Holiday Rental La Cala de Mijas, Costa del Sol
2-Bedroom holiday rental Costa del Sol.
Andalucian Horse Show
The Andalucian Horse Show is held in Torremolinos. This show is called "Rhythm on Horse" and is a real equestrian ballet. Its choreography is based on some reprises of classic and Vaquera Tame. Only those who have the opportunity to admire it can believe what they are seeing. Exercises such as plaffe, posadas and passage are shown with horsemen on the ground. Only open on a Wednesday from June to october. There is a bus service available.
Aqua Park - Mijas
An Oasis of water and rides for all ages; well-supervised fun from the children's pool to the exciting wave making pool and challenging kami kazi slide. Kids under 4 go free and there are discounts for under 12 years. Special 2-day tickets available, and discount for afternoon entry or group bookings. You can take your own picnic or eat at the restaurant or barbecue. Coast Road N340.
Aqua Park - Torremolinos
Torremolinos Aquapark was built in 1984 and has constantly been updated with its attractions and installations. The Aquapark is undoubtedly the pioneer and is the largest Water Park on the Costa del Sol. It features the highest ‘Kamikaze’ in Spain and other attractions there include the ‘Black Hole’ and a multi-pool area. Aquapark is located in one of the most visited and developed tourist areas, covering over 70,000 square metres and is certainly a fun filled day out for the whole family. There is a bus service available which takes you right there, and there are a selection of bars and restaurants and souvenir shops on site. For those of you who wish to just relax, there are sunbeds for hire!
Ballooning
For truly spectacular views there is only one place to be - Up in a Hot Air Balloon. Trips are organised from the whitewashed village of Ronda. You can look down at the famous Gorge, onto the rooftops and courtyards of the Old Town. When you come down to earth a delicious champagne breakfast, Andalucian style with quails eggs and Serrano ham, will be waiting for you. Head for Ronda and telephone for location: 95 287 7249
There is a small cove in Benalmadena called Benalnatura which is a nudist beach. To get there, take the N-340 in the Fuengirola direction and turn off at the roundabout between Torrequebrads and Torremuelle. A concrete road leads down on the road toward the beach and chiringuito below.
Benalmadena Stupa
Blanket Trip
The Blanket Trip is one of the most popular excusrions on the Costa del Sol. The presentation is very clever, with references to health problems such as arthritis and rheumatism. Also for sale are smaller items such as fleecy slippers, baby wear and chair cushions. Bookings can be made through Minerva Reception in Benalmadena, and many other places. You may even see someone along the promenade who will provide you with all the details. A bus will pick you up at designated spots along the costa, and the whole trip is absolutely FREE! (With no obligation to purchase anything!) It is also a chance to see a bit of the countryside on your travels, including a stop off at a local tourist spot.
Bullfighting
Bullfighting is certainly one of the best known, although at the same time one of the most controversial Spanish customs. This Fiesta would not exist without the Toro Bravo, a species of bull of an archaically race that is only found in Spain The Bible reports on sacrifices of bulls in honour to the divine justice. Also in the religious ceremonies of Iberian tribes living in Spain in prehistorically time bulls played an important part.
The origins of the Plaza, bullring, probably are not the Roman amphitheatres but the Celt-Iberian temples where those ceremonies were held. In the province of Soria, close to Numancia, one of them is conserved and it is supposed that their bulls were sacrificed to the Gods. While the religious cults of the bull goes back to Iberians, it was the Greek and Roman influences that converted it into a spectacle.
Cable Water Ski
Cable Ski is unique, on the coast, the lovely park with its enormous lake will provide you with thrills and excitement beyond belief. You are offered free tuition before taking to the water, the high-powered cable will pull you across the lake and test your skills. There is also a bar, restaurant and swimming pool for your enjoyment.
Casino -Torrequebrada
Torrequebrada Hotel
The thrills of roullette and black-jack, as well as some of the Coasts most beautiful dancers in the spectacular cabaret show 'La Fortuna'. Dinner and show events.
The Marbella Gun Country Club is an authentic Finnish Shooting Lodge set in the Sierra De La Nieves Mountains. They have a full range of activities including horse riding nearby, laser and air rifle shooting and the only sporting and compact sporting layouts in Southern Spain, together with state-of-the-art clay pigeon shooting equipment.
Colomares Castle
Near Benalmadena Pueblo village. There is also a beautiful miniature fairy tale style castle to visit and fascinating grounds to walk around, breath taking views, Snake City and a Reptile Sanctuary all with demonstrations.
Columbus Diamond Centre
Columbus Diamond Centre is the largest, most spectacular collection of jewellery in Spain, where there is a collection of over 3800 pieces. Here you can see the manufacture of diamond jewellery in the workshop. The visit includes a short film, which shows the process from the mining of the diamonds, to the polishing, the art of creation, up to the finished product. A free half-day excursion, without any obligation. Enjoy the ‘real’ Spain, visiting a typical Spanish village inland from the coast. Later you can enjoy a real taste of Andalusian craftsmanship while browsing around a local ceramic centre.Or savour the real taste of Bacardi rum in the only Bacardi factory here in Spain. Then can visit all the workshops and showrooms.
COLUMBUS DIAMOND CENTRE SAU
EXPOSICION Y VENTA DE DIAMANTES
EUROCENTRO, RAMAL DE CAPITULACIONES, LOCAL 4 TORREMOLINOS
Tlf.: 952051147 Fax: 952050362
Crocodile Park
The Crocodile Park newly opened in Torremolinos, is one of Spain's most fascinating attractions. In the nursery you may see young crocodiles emerging from their eggs. Pose for a photo cuddling one of them! There are crocodiles measuring more than five metres in length, also an African Museum, Mini cinema, Zoo, Reptile House, Child's Playground and Restaurants. There is a repopulating programme where crocs are sent to areas in S. Africa.
Estepona
Estepona is 30 minutes from Benalmadena. It is located at the 'quiet' end of the Costa Del Sol but there is still plenty to see and do. The marina is a great place to stroll around, admire the boats or sit in one if the many bars and watch the world go by. There is a craft market every Sunday morning with all the usual and some unusual and interesting items. It seems the marina has become the weekend meeting place for just about everyone. In the 'old town' of Estepona you will find many street cafes and tapas bars along some charming narrow cobbled streets that are more used to horses than cars! El Cristo beach, near the marina, is perfect for children being situated in a delightful sheltered cove with lots of water sport activities. The golf is also excellent in this area with many well known courses close by ... Valderamma, San Roque, Duquesa, Estepona, Monte Mayor to name a few.
Flamenco
Flamenco is a Spanish art form with its roots deep in Andalucia, Spain’s southern region. Even the origin of its name is elusive. Some attribute it to the early 1500s and the Flemish courtiers during the reign of Spain’s Charles V. Still others claim the name comes from the Arabic Fellahmangu – the labourer who sings. Flamenco combines acoustic guitar playing, singing, chanting, dancing and staccato handclapping. The flamenco dancer performs with passion, fervour, even tortured expressions but always striving for grace and dignity There are more than a dozen varieties of flamenco songs. Many are laments. One classic type the Petenera tells the story of a beautiful girl named Petenera who brings tragedy to herself and her village. Unfortunately, much flamenco today is staged for the tourists and just doesn’t cut it. There are more than a dozen varieties of flamenco songs. Many are laments. One classic type, the Petenera, tells the story of a beautiful girl named Petenera who brings tragedy to herself and her village.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is 10 minutes from Benalmadena. It is a bustling town and popular holiday resort for tourists and Spaniards alike. There is a great aqua park for the children (closed in the winter). Its beaches stretch for 8 km from Los Boliches. Fuengirola has been awarded the distinctive blue flag by the E.C. for the quality of its sandy beaches and clear water. You can hire the usual pedal boats, jet skis and "banana" boats from almost anywhere on the beachfront.
Perfect location for a stroll in the sunshine. Along the Paseo Maritimo you will find many places to eat and drink. This is the place to sip a beer and just "people watch".
There is an attractive marina from where you can go sailing or take a boat trip to Benalmadena and other places. The town becomes alive at night with its many bars and discos.
Fuengirola Diving Centre
At the Marina,the centre is open all year, enjoying winter and summer diving. Established for many years and has set its own standards for quality and safety. The centre has its own classroom and heated indoor and outdoor pool for training of all levels. You can dive locally or go on excursions to up to 30 different sites along the coast. Apart from specialised diving and night dives the courses range from Bubble Maker (8 years plus), Scuba, Open Water, Medic, Rescue and up to Assistant Instructor and Instructor.
Fuengirola Zoo
From Mysterious Madagascar to the heart of the African continent and the jungles of the Far East see all your favourite animals and much more than you could imagine, at the Zoo. Guided tours are available. Fuengirola Zoo is easily found, only a few metres from the Bus and Train Stations. I n the height of summer, they do special 'twilight hours' so visitors can see the nocturnal animals in the cool of the evening.
Fuengirola - "Salon Varietes" (English-Speaking Theatre)
From September to May, there are varied programmes of musicals, plays and reviews, mainly in English, although there are visiting productions in Spanish and some of the other languages spoken on the Costa del Sol. The Salon Varietes is in the Calle Emancipacion, just off Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitucion) in the centre of Fuengirola. Box Office: 952 47 45 42.
Gibraltar
Nautilus IV Dolphins Captain Ian Redmond has 10 years experience of working with dolphins and the 18-metre vessel meets with the most stringent of safety requirements. Dolphins can be viewed from the deck or down below in the air-conditioned viewing cabin. Evening dinner cruises provide a trip out to see the dolphins followed by a leisurely 3-course meal at the Schooner's Bar Grill or Meson Jabugo.
Gibraltar Rock
Gibraltar is Famous Worldwide for its Dramatic Rock. It is located in a strategic position at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. It overlooks the Straits of Gibraltar and is linked to Spain. Gibraltar is imposing but small. It measures less than six square kilometres in total and is inhabited by around 30,000 people made up of Gibraltarians, British, Moroccans, Indians and Spanish. There is also a colony of the famous apes, the only ones in Europe to run free in a semi-wild state. Gibraltar is a British self-governing colony. It has a Governor who is the Queen's representative on the Rock and Commander-in Chief of the British Forces stationed there. Britain is responsible for Gibraltar's foreign affairs, defence and the political stability of the colony. However, the Rock has its own Chief Minister plus a House of Assembly and a government, which oversees the day-to-day affairs of the Rock. Gibraltar is a member of the European Union by virtue of Britain's membership. However, Gibraltar is outside the Customs Union so travellers from EU member states can still enjoy duty free purchases now banned to travellers within the EU.
Golf
They call it the Costa del Golf - and with nearly 60 golf courses in Andalucia, including more than 30 are on the Costa del Sol, it's easy to see why! With year round sun the Costa del Sol is perfect for your golfing vacation. You can find courses at: Benalmadena, Torrequebrada, Monte Mayor, Alhaurin El Grande, La Cala North and South, Valderrama (host to the ’97 Ryder Cup and San Roque) and Mijas Los Lagos, plus more.
Mini Golf Spend an hour or more here enjoying an amazing personally designed course. Interesting and challenging, or watch others while having a drink or snack at the hand made Alpine Wood built bar. Lots of atmosphere, deals on golf/ food, fantastic sun terrace, pool table and Spanish style bowls. On the Benalmadena Coast Road.
Granada
The city of Granada. Visit the Alhambra Palace (the 8th Wonder of the World) and the famous General Life Gardens. The hill facing the Alhambra is the old Moorish casbah or "medina", called the Albaicin, a fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed houses with secluded inner gardens, known as "cármenes". The Plaza de San Nicolas, at the highest point of the Albaicin, is famous for its magnificent view of the Moorish palace. The Sacromonte hill, which overlooks the city from the North, is famous for its cave dwellings, once the home of Granada's large gypsy community.
The name Granada is ancient and mysterious. It may mean "great castle", for the Roman fortress which once stood on the Albaicin Hill. When the Moors came here, the town was largely inhabited by Jews, for which they called it Garnat-al-Yahud - Granada of the Jews. The Jews are said to have been one of the first peoples to settle in Spain, even before the Romans.
Horse Riding
An excellent riding school is located at the Alhaurin Golf & Country Club (Tel. +34 952 595 800) This is about 15 minutes by car from Mijas. Horses are provided for experienced riders and lessons can be arranged if required. If you wish to see dressage demonstrations they are held every Thursday at The Andalucian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez. Many local tour operators have organised trips to Jerez, which also include a visit to a sherry bodega. An Andalucian horse show is held locally at El Ranchito near Torremolinos every Wednesday at 5.30 pm. (Tel. +34 952 383 140) Further details of this can be found below.