Rain on the Costa del Sol is rare (although this year, you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise).
But when it does arrive, it can completely ruin beach plans and leave tourists wondering what to do next.
The good news is that there are actually plenty of indoor activities across Malaga province, from cinemas and bowling alleys to huge arcade centres and VR gaming zones.
Catch a film
One of the easiest rainy-day plans is heading to the cinema, especially as several Costa del Sol cinemas regularly show films in English in ‘VO’ (Version Original) format.
In Puerto Banus, Red Dog Cinemas remains one of the best-known options for expats and tourists, with blockbuster films shown throughout the week inside the Cristamar area.
For a bigger cinema experience, many locals head to Cines Kinepolis inside the La Cañada shopping centre in Marbella, which combines multiplex screens with restaurants, shopping and indoor entertainment.
Further down the coast, Cinesur Miramar in Fuengirola and Multicines Alfil Fuengirola are also popular rainy-day escapes.
Bowling and arcade centres
Rainy days are also perfect for indoor gaming centres – something the Costa del Sol now has more of than ever before.
At La Cañada shopping centre in Marbella, visitors can combine the cinema with gaming arcades, bowling and entertainment venues like Pause&Play.
Meanwhile, one of the coast’s newest indoor attractions is Miroko Park in Estepona, which has quickly become popular with families and teenagers.
The venue includes bowling lanes, arcade games and indoor entertainment areas, making it ideal when the weather turns miserable.
In Marbella and Puerto Banus, visitors can also find VR gaming experiences at Holo Vr Zone, while arcade fans can check out places like Jefe Game in San Pedro Alcantara.
Bowling fans meanwhile have several options, including Bowling Arena in Marbella and Los Arqueros Bowling in Benahavis.
Museums, shopping and indoor escapes
If you want something more relaxed, rainy days are also ideal for exploring Malaga’s museums, indoor markets and shopping centres.
La Cañada itself is often packed when storms hit, while Malaga city offers indoor attractions including the Picasso Museum, flamenco shows and gaming museums.
And don’t forget the Miramar shopping centre in Fuengirola or the McArthur Glen outlet mall near Malaga city.
Families staying around Estepona can also combine indoor plans with visits to places like the Orchidarium.
And of course, there’s always the classic Costa del Sol rainy-day activity: finding a cosy tapas bar, ordering a few cañas and waiting for the sun to come back out.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
