Two Top Animal Attractions On The Costa Del Sol In Spain

Animal-lovers have got it made when visiting southern Spain due to these enjoyable wildlife locations.

When visiting the Costa del Sol, it’s a given you will enjoy the endless, clean sandy beaches, the restaurants, shops and other attractions. However, this part of the world also has great animal-related parks to visit.

1. Estepona and Selwo Aventura

Located a short distance from the traditional Spanish seaside town of Estepona, Selwo Aventura offers an authentic safari experience. Here visitors can enjoy being out in nature, while viewing wildlife and having an adventure while they are at it. Take a guided drive through the park and imagine you are in Africa, or visit the petting area of the park, ideal for the kids.

Selwo Aventura has four distinct areas, where more than 2,000 animals can be seen. Each of these offers a difference experience, including fun adventure activities. Enjoy a ride on a dromedary, try your hand at the skill of archery, go ziplining or take a stroll on the long, hanging bridges through the park.

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Gateway to Nature is where visitors can see cheetahs, crocodiles and lynx living in nature around a large lake. Route of the Valleys features a range of African, American and Asian wildlife, including bears, camels and bison. Central Village is home to the larger mammals of Africa, including giraffes, elephants and rhinoceros. For bird-lovers, Bird Canyon is among the largest natural aviaries in Europe, where you can spot cranes, storks and toucans, as well as birds of prey.

2. Bioparc Fuengirola

Bioparc Fuengirola is not a zoo, although it did use to be. Nowadays, the Bioparc is a sprawling green space where animals of 200 or more species enjoy their own, recreated natural habitat.

The park has four distinct sections, including Equatorial Africa, Indo-Pacific, Madagascar and South-East Asia. Many of the species living here are critically endangered, or at risk of becoming endangered. The Bioparc successfully encourages the animals to breed, a sure sign they are happy and comfortable with their lot.

Each habitat is surrounded by leafy paths, with sounds of the jungle playing through the speakers. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the animals’ habitat. Each habitat uses a skilful mix of water and plant elements, not only to make it beautiful, but also to act as a natural barrier between the different species.

The selection of animals is astounding, including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and other ape and monkey species, tigers and leopards, Komodo dragons, hippos and more. In the Madagascar section of the Bioparc, a replica baobab tree takes visitors on a tour of the lemur enclosure, where you can see these cute animals close and up front.

The Bioparc also offers a restaurant for snacks and meals and a gift shop selling quality souvenirs to take home. In the summer months, visitors can also enjoy night visits to the park, complete with dinner and African drumming and dancing.

Make sure you visit Selwo Aventura and Bioparc Fuengirola on your vacation in southern Spain. You will be sure to take home great memories of your time spent here.

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