Puerto Banus Local area

Puerto Banus is located just west of Marbella, before you reach the small town of San Pedro de Alcantara. This is the place to be pampered yachtside and ogle those fabulous luxury yachts while sipping a drink at one of the many open air restaurants and bars. The setting is close to ideal, with its impressive mountain backdrop and ocean views.
Since its inception some forty years ago, the port has steadily grown and now features a casino, commercial shopping centre, a Corte Ingles department store, marine observatory and a multi cinema with films shown with their original soundtrack.

Nightlife buzzes at Puerto Banus with your choice of alfresco bars, piano clubs and discos while during the day this is a window shopper´s dream with several of the world renowned fashions houses featured here, in addition to small, interesting shops and boutiques.
Regular boat trips are available on a regular basis from the central promenade.

Every Saturday morning at Puerto Banus by the bullring is a very popular street market where you can pick up all sorts of bargains.

Puerto Banus and surrounding area -
An easy 45-minute drive from Malaga airport, and just over an hour from Gibraltar, Puerto Banus is located a few kilometres west of Marbella. Blessed by a hot, sunny climate in summer and pleasant, mild winters, its unique style marks it out as the most cosmopolitan yachting marina and resort on the Costa del Sol.

Excellent beaches, a huge range of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, boutiques and shops, a vibrant Saturday market, a cinema complex and a casino can all be found within a few minutes walk of the apartment. The Port's buzzing nightlife extends to the square beneath the apartment building, which is home to several bars and clubs.
An equally wide range of land and water sporting activities are available in the resort or within easy reach in the surrounding area. Golfers have the choice of literally dozens of courses to play on.

Puerto Banus is also an excellent base from which to explore the western Costa del Sol, with day excursions possible to Gibraltar and Tarifa, Ronda, Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga, all of which are within comfortable driving distance.

 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.
Not surprisingly, the Straits of Gibraltar are a key point of passage for birds of prey, storks and other birds migrating between Africa and Europe. Northern migrations take place between February and June, while those birds heading south will set off between late July and early November when there's a westerly wind. Gibraltar itself is generally good for birdwatchers, although when there is not much wind the Tarifa region on the Atlantic coast is usually better.
Soaring birds such as raptors and storks cross the Straits of Gibraltar as they rely on thermals and updrafts which only occur over narrower expanses of water. One of the most impressive sights over the Straits is when flocks of storks, sometimes numbering up to three thousand, cross en masse.
The Birds of Andalucía
The following is a brief summary of the bird species you can expect to find in Andalucía, obviously depending on the time of year and place:
There are some 13 resident raptor species in Andalucía, as well as several which migrate here annually from Africa. The best place to see them is in the more hilly parts of the province where they hover or circle high in the sky.
The Sierra Morena region north of Sevilla is where you find the black vulture, one of the country's rarest birds. There are thought to be just a few hundred pairs here. Yet this may well be the largest colony in Europe, with most to be found in the Paraje Natural Sierra Pelada y Rivera del Aserrador, south of Aroche in Huelva province.
Equally rare is the magnificent Spanish imperial eagle. Again, most are located in one place, in this case within the Parque Naciónal de Doñana.
Other large birds of prey which can be found in mountainous regions include the golden eagle (and several other eagles) and the Egyptian and griffon vultures. Smaller birds of prey, such as the kestrel, buzzard various harriers and red kite, can be spotted in lowland woods and forests.
A far more common sight in northerly Extramadura, the large white stork can be seen in the western region of Andalucía where they nest from spring to summer on electricity pylons, trees and towers.
Water birds are far more plentiful, with many species, particularly in the wetlands area along the Atlantic coast. These include wild ducks and flamingos; the latter can be seen in several other places including La Fuente de Piedra and Cabo de Gato.
Among the most colourful of Andalucía's many other birds is the golden oriole, which can be seen in orchards and woodlands, particularly during the summer months. The male oriole has a dazzling bright yellow body. The orange, black and white hoopoe is a similarly striking bird, common in open woodlands and golf courses. Also worth seeing is the gold, brown and turquoise bee-eater, which nests in sandy banks in summer and, last but not least, various woodpeckers and owls which generally inhabit mountainous woodlands.
For more information about birdwatching in Andalucía, contact:
Centro Ornitológio del Estrecho de Gibraltar
Parque Natural Los Alcornocales
Carretera Nacional N-340, Km 96
11390, Algeciras, Cádiz

Birdwatching Wetlands

Coto Doñana National Park
The Coto Doñana National Park comprises delta waters which flood in winter and then drain in the spring, leaving rich deposits of silt and raised sandbanks and islands. These conditions are perfect in winter for geese and ducks but most exciting in spring when they draw hundreds of flocks of breeding birds.

La Fuente de Piedra
Surrounded by vast, monotonous terrain, the Lagoon of Fuente de Piedra appears like a glorious oasis in the extensive Llanure de Antequera, considered to be one of the largest natural lagoons in Spain. North of Antequera, the lagoon is home to as many as 5,000 breeding pairs of Flamingos - the highest concentration in Europe - and also many cranes.

The Guadiario Estuary, Sotogrande
The resident osprey often flies overhead into the high trees and, if you stand on the bridge, you might catch a glimpse of the shy otters. Gulls, including Audoin's, abound. Bluethroats and Penduline tits may be seen in winter and flamingos and spoonbills sometimes pass through. You might also see cormorants, kingfishers, plovers, innumerable grey herons, cattle and little egrets, and there’s a lovely stroll along the beach. Palmones Estuary is perhaps not the most attractive site, opposite a heavy industry works, but Palmones can be a staging point for many migrants including waders, passerines, storks and herons and is alive with cattle and little egrets. Osprey are often spotted here.

Laguna de Medina
Laguna de Medina is near Córdoba; look for the rare white-headed Duck and the purple gallinule.
Birdwatching Migration
Southern Spain and Istanbul share the honours as the two main migration routes between Europe and Africa. Imagine standing on the Rock of Gibraltar looking across the Strait as the raptors soar overhead on the thermals - Egyptian, griffon and rare black vultures; golden, imperial, booted, and Bonelli's eagles, the honey buzzard and the pallid harrier. Or see them grounded in their hundreds on the Atlantic coast when the strong Levante (Easterly wind) is blowing.
The sheer limestone cliffs of Gibralta provides one of the finest viewing platforms in the world. High points of the migration occur between February and May for the northern raptor migration and September to October for the return journey. Gibraltar is the perfect site if the westerly wind is blowing. In addition, passerine and near-passerine migrants should be seen at about the same time and seabirds are good all year round. Peregrines and blue rock thrushes use the cliff face, the only Barbary partridges in mainland Europe wander freely on the Upper Rock and, down by the sea, you might be lucky to see one of the few remaining shags.
Tarifa & Los Barrios
With the Easterly wind blowing, drive to the Atlantic coast and watch the migrants crossing over the Strait, or, when it really blows, just grounded waiting for the wind to drop. And for the dedicated birder, visit the municipal refuse tips at Los Barrios and Tarifa. You can often see Griffon Vultures. In-land from here is the Los Alcornocales park.

Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park
In spring and early summer the breeding species are most evident in this mountainous and wooded region.

Fishing (Angling) The Atlantic and Mediterranean shorelines are ideal for fishing. Fishing in rivers and dams in Andalucía is also a popular sport.

Seafood Restaurants
Five of Andalusia's eight provinces have stretches of coastline (Almería, Granada, Málaga on the Mediterranean; Cádiz and Huelva on the Atlantic), while a sixth, Sevilla, has a tidal river and a seaport. So, you can imagine that the cooking of the coastal regions is distinguished by a huge variety of seafood. The fish market is a great place to get acquainted with the local catch.

Driving through Andalucìa, it is easy to see that the most abundant crop throughout the Andalucìa and is the olive. In certain areas, lines of olive trees stretch for as far as the eye can see. Andalucìa produces one-third of Spain's olive oil and a mighty 10% of that used in the entire world.

Olives are harvested from late November to January. Although there is some mechanisation, much of the job is still done by the traditional method, which is to spread a cloth or net beneath the tree and then beat it vigorously with sticks. On small olive groves this can involve the whole family and be quite a festive occasion. However, it is becoming more common that large olive groves are owned by just a few landowners.

Once harvested, olives are taken to mills where they are mashed into a pulp, which is then pressed and finally filtered. In recent years, up-to-date machinery and stainless steel vans have replaced the donkey driven presses squeezing the oil through esparto-grass mats, however donkeys are still used in a few of the smaller groves which remain family owned.
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Sea Life Aquarium - Benalmadena Marina
Benalmádena's Sea Life Centre is the first walk-through underwater park on the Costa del Sol, which takes you on an amazing stroll along the seabed. You pass aquatic species from the oceans of the World. From starfish to stingrays and sharks, and many more exotic species, you can study this fascinating marine life close up. With over 30 tanks in nine different rooms, you see creatures living in a reproduced natural habitat, from above, below and alongside. The journey is unforgettable, especially the turtles, sharks and moray eels, as well as colourful tropical fish and seahorses. There are also crabs, jellyfish and octopuses, and much more.

There are also feeding demonstrations, special presentations and other themed attractions, as well as a terrace bar with excellent views of the port. There is a mini golf course where the obstacles are models of seahorses and sharks.
The centre has baby changing facilities and toilets for the disabled. Open all year from 10am. Adults: 9.5 Euros Children: 7 Euros Children under 4 - free. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information Tel: 952 560 150
Sea Life


Marine Science Centre
The Marine Science Centre, or the ‘Aula del Mar’, is situated in Málaga at the main port on the Avenida Manuel Agustin Heredia. The centre is effectively an aquarium museum that works actively in the conservation and protection of marine life. It is divided into two parts: firstly the aquarium, which is a reproduction of the natural habitat of over 500 marine animals, divided into some 100 species which visitors can observe. The second part is the museum, showing the huge diversity of different types of flora and fauna marine life of the Málaga coastline.
The centre offers three different programmes of activities. The first is an audiovisual presentation on all types of marine life around Málaga and a guided tour of the museum, the aquarium and the turtle sanctuary, and lasts for approximately one and a half hours. The second programme offers the same as the first but with an added tour of the bay of Málaga in a boat for fish spotting. The full programme lasts roughly five hours. The final programme again offers the same as the first but includes the opportunity to observe various experiments in an oceanography laboratory and to feed and care for the turtles in the turtle sanctuary. It lasts around four hours.
The centre is open Oct -Mar every day from 10am - 2pm, Apr- Sept from 10am-2pm and then from 5-8pm, and Jul-Aug from 11am-2pm and then 6-10pm. The admission price for adults is 4 euros and for children and pensioners 3 euros (2003).
Conservation and protection
The Marine Science Centre works closely alongside an organization known as CREMA, a rehabilitation centre for endangered species along the coastlines of Málaga. Frequently many marine animals are found injured or dying on the beaches that do not receive adequate attention. For example, more than 25,000 marine turtles are accidentally captured every year in the Mediterranean in fishing nets. Many are returned to the sea by the fishermen but the majority are already severely injured by the fishing equipment and die without medical attention. CREMA is an organization that aims to help these animals and return as many of the recuperated as possible to the sea. It also promotes the education of the marine environment and the activities offered by the centre. There are two groups which have different functions within the organization: the first deals with all types of experiments and records data to develop marine understanding and advance research to improve care for the rescued animals. The second group is responsible for their treatment, care and recuperation.
Selwo Marina
Selwo Marina is one of Spain's newest themed attractions and is devoted to many exotic creatures. This new concept in family entertainment brings sea life and birds of South America together. It is a complement to the successful Selwo Adventure wildlife park in Estepona and a visit to Selwo Marina helps you understand the ecosystems of South America. Visit the Dolphinarium and see the dolphins and sea lions. At the Papagayo Club you can see a large variety of exotic birds in flight and watch demonstrations about their way of life. One of the highlights of Selwo Marina is Ice Island, where you can see the resident penguins. In this specially cooled environment, the animals live in similar conditions to those in Antarctica.
Adults: 12.90 Euros
Children and Senior Citizens: 8.90 Euros
Special rates for schools and groups
Phone: 902 190 482
Open from 10am-8pm in summer (until Jan 1-Jun 4);
Closed Mon Nov-Jan.
Nightlife on the Costa del Sol
by Bert Selby, Josephine Quintero & Robert Vernon
Along the Costa del Sol, there are some great venues for a night out, ranging from classy restaurants with views of the Med to boisterous karaoke bars. Casinos, clubs, 'chiringuitos', English pubs, Spanish bars, discos, flamenco shows and more… The following list is our selection of a few favourite hot spots. Málaga is the Costa del Sol capital, where you can appreciate life lived on the streets, with more bars per square metre than anywhere else in Europe. Torremolinos and Benalmádena as tourist centres with a thriving nightlife.
For swankier surroundings head for Marbella's Golden Mile, lit by a glittering tiara of star-studded restaurants, discos and nightclubs, some frequented by local hero Antonio Banderas when he's in town. Puerto Banús is where people go people watching for the occasional, elusive, Hollywood star. Estepona remains less influenced by tourists, and its Puerto Deportivo makes a great night out.

Lobo Park
A unique wolf and nature park that exhibits the 4 most interesting wolf subspecies in the world.

Parque Ornitológico Loro Sexi
Plaza de San Cristobal, Almunecar.
This vast aviary is a fascinating place to visit. A tropical bird park opened in 1987, it’s home to thousands of birds, representing 200 different species, with an emphasis on the exotic. The park also has a parrot show, with performances every 45 minutes; another attraction located in the upper part of the park is a cactus garden.
Open daily 11am-2pm and 5-7pm.
Adults: 2.03 euros, Children: 1.40 euros.
Tel : 958 631 125

Parque Zoológico de José Cruz Conde
Avda del Linneo, Cordoba.
A comparatively small city zoo with around 200 different species of animals, including tigers, elephants, llamas and reptiles.
Open 10.30-9pm Sat-Sun.
Adults: 2 euros Children: 1 euro

Parque Nacional de Doñana
Huelva province

One of Europe's most important wetlands, covering 507 sq km in the south-east of Huelva and neighbouring Seville provinces and vital as one of the last refuges for many endangered species, including the pardel lynx and Spanish imperial eagle. The visitors centre is located on the A483 south of Almonte. See our section on Doñana and other natural parks in Andalucía.
Tel: 950 44 26 84

Selwo (Estapona)

Selwo is a fascinating adventure in contact with nature. The park covers 100 hectares and is home to more than 2.000 animals from the five continents. The animals live in liberty recreating the animal's natural habitat. Visitors are taken on a four-hour tour, on foot and in four-wheel drive trucks.
Open daily 10.00 - 19.00. Direct bus service from Málaga bus station at 9.00, and from Algeciras on Sundays only.
Tickets 15 euros adults, 11 euros children up to four years old and seniors.
Tel: 952 79 21 50

Crocodile Park
Torremolinos, Málaga
Imagine: an African adventure at your feet, but fenced off! Europe's only crocodile park has 300 crocodiles, from babies right up to the huge five-metre long adults. The park's 'nursery' is always busy thanks to the park's successful breeding programme (each female can lay 30-50 eggs a year). There is also a museum where you can swot up on croc facts, a video presentation, restaurant and souvenir shop.
Open daily 10.00-18.00.
Adults: 7.50 euros Kids: 5.25 euros +65: 5,25 euros. Children under 4 years: Free. An adult must accompany children under 12 years.
Tel: 952 051 782

Jardin de Las Aguilas (Garden of the Eagles)

The Jardin de las Aguilas (‘garden of the eagles’) is a wonderful Birds of Prey Centre clearly signposted from Benalmádena pueblo. Majestic birds of prey spread their wings under the supervision of expert handlers, and there are displays throughout the day giving all 152 birds a turn. Among the stars is Yaku, a rare condor.
The centre is dedicated to raising and protecting many different species of raptor. You can see eagles, falcons and vultures flying freely.
The experience of seeing these majestic birds in flight is enhanced by the medieval atmosphere of the nearby Castillo de Colomares (Colomares Castle), which is a must to visit the same day and an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
To get there, take the road towards the coast from Benalmádena pueblo. Next door there is a miniature castle to visit Castillo de Colomares with beautiful grounds, breathtaking views and Snake City, an impressive reptile sanctuary that will be sure to make your skin crawl.
Shows are normally between 1-5pm in summer months.
Price ranges from around 6 Euros for adults and 5 Euros for children
Tel : 952 568 239

Fuengirola Zoo
Avda. Camilo José Cela, Fuengirola. 5 minutes from the bus station and train station.
Fuengirola's new, visitor and animal-friendly zoo is an exception with a wide range of species from around the world maintained in a humane environment.
Tickets are also available from hotels, travel agencies, and the Portillo bus terminals.
Open daily from 10.00 hours.
Closing time: depends on season, consult Zoo.
Entry: 12.30 euros, children from 3 to 9: 8.60 euros, Retired: 8.90 euros.
1 euro discount for passengers arriving on the Malaga local train.
Tel: 952 666 301

TIVOLI WORLD
Malaga
The Costa del Sol's biggest amusement park, located in Arroyo de la Mieli, just 2 km's from Benalmadena Costa. There are over two dozen thrilling rides to choose from as well as a tiny tots section, restaurants, bars and a professional caliber program of concerts mainly by Spanish performers, as well as some 'look alike' stars.
Tel: 952 57 70 16

PARKILANDIA
Malaga
You can't miss this colourful amusement park for youngsters. It is located right in the port at Fuengirola and comprises a maze, trampolines and mini race track, as well as slides, swings, an electric train, bouncy castle and lots more.
Entry is 3 euros for children, adults free.
Tel: 952 58 12 86