A Fun Day Out at the Races: The Winter Season Starts at the Mijas Racecourse

mijas racecourse

The Mijas Racecourse will be opening for its 2011 winter season next month (February), having been closed for its annual break.

Horse racing enthusiasts will be happy to know that the winter programme includes 6 race days between February and April (see programme below). Entrance are only €5 per race or a season ticket can be purchased for €20; children and teenagers under 18 are allowed free entry.

The Mijas Racecourse has fantastic facilities which cater for all the family. There are bars and restaurants for the adults as well as a wide range of activities for children, including bouncing castles! Races during the winter months start at 11am and the Racecourse has free parking available for all visitors.

The Race programme for this winter is as follows:

Sunday 13th February – 11am

Sunday 20th February – 11am

Friday 25th February – 4pm

Sunday 27th February – 11am

Sunday 6th March – 11am

Friday 22nd April – 4pm

Enjoy the races! Make sure you don’t bet too much on the horses! 😉

The Arab Baths in Benalmadena: A Treat for the Senses

Arab Baths in BenalmadenaStressed out and in need of some R&R? Staying here at Sunset should help; however, if you need a little boost, I highly recommend a quick visit to the “Agua de Oriente” Arab baths in Benalmádena.

The Arab Baths are located in the centre of Benalmadena (just next to the Marina) and a mere 20 minute walk from Sunset Beach Club. Inspired by the Nazari architecture of XI century Granada, this impressive “Oasis” of relaxation is a real treat to the senses. I think the following phrase on the “Agua de Oriente” website describes the experience perfectly:

“A journey into the past, to discover a world of sensasions”

The traditional word for this type of Arab Bath is “Hammam” and in the next few paragraphs, I’ll provide you with a brief explanation of what you can expect on your visit – just in case you’ve never been before.

The “Hammam” Experience

As you can see by the photos, lighting and architecture are key components of the Hammam experience. When you enter the baths you are, literally, transported into another time period. (more…)

The Museum of Glass and Crystal: One of Malaga’s Hidden Treasures

Museo de Vidrio y Cristal de Malaga

Like most large cities that attract a steady flow of tourists, Málaga has its fair share of museums; the Picasso Museum is probably the most popular and famous of them all. However, there is a little museum hidden in the back streets of Málaga’s old town which is creating a lot of positive buzz on travel sites such as Tripadvisor; I’m referring to the Museum of Glass and Crystal in Málaga.

Located in a restored 18th century palace, this unique museum contains a private collection with some of the most beautiful and artistic glass and crystal pieces.

Visitors to the museum will be able to view 3000 pieces of glass and crystal from a variety of different cultures and time periods. 1000 of these works of art are fixed in exhibition and the others are in rotation. The Palace’s exquisite decoration and furniture – which correspond to the specific time period from which the exhibits derive – make this museum experience all the more special. (more…)

Night Skiing in Sierra Nevada: Fun in the Snow Under a Starlit Sky

Night Skiing in Sierra Nevada

The "El Río" Run: Ready for Night Skiing!

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort is enjoying a great season with more than 100km of runs open to the public. For ski lovers who live locally, it’s a required stop during the winter months. As the resort is a mere 2 hour drive away from the Costa del Sol, many visitors and tourists make the most of this short distance to drive up for the day and enjoy a fun packed skiing experience.

What many people don’t know is that Sierra Nevada was one of the pioneers in the discipline of night skiing. Skiing beneath the stars with the lights of the Alhambra Palace and Granada in the distance is a unique experience which all visitors to the Resort can enjoy during the months of January and February.

Every Saturday (until the end of February) the El Río run, with its 3,258km and 500m of slope, will switch on its flood lights between 7pm and 9:30pm, allowing ski lovers the opportunity to enjoy their favourite sport after sunset.

The “El Río” run wasn’t designed for professionals, hence the reason for it being labelled a blue run; it’s not apt for the complete novice either! The idea is to provide an enjoyable experience to all those who want to try something different and that have, at least a little, skiing knowledge.

There’s just one problem: The normal daytime ski pass – and the season ticket – cannot be used for this night run…..you need to purchase a separate pass!

Let’s end on a positive note. As well as the daily treatment the snow throughout the station receives, the “El Río” run receives an extra dose of snow plough magic between 5pm and 7pm, before the night runs begin. You might have to pay extra for the privilege, but at least you’re guaranteed great snow conditions! 🙂

Equipment to be found at the local business Tom Wohrman Sports.

Glide Your Way Around Benalmadena on a Segway Tour

Segway tours in Benalmadena

Gliding through La Paloma Park in Benalmadena

You’ve probably seem them gliding through the streets of your local town or at least on television but, do you know what they are? The Segway personal transporter is actually the first ever self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device. It may look like a simple two wheeled electric scooter but, it is much more than that!

The Segway works through a concept called Dynamic Stabilization which enables it to work seamlessly with the body’s movements. So how on earth does it do that? Well, the Segway has built in gyroscopes and tilt sensors which monitor a rider’s gravity at about 100 times a second. This means that when the rider leans slightly forward, the Segway moves forward; likewise, when they lean back, it moves backwards. Pretty simple isn’t it? (more…)

A Fun Activity for Your Next Holiday in Benalmádena: Ice Skating!

Ice Skating in Benalmadena

This could be you.......Ice Skating in Benalmadena!

The Costa del Sol is usually regarded as a haven for sun, sea and sand holidays. Benalmadena in particular is well known for its beaches, restaurants, Marina and bustling night life; in the summer time, holiday makers flock to this sea side town for fun packed holidays.

But what about the quieter winter months? Well, the beach is still an option, although the sea might be a little cold for taking a dip! What many people don’t realise is that Benalmadena has much more to offer visitors than beaches and night life. The latest edition to the list of “alternative” activities is….wait for it…..an Ice Rink!

Yes, you read that right; the Costa del Sol has its very own Ice rink which is open from October until May, (Don’t suppose there’s too much demand for ice skating in the summer!) Apparently, the Benalmadena ice rink is the only one of its kind in Andalucia; with a surface area of 900 square metres and located within a 7000 square metre sports complex, it registered a total of 12.500 visits last year. (more…)