Water Parks On The Costa Del Sol, Malaga

There are two water parks on the Costa del Sol, both have the perfect combination of slides, pools and rest areas for a family day out near Malaga. Both water parks have floats to rent, or available free of charge if you are willing to queue at each ride. Many slides do not require a float. There are also restaurants, showers, toilets and security boxes. The lists below show the water attractions that each water park has to offer:

AQUALAND, TORREMOLINOS, MALAGA - Tel: 952 388 888

Aqualand is located in just off the N340 near the exit for the Palacio de Congreso at Torremolinos, it is less than 8km from Malaga Airport. Aqualand is open from mid May until mid September; during the months of May, June and September opening times are 11.00 to 18.00, during July and August hours are extended to 10.00 until 19.00.

ATTRACTIONS:

Black Hole- slide down on a float over 100 metres of drops and bends through a dark tunnel of flowing water, landing in a swimming pool.

Rapids- float down either alone or in pairs on double floats through rapids, still water pools and whirlpools

Boomerang- take your float down sheer slides into a landing pool

Crazy Race- four lanes of water to slide down without a float and race your friends to the end

Super Slalom- three winding slides to fly down without a float

Kamikaze- A daredevil vertical 22 metre slide straight down at top speed, the highest of its kind in Europe

Twister- Lose all sense of direction twisting down this slide into the landing pool

Surf Beach- a wave pool with over 1 metre waves, also used as a swimming pool

Mini Park- especially for the toddlers, a children's water park with mini castle and slides in a shallow swimming pool

Laguna Tropical- easy slides into a swimming pool

Jacuzzi- cool outdoor bubble pool to re-energise

MIJAS WATER PARK / PARQUE ACUATICO, MIJAS, MALAGA - Tel: 952 460 404

Mijas Water Park is located at Mijas Costa, on the N340 next to the exit for Coin / Las Lagunas / Mijas Costa. It is 25km from Malaga Airport. The water park is open from early May until mid October: during May and the end of September opening times are 10.30 to 17.30, during June and early September 10.00 until 18.00 and in July and August the open 10.00 until 19.00.

ATTRACTIONS:

Adventure River- 40 metres of curving toboggan to slide down on large float

Body Ski- slide and fly down the four lane water slide, no float is needed

Labyrinth Slide- a colourful maze of over 300 metres of slides, with different levels for all the family

Wild River- enjoy lying back on your float to drift and spin down the bending river slide

Kamikaze- high speed slide down a 15 metre vertical drop

Wave Pool- swimming pool with wave action at regular intervals

Kiddie Slides- a water playground for the smaller children, with slides and elephant water jets

Lizard Island- a small oasis with water jets for children within the pool

Blue Lake- A beautiful lake pool to relax and swim

Jacuzzi- Two bubbling spa pools, loved by kids and adults alike.

Both of the water parks on the Costa del Sol have free parking available at the entrance to the park. They are close to Malaga on either the A7 motorway or N340 coast road; and are within easy reach of the resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Mijas Costa. A car hire at Malaga Airport can easily be arranged online in advance, if you do not already have your own car to reach the parks.

Explore the Costa del Sol and surrounding areas by car. A range of vehicles are on offer through this easy to use search of all the companies offering car hire at Malaga Airport http://www.spainairportcarhire.com/car-hire/malaga

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Gap Years in Costa Rica

Fast Facts
Costa Rica has a population of 4 millionThe capital city is San JoseCosta Rica recently one on the happy planet index rating - measuring it as the happiest nation on Earth!Costa Rica is famed for its coffeeAlmost 25% of Costa Rica consists of wildlife reserves and protected forestsIt is the second smallest country in Latin America

5 Great Things to do in Costa Rica

A list of just a couple of unmissable experiences...

1. San Jose

Arguably the most cosmopolitan capital in Central America. A couple of days is probably enough to spend in this city - which may have a slightly dangerous reputation - but is a great insight into real life in this wonderful country. Full of colourful markets and a real pura vida nightlife scene, it's definitely worth braving for a couple of days as least, before heading out into the spectacular surrounding countryside.

2. Turrialba

Up for an adrenaline rush? Then the small mountain town of Turrialba is one you certainly can't miss. A stones throw from some of the best white water rafting on the planet, this is a bit of a Mecca for enthusiasts, and definitely one of those experiences you'll never forget!

3. National Parks

As mentioned in the fast facts, 25% of the country is covered by protected areas and national parks. Its a country that places a huge amount of importance on its biodiversity and conservation is a key issue. You simply can't visit Costa Rica without going to at least one of the spectacular national parks. From dense rainforest and indigenous communities to dormant volcanoes and tropical beaches, it simply has it all! All the information you could possibly want on the national parks can be found here.

4. Turtle Spotting

Spotting turtles laying eggs is a special experience. You'll have to make sure you're doing it with a reputable organisation who don't disturb the turtles during this period, but watching hatching from a distance is still special. This can be done in Tortuguero during the summer months only.

5. Coffee

Costa Rica is famous for its coffee, you simply cannot go there without sampling as much as you possibly can, and savouring the rich flavour - and superiority over supermarket's freeze dried brands!

Coffee production plays a huge part in the country's economy and its a huge exporter worldwide, with a history of coffee production dating back well over two centuries.

Jonny Butler works for Raleigh International, a charity offering gap year expeditions abroad in Costa Rica for people looking to volunteer abroad

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Cycling in Spain: Girona and the Costa Brava, 5 Things To Know Before Your Bike Tour

You might be asking yourself, "Where is Girona, the Costa Brava and Catalonia and why are so many cyclists talking about it?" Well Girona is located roughly half way between the bustling city of Barcelona and the French border to the north. The Costa Brava is the name given to the coastal region that stretches along the Mediterranean for a similar distance. Both are located within Catalonia.

For the last decade Girona has truly started to emerge out of the shadow of its larger sibling to the south, Barcelona. Retaining a smaller town vibe and delighting the visitor with both its historic old town center and its gastronomic choices, Girona is a must-see destination for today's traveler. For those seeking a bike tour in Spain, Girona also acts as the perfect base from which to explore. Here are five things to know before you arrive:

Catalonia (aka, Catalunya) is an autonomous, self-governing community within Spain. The Catalan Parliament is one of the oldest in Europe with its origins dating back to 1283, well before the modern Spanish State.
Catalan, along with Spanish, is the official language here. While a romance language like Spanish, French, Italian, etc., it is distinctly different. As a distinction for English speakers, it's good to know that the Spanish language is often referred to as "Castellano" and not "Español".
Catalan cuisine follows many of the traditions of Spanish cooking, but has a unique sensibility all its own. The focus is often on simple, fresh ingredients that may sound straightforward (ex. "pa amb tomàquet", literally "bread with tomato"), but are filled with flavor and are definitely not to be missed during your visit!
Girona has become the home to many non-European pro cyclists, looking for the perfect location on the continent in which to train when they are not racing. It's not uncommon to see pros gathering a cafe pre/post ride or out on the routes that have made Girona so famous as a cycling destination.
Location, Location, Location. Beyond the picturesque cobblestone streets and ancient walls that Girona is often known for, it is also a town in the perfect location for cycling. The terrain is moderately rolling, the Mediterranean coast is less than 20 miles away to the east and foothills to the Pyrenees are about 30 miles to the northwest. It benefits from a true Mediterranean climate. And located just 60 miles to the south, Barcelona offers not only a world class cosmopolitan experience, but acts as an easy gateway for North American flights.

Jace Gifford is the founder of In Situ Travel, LLC. In Situ offers bike tours in Europe for the avid cyclist.

Have you always wanted to challenge yourself on some of Europe's most famous cycling routes in France, Italy, Spain and Germany? Would you like to take a bike tour in Girona and the Costa Brava? Jace invites you to explore In Situ's Bike Tours in Europe to find the trip that's right for you.

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