Top things you can do a rainy day in Malaga

This morning we woke up with a rainy day in Malaga, if you have to work it will be fine but if you had plans like walking around or you just came for a short holiday then don’t let this rainy day to mess your day, there are many things you can still do even if it rains, the ideas below can apply to other municipalities.

Some of the proposals below like visiting city centre may require a vehicle if you live in places such Marbella or Puerto Banus, if planning your rainy day from Benalmadena, Fuengirola or closer you can take the commuter train which is a fast transportation mean.

Going to drink a tea

This is one of my favourite during rainy days, there are many places in Malaga where you can drink a tea, a coffee or an ice-cream milkshake (im a vanilla milkshake fan). During a rainy day meeting a friend for going to drink a tea is a fantastic idea.

Going to mall or cinema

If you need to do some shopping or just feel like visiting the shopping area in a mall a rainy day is the perfect moment to do, it will be dry inside and you can even watch a film if you like.

Doing some tourism on city centre

You can take an umbrella and going for a stroll in Malaga city centre, visiting Gibralfaro Castle or the Cathedral sounds like a good plan if not raining much, you can join to this proposal the first one and make a round day.

Stay at home

Last one, a good option if raining really hard is to stay at home where you can watch a film or order some food from your favourite restaurant. There are many days ahead and it will not rain much longer in Malaga. Just let’s hope it doesn’t rain inside home, it can happen…see the image.

Just checked an older post about what to do a rainy day, do you have any other suggestion to add?

Flights from Malaga to Zurich with Swiss airlines

Swiss airlines strengthens its commitment in the next season with the announcement of the connection between Malaga and Zürich with the opening of a new route to Geneva. The company explained: “Malaga airport remains a priority for Swiss International Air Lines.”

Flights between Malaga and Geneva will begin the next Sunday with a frequency of 4 flights per week.

Thus, the airline aims to connect the terminal in Malaga with operations centers of the company in Zürich and Geneva, allowing connections to European and intercontinental destinations as varied as Moscow, Bucharest, Berlin, Boston and Hong Kong.

 

Festival Artesano November 24 and 25 in San Pedro, Marbella

If you come during the next weekend to San Pedro de Alcantara in Marbella

San Pedro Alcantara (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

, you can discover first hand an alternative universe, in the eco-holistic event of the 5th Festival Artesano which takes place during the 24th and 25th of November.

In this fair you can approach various exhibitors of green products, artisans, bio-builders, alternative medicines and therapies, health-related products and enjoy numerous workshops, lectures and free classes on personal development, spirituality or the environment; there are healthy and tasty food stalls and Ethnic music concerts.

Do you find all this interesting? Well, then keep reading! In the market there will be stalls of ethnic clothing, home accessories, Shiatsu, La Chispa magazine, handmade instruments, artisan bread and biscuits, chiropractitioner, face painting, balloon modelling and painting, essential oils, Argan oil, handmade sweets, Aloe Vera products, Personal Development, vegetarian food, organic fruit and vegetables, environmental resources, organic drinks, handmade pottery, alternative therapies, Tarot, Clairvoyance, Kirlian photography and more …
Activities, lectures and workshops as well as the area for children are located in three rooms; since the program is very comprehensive, we mention only a few; many have a second session in English: Astrology, raw vegan food, Biodanza, infant massage, vegetarian food, Shiatsu, Tarot, EMF Balancing Technique, Family Constellations, Meditation, Yoga, Salsa, Tai Chi, Pilates or Belly dancing …

Surely among so much on offer you will find something interesting! This is the link to the Festival Artesano website, where you can find complete information.
www.festivalartesano.com

Venue: Carpa municipal, fairgrounds San Pedro Alcantara, Marbella
Opening hours: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 of November from 11 am to 9 pm.

How to get to the Festival Artesano in San Pedro, Marbella:
The Fairgrounds of San Pedro are located next to Ronda road, A-376, between the national road N-340 and AP-7 motorway.

Wildfires in the interior of Malaga province: How to help

The wildfires in the interior of Malaga province are the worst disaster that struck the Costa del Sol in 20 years. Ironically, the news spread around the globe like a wildfire; yet, living and working just a few kilometres and updating every half an hour about the evolution of the incident, we now sadly know how devastatingly fast can move a wildfire.

Many things happened during these 48 hours of fire inferno of 10 to 15 meter high flames fanned by a strong wind and devouring everything in its wake; many things the world will not know because they might not be mere information. More than 8.000 hectares (80.000000m²) burned land are a vast space for many sad stories and a large human response which arose mainly in the accounts of social networking, where people called for help, organized volunteers, the victims relate the event, where you can see heartbreaking photos, people offer accommodation for homeless families, others call for clothes collections or for afforestation in the affected area.

There are as well several very affected animal shelters in the Mijas area which urgently need material supply and financial help (English www.kimsanimalrescue.com German www.katzenhilfe-ohne-grenzen.de and Spanish www.malagafelina.com

We can turn our head the other way, not to see .. because it is uncomfortable and painful, or we can reach out and ease the pain of others. Maybe tomorrow is our turn …

Related articles

• Firefighters bring Spanish wildfires under control (telegraph.co.uk)
• Fire devastates Malaga province (lujos.wordpress.com)

The barbecues on the beach are a fantastic leisure alternative against the crisis in Spain

The barbecues on the beach in the evenings have become a great leisure alternative against this crisis, as many families prefer to have their dinner with friends on the beach and celebrate this traditional open-air social activity, which is considerably cheaper than going for tapas.

A cool box, a barbecue or grill, some charcoal, meat, fish, a variety of cold meats, beer and soft drinks are the indispensable elements to spend a night around a flaming heap of embers under a grill; all of this accompanied by the mild temperatures of the summer, make this a tradition that is followed year after year, particularly on the Spanish coasts and that is growing with the crisis.

On the Costa del Sol, many town halls have reserved certain coastal areas to specifically carry out these so-called ‘moragas’ (beach barbecues) but not without previously requesting permission, like on the Castle Beach in Fuengirola (Malaga), where hundreds of people gather along a seven-kilometre beach every week to enjoy the summer nights.

But it’s not only a tradition for the locals. Many of the tourists from all over Spain that spend their summers on the Costa del Sol also adopt this social activity year after year.

The state of the beaches in Malaga is optimum

The Junta de Andalucía (the Andalusian government) approved the eighty-two beaches in Malaga. This is reflected in the brief elaborated about the state of the coast during this year’s second fortnight of the month of July. All the beaches comply with the level of quality established and are therefore apt for enjoyment in more than optimum conditions (of all them, the quality of services of the beaches on the Costa del Sol is renown).

There are only two incidents worth mentioning in the province of Malaga in this respect. The first one is on the Los Boliches-Gaviotas beach in Fuengirola, in which one one of the samples slightly went over the microbiological parameters. However, later samples positively rectified these values and are now marked as normal, consequently re-establishing the quality of this beach. The other incident was a higher water level in the Viñuela reservoir in Malaga, which made it impossible to take a sample, and also causing the bathing/swimming area to disappear.

Granada can now enjoy the Alhambra’s Patio of lions

After twenty years closed off and ten years of works, the Nasrid monument can finally be visited. Today is a great day for the Alhambra

Patio de los leones (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Almost 400 squared metres of surface of the Alhambra’s Patio of Lions are now paved with Macael white marble slabs, beautifying the famous sculpture that gives the place its name. Just how Muhammad V had planned it in the 14th century as a Nasrid Royal House, and exactly how it was related by the first chroniclers of the time.

The thorough research of the historic documentation from different national archives has revealed that the floor was covered with white marble towards the end of the 15th century, which is why the new intervention comes close to this image also used throughout the history of the monument’s preservation and will contribute to a better preservation of the fountain’s hydraulic system.

The president of the Andalusian government, Jose Antonio Griñan, accompanied by the councillor of Culture and Sport, Luciano Alonso, and the director of the Board of the Alhambra and the Generalife, Maria del Mar Villafranca, assisted to the Patio’s reopening at 11 o’clock this morning, according to the Board’s sources.

The Patio of Lions will once again be visible after more than 20 years, as since 1990 it was only be possible to walk along the gallery, leaving the central area inaccessible. The lions have recovered their original colour and several elements that had deteriorated, like the ears, have now been restored.

Around 28.000 cruisers will be arriving at Malaga during the Fair

A total amount of 27.796 cruisers will be arriving at Malaga city on eight different ships during the Fair of the capital city, which will be taking place from the 11th to the 19th of August. To be precise, 21.382 passengers and 6.414 members of the crew, which means a 35% increase compared to the Fair last year.

Furthermore, one day after, on the 20th of August, local bank holiday, another two cruises will be reaching the city with 7.923 travellers: the Independence of the Seas and the Azura, according to the information provided this Thursday by the Tourism, Culture and Sport councillor.

The councillor reminded everyone that the Tourist Board will be scheduling a new program of cultural activities with the aim of motivating the visit of the tourists that arrive at the city.

Campaign during the Fair

Malaga town hall’s Tourist Board has launched a special campaign to face the increased informative demand during these days due to the large amount of tourists and visitors that arrive at the city coinciding with the celebration of Malaga’s August Fair.

Also, during this festive week, more than 15.000 fans will be shared out with all the necessary information to fully enjoy the Fair and more than 10.000 flyers.

Tourist Information points

The tourist information points will be reinforced with specific promotional material as well as specialised staff. In this sense, Caneda has explained that the tourist information office situated in the Plaza de la Marina, that as from the following 1st of August will be thematised and decorated with elements related to the bullfighting fair, will be open every day of the week during the Fair, Sundays and bank holidays included, from 9 o’clock in the morning right through till 8 o’clock in the evening, nonstop.

As for the office situated in La Casita del Jardinero (the gardener’s cottage), recently opened, wil be open from Monday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm, except on Friday the 10th of August that, coinciding with the inauguration of the Fair, will remain open right through till 8pm.

The tourist information points situated in the Avenida de Andalucia, Alcazabilla street, Maria Zambrano train station, Malaga airport, the port’s maritime stations, have also been reinforced, as well as the bicycle information service, that will be attending the visitors in different strategic points around the city.

Microsite

The promotional strategy of the Fair will be completed with the launching of a microsite hosted in www.malagaturismo.com, from where all the Fair-related information can be consulted, from the general program to the different thematic activities that will be taking place during those days.

This microsite will contain sections in which we can also check out the bullfighting fair program, the timetable of the musical events, the activities for the little ones, the audiovisual content of the destination, tips to spend an unforgettable day at the Fair, the situation of the huts in the ‘Real del Cortijo de Torres’, useful information about the entrances in public transport or private vehicle and the exhibitions that can can be visited in the museums and exhibition areas of the city.

The communication via social networks like Twitter and Facebook will also be a key factor so that the tourists can check out what’s going on in the city every day.

Costa del sol – Where sun and beach come together

Harbor in Puerto Banus, Costa del Sol, Spain, Dec 2004 3 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa del Sol includes over 150 kilometres of coastline in the province of Malaga, south of the Iberian Peninsula. Its name is no accident; more than 325 days of sunshine per year coupled with the mild climate gives us the key to this paradise with beaches to suit all tastes. Today’s route takes a tour of the region considered as the main tourist area in Andalusia.

The western Costa del Sol consists of nine municipalities: Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Benahavis, Estepona, Casares and Manilva. Its great attraction is the binomial of sun and beach, the real
conqueror of foreign tourism. Along with the wide range of hotels, restaurants and entertainment, the Costa del Sol is a key point of the peninsula to enjoy.

Torremolinos underwent a major change in the mid-twentieth century thanks to its tourist potential. The beaches, the friendliness towards tourists and visiting celebrities of the time made of this former fishing village the
cradle of tourism. La Carihuela is the most popular district mainly for its cuisine and its signature dish: the fried fish.

The town of Benalmadena consists of three districts: Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena Pueblo and Costa. The town has first class beaches, as well as hotels. The coastal area is a very popular tourist resort with an awarded marina; meanwhile in the close by hills is situated the historic village.

Fuengirola is rest and entertainment. The choice is up to the visitor. The resort has beaches for relaxation and endless possibilities to enjoy day and night. Regarding culture, is outstanding the castle Sohail, a small Moorish
fortress of the Middle Ages.

Mijas is a large municipality where mix urban coastal resorts, golf courses and traditional rural areas: Mijas Pueblo, Mijas Costa and Las Lagunas, where each area allows enjoying the holidays in a different way.

Marbella, situated between the sea and the mountains of the Sierra Blanca, is the birthplace of upscale tourism in the Mediterranean; an elegant resort with the most exclusive offers of beaches, beach clubs, restaurants, hotels,
leisure and golf courses of the Costa del Sol.

The privileged location of Benahavis in the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves makes the municipality a real treasure. The town is a haven for rest and to play golf as it has a great offer of first class golf courses. But if there is anything that characterizes Benahavis, is its cuisine. Hence derived the name with which Benahavis is popularly defined: The cuisine of
the Costa del Sol.

Estepona offers great beaches, golf courses and five star hotels, while maintaining an air of traditional fishing village with a charming old town.

The White Village of Casares is situated on a steep limestone massif, and on top we find the castle. In addition, the resort has the natural landscape of Sierra Bermeja, whose peculiarity is its volcanic origin.

Manilva can boast of being bathed by the Mediterranean and own vineyards producing a wine of great quality.

As you can see, there is plenty to discover along the 100 kilometres of coastline of the western Costa del Sol between Malaga city and Manilva. Book now your car rental at Malaga airport to ensure full freedom in your holidays on the Costa del Sol.

Related articles

• Malaga City And Costa Del Sol in Spain (malagaweb.wordpress.com)

Muelle Uno shopping centre at Malaga port held its first Sunday market

Malaga port overview

The Muelle Uno (Dock One) shopping centre, situated by Malaga port on Paseo de la Farola, held its first open-air market yesterday, that from now on will be held on the second Sunday of every month, from ten o’clock in the morning to four o’clock in the afternoon.

Hundreds of people visited over ninety stands of food products, craftsmanship, decoration, fashion, etc. that were exposed along the whole pier, under the awnings of the Muelle Uno’s shops to protect the clients from the heat.

Vintage furniture, kids clothes and personalised baskets were a few of the articles you could find there. In July and August, this Sunday market will change its hours from 6pm to 11pm.

Volotea lands in Asturias on Friday with a plane coming in from Malaga

View of the main apron at Malaga Airport, showing various aircraft parked up at the stands, including Transavia and Air Europa Boeing 737s (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Volotea airline, presented as a low cost for the small and medium cities in Europe, will be initiating their operations in Asturias this coming Friday with the arrival of an airplane from Malaga airport.

With this route, Volotea announce the beginning of their activities at the Asturias airport, that will include direct connections with other cities.

Alfons Claver, the airline’s Institutional Relations manager, will be presenting the content of the offer of flights, one hour before the first flight arrives, which will be landing on the Asturias airport runway on Friday at 12:00h.

After a 25-minute stopover, the same plane will be departing towards Ibiza, as announced today by the company themselves, that are now part of the list of other companies that regularly operate at the Asturias airport.