by Justin | Jul 21, 2010 | Things To Do
Poster for the Festival
From the 22nd July to the 1st August, you can enjoy a slightly different experience during your holidays by visiting the Beer Festival in Fuengirola’s Sohail Castle.
The festival is in its 3rd year now and is basically the Costa del Sol’s version of the Oktoberfest! You’ll have the chance to sample a great selection of wheat beers and tuck in to some typical German dishes; sausages, roast pork, german burgers and sauerkraut, will all be on the menu. Children’s entertainment and live performances throughout the week also help to make this event a fun day out for the whole family.
Just a few stats to give you an idea of the popularity of the event: last year over 100,000 people made their way to the Sohail Castle for the event and managed to drink approximately 30,000 litres of beer!!!
If you would like to visit the festival, just head on down to Fuengirola as from Thursday the 22nd July. Doors – or should I say drawbridge, remember it is in a castle – open at 19:00hrs from Monday to Friday and at 12:00hrs on weekends. Access is free but I am afraid the beer isn’t!!!!
by Justin | Jul 20, 2010 | Things To Do
The Virgen del Carmen being carried by the Fishermen in Los Boliches
On Friday evening, I decided to follow the advice I gave on my blog post about the Virgen del Carmen Celebrations and took my family to see the processions in Los Boliches, Fuengirola.
Unlike some of the other towns, the procession in Los Boliches is well known for starting late in the evening; it actually goes on until well after midnight. As we arrived early – well early by Spanish standards – we decided to stop off in one of the “chiringuitos” on the beach and enjoy a little “pescaito frito”; calamares, boquerones, prawns and a couple of cold beers!
We were now ready to go and see the “Stella Maris”. I have been to other “Virgen del Carmen” processions in other towns, but this was my first time in Los Boliches; I couldn’t believe the amount of people that turned up to the promenade to watch…. We are talking thousands! The procession started in the church and made its way down to the paseo maritimo (promenade) where thousands of families watched and cheered as the local fishermen carried the “Virgen” into the sea and onto one of the fishing boats that awaited. (more…)
by Justin | Jul 15, 2010 | Eating & Drinking, Things To Do
Salitos Bar
This Sunday (18th July) sees the start of our new “After Beach” summer parties at Salitos Bar. From 19:00hrs to 23:00hrs every Sunday evening, you can relax and enjoy a cool mojito whilst listening to chill out music played by our resident DJ.
Every party will be sponsored by a leading brand (I think this Sunday it’s San Miguel). You really do not want to miss this event as Fran and his team will have a prize draw and all those who are present will have the chance to win the top prize! This week it’s a romantic dinner for two at the Oasis Restaurant which also includes one night of accommodation at the Sunset Beach Club!
So make sure you head down to Salitos on Sunday evening and, apart from having a great time enjoying the sights and sounds of our popular Chill out bar, you could be heading home with a free dinner and hotel stay! Sounds good to me…
by Justin | Jul 14, 2010 | On the Costa del Sol, Things To Do, What's On
The "Virgen del Carmen" procession
This Friday the 16th July many coastal towns throughout Spain will celebrate the festivities of the “Virgen del Carmen”. This is a special day for many of the small original fishing villages (I know, they’ve changed a lot!) on the Costa del Sol as the Virgen del Carmen is actually the patron saint of fishermen (she’s also the patron saint of the Spanish Navy) and no fishing boat sets to sea without her image on board.
Head down to “La Carihuela” in Torremolinos, Los Boliches in Fuengirola or even the Marina in Benalmadena, and you will witness the beautiful processions which pay homage to the Virgen del Carmen. Each locality will have a slightly different ritual but all include the amazing procession of the Virgen del Carmen in the sea. She will be carried from the church to a beach or port and then placed on one of the fishing boats surrounded by flowers; what follows is a beautiful spectacle as dozens of boats surround the “Stella Maris” – as she is also referred to- and follow her out to sea.
If you haven’t seen this procession, I recommend you take a drive down to the port in Benalmadena (or any of the other fishing ports and villages mentioned), you won’t be disappointed! You might even be able to see the boat procession from the terrace of our Panorama Bar as they often come up as far as the hotel; make sure you bring your binoculars!
by Justin | Jul 11, 2010 | Holiday Tips, On the Costa del Sol, Things To Do, What's On
A live concert at the Nerja Caves
The famous Caves of Nerja come alive next week with their 51st Festival. From the 13th to the 17th July, visitors can enjoy evenings of music and ballet in these spectacular caves which have been set up with special seating and lighting to host a number of shows.
Not only will you get the chance to see the amazing rock formations of stalagmites and stalagtites – a must see if you have never been to the caves – you will also be able to watch the following amazing artists: Flamenco singer, Estrella Morente; the RTVE(Spanish Television) Orchestra; the Prague National Theatre Ballet and the Argentine Ballet by Julio Bocca. (more…)
by Justin | Jul 2, 2010 | Things To Do
If you are looking for something a little different to do on your holidays, we’ve got the the perfect activity for you; an evening at the Costa del Sol Racecourse.
The new summer race program has just been announced and a fun evening is on the cards for all the family. As well as the racing, there are plenty of other activities: live music, flamenco shows, activities for kids, a selection of restaurants and even a nightclub called Le Chic with music from the 70’s and 80’s.
Racing starts this Saturday the 3rd July at 22:00 hrs, however, if you are a football fan and would like to watch Spain beat Paraguay in their quarter final clash, they will be opening their doors earlier (20:00hrs) so that guests can watch the match on various screens throughout the grounds. (more…)
