Let’s face it; when you’re arranging Málaga Airport private hire servicesfor your next trip to the Costa del Sol, you might think of sun, sea, sand, and hedonism. But the region’s credentials as a place for close encounters with fascinating wildlife may not come to your mind quite so quickly. 

So, we thought we’d correct some of that, with a rundown of a few of the sights and sounds in this part of Andalucia that will make you feel a little more acquainted with our animal friends. 

BioparcFuengirola 

At the time of us writing this blog post, this modestly-sized, but well-designed zoo was listed on Tripadvisor as “#1 of 52 things to do in Fuengirola”, and we can easily understand why. 

After all, it is far from ‘just another’ zoo in the old-school sense of what we might think a zoo to be; instead, it is based on a new model of animal park that centres a respect for nature and the sensitive preservation of natural species. 

There are currently more than 200 species residing in the park – most of them endangered or with the risk of becoming so – also encompassing particularly unique examples such as the Sumatran tiger and the Roloway monkey. 

Selwo Marina Benalmadena 

Head to Benalmadena for this animal and leisure park that will truly make you feel closer to nature. Selwo Marina Benalmadena is particularly known for its Unique Experiences, which are animal interaction activities that will enable you to interact with dolphins, penguins, or sea lions to an extent that you might never have thought possible. 

Zoo de Castellar 

The Castellar de la Frontera area provides further evidence of the Costa del Sol’s commitment to giving you something different to – and beyond – the ‘typical’ zoo experience. Again, ‘interaction’ is a watchword at this zoo situated about 10 minutes inland from Sotogrande, but no less fascinating is precisely how the animal residents got here. 

The zoo started life in 1998 as a private rescue sanctuary; only in 2002 did it finally open to the public. And it was started in order to help animals that had been the victims of illegal animal smuggling between Europe and Africa, and subsequently seized by the authorities. 

Zoo de Castellar remained a relatively unknown attraction for years. Recent times have seen it be much more talked-about, and with good reason. It is a very open and interactive facility, but also an exceedingly educational one about the plight that some animals face. 

The hundreds of species of animals to have resided here down the years have encompassed the likes of emus, monkeys, rabbits, domestic chickens, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, and so many more. 

Paloma Park 

We’re looking back to Benalmadena for this one, and not just that, but very much the centre of town, where you will find the enchanting Paloma Park, which stretches out over some 200,000 square metres. 

This invaluable green lung and meeting spot would be a delight to stroll around anyway, with its well-signposted walking areas, an artificial lake, and even a restaurant area. But it’s no less notable that this is a fine place to see all manner of animals roaming free, including rabbits, chickens, ducks, and parrots, to cite just a few. 

There you go – evidence that Málaga Airport private hire services like those Simply Shuttles can provide shouldn’t just be requested for the region’s golf courses or nightclubs, but also for its many fine animal attractions. 

Give our team a call today on +34 951 279 117, and we will help ensure you are well-placed to immerse yourself in this sometimes-underappreciated aspect of the Costa del Sol.