Bena Vista, Costa del Sol, Spain

We arrange regular excursions to Granada, Cordoba, Tangiers (Morocco), Nerja, Gibraltar, Ronda, Fuengirola and Mijas, as well as our popular 'Marmalade Run' earlier in the year.

Granada is one of the most elegant Andalucian cities, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Visit the cathedral, explore the Moroccan shops, and enjoy an official guided tour of the amazing Alhambra palace and its beautiful Generalife gardens.

The elegant, wealthy city of Cordoba is one of the most beautiful in Andalucia

Moorish influences and Moroccan medinas

The elegant, wealthy city of Cordoba is one of the most beautiful in Andalucia and home to the Mezquita, the only mosque-cathedral in the world. Take in this lovely city, its beautiful fountains, Alcazar gardens, Roman baths and the famous Jewish Quarter.

Departing from Tarifa, the fast ferry arrives in Tangiers in about 40 minutes. Explore the Caves of Hercules, followed by a typical Moroccan lunch, and then take in the sights and sounds of the medina, souk and kasbah.

Visit the third most visited tourist site in Spain, the famous Caves of Nerja

From stalactites to shopping

The third most-visited tourist site in Spain, the famous Caves of Nerja has stalactites and stalagmites aplenty, as well as the 32m-high 'Cataclysmic Hall'. Inhabited for over 20,000 years, take a look at the many artefacts, including prehistoric paintings in the museum.

Head to Gibraltar for some duty-free bargains and a wonderful tour of 'the Rock'. Visit St Michael's Cave (the only one of 140 caves open to the public) and Upper Rock, and spot some Barbary apes. Or why not combine shopping with a Dolphin World boat trip to enjoy the friendly wild dolphins in the bay of Algeciras?

The famous Moorish tow of Ronda that bridges the 'El Tajo' gorge

Mountain villages and seaside towns

Take in wonderful views from Ronda, an old Moorish town that bridges the famous 'El Tajo' gorge. Arrive via train, on a single-track line built over 100 years ago. This is the only way to see the spectacular mountain scenery, with delightful villages and Victorian stations en route.

Visit Fuengirola in the morning to enjoy this popular seaside town's famous Tuesday market, one of the largest on the coast. Do a spot of shopping, take a stroll along the promenade, or stop off at Fuengirola Zoo. Continue on to the mountain village of Mijas, one of Andalucia's famous 'white villages'. Explore this beautiful pueblo's narrow streets and wonderful views.

Try out the local Marmalade run or take a guided tour of an old olive mill

Oranges, olives and traditional farming

If you're here in the orange season (between January and May), enjoy our 'Marmalade Run'. Travel inland for a guided tour of an old olive mill, where (in season) you can see the full olive oil production process.

After visiting an authentic citrus fruit farm (and sampling fresh fruit straight from one of the 17,000 trees), take in the scenery of the Spanish Lake District and the dramatic El Chorro gorge.

Visit the Museo Picasso containing 204 original works

Things to do

If you prefer to travel under your own steam, why not visit one of the Costa del Sol's many other attractions?

Head north from Bena Vista to Málaga and its Museo Picasso, which opened in 2003. Converted from the 16th-century Palacio de los Condes de Buenavista, the museum's permanent collection has 204 original works, from sketchpads and ceramics.

Just below Málaga in Torremolinos, El Ranchito's 'Ritmo a Caballo' is a real equestrian ballet, with choreography based on works by classical Spanish composers and riders in traditional Andalusian dress.

Take the family to Torremolinos' Aqualand water park and enjoy the rides

Fun for all the family

Alternatively, head to Torremolinos' huge Aqualand water park, with its hair-raising water rides and slides. Still on a watery theme, try to spot young crocodiles emerging from their eggs at the town's Crocodile Park.

Tivoli World, located between Torremolinos and Fuengirola, is a fantastic evening out for all the family, with a funfair, shows, gardens and restaurants.

The Bondai Museum in Marbella houses over 300 miniature trees from 40 different species

From bonsai trees to wildlife parks

Closer to home and for something completely different, visit Marbella's fascinating Bonsai Museum, which houses around 300 miniature trees from 40 different species.

Right on the doorstep of Bena Vista, the innovative Selwo Wildlife and Adventure Park occupies over 100 hectares of land and is Europe's largest wildlife park. It keeps over 2,000 types of animal (representing all corners of the globe) in surroundings as close to their natural environments as possible.