Finca Oasis Las Palmeras

Biking in the hills, strolling along sandy beaches and birdwatching in the countryside – you can take your pick of the lot at Finca Oasis Las Palmeras, a site in the Axarquía area looking out over the stunning Lake Viñuela, Sierra Tejeda mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

So what will it be first? If cycling is your preferred pursuit, take to the nearby Route of the Olive Oil and Mountains (five minutes’ drive) and ride through old olive groves and whitewashed villages. Birdwatchers will want to make their way to the mountains near Zafarraya (20 minutes) with binoculars in hand, while beachcombers should speed straight to Costa del Sol beaches like Torre del Mar (25 minutes south).

All that movement is hungry work, so pedal back to the park for homecooked food at the on-site restaurant. For a morning meal, request breakfast in advance or head into Periana and pile up on pastries from the bakery. The village is also home to a butcher, fishmonger and supermarkets, as well as restaurants serving typical Axarquia specialities – keep an eye out for spots selling churros (fried dough sticks) to dip into hot chocolate.

Take your treat back to Finca Oasis Las Palmeras so the kids can race around the play area as you eat and browse the site’s wifi.