Things to do
Wondering what to do on your holiday?
This section gives you the ‘low down’ on what to do and where to go when you choose ‘Villa Castillo Leche’. There are so many things to do, so to help you enjoy everything this region has to offer and to make sure you have the best holiday, we’ve created a guide to holidaying on the Costa del Sol. By clicking on the sections below you’ll get a taste of our favourite restaurants, bars & cafes, fantastic activities to enjoy as a family, a selection of the coasts’ golf courses, wellness options on the beach and wonderful day trips in this region. So if you were wondering ‘What is there to do if we choose Villa Castillo Leche for our holiday?’ Here’s your answer.
Food & Drink
Bars
Unico Beach Club
Unico offers a relaxed beach club vibe. You can spend the day here relaxing by the pool, while enjoying the fabulous food and drink service. Under 5 mins walk.
El Olivio
A typically Spanish authentic dining experience. We really enjoy the 'old fashioned' feel of this great restaurant. Under 10 mins walk.
The Times
A popular British watering hole, with a genial Scottish landlord. 10 minute walk.
Utopia
This little gem is tucked away near the BP garage and offers great beer & burgers. 10 minute walk.
Simple
This is simply a great place to relax. Comfortable armchairs and ice cold beers. A lovely place. 10 mins walk.
Albahaca
A beautiful family owned Spanish restaurant. A ten minute walk and well worth trying.
Sai
Arguably, the best Indian restaurant in La Cala. It's only a few minutes walk but they also deliver! Under 5 mins walk.
El Gusto
A La Cala favourite. They have a great menu, including a great traditional Sunday lunch. A minutes walk away.
Biddy Mulligans
If big breakfasts and steak pies are your thing, this is the place for you! Typical Irish pub and restaurant. A minutes walk away.
The Big Fish
Great fish 'n' chips, either eat in or take away. The best on the coast! 15 mins walk.
Trattoria Angelo
This traditional Italian restaurant is one of our favourites! The food and ambience is lovely. Under 5 minutes walk.
El Torreon
A contemporary Mediterranean menu with fabulous views of the ocean. 2 minutes walk.
Osteria La Scala
A modern twist on Italian dining. This beautiful Italian restaurant never disappoints. 10 minutes walk.
The Terrace
This Italian restaurant is seconds away from the apartment. The pasta here is great and you can't miss it on your walk to the beach. A minutes walk
El Pikoteo
If you're looking for a traditional Spanish restaurant, this one is just across the road!
Pad Thai Wok
If you fancy grabbing a noodle box take away and settling down for a night in front of the telly, this one's for you. It's a great noodle bar and couldn't be better located. Just next door!
Olivia’s
Marbella meets La Cala. Spend an evening mixing with the TOWIE set. Under 5 mins walk.
Rose Box Wine Bar
A typical Spanish wine bar, which is right on your doorstep. Seconds from the apt!
Casa Barella
A lovely lively cafe for breakfast and lunch. Just round the corner from the apartment and close to the beach. 2 minutes walk.
Vida
A new and lovely addition to La Cala. Another cafe open for breakfast and lunch where you can sit close to the beach and watch the world go by. 2 minutes walk.
El Oceano Hotel
If you fancy a stroll along the boardwalk, El Oceano will not disappoint. It's a lovely restaurant with stunning sea views. They have fabulous entertainment and its a super night out. Half an hour's walk or hop in a taxi.
Konfusion
This bar and restaurant has recently relocated and expanded. Less than 5 minutes walk.
Pura Cepa Gin Bar
This is a very popular Gin Bar in the heart of the village. With all the feel of a 'cocktail lounge'. Under 5 minutes walk.
Martirio Limon
Another relatively new Gin Bar. We actually haven't tried this one but it gets good reviews in the village. Under 5 minutes walk.
Legends Showbar
How to describe Legends other than a great night out! They have a variety of tribute acts playing nightly. You need to book in advance as they are very popular and sell out fast. As you can see, The Jersey Boys are our favourite group! Under 5 minutes walk.
Granier
This fabulous bakery is right on your doorstep. So you can pop out for croissants and lots of other goodies, before everyone else is awake. Outside the front door!
Beach bars
Commonly known as Chiringuitos and dotted all along the beach from La Cala to Marbella you will find a delightful choice of beach bars offering something for everyone. From tasty sardines cooked over open fires to juicy hamburgers with exotic toppings all washed down with Sangria or Victoria (the local Malaga beer), you’re sure to find a Chiringuito to suit your vibe. All you have to do is sit back, order a drink and watch the world pass you by. Most Chiringuittos also offer you the opportunity to rent sunbeds and umbrellas from around 5 euros per day.
Los Moreno
El tropico
Nacho Playa
El Bombo
La Famila
Chiringuito Los Delfines
Chiringuito Arroyo
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Chiringuito Cristobal
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Kiosk El Torreon
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Activities
As a family friendly holiday destination you have a huge number of great activities on offer
Your children will love the waterparks, theme parks, adrenaline activities, zoos and much, much more. It’s just a case of choosing whatever you fancy on the day. Here are some of our favourite activities which our family have enjoyed. Most of these adventures are a taxi ride away. La Calas’ main taxi rank is located less than a minute from the apartment, with 24/7 availability.
Aquamijas water park
Just a 5 minute taxi ride away, this water park is a great day out. Wave pools and waterslides galore. Awaken your inner Tarzan!
Quad & buggy safari
What a great way to explore the area and the 'real' Spain in the hills. It's a fantastic family adventure. www.quadsafaricostadelsol.com
Aventura Amazonia
Ziplines and adventure galore for all ages. Various levels of biplane courses, ranging from easy to scary! An unforgettable adventure throughout the year.
Sea Life aquarium
An aquatic adventure that will bring a smile to mums, dads, childrens' and grandparents' faces - one for all the family.
Selwo Aventura
From Alligators to Zebras, this is a wonderful family day out - make sure you wear comfy shoes though, it's a bit of a walk.
Crocodile Park
We've never seen so many fierce looking crocs. Make sure you're there for feeding time. Get your photo taken with a croc.
The Butterfly Park
Walk amongst the butterflies and if you're really lucky, they'll land on you! Tranquil, educational, experience the 'zen' of this wonderful attraction.
The Dolphin Park
Brilliant! Do it. We love it.
Bioparc Zoo
A fabulous day out for the whole family, with a variety of wildlife.
Paloma Parc
El Parque de la Paloma or 'Dove Park' is one of the most beautiful on the coast. You can enjoy the immense green areas and discover animals roaming free, such as rabbits, chickens, ducks & parrots. Our children love playing amongst the animals here. Free entry.
Parc Butibamba
This local park has a lot to offer, especially if you have young children. An added attraction is the little cafe where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine whilst your children play. Free entry.
Horse riding
There are so many local riding stables near La Cala. All of the stables here have horses for all levels and ages. There is no better way to enjoy the beautiful Andalucian countryside than from horseback.
Chocolate making
The Mayan Monkey in Mijas Pueblo was once known as the smallest chocolate factory in the world. Just a 20 minute taxi ride away, you can see chocolate being produced. But the highlight is making your own chocolate in one of their workshops. Fantastic fun for chocolate lovers of all ages!
Adventure Golf
This 19 hole miniature gold course is located just ten minutes away from La Cala. Its a great place to test putting skills for all ages. And encourages those budding golfers who's interest has yet to be revealed.
Go carting
Located ten minutes away at the top of the Miramar Shopping Centre, this is a big family favourite. Reward the children after spending the day enjoying some retail therapy at the Miramar Centre.
Days out
Andalusia is on your doorstep
If you fancy taking a break from the beautiful beaches, refreshing sea and the La Cala’s night scene, you will find that there is still so much more to discover in the area. This corner of Andalusia boasts a deep and fascinating history plus breathtaking landscapes that deserve to be explored, even just a little. We have carefully selected a few of the most interesting attractions in Andalucia, all within reasonable traveling distance and perfect for a day trip. Do bear in mind that this is just a taste of what this area has to offer. We would recommend you hire a car for the day to visit most of these places. Some can be reached by taxi, which are also minutes away 24/7 and others by train and bus. La Cala market (on the other hand) is minutes away from the apartment.
Mijas Pueblo
Located just a 20 minute drive inland, this village has remained relatively unspoilt by tourism maintaining its Spanish charm and offers spectacular panoramic views of the coast. Wander the cobbled streets and sample the local delicacies. Every Wednesday the town hall puts on a popular flamenco show at midday in the main square. And make sure you visit the world's smallest chocolate factory, where you can make your own chocolate. Our children love their workshop!
Granada
Simply unmissable. A little over an hours' drive, you can visit one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Spain. In addition to the famous Alhambra, there is the brilliant Albaycin district. Flamenco & cave houses sit in the Sacromonte district. And there's art and culture at every turn.
Malaga
In the capital, you can do a million things. You could visit the port and walk along the promenade where you will find shops and restaurants. You can visit the cathedral or the Roman theater. You could go to Gibralfaro and enjoy one of the best views in Málaga. You could go to Larios Street for a stroll and maybe a bite to eat. Or you could just go to one of the many museums on offer: Picasso museum, Thyseen museum, Pompidou museum, etc.
Gibraltar
With tax-free shopping, impressive caves and the spectacular monkey-studded upper rock nature reserve, Gibraltar is definitely worth a visit. Take the cable car or climb up the steps to the top of the rock for some fantastic views across Africa.
Nerja
With its lovely beaches, scenic seaside promenade and astonishing fairy-like caves, the picturesque seaside resort of Nerja makes a wonderful day trip. Our favorite is the river walk up the Chillar river. It’s a great outdoor family oriented activity. It’s a 16km (there and back) walk, but you don’t have to go all the way. If you do go all the way, you will be rewarded with a crystal clear waterfall which is great for a quick dip in the heat. It’s well worth the walk, you won’t regret it.
Marbella - Puerto Banus
Marbella is one of the Costa del Sol's major tourist attractions. Puerto Banus, houses an exclusive leisure area inside the excellent facilities of its marina. It is both a golfer and beachgoer's paradise, with 52 champion golf courses, plus miles and miles of sandy beaches..
Ronda
Ronda is less than an hour and a half drive from La Cala de Mijas, up a spectacular mountain road with lots of twists & turns. Enjoy the extraordinary bridge, the stunning countryside, the beautiful Old Town with it's white washed houses and see the Roman baths. It's a 'must see'. We should also mention the wonderful vineyards & wine tours.
Seville
Seville is likely to be one of the most romantic and attractive cities you’ll ever experience. Named by Lonely Planet as the best city to visit in 2018, the Andalusian capital is made up of some of the most enchanting neighbourhoods in Spain, such as the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz and the former gypsy barrio of Triana. Historic monuments include the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, an elegant bullring and a Moorish palace that starred in “Game of Thrones”.
Cordoba
Cordoba is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Andalusia, a melting pot of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian cultures with a decidedly Spanish soul. Its UNESCO-listed historic center is a pleasure to wander around, and so are the winding, whitewashed streets of the old Jewish quarter or its ubiquitous flower-filled patio gardens. Nevertheless, if you only have time for one attraction in Cordoba, let it be the glorious Mezquita, a stunning work of Islamic architecture.
Caminito Del Rey
If you want to add some adventure to your holiday, then a day trip hike to Caminito del Rey is a must. There is a combination of gentle hiking through stunning scenery, with the amazing suspension bridge spanning the gorge. The route is around 7.5k and is fairly flat. It normally takes 2.5 hrs and is suitable for people of all fitness levels and for children over 8 years old. An experience not to be missed!
Tarifa
If you like white sand dunes, kite surfing and horse riding on the beach, then you'll love Tarifa. Most people go there for the beaches and the water sports. If water sports aren't your thing, there's still a lot to love about Tarifa. It's relatively small, with a pretty old town with deifinite North African influences. We particularly love horse riding along the beach with our children during the winter months.
Sierra Nevada
What many people don’t realise is that Andalucía as a region also offers Europe’s Southern-most ski resort, with great skiing from December to the beginning of May. This winter wonderland is just a stone’s throw from La Cala de Mijas and on a good day you can even see the sea from the slopes.
Marbella Old Town
A twenty minute taxi ride away, this old neighborhood is full of romance, with narrow winding cobblestone streets and quaint little boutiques and shops. We enjoy the beautiful cafes and restaruants to sit in and watch the world go by.
La Cala market
Going to the market whilst you're on holiday is a lovely thing to do. The La Cala market is on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. It's a five minute walk and you can buy nearly everything. If you're looking for gifts to take back home, this is a great place to buy and really good value for money.
Miramar shopping centre
A five minute taxi ride will take you to Miramar Shopping Centre. It's big, with 106 stores, including Primark and a great selection of other retailers. There's also a wide range of leisure activities, including a large cinema, with English speaking films, plus cafe's and restaurants to suit all tastes.
Golf courses
In Mijas, avid golfers will find an unparalleled paradise
With over 70 courses in a relatively small area, you are never far from an amazing golf course and the weather is ideal all year round. What’s great about golf here is that there are courses for every level, preference and budget, from world class courses to low cost, easy to play options perfect for novices and much more. With over 300 days of sunshine and a microclimate which offers warmer winters and cooler summers, this area is heaven for golfers wanting to enjoy the best courses with blue skies, bright sunshine and beautiful views. So if you’re fed up with playing in the rain, consider a golf holiday on the Costa del Sol!
La Cala Golf
Mijas Golf Club
Calanova Golf Club
Chaparral Golf Club
La Noria Golf
Cabopino Golf
Santana Golf
Cerrado del Aguila Golf
