Archive for Holiday Tips
The MIMA 2011 Children’s Fair in Málaga
Posted by: | Comments
There’s not long to go now… In just over 2 weeks time, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the Christmas period – at least it will be for kids – starts at the Málaga Convention Centre (Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga): The MIMA 2011 Children’s Fair.
Lasting 8 days, this yearly fair provides fun for all the family with more than 60 activities, attractions, video games, sports activities, workshops, children’s theatre and more!
From the 26th December to the 4th January, the Malaga Exhibition and Convention Centre will become a true wonderland for kids and adults alike. If you are on holiday and the weather isn’t looking to good, this is the perfect place to take the kids for a day out! Read More→
Malaga Card: The Easy (and Economical) Way to Explore Málaga City Centre
Posted by: | Comments
If you are planning to explore the impressive array of art and culture that the city of Málaga has to offer, you may want to read on.
Making your way around all the museums, galleries and other “must see” tourist attractions which the Costa del Sol’s capital has to offer can get rather expensive.
If you are planning on spending a day in Málaga, visiting all the main museums and tourist attractions, you should definitely think about investing in the Málaga Card.
The concept and idea for the “Málaga Card” came about thanks to the Asociacion of Businesses in the Historic Centre of Málaga; the idea was to help promote the small businesses in the centre of the city and provide a value added incentive to tourists keen to see the real Málaga. Read More→
The Views towards Málaga from the top of Benalmadena
Now, I have to admit that I am not fond of heights; actually, I’m terrified of them. So when my wife suggested we take our twin daughters on a cable car ride to the top of Calamorro Mountain behind Benalmádena, you can imagine my reaction!
We always try and make the most of our weekends together and take the girls on little “adventures” and as the weather was gorgeous, I – reluctantly – agreed to give it a go.
Working at Sunset Beach Club, I’ve often spoken to guests and colleagues who raved about their trip up to the top of Benalmádena on the cable car; this was the perfect opportunity to see what all the fuss was about.
The cable car sets off from Tivoli World (it’s actually just beside it). Pricing might seem a little steep, specially if there are 4 of you; however, it’s well worth it! These are the rates: Read More→
Our Checklist of 9 Things to Do at this Year’s Fuengirola Fair
Posted by: | Comments
Our neighbours in Fuengirola are celebrating their local “Feria” this week (starts on the 6th October and ends on the 12th). Referred to as the “Feria del Rosario” – in honour of the town’s patron saint – it is famous for its’ horse exhibitions and processions.
We thought it would be interesting (and fun!) to give you a checklist of things you should do during this year’s Fuengirola Fair… so here goes:
1) Go and watch the official “switching on” of the Fair Lights. Takes place on the 6th October at 10:30pm at the Palacio dela Paz.
2) Watch the “Misa Flamenca” (Flamenco Mass) in honour of the Patron Saint, La Virgendel Rosario Coronada. There will also be a procession which leaves from the Plaza de la Constituciónin the town centre. 7th October at 10:30am.
3) Horse Show and Exhibition in the Fuengirola Bull Ring. 12:00pm on the 8th October – Entrance is Free Read More→
Aventura Amazonia: A New Adventure Park Concept in Marbella
Posted by: | Comments
Aventura Amazonia, a new adventure park built amongst the trees, has just opened inMarbella. This new and innovative concept – apart from being great fun – is totally respectful of nature and the natural surroundings where it is located.
Visitors can enjoy 73 different challenges and 20 impressive zip lines including the longest in Andalucía (240 metresof exhilarating descent!). You get to decide which adventure circuit you want to attempt; all games and circuits are grouped according to their difficulty level, very much like ski slopes! Read More→
Did You Know You Can Visit the Fuengirola Zoo (Bioparc) at Night?
Posted by: | Comments
Bioparc at night...
Fuengirola Zoo, or Bioparc, as it is now called is a favourite amongst holiday makers who visit theCosta del Sol. If you haven’t been, you need to make sure you a visit in to your busy holiday plans; the kids will love you for it and you’ll have a blast of a time! Until the end of August, they’re even open at night!
Divided into different themes, Bioparc Fuengirola offers visitors a unique experience as you are taken on a fascinating tour that includes visiting Africa’sCongoValleywith its lush vegetation and a group of gorillas, including an enormous silverback! Read More→
Jamie Cullum Concert at the Sohail Castle in Fuengirola
Posted by: | Comments
We’re in for a real treat this Thursday evening (4th August) as contemporary Jazz artist, Jamie Cullum, takes to the stage in the amazing setting of Sohail Castle in Fuengirola.
Known for his passionate and energetic live performances, the 31 year old visits the Costa del Sol for what will be his only show in Andalucia (even more of a reason to go!). The foundations of Sohail Castle will be literally shacking as he performs songs from his own albums as well as hits from other famous artists.
Although his music is rooted in Jazz, he delves into a vibrant mix of pop, rock ‘n roll and jazz. He’ll be pounding away at his piano, but if we are lucky, we’ll also be able to sample his talents on the guitar and drums too! An interesting fact: Jamie never works to a set list in his live performances, it’s all improvised! Should make for a very entertaining evening…
The doors of Sohail Castle will open to the public at 8:30pm and the show starts at 10pm. If you’re looking for tickets, you can buy them online at www.ticketmaster.es or at any El Corte Inglés department store. Prices start at €35 if you buy before the event and go up to €45 on the night.
Note: If you’re heading to the Costa del Solspecially to see the concert and you are looking for somewhere to stay, you can check our availability on www.sunsetbeachclub.com
Jellyfish Stings: What To Do and How to Avoid Them
Posted by: | Comments
The dreaded “J” word! Although our beaches here on theCosta del Solare generally safe for swimming, we sometimes receive visits from unwelcome visitors: Jellyfish.
Under certain conditions, usually after heavy easterly winds and when the sea temperature is warmer than average, these slippery creatures head towards the shoreline and cause havoc amongst swimmers. They aren’t particularly dangerous; however, their sting can be painful and causes discomfort for their unfortunate victim. They are usually difficult to spot in the water and bathers get stung by coming into contact with the jellyfish’s tentacles. Read More→
The Virgen del Carmen Processions: Don’t Miss this Breathtaking Cultural Event
Posted by: | Comments
For those of you who enjoy taking in a little Spanish culture during your holidays, I highly recommend you take a couple of hours this Saturday (16th July) to go and see one of the many “Virgen del Carmen” processions taking place along the Coast.
Last year I went along to the Virgen del Carmen procession in Los Boliches – just a 15 minute drive from the hotel – and thoroughly enjoyed the experience (follow the link to the blog post I wrote).
I won’t provide a long winded explanation of what this day represents – you can see this post about the Virgen del Carmen celebrations for that – but I will quickly explain a little about the reason for this colourful and emotional event.
The Virgen del Carmen, or Stella Maris, as she is often referred to is the patron saint of fishermen and of the Spanish Navy! If you visit one of the processions which take place in most of the “traditional” fishing villages along the Coast – Los Boliches, Benalmádena,La Carrihuelain Torremolinos, Marbella and Estepona, to name but a few – you will witness the pure devotion the local villagers towards their patron saint.
The processions usually start off in the afternoon as the fishermen carry their “Virgen” – which is usually handcrafted in wood and porcelain Read More→
Have You Experienced the “Night of San Juan”?
Posted by: | Comments
Traditional Bonfire for San Juan
Next Thursday the 23rd June, the beaches of Benalmádena – and many other Spanish towns and cities – will come alive to celebrate the Night of San Juan.
This not-to-be-missed date on the local festivities calendar coincides (nearly…) with the summer solstice; the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of the summer!
Fire is the protagonist of this magical night as hoards of people head to the beach to build bonfires and watch the impressive firework displays up and down the coastline. If you’re staying at Sunset Beach Club and you’re lucky enough to have an east facing view (towards the Marina), don’t miss the firework display programmed for 1am (night of the 23rd to 24th June) at the Bil-Bil Castle.
If you don’t have a room facing east, you can always take a stroll to the end of the promenade in front of the hotel; from there you will have panoramic views of the firework display.
Don’t be alarmed by all the people you see on the beaches, the Night of San Juan is extremely popular amongst locals and parties go on until early hours of the morning. Read More→
