Eco-Gyms in Andalusia

Climbing, caving, canyoning, hiking, archery, rafting, mountain biking and more. This company offers all sorts of adventure sports, not only in the province of Cordoba, but also in Malaga, Jaen and Granada. A team of eleven fitness fanatics who take part in all kinds of national competitions. € 15 - € 90. (C/ Miguel Benzo, 16, Córdoba, 957450491, 617755145, alua.es).

Commune with nature, get fit and have some fun too! Rafael Belmonte teaches and guides horse riding tours from the village of Bubión located within the Sierra Nevada National Park. Belmonte runs all kinds of adventures from a horse riding introduction that lasts a couple of hours, to 7-day horseback itineraries that discover the Alpujarras, Tabernas Desert or even climb up Mulhacén - the highest mountain in Spain. Prices vary between € 35 and € 1,350. (Ermita, s/n, Bubión, Granada, 958 763135, 679 44 33 98, ridingandalucia.com).

Spanish rowing champion Sergio Paredes is one of the founders of this rowing club that opened its doors in 2002. “Rowing is one of the best all-round sports as every stroke exercises all of the major muscle groups and helps you develop flexibility, coordination, balance and concentration,” he explains. All of this and more, on the River Guadalquivir. € 10 (members) - € 60 (non-members). Introductory training course: 3 days a week for 2 weeks. (C/ Paseo Juan Carlos I, s/n, Seville, 954915773, remosevilla.com).

At last you can harness the power of the wind for more than just your laundry! The Dragon Tarifa Kite School teaches you to master the wind and fly across the sea with only a kite and a board under your feet. On the beach Los Lances, Ingo Maes and his team will teach you the ropes and turn you into the King of the waves, if only for a few minutes. € 60 - € 300. (Polígono la Vega, 203, Tarifa, Cadiz, 660882710, dragonkiteschool.com).

This Estepona-born bike club decided to upload all its knowledge about cycling in malaga onto the World Wide Web. Here they share all the possible routes and the chance to explore the natural wealth of the area with their fans. Environmental protection is one of their founding principles. Sierra Bermeja, the Serranía de Ronda and the Genal Valley are just some of the areas they cover by bike. Their motto: “Talk, conserve, respect, get on your bike”. (Camino Padre Cura, 13, Edif. Oasis, 1, 2E, Estepona, Malaga, iluana.com).

Besides getting fit, the little ones can learn about environmental conservation. You have several options at Los Contadoras: short visits or longer stays including holiday camps. Kids enjoy prolonged exposure to nature through a variety of activities such as hiking, reforestation, harvesting of mushrooms or nature photography. Prices range from € 8 - € 45. (Parque Natural Montes de Málaga, Malaga, 952110255, contadoras.org).

Since 1995 this school has been teaching paragliding in and around Cadiz. With the help of gliders, Paco Sanchez and his team turn into birds. At Lijar Sur, they invite you to join in the fun. An ecological adventure sport that brings you closer to nature and closer to your inner self. € 80 - € 550 for daylong workshops and longer courses. (Avda. de Andalucía, 62, bajo, Algodonales, Cadiz, 956221351, 617490500, lijarsur.com).

The physical and mental exercise that is Pilates has many virtues, including the fact that it can be performed both indoors and outdoors: just what the doctor ordered. Founded by Pedro and Carmen in 2004, after studying at the London Pilates Foundation and Pilates Institute for three years, this is your chance to learn all about correct posture and movements. You can then take them with you wherever you go! € 10, individual classes € 50). (Magna Marbella Golf Casa Club. C/ Calderon de la Barca, s/n, Marbella, Malaga, 619846956, artedepilates.com).

Joining this association of fantastic women means you could be doing lots of outdoor exercise while helping clean-up the local environment. In the face of an indifferent regional administration they’ve been hiking, signposting footpaths, weeding and picking up rubbish since 2008. You’ll definitely feel the effort in your body and they’ll be grateful for your help. (C/ Claveles, 52, Marbella, Malaga, 653568015).

Founded in 2002 by Oscar Ragio Perez (aka Cuco), Pangea organizes activities throughout the Sierra de las Nieves mountains, Grazalema, and the Genal Valley Natural Park. If you like to paddle, why not try canoeing. If you’re more into dry land you won’t be disappointed by their many canyoning, caving and climbing tours. € 12 - € 140. (Pasaje Cayetano, 10, local D, Ronda, Malaga, 952873496, 630562705, pangeacentral.com).

Created by the Junta of Andalusia, this project aims to link natural spaces with Andalusian cities. A network of footpaths and bike trails, some with gym equipment thrown in for equal measure. Many of these Puertas Verdes, or Green Doors in English, are still under construction, but there are several in use throughout the eight provinces of Andalusia. Just check out the website and start walking! (juntadeandalucia.es).

Now you can explore Seville by bike, even if you don’t have one! The best way to make the most of daily routine to get fit - while being eco-friendly too. Having transformed the city into a network of bike paths, this service offers bike rental at 298 points throughout the city (about every 300 metres). The downside? Due to vandalism make sure you check your bike before you set off. Joining fee: € 5 for 7 days or € 10 for a year (€ 150 deposit). First 30 minutes are free. € 0.50 - € 2 from then on. 902011032, sevici.es).

You may not believe it but in the midst of the Costa del Sol there’s a little island of calm known as the Istan Reservoir. Thanks to Ticket to Ride, you can delve into the water and learn how to kayak under the watchful gaze of Lars Walkler, winner of 47 medals won at Swedish and International kayaking competitions. Paddle out into the middle of the lake and take in the spectacular surroundings. € 39. (Avda. Naciones Unidas, C.C. Cristamar - Local B61, Puerto Banús, Marbella, Malaga, 952905082, 609517517).