2 Best Sights in Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, and Costa de Almería, Spain

This lush green space in the middle of Estepona houses Europe's largest orchidarium. More than 1,300 species and more than 4,000 plants, from South America and Asia, are exhibited under a futuristic 100-foot glass dome containing a giant cascade. Guided tours are available.

This botanical garden was created in 1855 by the daughter of the British consul, who married a Spanish shipping magnate—the captains of the Spaniard's fleet had standing orders to bring back seedlings and cuttings from every "exotic" port of call. The wisteria pergola, in bloom in early April, is one of the highlights. The garden is just off the exit road to Granada—too far to walk, but well worth the cab fare or the bus journey (No. 2 from La Alameda, then a 20-minute walk or on the Málaga Tour Bus) from the city center.