Thousands of tourists flock to the Costa del Sol every year for the fabulous beaches, the sunshine and the sangria, and there are no shortage of events and activities to keep the crowds entertained.

If you are a sports lover but, like me, prefer to spectate rather than take part, there are many great venues in and around Marbella to enjoy your favourite pastimes at very reasonable prices.

The Hippodromo, just inland from La Cala de Mijas is Spain´s premier horse-racing track, and hosts daytime racing and floodlit evening events. The prize money awarded here is the highest in Spain, and horses are transported to the Costa del Sol to take part in the races from all over Europe.

The season runs from October to May, and with live music, restaurants, bars and children´s activities all situated alongside the course, this is a great family day out. Times and race days vary, and for more information call 95 259 2700. Entrance is €5/€6 euros, and to get to the track, exit the carreterra at the sign for La Cala de Mijas (5 km West of Fuengirola), follow signs for Mercadona then drive directly up the hill, passing the supermarket on the left. The hippodrome is 3km further on the right hand side.

Marbella Rugby Club was founded in 1988 by Robert Osborne, an ex-player of RACA, Seville Club, and has grown in popularity ever since those early days. Players of all nationalities, ages and abilities play at Marbella, and first team matches are normally staged on Sunday afternoons, at 1pm. Rugby fans from all over the Costa del Sol come to cheer on their team and the ground is situated just 3km east of Marbella at Los Monteros. As you exit Marbella heading East, pass the sign for Torre Real (Rio Real Golf Course), and take the next exit on the right. The club is here on the left hand side. For more information call Salvador on 657 028493 or visit www.marbellarugbyclub.com

UD Marbella Football Club was recently taken over by British businessmen, Wayne Elliott and Ian Radford, and their exciting plans for the future include the signing of top players from around Europe. Ex-premiership player, Carl Cort, has already joined the club, and through extensive promotion and advertising, crowds are expected to increase over the coming months. Situated on the Ojen Road out of Marbella, in the direction of La Cañada Commercial Centre, the Éstadio Municipal is home to the club, who play in division 2B of the Spanish league. Entrance is €10-€20, and free for under 16´s. There are plenty of bars and restaurants around the ground, to enjoy a drink or a meal before the game. Matches are normally played on Sunday afternoons or midweek evenings (cup games). For further details and the full fixture list, go into www.marbellafc.com (English Version) or www.uniondeportivamarbella.es (Spanish), or call 95 282 7801.

The Volvo Masters, held at the famous Valderrama Golf Club, Sotogrande, is one of the longest established championships in the modern era of the European Tour, dating back to 1988. This end of season showcase brings together 60 of the top tour players who compete over 4 days on Europe´s finest golf course. Such is the stiff competition at this tournament, no one golfer has successfully defended his title , and only two golfers, Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie, have won it twice. Normally played in late October/early November, this coveted competition attracts crowds from all over the world. For further information and ticket details, go to www.volvomasters.com or send an enquiry to info@valderrama.com