Thursday 22 November 2018

Sierra Nevada – Mountain of the Sun

The Sierra Nevada ski resort is located at Pradollano in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is a perfect location for your next ski holiday in Spain. It has numerous runs of varying difficulties to satisfy all levels of skiers. 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. Sierra Nevada is well known as the sunniest ski resort in Europa. 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.




Come sun or snow, the Sierra Nevada is the place to take a walk on the wild side. Europe’s second highest mountain range after the Alps, the Sierra Nevada is home to wild, rugged mountains, fertile valleys and forests of oak and chestnut. Just a few miles inland from the Costa del Sol you would be forgiven for thinking you were on a different planet.





Those travelling with young children will find Sierra Nevada perfectly suited to a family holiday. The resort boasts an ice rink where you can get to grips with skating, and the Mirlo Blanco Activity Zone, which offers tobogganing, ski-biking and bobsledding, as well as mini skis and snowboards for little winter sports enthusiasts! For those seeking some much needed rest and relaxation, the resort offers a heated, outdoor pool, range of saunas and a well-equipped gym; while for those interested in trying some exciting outdoor activities, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and hiking are also popular options.





There is a surprisingly active nightlife in the Sierra Nevada resort. Spaniards have a reputation for being night owls and this it often attributed to a hot climate that encourages people to lie low during the day and come out only once the cool of the evening has set in. However, the winter scene at Sierra Nevada contradicts this - or at least proves that old habits are hard to break.





The beauty of a Sierra Nevada ski holiday is the sheer diversity of opportunities available: you could be skiing in the morning, but you could also be lazing on a soft-sand beach the same day afternoon! The white sands of the Costa del Sol are just a two hour drive away from the resort, so it’s certainly worth a trip if you fancy a break from all that snow! Of course, the magnificent city of Granada is also nearby, scattered with Moorish ruins and churches. With spectacular architecture and a distinctly Andalucian charm, it’s a fantastic place to spend a day or two.





The Sierra Nevada ski resort boasts stunning ski chalets, hotels and apartments. It is small in comparison to other European resorts however the facilities are considered top-rate and it has hosted numerous national and international ski and snowboard events. With its ancient villages, sublime views and remote isolation, the Sierra Nevada is the place to get away from it all.

How to get there!

The Sierra Nevada ski resort and ski station are easily accessible from both Granada or Málaga provinces. From Granada, it is 45 minutes by car or bus from Granada´s Estacion de Autobuse just south-east of Granada city, the provincial capital. It is about one hour from the airport. Visitors should also consider visiting the attractions in Granada city. If you're coming from Málaga airport, the ski station is about two hours driving and is not difficult to find if you head north, following the first to Granada and then to the Sierra Nevada "Estación de Ski".

Please visit www.sierranevada.es/en/ to get more information about local attractions :)

Sources:
www.andalucia.com
www.exodustravels.eu
www.homeaway.co.uk

Tuesday 18 September 2018

The most beautiful andalucian village - Casares

WHITE VILLAGE OF CASARES




Casares is a magical beautiful white village with whitewashed, sugar-cube houses climbing the steep mountain hill. It is located fifteen kilometres inland of Estepona, to the west of Marbella, in the Malaga province of Andalucí­a. Casares was built 4035 meters above sea level where the views are so breathtaking you will think you are looking at a postcard.


HISTORY OF CASARES




Casares occupies a distinguished place in the history of Andalucía
The history of Casares can be traced as far as 100.000 years back in time! Then the inhabitants, the Neanderthals lived in caves in the Sierra de la Utrera and lived from hunting and fishing. It was an excellent area with caves, natural water springs and a rich animal life.
The Neanderthals where later replaced by the Homo Sapiens about 6.000 years ago who lived in the large cave called  ”Cueva de Gran Duque”. They seem to have been dedicated to (except from hunting and acgriculture) ceramic production. They made pots, which were carefully decorated as well as bracelets and necklaces.
Later the inhabitants moved out of the caves and built huts and with time created small villages  ”villas”.




The Romans settled down and created the village Lacipo just outside the current village of Casares. They built roads and advanced water systems and minted their own coins, which could still be found in the ground in the area as soon as 10 years ago.




Julius Ceasar is said to have given name to the village Casares. And he was the one contructing the “Baños de la Hedionda” where he took baths to cure his psoriasis. Still people cover their bodies with the mud from the sulphur bath and claim to get better health from it.




After the Romans the the Moors came and settled down about 800 years ago and they were the ones building the large fortress still existing on the top of the village as well as the mere part of the original village.
The strategic positions and excellent views has made Casares impossible to conquered for several intents as for example the Napoleonic trops. It also was one of the last villages to be christened after the moors.


PLACES TO SEE



Beside ancient castle, several churches and chapels you can find in Casares many traditional tapas bars and quaint cafes, most of them in the Plaza de Espana. 




It's great just to walk around to take in the serenity of the place and the winding alleys between the immaculately kept houses.




Climb up past Arrabal via Puerta Calle to the Castle. There is a cemetery located within the grounds of the Castle which is unique because of it's circular shape. There are whitewashed niches and this is a good place to rest whilst taking in the beautiful views.




There are a number of signed walks just outside the village. Some lead to the top of nearby hills where to can get even better views of the white village. Walk the Sierra Cristilina for natural beauty or you can take the popular walk down the river valley to Manilva.





Casares with its dominating view is a magical place to visit, and offers those who stay an authentic andalusian experience.


Wednesday 11 July 2018

Our favourite restaurants

We want to share with you some of our favourite dining places in Manilva area. They are sorted by location and popularity. If you already visited them please share your feedback with us by leaving comment below this post.



SABINILLAS

There are a lot of restaurants along the promenade of Sabinillas that are suitable for small children as you can sit in a restaurant and they can play on the beach (within sight) or near playgrounds.


 LA CASITA

Fernando Pessoa  

Argentinean restaurant

+34 952-892-173   

www.lacasitasabinillas.com


CRUZ BLANCA

Plaza Ginebra

Tapas / Spanish bar

+34 952-892-672

www.facebook.com/cerveceria.cruzblanc


FRANKIE'S  

Paseo Maritimo  

American style burgers and more!

+34 655 462 209

https://www.facebook.com/Frankies-Sabinillas-449545111776012/


MIEL

Paseo Maritimo  

Cafeteria & Creperia

+34 952-936-254  


www.cafeteriamiel.com





PUERTO DE LA DUQUESA

One of Costa del Sol's nicest marinas. It’s a beautiful place to take walk along the promenade looking at the boats, have a drink or two in one of the bars and cafés or enjoy a dinner at night.



MACUES

Duquesa Port 

Mediterranean restaurant 

+34 952-890-395

www.facebook.com/Restaurante-Macues



CHILI

Duquesa Port  

Indian restaurant 

+34 952-636-405

www.chiliduquesa.com



IL CAPITANO

Plaza de la Fuente 15 

Italian restaurant

+34 952-890-520
  
www.ilcapitanoristorante.com

VICTOR GRILL

Plaza de la Fuente  

Argentinean cuisine


OCEAN CAFE

59 Edificio Boqueron, 

Best place for breakfast





OUR FAVOURITE BARS

 Chapter Two

-  The Quays Bar

-  Mirror Mirror





MANILVA RESTAURANTS

Manilva Town is an attractive white village surrounded by countryside and contains many vineyards that grow in the slopes around the village.


DELFINES


Calle Alboran 2 / El Castillo

Mediterranean restaurant



MINI INDIA

Centro Comercial Los Hidalgos

Indian restaurant

+34 951-276-638 / 663-383-054

www.miniindiaduquesa.es



MESON DEL CASTILLO

Plaza Miramar 12  

Andalusian cuisine

+34 952-890-766   

www.mesondelcastillo.com



MARLOWS FISH & CHIP

Centro Comercial Los Hidalgos

Fast food, British

+34 951-276 -728

www.facebook.com/marlowsduquesa 






CASARES RESTAURANTS

Casares is a magical beautiful white village with whitewashed, sugar-cube houses climbing the steep mountain hill. It is located only 10 kilometres inland from Manilva.


ARROYO HONDO

Urb. Montes de Casares  

Spanish restaurant





THE FORGE 

Carreterra de Casares 

Andalusian cuisine

+34 952-895-120

www.forgesrestaurant.com



VENTA GARCIA

Ctra. MA 546

Spanish restaurant

+34 952-894-191 

www.facebook.com/pages/Venta-Garcia-Casares

SARMIENTO

Finca la Espileta Crta.De Casares Km 12'5
Spanish restaurant with stunning views

+34 952 895 035




LA CHOZA

A-7 Km 146 Casares

Spanish restaurant

+34 952-890-925   

www.ventalachoza.com




TORREGUADIARO RESTAURANTS

Torreguadiaro sits on un-spoilt Mediterranean beaches. Here you can find a number of Chiringuitos (beach bars), which offer food, drink, parasols and fresh seafood. And village has about 14 restaurants and bars with food to suit all tastes.



EL TRASMALLO

Avda. Mar del Sur   
Mediterranean restaurant
+34 956-610-259  
eltrasmallodeagustino.com




PURA TAPA

Avd Mar del Sur 

Spanish restaurant

+34 956-615-366

www.puratapa.es






LA VERANDAH

Urb. Playa Guadiaro  

Mediterranean restaurant

956-610-508

www.facebook.com/La-Verandah





And our favourite chiringuitos you can find HERE







Friday 25 May 2018

Boat trips on Costa del Sol




Costa del Sol with glorious sunshine, 190 miles of beautiful coast and an amazing array of resorts and rental properties is still a firm favourite with travellers from around the world.
One of the most popular activities on Costa del Sol is a boat trip along the coast. There's nothing quite like heading out on the water, feeling the waves, and admiring the beautiful coast. A boat trip adds a different dimension to the holiday and will keep everyone fully entertained for a good few hours.
When you try to book a boat ride anywhere along the Costa del Sol you will be awash with offers. There is a wide range of types of boats available for charter, suitable for every need and price range.

1. Fishing boats

The fisherman looking to reel in the catch of the day will be impressed by fully equipped fishing boats

2. Watersports

Families and thrill-seekers will love exhilarating high-performance speedboats, ready to take on 360º turns, as well as pull tubes, water skiers, and wake boarders.

3. Sailing boats

The sailing enthusiast will be wowed by a day out on a sailboat or sailing yacht, the gusting wind ensuring that everyone has a great time. 

4. Catamarans

Perhaps a catamaran will be exactly what you're looking for. Great for a day of relaxing and hops off for dips in the sea. The big catamarans are also popular for events and parties. And you might even spot some dolphins during the ride!

5. Luxury yachts

Finally, luxury yachts are also available. These impressive ships, housing a kitchen, dinning room, multiple cabins and bathrooms, and sometimes even a jacuzzi, are perfect for luxury getaways and weddings alike. With the possibility of catering available, there isn't really much you'll have to worry about.

Depending on the charter, different options can be included. Some will have drinks and snacks, while others can feature catering or a DJ. Some boat charters may also include a fuel allowance, but for some you will have to fill up the tank yourself.
All charter boats can be rented with or without crew members. If you chose to hire a charter with crew, they all have professional qualifications. Those who wish to hire a ship without crew must show a personal licence for the particular boat.  Whether you opt to rent with or without a crew, all boats are flagged and registered and you will be sure to have a wonderful experience. 
Boats are available for charter for a set number of hours or even for over night and multi-day tripsThere are quite a number of boat excursions that you can book while holidaying on Costa del Sol and depart from all of the major ports including Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Marbella. There are also a number of trips that commence in the Gibraltar and Tarifa areas of the coast.

If what you are looking for is a celebrity-style break, packed with luxury, designer shops and out of this world nightlife than your place is MarbellaThe night life in Puerto Banus is also as well known, and being the most important marina in the area, holds some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. 


But if what you are into is sandy, secluded beaches and understated luxury, then your spot is the super classy Sotogrande, where peace and quiet live together, with great sailing, polo games and lots of golf! Sotogrande is internationally renowned as Europe’s largest and most prestigious estate, offering over 20 kilometers of coastline with stunning views of Gibraltar and North Africa.

Once you've decided where you want to go and on which kind of tour, check out all the prices you can find online (it might be worth looking on TripAdvisor for reviews first) and then compare them to any you've been offered by tour guides or reps. Armed with the price knowledge you should be able to haggle a good price, particularly if there's a group of you. Before booking also check the basics, such as if transfers and refreshments are included, what happens if the trip is called off due to bad weather, and if the trip is covered by your holiday insurance.

Things to take with you and safety tips:



  • Wear a hat – You don’t want to get sunstroke do you?
  • Don’t drink too much alcohol – Say no more!
  • Take plenty of sun cream – This ain’t blighty! The sun will be hot!
  • Don’t fool about – Accidents can and will happen
  • Take a sick bag – Mainly for the kids
  • Drink plenty of water – Keep yourself and the children hydrated
  • Take your swimwear – You may stop for a dip!
  • Watch the children at all times – Better safe than sorry!
  • Don’t forget your camera – You want to catch all those great moments right?

Although these tips may seem pretty obvious to most people, you would be amazed at just how many holidaymakers end up either sunburnt, dehydrated or intoxicated. Use your head and you will enjoy the boat trip for all the right reasons.

Sources:
www.spainholiday.com
www.boatbookings.com
www.moneysavingexpert.com