For a country whose border is largely shored up by water, Spain is a relative latecomer to the sport of boating. Particularly in Andalucía, the sea was, to a great extent, the province of working fishermen. The feudal economy which marks Spain's largest autonomous region has a history of land-locked pursuits, such as hunting and horse riding.
There can be few better ways to appreciate the sheer beauty of the Andalusian countryside than from a hot air balloon. Combine this bird's eye view with the tranquility and peace derived from being high above humanity - with just the clouds for company - and it is not difficult to see the appeal of the sport.
One of the latest trends in adventure sports, or more daring or unusual outdoor activities, is wild swimming (bañarse/nadar en plena naturaleza in Spanish). This means swimming in any water, though more usually freshwater rather than saltwater.
Those who find hiking not quite exciting enough, may like to try mountaineering, rock climbing or caving, all of which are popular in this part of Spain with a wealth of challenges and some of the best areas in Europe outside the Alps.
Mountain biking and cycling are viewed as both serious sports and a relaxing pastime in Andalucia. It is not unusual to be overtaken by a group of lycra-clad cyclists tackling the steep mountain roads, particularly at weekends.
The international circuit at Jerez has on ocasions held the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix, at other times is used for testing and practice by the F1 teams. It holds the Spanish Motorbike Grand Prix each May.
If you ever use the main N340 Mediterranean highway on Sundays, you may have noticed the large groups of motorbikers powering past. Andalucia's year-round fine weather makes motorbiking popular at weekends.
Indeed, with its excellent all-year-round climate and stunning scenery, it is surely one of the best places to go "microlighting". You can now you take to the skies the whole year round along the many beaches of both the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, as well as going inland to some incredibly stunning natural inland settings.
Extreme sports are defined as activities which involve a high level of danger, and therefore often both speed and height; they're also "counter-cultural", and often (though not always) practised by young people. They are frequently climate-dictated, being dependent on snow or ice, wind and water. And, of course, they're a great way of keeping in shape.
Whether you want high-adrenalin extreme sports adventure tour - on snow, ground or water; wind or gas-fuel-driven; to get about on two wheels or two legs; taking to the air; or calmer, but no less adventurous wild swimming, Andalucia has all the facilities and natural elements for you to indulge in your favourite activities.
The three main professional cycle races in the Andalucia cycling calendar are the Tour of Spain, known as La Vuelta; the Tour of Andalucia, also known as the Vuelta a Andalucia or Ruta Ciclista del Sol; and the one-day Clasíca de Almería. On a more local level, there is La Sufrida.
We’re all familiar with the catchphrase, “No Carbs before Marbs”, as coined by the hugely successful TV Show The Only Way is Essex, whose spiritual second home (or perhaps luxury villa) is Marbella.
Address: Avda. Vega del Mar S/N, 29670 San Pedro Alcántara, Marbella Tel: + (34) 952 788 398. Facilities: Courts for futsal (indoor football), handball and basketball, pétanque area, road safety track for children, changing rooms and bar.
San Pedro sports complex is a multi-use sports complex with Covered pavillion indoor and outdoor facilities with ample car park.
Address: Avda. Canovas del Castillo, 29600 Marbella, Tel: + (34) 952 822 698, Facilities: Synthetic grass football pitch, pétanque courts, changing rooms and bar.
Facilities: Grass football pitch in addition to synthetic grass pitches, warm up goalkeeper zone, stands, indoor pitches for futsal (indoor football), handball and basketball. Pétanque area, changing rooms, toilets and playground for children.
Address: Urb. Los Arcos, Elviria, Las Chapas, 29600 Marbella, Facilities: Synthetic grass football pitch, courts for futsal (indoor football), handball, basketball, volleyball and badminton. Changing rooms, toilets, playground for children and bar.
Address: Avda. Miguel de Cervantes, 29660 Nueva Andalucía, Marbella Tel: + (34) 952 815 517. Facilities: Synthetic grass football pitch, courts for tennis, paddle tennis, basketball, handball and futsal (indoor football). Swimming pool and changing rooms.
Address: Avda. Maiz Viñals, 29600 Marbella, Facilities: Tatami, gym equipment, changing rooms.
Address: Avda. Huerta de los Cristales S/N, 29600 Marbella, Tel: + (34) 952 828 217, Facilities: Gym devices and equipment, aerobics room, cardio room, saunas and changing rooms.
