Mix sports with romance on your next couples getaway

Planning a romantic getaway for you and your loved one? We know that couples don’t always have the same idea of what “romance” is. (For many, it’s not just about relaxing in hammocks and eating good food!). If you’re a more active couple, consider visiting a destination where you can play sports and do more adventurous activities together, like hiking, biking, kayaking or windsurfing. Lucky for you, Costa del Sol is a beautiful cultural destination that offers all those excursions and more. 

Hiking

Malaga is filled with walking paths, hiking trails, amazing natural landscapes and more. There are few things more romantic than getting lost with your partner in Mother Nature. Bring your camera and enjoy the journey as you both explore Malaga on foot. 

To see the best of Malaga’s natural landscape on your walk, don’t miss the Gran Senda and Senda Litoral trails. The first is made up of a series of smaller, linked trails that pass through various towns and natural spaces, eventually covering the entire province of Malaga. On this route, you’ll pass by Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park and the magnificent Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama mountain ranges. The second route passes through 14 coastal municipalities in Malaga, spanning 200 kilometres along the coast, from Balcón de Europa (Nerja) to Castillo de la Duquesa (Manilva). Along both routes, you and your special someone will find plenty of hotels, bars and restaurants where you can rest, rejuvenate, enjoy each other’s company and regain your strength.

Cycling

Costa del Sol is an excellent biking destination! There are countless cycling and mountain biking routes that run along the coast, in and around the mountains or through the natural landscapes, towns and cities of Malaga. 

Once run by bandits, today, Serranía de Ronda is a great place to explore on two wheels. This part of Spain is filled with well-marked routes and roads that aren’t constantly filled with cars and travellers, making them safe and convenient for cyclists. There are routes for every skill level, and they range from seven to 40 kilometres long. Experienced cyclists will love the Algatocín bike descent route, which takes riders through exciting obstacles as they pass over the Genal River. La Sierra Norte, in the Nororma region, is another great area for cycling, as it has seven mountain biking areas and a multitude of slopes, green spaces, oak forests, water sources, rivers and swamps where riders can rest and explore.

Watersports

If you love being out on the water, take advantage of Costa del Sol’s plentiful watersports! There are tons of activities for all skill levels to try, both on the coast and in Malaga’s inland rivers and swamps. 

There are plenty of places to scuba dive in the 14 municipalities of Costa del Sol—especially along the coast of Nerja! All divers, snorkelers and kayakers should add swimming through the Acantilados de Maro–Cerro Gordo Natural Site to their “must-do” list. Head to the inland villages of Malaga to see places like the Conde de Guadalhorce Reservoir (also known as the “Chorro” Reservoir), which is a popular place to go paddleboarding and canoeing. Canyoning is another fun way to take a dip in the water, and you can try it in Sima del Diablo, in Júzcar.

Golf

Of course, what would a trip to Malaga be without a little golf? Dubbed the Costa del Golf, this part of Spain is a piece of paradise for golf lovers. Golf is a great sport for couples to learn or play together, and with Malaga’s pleasant climate all year long, you can play it whenever you visit. Pick your favourite golf course or golf club—Malaga is home to more than 70 courses!—and stay in one of the area’s fabulous golf hotels with private golf courses and golf schools. Malaga has some of the best golf courses and clubs in all of Europe, and its golf hotels are so beautiful that they’re sure to add a little romance to your couples escape.

After sports: a moment of wellness

Source: Villa Padierna

What better way to end an active day out in Costa del Sol than with a little joint pampering at one of Malaga’s many spas or baths? Make an appointment at one of the area’s luxurious hotel spas, or take a dip in its famous Arab baths. Get a massage or simply relax in a hydrotherapy circuit, and continue your trip through Costa del Sol refreshed, rejuvenated and more in love than ever.