Iznajar Lake Beach - There’s no need to travel to the coast to find a great beach! This long, gently shelving sandy beach with clear reservoir water (no motor boats allowed) provides safe swimming as well as watersports such as canoeing and windsurfing. Fish for trout, carp and bass, walk the herding trails around the lake or take refreshments at the beach bars and restaurants.

Whale watching - It’s great to be on the ocean when the weather’s hot so check out the tours run by the Foundation for Information and Research on Marine Mammals (www.firmm.org) . Excursions run out of Tarifa for sightings of dolphins and pilot whales. The Straits of Gibraltar with its rich diversity of marine life is an under-water park. Whalewatch Espana (Tel 956627013) also run similar tours.

DRIVING IN THE AXARQUIA - Although you can walk in this spectacularly beautiful area of pines, oaks, mountains and gorges, with historic white villages and towns, there are also driving tours. They are named for the speciality of the area, The Mudejar Route, The Raisin Route, The Oil and Mountains Route, The Sun and Avocado Route and The Sun and Wine Route. This last one starts in Algarrobo and ends in Nerja. Check www.absoluteaxarquia.com and click on the map for details of the routes. On the way, stop and look for mountain goats or birdwatch, or take a break in a bar in one of the villages.

CAMPILLOS KARTING - Dare to drive like a champion race driver in a competition kart round the largest karting circuit in Europe. Find it outside Campillos on the A 384. Ring 610774429 for details and bookings for an earth-shaking experience. Weekdays 10.00-19.00 Weekends 10.00-21.00 Prices start from 10 euros on their junior circuit and 25 euros on the competition circuit.

THE ROYAL CHAPEL AND THE MONASTERY OF CARTUJA - There’s always something to see in Granada! Next time you are there, visit the fascinating Royal Chapel, near the Cathedral, where Isabella and Ferdinand lie buried. Within you will find art, architecture and history. Opening hours are Mon to Sat 10.30 – 1.00 and 4 – 7pm, Sun 11 – 1 and 4 – 7pm. Afterwards, take No. 8 bus from Plaza Nueva to the spectacular Monastery of Cartuja to learn about the Carthusian monks and admire the church and chapels, refectory and cloister gardens. It is an extraordinary place! Opening hours are Mon to Sat 10 -1 and 4 – 8pm, Sun 10 – 12 and 4 to 8pm. Detailed English guides are available, worth reading for themselves!

FINE ARTS MUSEUM, SEVILLA - Delight in the museums exquisite building, a former 17th century monastery with cloisters and arched galleries. Then treat yourself to a tour of one of the most important art musuems in Andalucia. It is rich in paintings, sculptures and designs and is famous for its collection of Sevillana baroque art. Included in the exhibitions are the works of Goya, Velazquez and El Greco as well as Flemish paintings from the 15th and 16th century.
Open Tues. 2.30 to 8.30, Wed to Sat 9 to 8.30 and Sun 9 to 2.30. Plaza del Museo 9, Sevilla.

ORNITHOLOGICAL BOTANICAL GARDENS - Roam these pretty gardens found on the hill below San Miguel Castle in Almunecar to see a fascinating selection of birds, from the common dove to colourful parrots. Climb to the ramparts of the castle to see the amazing Cactus Garden. Don’t miss the ostriches which roam around their section. Take time to sit and listen to the birds. It’s magical! It is only 100m from the sea front near Plaza de Abderraman. Open daily 11 to 2, 5 to 7pm.

ARDALES CAVE & LOS EMBALSES - Want to see cave drawings and paintings from 20,000 years ago, underground lakes, amazing stalactites and stalagmites? Then, don’t miss La Cueva de Dona Trinidad (de la Calinonia) for a fascinating visit. Call 952458087 for details and to make an appointment to visit. After this, spend the afternoon on the shores of the Ardales reservoirs where you can walk through woods, swim or take out a canoe or pedal boat to cool off. For canoeing, abseiling and archery, by the hour or half-day, look out for Park Ardales.

BOTANNICAL GARDENS LA CONCEPCION - Escape the heat and take a cool walk through palms and banyans, admiring exotic blooms in these spectacular tropical gardens. It is easy to find, just outside Malaga, on the N331. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6.30pm. Closed Mondays.

FESTIVAL OF VIRGEN DEL CARMEN - Along the coast of Andalucia, they celebrate the feast of the Virgin of Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen the weekend of July 16th. Fishermen decorate their boats with flowers and with statues of the Virgin. There are parades and processions throughout the village streets. Have a barbecue on the beach while enjoying live music and entertainment and watch the games and contests between fishermen. You will find all kinds of food, especially seafood. Everyone welcome, just ask a local!