TOP 10 INDOOR ACTIVITIES

Indoor activities in Andalusia?? Yes, even here it sometimes rains or we have a heatwave. However, most of the outings are in the open air, so what do you do? Would you like to stay in your holiday apartment with TV, tablet or book? Or would you rather go out anyway? Don’t let the weather stop you from having a fun day during your holiday! Here are 10 top suggestions for indoor activities in Andalusia and the Costa del Sol during bad weather or rain

Granada Science Museum (Parque de las Ciencias)

Indoor activities nr 1: Science Museum Granada

A surprisingly interesting and interactive outing for the whole family! The Science Museum in Granada is large, very creative and it doesn’t feel too crowded. I’ve been there at least 5 times and never get bored. There are permanent rooms about, for example, the earth and physics. But there are also changing indoor exhibitions as standard. For example about the human body, Escher or dinosaurs.

Outside you have a butterfly garden, a high lookout tower that offers a view over the whole of Granada to the Alhambra. In good weather, there is also a wild bird show. Obviously even an absolute must in good weather and not expensive.

Caves of Nerja

Prehistoric Caves of Nerja

Nerja and Torrox together have the best climate in Europe with 300 days of sun a year. For example, if it rains on the western Costa del Sol, it is often still sunny in Nerja. But what when your trip to Nerja is just on one of these other days? The view of the spectacular Balcon de Europa that day might not be what it should be.

Then travel on to Nerja-Maro where the Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja) are located. The Caves are one of the most important touristic attractions of Andalusia and are definitely worth a visit. A constant temperature in summer and winter and fun to entertain you for two hours. In the great hall you will find the biggest amalgamation of stalactite and stalagmite in the world. You can go there on a tourist train (4 km from the center). History lovers can visit the accompanying museum in the center (Plaza de España).

Malaga car museum (top indoor activities)

An old-timer from the Malaga Car & Fashion museum

Museo de Automovilístico y de la Moda. The Malaga Car & Fashion Museum can be found in the west of Malaga, a bit out of the center. The private collection of vintage cars is surprisingly exclusive and fun for the whole family, from seniors to children! From type ‘first car that looks more like a carriage to spectacular hot-rods and even a Bentley inlaid with Swarovski crystals. The collection is supplemented with fashion exhibitions, for example of classical hats. Definitely worth a visit, even if you´re not a car-lover!

Indoor shopping in shopping malls

Shopping mall Centro Larios in Malaga

Indoor shopping center Malaga You can also shop at home, but in Spain it is slightly different. In addition, the prices are often lower than in the North of Europe, especially during the ‘rebajas’ (sale). Even with good weather, many tourists find it a nice change from everyday beach or swimming pool.

Many shopping malls have good facilities. Airconditioning, parking in front of the door, childcare (Spanish of course), restaurants and open until 10 pm. Often you will also find the cinema here, but films in the original language are scarce. Incidentally, the pastel-colored shopping mall Plaza Mayor in Malaga (close to Malaga Airport) is very nice. But not covered…

Indoor skating rink in Benalmadena

Indoor ice skating in Benalmadena

When you visit the Costa del Sol you will probably not easily think about ice skating. And yet there is a real indoor figure skating rink in Benalmadena. Not super big and from June to September the track is closed, but still. Especially for children a fun outing and not too expensive. Adults pay 11 euros. You can rent children 8 and skates for less than 5 euros.

Malaga Music Museum

Interactive Music Museum Malaga

Malaga has more than 20 museums (all inside), such as the famous Picasso museum or the Thyssen museum. Of course they are not all the same size. However, this small, intimate music museum is fun and partly interactive. Most of the visitors will never have had a violin or cello in their hands. Never mind that you can try unlimited to get music out of it! Although you can get through it within 1 to 2 hours, the interaction makes it a fun experience.

Spa, wellness or Hamman

Spa, wellness or hammam on a rainy day

Especially on the western Costa del Sol you almost stumble over the spas and wellness centers. In contrast to certain countries in Northern Europe, however, the emphasis here is less on the sauna (always with swimwear anyway). The basic entrance is often low (especially look for offers on Groupon or Groupalia). However, the real money is earned with personal treatments, such as massages, facials, etc. Of course you can make it as expensive as you want.

However, are you more about the experience and the Spanish feeling? Then visit the Hamman Al Andalus in the center of Malaga. Beautiful Moorish style, including tea, cava and bubble massage. Granada also has several charming hammams. Enjoy and relax indoors. And even more so when it rains outside!

Mariposario butterfly garden Benalmadena

Butterfly garden Mariposario Benalmadena

Benalmadena has the largest butterfly garden, the Marioposario, in Europe. No fewer than 1,500 tropical butterflies (mariposas) and moths flutter happily around here, plus a number of exotic birds. Visitors are given a list of types they can tick off. Especially nice for children.

In addition, there is a display case where you can admire the birth of a butterfly with a bit of luck. Less beautiful but just as impressive are the enormous moths, which are larger than your hand! Nice indoor outing. Make sure you dress lightly because it is of course tropical warm!

Wine tasting with tapas Bodega Bentomiz Sayalonga

Wine tasting with tapas in Bodega Bentomiz

In the heart of the Axarquia lies the very modern Wine Bodega Bentomiz of a Dutch couple. You can taste their award-winning wines here for a reasonable price. Of course while enjoying a delicious tapas snack that combines excellently.

The owners are very passionate and it is impressive how they set up their business. Especially in terms of marketing, they have done completely differently from the competence and that has paid off. A must for wine lovers! Make a reservation first, because it is a small-scale indoor activity. The village of Sayalonga is itself also part of the official ‘Routa del Sol & Vino‘.

Surely you can find in Andalusia many more wine and sherry bodegas that organize indoor tours.

Performance in local theater or Centro Cultural

Local theater with flamenco show in Nerja

There is a wide variety of cultural programming in the local theaters, also known as Centro Cultural. These centers are heavily subsidized, so the offer is ample and entrance prices are low. The offer consists of a lot of dance and music, often also flamenco. You do not need to speak Spanish for that.

However, take into account the limited opening hours of the cash registers and poorly maintained websites. It is best to even drop by between 10 and 2 in the morning and buy the ticket right away. This is usually also cheaper. The performances normally start at 9:00 PM (including those for children…).

What is your favorite of these indoor activities in Andalusia / Costa del Sol?