In the heart of Fuengirola, here you will find over 130 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and more, in habitats representing the tropical forest of Madagascar, Equatorial Africa and Southeast Asia.

Bioparc Fuengirola is a new model of zoo based on respect for nature and the preservation of natural species, a model which has already established itself as a flagship for Europe.

Here animals live side-by-side, recreating their natural habitat and so fostering their development at all levels.

As you walk around, you are effectively immersed into the animals' native environment giving the impression of a stroll through a complete recreation of their original habitat, discovering the inhabitants as you go.

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Mijas Water Park (Parque Acuatico Mijas)

This park is about 10 minutes by car, on the main road by Fuengirola. It includes a wave pool, kamikaze slide, water chutes, adventure river with winding raft slides and a mini aqua park for the kids. There is also a picnic area, mini golf and arcades.

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Aqualand, Torremolinos

Aqualand Torremolinos is the largest water park on the Costa del Sol, and about a 20 minute drive. There’s something for everyone here, with rides like the “Gran Canyon”, “Black Hole” and “Twister” and the all new "Boomerang". There are also more relaxing pools, lazy river, wave machine, 18 hole mini golf, and green areas.

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The route through the park takes you through various zones and experiences. You start off in Nature's Portico where you will find a large range of animal enclosures. You then reach the start of the Route of the Valleys. Here you join the camouflaged, open-backed, all-terrain lorries that takes you deeper into the park where you will see larger animals in their habitat, such as the bison, camels, zebras, elephants, giraffes, and much more. There is a stop off at the Central Village where you can walk around and get closer to some of the animals. There are also som reptile houses and some places to get a drink or a snack. Back onto the lorries and the journey continues through more habitats and animals such as bears and lions, and eventually reaching the furthest and highest point of the park. There are some great views from here of the coastline and Gibraltar. There is a large restaurant here but it has been our experience that the food is always disappointing here. Best to bring your own!

Heading back, you can take the lorries back, but much more fun is to walk back along the Rafiki Path. It's a great walk across three hanging bridges (not suitable for push-chairs!) and eventually takes you into Canyon of the Birds. This is a large bird enclosure which is open to the air with the exception of large high nets to keep the birds within. The birds roam freely within the entire area which makes for a wonderful experience. On leaving the bird enclosure you are back to the central lake, with some places to shop and eat. If you are feeling brave, there is a long zip wire which you can ride right over the lake to the other side!

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Tivoli World is a popular theme park in Benalmadena, about a 15 minute drive. There are rides for all age groups and of all types, divided up into a number of zones, from simple fun rides, moving exhibits, water rides, scary rides, and extreme rides for the thrill seekers. There are also shows on at various times and many restaurants and snack bars.

There is an entrance fee (€7) and you can then either buy tickets in the park, or buy a wristband (Supertivolino for €10) for unlimited access to nearly all the rides, which is great value for money.

We were surprised at first to find that in the high season, the park does not open until 6pm. But in fact this makes good sense. It is of course much cooler in the evenings, the park stays open until 2am, and there are plenty of places to have a meal and watch the entertainment. It makes a great end to a day. Outside of the high season, the park does open from 12 noon, but is not open every day. (The park is closed in the low season November to March).

Check for details at their website.

Cable Car (Teleférico)

Right next to Tivoli World is the Benalmadena cable car (teleférico). The ride to the summit of the Calamorro mountain takes about 15 minutes, to a height of 769 metres above sea level. At the top there are some amazing views of the coast, along with 2.75km of walking trails with viewpoints along the way. You can also watch the bird of prey display (included in the ticket price), and have something to east and drink in the restaurant.

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Sea Life Centre

About a 15 minute drive, this visit can be combined with a walk around the Benalmadena marina.

• Interactive area, touch and learn
• Rockpool- Hold a crab and touch a starfish
• Ocean tunnel full of Sharks and giant Green Turtle
• Feed the Rays
• Café with beach views
• Fun Play Zone for kids

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Crocodile Park

Located in Torremolinos, about a 20 minute drive, the crocodile park is unique. The park has over 300 crocodiles and aligators, and there are live demonstrations with the keepers, and some photo opportunities. Expect the unexpected!

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