.pequeñaafrica.com
HEADING EAST…
Wake up and Smell the Orchids
Estepona’s modern Orchidarium is said to house the largest collection of these beauteous blooms in the whole of Europe. The futuristic building, with its 30-metre high glass dome displays no less than 5,000 plants – 1,300 of which blossom at different times of the year… The visit begins on the top floor and you wind your way down, following a trail of astonishingly varied species of orchid. The path winds around the floral displays overlooking a dramatic 17m high waterfall, adding a dynamic mood to the fragrant ambience. Here you can marvel at every type of orchid, from the crimson Dracula orchid to the delicate Vanilla and vibrant Butterfly species… www.orchidariumestepona.com
Real Life “Tomb Raiders”
An ancient necropolis is the basis of this fascinating and surprisingly modern museum. Built underground, like the original burial ground, this unique museum displays standing dolmens and an array of ancient objectsincluding arrows, tools and necklaces, dating back to 3000 BC. The skeletons on show are reproductions of those exhumed; the “spookier” originals have been stored. Like a real life “Tomb Raiders”, the modern presentation and lighting bring these relics to life. The Corominas museum is housed in the Parque San Isidro, 2kms from the original archeological site discovered in 2001. Lara Croft fans take note… the guided Tombtour takes 1hr 15 minutes and pre-booking is essential. www.dolmenesestepona.com
INLAND ADVENTURES
Scenic Train Ride from San Roque to Ronda
Take a nostalgic train ride from San Roque up to historic Ronda – a fabulously scenic route through the verdant, mountainous countryside. The 64km journey takes 1 hour and 37 minutes. For a memorable day out, catch the morning train at 10.37, arriving in scenic Ronda at 12.19. Spend a couple of hours soaking up the sights in picturesque Ronda, enjoy a hearty lunch by the dramatic Tajo gorge and head home on the 16.36 train from Ronda station arriving back at San Roque at 18.19.
www.trainline.com/en/train-times/san-roque-la-linea-to-ronda
Take a Hike to the Cat Cave
The curious Cueva del Gato, or Cat Cave, is so-called as the entrance to the cave takes the shape of a cat’s head. Nestled in the countryside in the Serranía de Ronda, between the picturesque towns of Benoaján and Montejaque, a visit to the cat-like entrance of this impressive limestone cave is a very popular route. From the Estación de Benoaján, it’s an easy 2km walk to the cave and source of the Río Guadares, where wild swimming is possible in good weather. Although entering the cave is strictly prohibited, the mouth of the Cueva del Gato, officially a natural monument of Andalucía, is one of the region’s most curious and popularattractions.
RIDING HIGH
Bird’s Eye View
For a sweeping view of the coast over Benalmádena, take a ride in a cable car (teleférico) some 800 m above sea level. Carrying up to four passengers, the scenic journey takes just 15-minutes. From this vantage point you can marvel at not just the golden beaches and azure coastline, but also views to the white peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the East, and the verdant rolling hills of the Guadalhorce Valley along with a glimpse of Gibraltar and the African coast to the west. Park up next to the teleferico station in the town of Arroyo de la Miel, catch the cable car up to Monte Calamorro and ride or hike back down… Extreme mountain bikers ride the cable car – one person & bike per cabin – and take a thrilling downhill cycle back down to Arroyo. In summer, the cable car offers night rides for stargazing under the moonlight.
Garden of Eagles
Adding to your bird’s eye view, at the Monte Calamorro mountaintop cable car stop is the Garden of Eagles, a fabulous sanctuary for majestic birds of prey. See them soar through the skies, or don a leather glove and enjoy the thrill as a hooded falcon swoops down to land its impressive talons on your arm… Falconry displays are at 1pm and 5pm, and among the stars of the show are owls, falcons, hawks, vultures, kites and eagles. www.telefericobenalmadena.com
A TASTE FOR ART & CULTURE
Let Your Imagination Run Wild
Enter the Museum of the Imagination in Málaga and experience the surreal in a world of optical illusions brought to life. Providing brilliant photo opportunities, you can shake hands with the Mona Lisa; push through the wall at Platform 9 & 3/4 like Harry Potter…and much, much more… Fun and educational, there is a dedicated science room too. Spend one or two hours here bending your brain… It’s important to pre-register. Some days in May are free entry. www.museoimagination.com
The Towering Library
Avid readers and art lovers should visit the Library of Contemporary Cultures in Estepona, the most innovative cultural centre on the Western Costa del Sol. This shimmering white tower offers high calibre exhibitions of contemporary art, while the innovative library set over eight floors features specific areas for children and teens in a vibrant, colourful and inspiring setting. The venue stages myriad events, talks and film screenings. www.miradordelcarmen.es
Pottery & Painting
For a totally “hands-on” experience, book in to this cheerful ceramics studio in Estepona, where you can learn to mould clay and decorate your own pottery pieces. The studio organizes various creative workshops andbespoke events where adults and children can have fun unleashing their inner artist with friends and family. www.studioceramica.es
Open Studios Gaucín
During two weekends in May, the thriving artists community of the hilltop village of Gaucín open their doors giving visitors a unique insight into their work and creative process. The artists invite you to chat, peruse orpurchase work and enjoy the delights of this village. Just 40 kms from Sotogrande along a breathtakingly beautiful winding mountain road, the event includes inspirational children’s art workshops too. Spend the day hopping from one studio to the next and watching the world go by in this authentic white village. Dates are 29, 30 & 31 May and 5, 6 & 7 June 2026. www.artgaucin.com
ON THE ROCK
A Peek Inside Gibraltar
Just 30 minutes drive from Sotogrande, is the famous Rock of Gibraltar. It’s not all about the apes. A trip to Gibraltar can take in a tour of St. Michael’s Cave giving you a glimpse of this historic “rock” star, with its mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites and a polished light show. Visitors learn the history of the cave, which doubles as a concert venue. If weather permits, you can also take in a visit to the apes, the “sky walk”transparent viewing platform and Europa Point, where the Med meets the Atlantic. History buffs will enjoy the Tunnel Tour that gives an insight into Gibraltar’s strategic role in WWII, via a hands-on, interactive experience.
https://www.stmichaelscave.com www.ww2tunnels.com
CLOSER TO HOME
Making a Racket… At La Reserva Club Sotogrande enjoy tennis and padel lessons for kids and adults alike — great for an active indoor-sports experience including sociable club events.www.lareservaclubsotogrande.com
Splashing Out…Your day will go swimmingly with day passes for all the family for the indoor pool at the So-Sotogrande Hotel. www.so-hotels.com
In the Swing of Things… Children are welcome to play golf at the new Alto Golf Club. There are year-round classes and an Easter Kids Golf Camp for ages 6-16. Meanwhile, parents can relax with a leisurely coffee at the Alto Club Café. www.altogolfclub.com