My 3 and a half year old loved it, in fact I haven´t heard him enthuse about something like this before, i was worried he would be scared but quite the opposite.  He even managed to do some of the walk at the top with his grandparents.

I would definitely recommend this but make sure its a nice clear sunny day, not too hot and take your own food and drink as it is a little pricey at the top.

The Telecabinais a 4 person cable car that takes you from Arroyo de la Miel (just outside of Tivoli World) up the mountainside, 800m above sea level, this takes roughly 15 minutes.  You can purchase a single or return ticket, as you are able to bike or walk back down the mountain footpath.

Once at the top there are several viewpoints where you can take in the breathtaking views of the coast, on a clear day you can see Gibraltar and the African coast and on the other side, the hills of Sierra Nevada. 

Based at the top of the mountain is the Birds of Prey Sanctuary, which has more than 60 different species of birds from Vultures and Eagles to Peregine Falcons and Royal owls.  There are bird demonstrations at 1pm and 8pm.

There is a kiosk at the top with snacks and drinks or if you want to take your own food there are picnic tables available.

Prices:

Adult single €7.30 Return €13

Children (3-7) single €5.20 Return €9.80

Opening hours:    10.00am – 24.00 (July & August)

                                 10.00am – 19.00 (Apr – Jun, Sept & Oct)

                                 10.00am – 18.00 (Feb & Mar)

                                 10.00am – 17.00 (Jan & Dec)

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There are over 5000 different species to be found in the centre originating from all over the world including the mediterranean and the Atlantic, Pacific,  and Indian oceans, also the Red sea.

New to the centre this Autumn are the marine super heroes, from the giant pacific octopus to the incredible coconut crab with claws like giant bolt-cutters plus many others with talents to amaze and astonish you.

Opening Times – Open all year round from 10 am (excluding Christmas Day).

Last admission times
Nov to May – 6 pm
June – September – October – 8 pm
July – August – 12 pm

For more information including ticket prices check out the website www.sealifeeurope.com

Address: SEA LIFE Benalmadena, Puerto Marina, Benalmadena, Malaga 29630
Tel: 952 56 01 50 or email info@sealife.es

The voucher entititles you to one FREE adult when you purchase one and is valid till 31st December 2009.

So if you need a few DIY bits and are interested in visiting the sea life centre then Leroy Merlin is the place to go!!!

Once you get to the top there is a wooded area with picnic tables overlooking the coast, and unbelievably there are toilets up there as well.  It is a lovely place to go for a picnic breakfast or lunch and depending on the age of your children a great place to have a run around and explore.

The Mirador is a short drive further up where you will find a small car park and then you continue the rest of the way on foot, it is less than 1km but not suitable for pushchairs so again it depends on the age of your child and how well they can walk.

We went up around 12ish on what was a very warm morning on the coast but it was pleasantly cool up there verging on cold, so possibly a great idea if you are trying to escape the heat.

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I checked out their site to get more information and I must say that I inmediatley fell in love with those big noses and fluffy ears!!! They have created a Kids Club on Saturdays mornings where children can help the volunteers to take care of the donkeys. For 2 hours they feed, clean and play with the donkeys and learn interesting things about the animals.

I can see my sons big eyes just getting bigger if he could be with the donkeys…He absolutely LOVES donkeys, so I guess it wont take long for us to plan a trip out to Nerja and visit the Sanctuary. It’s not only looking childfriendly and welcoming…it’s also nice to support such a great cause.

They are open daily fron 10:00-16:00 (Sat/Sun:10:00-12:00) Entrance free

They have an array of animals from Tigers, Gorrillas and Leopards to Crocodiles, flamingos and bats.  There is also a bird and animal show at different times of the day and a playground next to the cafe if you want to stop for a rest.  Even though the Zoo isn’t huge I would still recommend taking a pushchair for the younger ones, also take a camera as there are quite a lot of good photo opportunities.

If you are staying for something to eat then there is a cafeteria at the front next to the obligatory gift shop.

We went around 12ish on a Sunday and it didn’t seem to busy, I imagine in the warmer months it will get busier, in July and August they open in the evening for a nocturnal tour concluding with dinner in the heart of the jungle!

Prices:

Adults                         €15.50

Children (3 to 9)       €10.60

OAPS                           €10.60

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Their mascot is a male called “Paco” which is 80 years old. When he gets angry he sounds like a real dinosaur….very scary!! But this only happens when the guide pokes him with his stick, otherwise he’s happy and relaxed with his 4 females (lucky guy!!)

Prices 2009
Adults: 11,00 €
Kids (4-12 years): 8,50 €
Senior citizens (+65): 9,00 €
Children under 4 years: Free
Groups & Schools: Special prices

Opening time
March, april, may, october: 10.00 to 18.00
June, july, august, september: 10.00 to 19.00
November, december, january, february: 10.00 to 17.00

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