Friday 20 November 2020

Winter on Costa del Sol


The Costa del Sol is one of Europe’s most popular locations not only for summer but for winter sun as well. With its mild and pleasant climate, winter in southern Spain feels a million miles away from the gloomy skies and freezing temperatures associated with other parts of the continent. There are many things to do in winter so have a look below at our list of top reasons to visit Cost del Sol this time a year.




1. No crowds & low prices

While summers on Costa del Sol are often associated with heavy crowds and high prices, a winter trip to Spain’s sunniest coast offers travelers a completely different experience. Hotel rates in low season drop considerably, the queues at major attractions are substantially shorter and, best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture to embrace the Spanish way of life.



2. Winter golfing

Mild and sunny weather along with the beautiful terrain, stunning views, and world-class facilities make Costa del Sol number one winter golfing destination. Nicknamed “Costa del Golf”, Spain’s sunniest stretch of shoreline has over 70 golf courses for all tastes and ability levels, from lesser known, great value pay-and-plays to fairways that hosts international championships.

The months of December and January tend to be a little quieter on the courses which means you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing round without the stress of having to wait at every tee and being able to book your preferred tee-off time. You’ll also find that rates at many of the courses are lower during these months allowing you to take advantage of some great deals.



3. Skiing in Sierra Nevada

Costa del sol is a land of contrasts. They get sharper in winter as the coastal areas keep you warm and the sierras are decorated with snowy peaks.

Sierra Nevada is well known as the sunniest ski resort in Europa. It offers a total of 107 skiable kilometres, with a 115 runs. Natural snow is supplemented by snow cannons on some runs, and many skiers are pleasantly surprised to find that, because of its southerly position, the air temperature is usually warmer than other resorts. Depending on the snow level, the ski season generally runs from the end of November or the beginning of December until the end of April or early May.



4. Christmas lights & markets

Malaga does Christmas like nowhere else, and it’s one of few places on the Costa del Sol with a spectacular display of festive sparkle. The entire city centre is decorated in lights, but the centrepiece is Calle Larios. Every evening there’s a light and sound show when the lights ‘dance’ in time to the Christmas music.

Traditional Christmas markets appear all over the Costa del Sol and make a great place for shopping for gifts. Browse arts and crafts, stalls selling typical local produce and Christmas fare, all with great ideas for that perfect present. The best markets at Christmas on the Costa del Sol are Malaga & Marbella.




Friday 18 September 2020

Estepona - the Garden of the Costa del Sol


We believe that the gorgeous town of Estepona is one of the Costa del Sol’s hidden gems. Located only 10 mins drive from La Vizcaronda Estepona is an idyllic enclave surrounded by both the Mediterranean and the mountains. Estepona is a lively yet peaceful Spanish seaside town, close enough to all the “hussle and bussle” on the rest of the Costa del Sol. Thanks to Estepona´s central location, other places like Marbella, Tarifa and Seville and even Africa can easily be reached.

It is frequently passed over in favour of more famous and glitzy coastal neighbours such as Marbella, Fuengirola and Torremolinos but unlike them Estepona has managed to retain its identity as an unmistakably Spanish “pueblo blanco”. Recent years Estepona has become more and more popular and people who have visited once always return. 


1. Old Town & Flowers


Estepona is called the Garden of the Costa del Sol. The local authority has made a real effort to give the old town a great charm. The Plaza de Flores, the centre of the old town, has been renovated and each street in the old town has flower pots of different colours filled with geraniums attached to the walls of the buildings. And it gets better and better  with new squares and new fountains set up, as well as even more trees, sweet-smelling and attractive. Nestled among the flowers are a handful of stylish clothes shops, mixing independent and quirky stores with more famous brands such as Mango. 


You can also investigate the Castillo de San Luis, a fortress constructed by Spain’s Catholic Monarchs at the end of the 15th century, and Plaza del Reloj (Clock). This endearing little square has a bell-tower that is the last remaining part of the original Iglesia de los Remedios, destroyed in an earthquake in the mid-18th century.


2. Botanical and Orchid Garden

 

There are many things to do in Estepona, but one of the unavoidable ones is the visit to the Botanical and Orchid Garden. This area has vertical gardens, more than 4,000 different species of orchids, waterfalls that light up with a large dome and vegetation brought from all the corners of the world. An impressive place you will adore.


3.   Paseo Maritimo



As the sun sets locals and tourists emerge to take in the fresher air on walkways like this one next to the beach. There are benches all the way, and lots of places to stop for a cold drink or coffee.

If you happen to be in the resort in winter then you have to get to Paseo Marítimo early to see the sunrise, and the unusual light created by the sea and any clouds in the sky.

Joggers and cyclists love it at any time of year, partly because of the flower beds that separate the promenade from the road at stages; they teem with palms, succulent plants and flowers, and all this thick vegetation blocks all sight of the road.


4. Quieter Beaches


 

The Costa del Sol is world-famous for its beautiful beaches, which means that the most popular of them can become unbearably busy during summer. This is especially true in the tourist magnets of Marbella, Torremolinos and Fuengirola. But due to Estepona’s lesser fame even its main beach, Playa Rada, is less crowded than those of the other Costas, even during July and August. Rada also backs onto a line of lively chiringuitos and classy seafood restaurants and from its centre it’s less than a ten minute walk into the heart of the old town.


5. Small markets

 

Do not leave Estepona without enjoying the happiness and the kindness of the locals found in the city’s small markets. Here you can go shopping paying a good price. There are many itinerant in the city, and you can also find traditional and ecological ones.


6. Cinema in summer

 

The bullring in Estepona becomes a cinema every summer. If you decide to pay a visit to this place, you will enjoy the best films under the stars. A unique atmosphere to view the best films in a traditional Spanish setting.


7. Outdoor activities

 

As soon as you leave Estepona the terrain becomes mountainous, and if you like a good hike it may be difficult to resist the call of the Sierra Bermeja range.

From the coast these mountains, topping out at 1,500 metres, can look forbidding and barren, but as you work your way into the park you’ll enter untamed forests with pinaspos “Spanish firs”, a species that only grows in this part of Andalusia  There’s also an equestrian centre on the outskirts of Estepona, organising treks for all ages and overnight adventures on which you’ll feel like a real cowboy, sitting round a campfire and even sleeping in a hammock. 


8. Golf

 

If you’re a competitive player with a low handicap, or a casual golfer who needs a round or two to loosen up, you can be sure that Estepona will have the course for you: There are eight inside 20 minutes of the resort.

Valle Romano is one for the serious players, with a maximum handicap of 28 for gents and 36 for ladies. It opened in 2010 and meets European Tour standards.

Other famous ones are Finca Cortesin, La Reserva, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande and San Roque (new and old course).


9. Selwo Ventura


 

Just outside Estepona, on the way to Marbella, is a one million-square-metre animal park.

The attraction is so extensive that you’ll visit many of the enclosures on the park’s camouflaged off-road trucks, getting superb views of white rhinos, Bengal tigers, zebras, lions and giraffes in semi-captivity.

The adventure doesn’t stop there; Selwo Aventura also packs in camel rides, a petting zoo and trail with rickety suspension bridges and the longest zip-line in Europe.


10. Night life

Although the centre of the town has seen a recent nightlife boom, Estepona’s bright young things still flock to see the bars and clubs at the port.  Bartenders freehand-pour drinks according to old Spanish system “say when” and will only turf revellers out towards 6 am.


11. Where to stay


La Vizcaronda is located only 10 mins from Estepona. It is gated and secure community of 3, 4   (See one of them)  and 5 Beds (See one of them) Beautiful with private pool & gardens. Townhouses with three swimming pools, a children's play area and lovely tropical gardens. We have a great choice of holiday homes for summer rentals well-equipped for a relaxing holiday. All have open plan interiors, sunny terraces, stunning views from top roof terrace, all have private gardens, some swimming pools. In La Vizcaronda you can linger under the warmth of the Spanish sun and marvel at the beautiful views of the nearby mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Then take a stroll to Duquesa Marina and enjoy the many & varied restaurants & bars. 
For a choce of our houses please visit:

http://www.vizcaronda.com/rentals

 

If you want to see overview of Estepona check out THIS VIDEO



Friday 10 July 2020

Water parks are open!

All of the theme parks and water parks are opened!  They are subjected to a strict set of regulations which  ensure that workers and residents in Spain know this is a safe destination for all.

The companies are in charge of ensuring a limited capacity on all rides and activities are controlled. Other recommendations include, encouraging the use of card to pay, installing disinfection points with hydroalcoholic gel and the online sale of tickets. The use of masks is mandatory to enter the park and to move inside the park, but not in the hammocks, pools, attractions and areas enabled on the grass. The minimum safety distances and social distancing is enforced at all times.

This year you can find a lot of offers so we encourage you to check their pages on daily basics to find the best one for you!


AQUAVELIS
Chosen as the third best water park in Spain at the Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice Awards 2020.




AQUALAND
It's one of the largest waterparks in all of Spain.




AQUAMIJAS
This waterpark was designed with children and families in mind.



BAHIA PARK


 
WATERPARKS IN THE SEA


FUN BEACH PARK



COSTA WATERPARK



If you need a place to stay please check our offer for SUMMER RENTALS !

Friday 22 May 2020

Summer 2020


Should I go to Spain? 






We can say that Spain will be one of the safest countries to travel to this summer after Coronavirus outbreak. The government will guarantee the safety of visitors and locals as the country emerges from one of Europe’s strictest coronavirus lockdowns. Have a look at the list of reasons that prove that going on holiday to Spain this summer can be a good choice! 

  After one of the most strict lockdowns in the world, the Coronavirus outbreak data in Spain is better than ever: numbers keep dropping day after day. 

  From 1st July, travellers won’t have to do a 14 days self-quarantine 

  Intensive control and monitoring of possible new contagions 

  All hygienic measures and safety distances are guaranteed in public and private spaces like restaurants, bars, hotels, city sights, etc 

  Museums and monuments are open but selling a limited number of tickets, so you will probably enjoy your visit even more than usual. 

  Beaches are open with limited capacity and controlled to ensure the interpersonal distance is respected. 

  NO CROWDS! You won’t find any crowds, something really rare during a summer holiday in Spain…so let’s make the most of it! 


Spain is well ready and happy to see visitors. The Spanish Government has been very vigilant in doing all they can do all to ensure the safety of the people who live here and all visitors. All arrivals, regardless of Nationality or departure country, are required to complete a 'Spain Travel Health' form online and print the QR code and show it to immigration control. 

There is a small army of new beach wardens just hired for the summer. Their job is to patrol Spain's southern coasts, gently reinforcing new rules to try to prevent any spread of Covid-19, their presence alone helps to remind people to be careful. 

Luckily, our area of Manilva, is not densely populated. Restaurants have plenty of outdoor space to keep tables well apart. All have disinfectant for all to use as they enter and some even have a bottle on each table. All Staff are masked.

Our urbanisation La Vizcaronda is certainly quieter than normal for this time of year, but this is not so bad as we all feel the need to have a lot of space around us. We have stricter Pools rules, disinfectant available for people to use as they arrive at pool, the use of pool toilets is restricted but as there are 3 pools your holiday house is never more than a few steps to a pool. 

Our houses have all been deeply cleaned using disinfectant, 24 to 48 hours between bookings allows ample time to throughly clean. All our houses have private gardens, some with private pools, so you really can get away on your own and stay safe. 

La Vizcaronda is a lovely urbanisation. 2 mins to beach and Marina of Duquesa and all amenities. It is made up of 3, 4 & 5 bedroomed townhouses. All in immaculate condition & with open plan design. 


If you still looking for a bookings please visit our rental page:


Hopefully see you soon! ;)





Thursday 19 March 2020

Easter in Malaga


Easter in Malaga is one of the most important and busiest times of the year in the city. Also known as Holy Week (Semana Santa in Spanish), Easter in Malaga is characterised by long, solemn processions that parade through the city for 7 days. There is an official procession route in Málaga City where you can watch all the different brotherhoods when they come out, without missing a single detail. Accompanied by bands of bugles and drums, they carry their floats and images, with a high historical and artistic value.

This year Semana Santa takes place from 14th till 21st of April.

All the processions (about 40 of them) start and finish in their own churches or chapels, but they all share a common route along the Alameda Principal, Calle Larios and the start of Calle Granada. Many also go past the Cathedral.






Everyone has their own favourite procession and they’re all spectacular and moving in their own way. Highlights in Malaga include:

Sunday 14 April – Palm Sunday – the most cheerful and made up mostly of children carrying palm leaves.

Monday 15 April – Los Gitanos. Gypsies accompany their Christ and virgin figures with song and dance as they make their way round the city centre.

Tuesday 16 April – Las Penas. This virgin’s cloak is made entirely of fresh flowers.

Wednesday 17 April – El Rico. The Christ figure is accompanied by a pardoned prisoner, recently released from prison. La Paloma. White doves fly to and from the virgin while this procession is in the city centre.

Thursday 18 April – Cristo de Mena. Legionnaire troops accompany this Christ figure as they make their way round Malaga. This is one of the most popular processions in Malaga.

La Esperanza. Another hugely popular procession, this one has the heaviest float – the one carrying the virgin weighs 5 tonnes.

Friday 19 April – all processions are solemn and mostly silent. Las Servitas is the last one and the city lights go out as it parades through the streets.

Sunday 21 April – the black and purple gowns are replaced by white and green for the Sunday of Resurrection procession.

You get the best views from the Alameda Principal and the wide street here gives a good perspective.

Friday 24 January 2020

Cities of Andalucia

Cooler weather, light crowds, long days, and plenty of tourist and cultural activities - from fall to spring is the best time of year to visit the most beautiful cities of Andalucia.

MALAGA

Malaga, the 5th largest city in Spain, a gateway to southern Spain and the Costa del Sol, birthplace of Picasso and city with one of the best climates in Europe. It is one of Spain’s hottest cultural, gastronomic and leisure destinations. The city’s mix of Moorish, Renaissance and Modernist cultural landmarks, vibrant streets of the old town and 15 golden sand beaches create a destination of excellence. 



Alcazaba of Malaga – Moorish palace

Santa Iglesia Catedral


Puerto de Malaga



Museo Picasso



Plaza de toros de La Malagueta


      SEVILLE

Seville is the capital city of Andalusia. Located in the South of Spain, Seville, or Sevilla in Spanish, is one of the largest Spanish cities with over 700.000 inhabitants. The city of Seville is famous worldwide for its culture, monuments, traditions and artistic heritage. This is also the birthplace of Flamenco and the city where the most amazing Easter processions take place.



Real Alcazar



Plaza de Espana



Catedral de Sevilla



Parque de Maria Luisa


      GRANADA

A city of fascinating history and exquisite beauty, Granada is one of Spain's most cherished treasures called the "Moorish jewel." Situated in the south eastern part of Andalucía, Granada comprises an important pillar of Spain's most folkloric region. The city location at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain makes it a unique place where you can ski in the morning and take a warm Mediterranean swim in the afternoon.



The Alhambra



Generalife



Court of the Lions



Cathedral and Royal Chapel



Sierra Nevada


     CORDOBA

Cordoba is one of the eight provincial capitals of Andalucia, and is located in the north of the region, at the foot of the Sierra Morena Mountains. It’s a city with a spectacular old town perfect to explore on foot; Cordoba is also known for its great food and the many bodegas where you can enjoy the local wine.




Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba & Puente Romano



Jewish Quarter


Palacio de Viana


Madinat Al-Zahra



      CADIZ

The province of Cadiz nearly touches nose to nose with Africa. Stretching from San Roque, passing the British territory of Gibraltar, and finishing at Cadiz city. Here the Mediterranean Sea ends and the Atlantic Ocean starts.  It’s capital city, Cadiz, is the oldest inhabited city in the Iberian Peninsula and possibly in all of south-western Europe found by the Phoenicians in 1.100 BC.



Torre Tavira



Catedral de Cadiz



Yacimiento Arqueologico Gadirion



Park Genoves