Archive for the ‘Tourism in Spain’ Category

« Older Entries

Júzcar – Andalucía’s Not So White Village

Thursday, December 15th, 2011
the smurf village of juzcar

The not so traditional blue village of Júzcar

When Sony Pictures held the official World Premiere of the Smurf’s 3D movie earlier this year, they didn’t do it with the traditional red carpet. Instead they premiered the film in a Smurf-blue village.

 

The originally white village of Júzcar in Málaga was painted completely blue for the event and has been a major tourist attraction since then, with over 80,000 visitors taking a day trip to Smurf town.

This weekend the village votes on whether to keep the new blue or revert to the traditional andalusian white. Either way the Town Hall is going to cover the cost of the painting. The village is one of the many white villages found in the mountains behind the glitzy Costa del Sol. Tourism is a major source of income, but the rural property market has also been a significant feature, with many foreigners choosing to buy property in the villages to enjoy a more “spanish” lifestyle – without the golf courses and the luxury beachfront apartments and where the 4×4′s are used to negotiate country lanes and mountain tracks rather than the crowds in Puerto Banús!

Whatever the outcome of this weekend’s vote, the village of Júzcar is well worth a visit with it’s rustic charm and friendly villagers – but don’t be disappointed if you don’t see any real life Smurfs on your visit….

Posted in Costa del Sol, Malaga, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

EU to Fund Three New Rail Corridors Through Spain

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Confirmation has finally come from the EU on the future of the European rail corridors with finance being made available for three new corridors through Spain.

eu investment in spaoinish rail corridorsTwo of these originate in Algeciras, as major port some 20 kilometres West of Gibraltar and Sotogrande, one heading northeast towards Madrid and beyond into France, the other to follow the Mediteranean coastline around the Costa eel Sol, the Costa de Almeria and up through the Costa Blanca before crossing Barcelona on its way into France via the eastern coast of the Pyrenees.

The third will connect Galicia and the northern cities to the rest of Europe.

All three will make a major contribution to the future of the Spanish economy, being important transport infrastructural improvements for the transport of both passengers and freight.

The Costa del Sol is expected to be one of  the principal benefactors; stations are planned for the major cruise as well as cargo ports, with Marbella likely to be on the timetable. The high-speed rail network already connects Málaga with Madrid – the 500km journey taking a mere 2 hours 40 minutes, but the new proposed network will bring passengers from well beyond the current rail catchment areas.

Without doubt, one of the contributing factors to this decision has been the substantial growth of the Spanish costas, and the Costa del Sol in particular as a residential tourism destination over the past two or three decades. The number of holiday visitors and European property owners in Spain has enjoyed constant growth, and there has been a steady increase in the number of expatriate residents – all of whom tend to travel more regularly around Europe than ever before.

These improvements are another important effect of the coming of age of the Spanish Coastal areas as significant economic markets within which the EU are expecting future growth. They are a great indicator of the bright future the area can expect to enjoy as such substantial investment helps to build further confidence in Spain and the Mediterranean coasts.

Posted in Costa del Sol, Malaga, Marbella, Spain Economy, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

San Pedro Marks the End of the “Feria” Season

Monday, October 17th, 2011

Every village in Andalucia enjoys its very own “feria” – the (usually) week long celebrations revolving around the local patron saint’s day. San Pedro Alcántara is no different. San Pedro, celebrated on the 19th October – is the local holiday around which both visitors and locals revel amid dancing, music, wine and tapas in the main streets.

Bars and restaurants are decked out with bunting, many bring temporary bars into the streets, and the townsfolk, dressed in their traditional flamenco clothes  – colourful layered dresses for her, tight riding trousers for him – make merry throigh the day, until it is time to move on from the Feria de Día in the town centre, to the Feria de Noche with the fairground attractions.

For many visitors and residents, the feria is a wonderful time to share the cultural heritage of Spain, and in particular Andalusia – and the San Pedreños (as the residents of San Pedro are known) are extremely welcoming. There is a general acceptance and indeed pride in the feria which the locals are quick to share with foreign visitors. A pride in the notion of “mi pueblo” – my village – is one which it is often difficult for northern Europeans to understand, but anyone spending time in Southern Spain, and feeling the excitement and tradition of the feria quickly becomes hooked.

Many of the things which are seen perhaps as cultural icons find their roots in the feria: bulls, horses, flamenco, sevillanas, sherry and more are all part of the celebratory tradition and it is these things which harbour so much of the attraction of people moving to the Costa del Sol, being part of the lifestyle heritage.

And, perhaps the main reason why San Pedro is so popular is that it is the last feria of the year. No more dancing in the streets until Spring!

Posted in Costa del Sol, Marbella, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Marbella Town Hall Awaits Handover of the San Pedro Tunnel Surface

Monday, October 10th, 2011
the european commuter

The Best Ofice in the World! The new European Commuter is here to stay.

As deadline’s approach, the Marbella Town Hall is keen to gain access to the 90,000 square metres of land which forms the surface of the A7 tunnel running through San Pedro Alcántara.

The authorities have a 6 million euro fund reserved for the improvements and finishing to the area, which is due to see children’s play areas as well as gardens and walkways.

During the construction the town has been effectively split, with pedestrian access in particular affected by the disruption. But the improvements to the infrastructure will see incalculable benefits for the town once completed, with traffic moving freely along the route of the old CN340. San Pedro has had to wait for a solution to the traffic problem, but the imminent completion of the new tunnel will bring the town up to the level of other towns and cities that attract quality tourism and residential property investment.

Between the new A7 and the AP7 toll road, access to the luxury property developments is better than ever, with quick and easy access to both Malaga and Gibraltar international airports. Some of the best addresses on the coast have traditionally had accessibility issues – La Zagaleta and the Marbella Golf Golf Resort in Benahavís for example, or Monte Mayor which for some time could only be reached from a poorly kept road are now only a few minutes from motorway connections. Sotogrande and San Roque can be reached in just over an hour from Malaga Airport.

This change, coupled with the low cost of air travel between Spain and the major cities of Europe has seen the birth of the European commuter. More and more people are moving to their property on the Costa del Sol, and commuting to London, Paris or Berlin. In practical terms the commute can be less traveling from Spain to London than from Manchester. Families enjoy the climate and the lifestyle and the attraction of living in a frontline beach apartment in Marbella whilst working on the City is overwhelming. And, as improvements to the infrastructure continue, this is a trend destined to continue.

Posted in Costa del Sol, Marbella, Property on the Costa del Sol, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Luxury Beach Clubs Mark the End of the Season

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

This past week has seen a flurry of parties, champagne sprays and fireworks as the various top end beach clubs mark the end of another season.

nikki beach club marbella

Picnic on the beach? The Nikki Beach way, Marbella

Exuberant luxury through the summer peppered with some of the most stylish and stunning parties one can imagine, they offer the visitor a day (and night) to remember. From Nikki Beach close to the Don Carlos Hotel a few kilometres east of Marbella to Puro Beach in Estepona, they are the destination of choice for the beautiful people who summer on the coast as well as the visitors who fly down to celebrate some of the more popular parties. The monthly Champagne Spray Party at Ocean Club in Puerto Banús is an extravagance which has to be seen to be believed – scores of bottles of Moet being sprayed over bikini clad beauties relaxing on the large white chill out beds around the magnificent pool…Crisis? What crisis?

Regular visitors to the area will doubtless be familiar with these retreats, but the newcomer would be well advised to check them out. Not for the faint-hearted, be prepared to party through the day – of course, a day accompanied by glorious international cuisine, bottles of only the best, and as much sunshine as you can stand.

The beach clubs are just one of the more obvious ways in which the Costa del Sol is raising the stakes when it comes to the more discerning and demanding tourist. Quaint is out, chic is in. Tapas are now as likely to be sushi as sardines. And those who benefit are the visitors who are returning to Spain with a new set of expectations. and the Coast seems to be more than ready and willing to satisfy!

Posted in Costa del Sol, Marbella, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Málaga Fair Attracts Thousands of Visitors

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Málaga Feria in full swing

Anyone who has ever wondered what a real Spanish “feria” is all about need look no further than Málaga this week. One of Andalucía’s most popular fairs opens its gates to thousands of visitors from all along the coast and beyond.

For many Spaniards, this is the one week of the year where the family budget gets seriously derailed. Wining and dining in style is the order of the day and dancing into the small (and not so small) hours is the order of the night.

Many of the coasts foreign residents visit the feria, and whilst many of the “casetas” or bars are private, many are open to the public. For anyone looking to get closer to Spanish culture and tradition there is no better place. For most tourists the image of the flamenco dancer and the Spanish guitarist has become synonymous with the Spain of a bygone era – but nothing could be further than the truth. Teenagers and children who one might think would be more interested in Lady Gaga and Enrique Iglesias are dressed to the nines in their hand made dresses – and often will have a different dress for every night of the fair. One might wonder whether or not they are at the fair under protest and on the insistence of their parents – as most teenagers around the world might respond to a similar event. But then, at the first few chords of a “sevillana” their drinks are put on the nearest table, their arms fly up in the air and they will dance the traditional dances with a flair and a passion that belies their youth.

The Málaga Feria runs until the 21st August and is well worth a visit. But be prepared for it to be a long night and a late morning!

Posted in Costa del Sol, Malaga, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Spain to go the the Polls in November

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

In what has been something of a surprise move, Spain’s Premier, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero announced general elections are to be held in November this year. Most political analysts expected the elections to take place next Spring, but continued pressure on the government from all sides seems to have brought this unexpected reaction.

The Spanish economy, despite having had relatively good results from the recent banking tests, has continually been mentioned in the same breath as Greece and Ireland. Now with Italy showing signs of stress, Spain is being closely watched by international investors.

Whilst no one is making confident predictions about the likely outcome of the elections it is recognised that the victor will be taking up something of a poisoned chalice with a number of significant issues on the agenda.

Investment in Spain has slowed as has the building of new property and employment, but some of the more recent figures are encouraging. If Spain is able to avoid some of the more worrying predictions for its economy, the recovery should come, albeit slowly and not without setbacks along the way. The strong links with South America and the improvements in Spanish tourism are, perhaps, the aces the new premier will find he has up his sleeve come November.

Posted in Interest Rates, Investors in Spain, Spain, Spain Economy, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Golf Leads the Way in Spanish Tourism

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Recently published figures from the Andalucian Regional Government show a healthy increase in the number of golfers attracted to the area. The number of visiting golfers in 2010 tipped the 427,000 mark and when non golfing family members are added to this number it rises to above half a million.

Not only is golf a huge draw, but the golfing tourist contributes more to the local economy, spending over 90 euros a day in the are on average.

The popularity of golf is not a new phenomenon. For years Spain has been wowing the sector with beautifully kept championship courses. Perhaps the most significant change over the past couple of decades has been in the way in which property and golf have become so closely related, with many resorts now offering a complete home and golf package.

Living on the golf course has numerous advantages – in addition to having your favourite pastime literally on your doorstep, properties on the golf course have guaranteed views and a self imposed building density which cannot be changed – once your property is next to the fairway, the fairway will always be there.

Golf property on the Costa del Sol has held its price very well. Where other developments have struggled during the slump of the past years, golf property has maintained it’s value far better. And where property ownership includes golfing rights, this seems to be yet more so.

And this trend seems to be continuing. not only are developers looking to offer property and golf, but the resorts now include other facilities also, such as tennis, horse riding and spas. Perhaps being a golfing widow is easier in Spain than it is in other places!

Posted in Costa del Sol, Golf in Spain, Golf Property, Spain, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Marbella Lights Up the”No Vacancy” Signs

Friday, July 1st, 2011

If you were thinking of coming to Marbella for the weekend, be sure to check  hotel availability. Because if you were hoping to stay in one of the luxury five star hotels along the Coast you’ll be out of luck.

The most exclusive (and expensive) hotels in Marbella – the Marbella Club, Puente Romano, Villa Padierna. Kempinski and others – have all been fully booked for months. Why? well the favoured niece of King Fahd, Sara Bin Fahd Salam, is hosting her bachelorette party to which more than 400 arab princesses are invited.

In addition to the 1,000 plus hotel nights which have been booked, there are no spare limousines, chauffeurs or make up artists with free calendars. Hairdressers and top restaurants report the same.

There is little doubt that the affection felt by King Fahd for Marbella has been transmitted to the younger generation and the decision to choose Marbella as the venue for this spectacular event is a clear sign that Marbella continues to shine among the world’s best holiday destinations.

So this weekend, unless you own a property on the Costa del Sol, you may find there is simply no room at the inn!

Perhaps next weekend?

Posted in Costa del Sol, Marbella, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

Málaga Airport expected to hit the 13 million visitor mark in 2011

Friday, June 17th, 2011
t3 terminal malaga airport

The new T3 Terminal at Málaga Airport is set to see 13 million visitors in 2011

The relatively new T3 terminal at Málaga Airport is seeing a steady increase in passenger numbers and expects to hit 13 million by the end of the year.

The terminal which dwarfs the Pablo Picasso Terminal is an integral part of the region’s plans for increasing tourism and commerce in the area.

With a second runway due to open later this year, these impressive figures are likely to further rise next year as the airport quickly becomes a third major hub in Spain’s air transport sector alongside Madrid and Barcelona.

For visitors to the Costa del Sol, this is excellent news. As the surrounding infrastructure improves, so too does the ease with which one can visit the area for a short break. For anyone owning a villa or apartment in Marbella or Puerto Banus the option to visit their second home in Spain for a weekend break becomes ever more attractive.

It is perfectly feasible (indeed, there are many who are doing just this) to leave the office on a Friday afternoon, and be dining in Marbella Friday evening. A round of golf on one of the Coast’s splendid golf courses on Saturday followed by a night out, and then a lazy Sunday lunch on the beach before catching the late plane home. What could be better?

And many are taking this a step further. Families from northern Europe are buying property in Spain to be used through the long school holidays. The children love the sun, the sea and the swimming pool. For many, their Costa del Sol apartment or townhouse is where the family live during the summer – Dad comes home for the weekend and flies back to the office early Monday morning.

And thanks to the new T3 at Málaga, it can take less time to get to Marbella from London than it can to get to Manchester!

Posted in Costa del Sol, Golf Property, Marbella, Property in Spain, Property on the Costa del Sol, Tourism in Spain | No Comments »

« Older Entries