Travellers combining business with a couple of days extra leisure in the destination are up with one of the biggest tourist trends in the world: bleisure, which brings together business and leisure. The Costa del Sol has become the undisputed leader of the business tourism segment for many reasons. If you are planning your next business and leisure trip, keep reading to discover some ideas of how to make the very most of your time in a unique destination like the Costa del Sol.
Discover the power of beautiful weather
There is no denying the influence the weather has on your state of mind. Working in the blazing sun within striking distance of the sea is nothing but a joy and will change your mindset. Particularly if you make some time to enjoy it to the max. Take a walk along the shore, read a book or laze on a comfortable lounger in the sun, enjoy a refreshing dip or do some water sports. Up and down the Malaga coastline, you will find a large number of schools where you can learn how to kite surf, kayak and paddle board or – if you’ve already got the skills – hire the equipment you need to enjoy a great day out on the water. If you love the sea and everything related to the maritime world, you won’t want to miss the Senda Azul, a project bringing together countless activities and experiences up and down the 160km of coast in the province.
Dig into the gastronomy of the Costa del Sol
You can’t leave the Costa del Sol without trying the traditional gastronomy. You will be blown away by the variety of flavours and the boundless selection of bars, chiringuitos (beach restaurants) and restaurants. Put these dishes on your list of things to try the next time you’re in the province of Malaga: fritura malagueña (deep-fried seafood), clams, ajoblanco (a cold almond soup served with grapes), porra antequerana (a thick cold soup made with tomato, garlic, olive oil, green pepper and bread) espetos de sardinas (sardine on a skewer), ensalada malagueña (a potato, orange, tuna and green olive salad) and more. And as if all that weren’t enough, the province of Malaga boasts an extensive selection of wines that pair perfectly with all these traditional dishes.
Treat yourself to something special
If you enjoy going shopping, you’re going to want to go on more than one spree in the Costa del Sol. The province is home to a large number of shopping centres like Centro Comercial La Cañada in Marbella, and Centro Comercial Plaza Mayor and McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Malaga. The street markets taking place in all the towns and villages across the province are great places to get your hands on some unique products and antiques. Browsing the shop windows on calle Larios and calle Nueva in Malaga city is an experience in itself and if you’re in search of glamour, make your way to the luxurious stores in Puerto Banús in Marbella.
Get your adrenaline pumping
Looking for a way to release your pent-up stress from work? We’ve got an unbeatable way to get your adrenaline pumping: via ferrata. If you’re not familiar with the term, via ferrata is an experience midway between rock climbing and hiking in the mountains. You will make your way up the rockface using elements like rungs, ladders, hanging bridges and even ziplines. Throughout the Costa del Sol, you will find different places to enjoy this outdoor sport.
Soak up some culture
Museo Picasso, Carmen Thyssen and Centre Pompidou are just three of the cultural centres that you won’t want to miss in Malaga city. But outside the capital, the municipalities in the province have experienced something of a cultural boom with new museums and exhibition centres popping up. Ronda and Antequera are two hubs. Take your time to explore countless art galleries and the most fascinating museums and exhibition spaces. Dive into the world of raisins, music, glass and wine. Visit a contemporary art gallery, discover the birthplace of Blas Infante in Casares, fall in love with the Colección de Juguetes Antiguos (Collection of Old Toys) in Alfarnate and wander around the Botanical Garden of Cactus and Succulents in Casarabonela. The Costa del Sol is home to a vast variety of museums and exhibitions.
Tour the whitewashed villages of the Costa del Sol
Run away from the city and breathe in the relaxing atmosphere of the Costa del Sol. In places like Marbella you can admire the beauty of the historic centre while stepping into a world of luxury that will blow you away. Known as the “city of castles”, Ronda is a magical destination whose original town walls are still intact. An ideal place to throw yourself into history with legends, museums and viewing points. What’s more, lovers of peace and quiet will find villages that you will fall wildly in love with, swept up in beautiful naturescapes that speak of yesteryear. Benalauría and Algatocín are just two great examples.
With an average of 320 days of sunshine a year, the Costa del Sol is a leading destination for business tourism. The excellent connections and infrastructure, the extensive selection of cultural and leisure activities and the very many venues for events, fairs and conferences make the province of Malaga an irresistible destination that many business travellers dream of. And it’s no surprise: the Costa del Sol really does have it all.
