Costa del Sol holiday parks - animals & birds

There are many animal parks to be found the whole length of the Costa del Sol. They offer a great way to spend time, and get close to some of the most fascinating animals that inhabit the world we live in.

ALMUNECAR – Tropical Bird Park
Loro Sexi tropical bird park was opened in 1987 and is now home to thousands of birds including swans, parrots, ducks, pigeons, macaws and even ostriches. During the summer, the park holds parrot shows throughout the day, a firm favourite with the kids, and there is also a cactus garden to explore.

ANTEQUERA – Lobo Wolf Park
Lobo Wolf Park in Antequera is a unique nature experience and study park situated in the heart of Andalucia. The park has four large enclosures with European wolves, Timber wolves, rare white Alaska Tundra wolves and Iberian Wolves. It is also possible to take a riding tour on noble Andalucia horses around the park to enjoy the wonderful landscape.

BENALMADENA – Garden of Eagles
The Garden of Eagles is clearly signposted and can be found at the Jardin de Las Aguilas in Benalmadena. It is open all year, but only in the afternoons. Altogether, there are over 160 birds of prey with displays held throughout the day by expert handlers. There is also a miniature castle and reptile sanctuary to explore.

BENALMADENA – Sea Life
Both the young and old will enjoy a day spent at Sea Life. The underwater passage is a great way to experience some of the more exotic Mediterranean aquatic life including sharks, rays, eels and much more. Sea Life offers some good information on our under-water world, and the opportunity to get close to some really fascinating creatures. There are regular feeding sessions throughout the day, popular with both children and adults alike.

ESTEPONA – SELWO Animal Park
SELWO Adventure Park in Estepona covers more than 100 hectares and is home to more than 2,000 roaming animals. The park is split into zones featuring different animals, with much to see on foot. There is a large lagoon populated with exotic birds including flamingos, and a huge enclosure where 40 different species of birds live freely. The park features animals from all over the world in enclosures that have been recreated to reflect their natural habitats. There are also many shows, classes and exhibitions to keep all the family interested throughout the day.

FUENGIROLA – Zoo
Situated in the middle of Fuengirola city, the zoo can be difficult to locate, but once found, it offers an excellent opportunity to see some wonderful animals in nicely designed habitats. There is plenty to see including lions, alligators, the monkey enclosure and some wonderful aquatic life. Many animals come to life around feeding time, and there is a play enclosure for the children too.

NERJA – Donkey Sanctuary
Nerja Donkey Sanctuary is situated at the western edge of Nerja, where donkeys, ponies, mules, horses, cats & dogs all have a home. The Donkey Sanctuary is free and welcomes all visitors young and old to come and enjoy some time spend with these wonderful animals. All the donkeys have either been rescued or donated to the sanctuary and are now well looked after by volunteers and anyone who wants to lend a hand.

TORREMOLINOS – Crocodile Park
In Torremolinos Crocodile Park you will find yourself in front of prehistoric monsters. These carnivores have miraculously survived 200 million years of evolution, having existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Lose yourself at the wonder at these gigantic crocodiles by silently walking beside them, observing the secrets of one of the most fascinating creatures of our world.

Costa del Sol animal parks, zoos and aviaries offer a great opportunity for our children to see some of the wonderful animals who co-exist with us in this world that we live in. Sometimes, this is the closest people get to seeing some animals that may disappear out of existence within our lifetime, as a result of our changing world. Children love to see animals and birds, and maybe some will be inspired enough to help save some of our wonderful wildlife disappearing from our world.

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Torrox on the Costa del Sol, Spain

It’s hard to spot Torrox on a map of Spain, even when you know roughly where you’re meant to be looking. This is because with a population of just a few thousand people, it’s never going to make a big impact on any map, but if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday on the Costa del Sol and a taste of some authentic Andalucia life, it may just be the destination of choice.

Torrox is found in the Spanish region of Andalucia located just 5km from the popular holiday resort of Nerja, and only 40km from the International airport at Malaga, making it ideally placed for travel around the region. The Sierra Nevada skiing resort near Granada can be reached within a 2-hour drive, as can the Rock of Gibraltar for those interested in visiting this wonderful corner of British history.

Torrox is split between Torrox Costa that lies on the Mediterranean coast and the inland village Torrox Pueblo located just 3km inland. Over the years both have been slowly migrating towards each other with the appearance of new properties and developments that follow the meandering road that connects the two. Both are quite different with the holiday attractions they offer, but together they provide the holiday visitor a good choice between beach activities and village life.

Torrox Pueblo is a whitewashed village that clings to the hillside like snow precariously hanging from a tree branch. It is how you would imagine a typical Andalucia village to be. Townhouses adorned with a dazzling array of flowering plants that follow narrow, winding streets with very few street names attached which if you’re not careful, will have you going round in circles trying to find your way back to where you started.

Much of the Pueblo has been carved with the influence of the Moorish occupation whose arrival in the 7th century brought with them new ways of agriculture, irrigation and land terracing which is still in existence today. Many of the Spanish still work the land producing many of the vegetables and exotic fruits you can find for sale outside the many small shops dotted throughout the village.

Around the village on various street corners can be found illustrated ceramic tiles depicting events of the Moorish occupation of the town. These are best found by taking the Almanzor Walk that begins from the Plaza de la Constitution and follows a route through the village taking in the main historical buildings. These include the baroque church of the Incarnacion, church of San Roque and chapel of Nuestra Senora de las Nieves, Mudejar in style and originating from the 16th century.

Details of the walk can be obtained from the small Tourist Information Office that can be found on Calle Baja, located just off the main square. Opening times are quite limited even during high season, but the best time to try is between 11am and 2pm midweek.

Life in Torrox Pueblo centres around the main Plaza de la Constitucion. The square is lined with vibrant orange trees and centred with an attractive water fountain. The sweet smell of Orange and relaxing sounds from the fountain add to the ambiance and tranquillity of the location. There is also a fine choice of bars and restaurants to choose from and some tasty local cuisine. By ordering a selection of tapas you have the opportunity to sample a wide range of local dishes at an excellent price. Life in the village is slow and relaxed and best appreciated here with good company.

Torrox Costa on the other hand offers a fine promenade lined with a good selection of bars, restaurants and souvenir shops that overlook a golden sandy beach. The only time it gets excessively busy here is during the month of August when it feels like all of Andalucia has come to the Costa to escape the fierce heat experienced further inland.

There are water activities available during the high season for those interested, and during the warm Summer evenings many stalls appear along the promenade selling a variety of goods including leather, textiles and ceramics.

Temperatures in Torrox soar during July, August and September to a very sticky 40C and more. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather with fantastic temperatures in the high 20s, remarkably consistent sunny days and a cool breeze that refreshes the air. Winter brings mostly sunny days which are fantastic for relaxing in a café bar looking over the Mediterranean Sea, but it does get remarkably chilly when the sun sets around 6pm. Snow never falls on the Costa del Sol. The closest you’ll get are the snow-tipped mountains of the Alpujara mountain range that provides a breathtaking backdrop to Torrox Pueblo as viewed from the Costa del Sol. It is no surprise Torrox has been voted as having the best climate in Europe.

Like all along the Costa del Sol, Torrox is a town constantly changing with the arrival of more and more tourists each year and a constant flow of English people wanting to find a better life outside of England. For such a small town so difficult to find on a map, it is certainly attracting a lot of attention.

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