Thursday, 26 July 2007

Search for Cheap Quality Hostels in Spain

Via the SpainGuides web site we are now pleased to offer a quality Hostel search engine, it is now possible to search for quality low priced Hostels throughout in Spain and the rest of the world.

The Hostel Search engine is available at http://spainguides.com/hostels-spain.html


Regards
Gary
http://spainguides.com/

Monday, 23 July 2007

Worldwide charity record made at La Cala Golf


A special and memorable event took place yesterday (July 22nd ) at the superb La Cala golf resort in Mijas on the Costa del Sol. Over 600 Golfers have written their names in the Guinness world book of records for participating in single competition in one day with the highest number of participating golfers. The actual official figure was 614 and for all the players who took part it will certainly be a day that will live long in the memories of all who attended the competition.

This was no ordinary golf tournament though, as over 11,000 Euros was raised for the very worthwhile charity Unicef .

All players who participated in the completion will agree that the massive organisation required to make this event a success was absolutely spot on and everything from the prearranged parking zones to the internal transport and buggies and course conditions where faultless , my family and I enjoyed the day immensely and are eagerly awaiting its mention in the next edition of the Guinness book or world records.

Well done to La Cala Golf.


More info can be obtained from the La Cala Golf web site at




Gary


Monday, 16 July 2007

Benalmadena Pueblo





Benalmadena lies some 19 kms west of Malaga airport and the capital, and sits between Fuengirola and Torremolinos and now has a population of around 45.000. From most parts of Benalmedana you have fantastic views to sea and mountains which has encouraged a rapid growth in holiday homes and investors from around the world with the British citizens being the biggest buyers over the last 5 years.During the summer months the population can grow up to 100.000 with visitors from all over the globe enjoying this hugely popular and vibrant tourist area.

(The old village) Benalmadena Pueblo has still maintained some its oldie worldie charm despite the large numbers of visitors and new constructions that have grown up near by. It is still possible, even in mid summer, to walk around the old part for a peace full meander and discover some very quaint and friendly tapas bars and inexpensive restaurants and take in the stunning views over the coast and Mediterranean from the balcony and gardens of the Old Church situated on the upper southern part of the town.


Gary

The Benalmadena Marina





The spectacular Benalmadena Marina is located in the heart of the Costa dol Sol In the town of the same name and is only 15 minutes drive from Malaga airport, Fuengirola and Torremolinos. The marina is one of the best in the world and has been the recipient of the “ Best Marina in the World “ award on several occasions.

The design is quite unique and stunning and is a fusion of AndalucĂ­an, Arabic and Indian and modern architectural styles which is surprisingly harmonious. Several little bridges span the water giving access to the innovative residential islands where three blocks of deluxe apartments are housed and where the classy yachts drape around them like a colourful dress.

The overall effect is pleasing and relaxing and whichever way you look you are surrounded by water.

There are now some 1.100 moorings for boats and yachts in various different sections of the marina and of all nationalities, although you never get the feeling of being overwhelmed as the distribution has been cleverly designed to provide as much open space between the different birthing areas.


Most days the port is bustling with tourists, boat owners, residents and shopkeepers alike. There is an excellent selection of restaurants , terrace bars, cafeterias dotted all over the marina. Some of which are situated on the second story and perch enticingly over the marina with jaw dropping results. There is most certainly food on offer to suit all tastes and pockets from traditionally Spanish to Indian, Mexican, Italian and much more. The energetic the nightlife carries on in sophisticated bars and clubs and is second to none on the Costa del Sol.
By day you can visit the Aquarium, hire a boat, partake of numerous water sports, including; sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, water skiing. The Marina's Centro Náutico was built and set up to provide a place in the Marina where sailing enthusiasts could meet up and hold sporting events and also to meet socially.

A simple stroll though through the busy port is one of my favourite past times, with its vast array of boats, yachts large and small, luxurious and practical, its many shops, large variety of restaurants and bars, novelty and marine equipment shops and its appealing and pleasing architecture will can keep you interested for many an hour. You may also be lucky and see the small sport fishing boats arriving with there catch of the day displayed on the wooden walkways between the moorings. There’s an old steam ship called the Mississipi Willow you can stroll around when open, it is a real authentic ancient boat which was actually brought to Benalmadena from Mississipi.

The Benalmadena Marina really does offer something for everyone and most people who visit here return time and time again to muse over this awesome location on the Costa del Sol.

Gary



The Costa del Golf


The Costa del Sol has not been named the Costa del Golf without good reason, it is simply a golfers paradise, there are some 69 golf courses in Andalucia , of which 45 are situated along the Costa del Sol , four of those are ranked in the top 10 in Europe, add to that a fantastic all year round climate and you are most definitely in golfing heaven !!.

This concentration of quality courses along with an excellent warm and sunny climate has proven to be a must golfing winter destination to many thousands of northern Europeans each year. Valderama was chosen for the Ryder cup in 1997 which ironically was almost washed out due to the heavy rains, however even the unusually wet weather couldn't dampen the atmosphere during those momentous days for the European team.


This year Valderrama golf club will celebrate in style as the Volvo Masters commemorates its 20th anniversary, the longest-running single sponsorship in European golf. The tournament will be played between the 1st and 4th November 2007


For more info please visit http://spainguides.com/costagolf.html


Gary


http://spainguides.com

Sunday, 15 July 2007

Living in a Cave in Spain !!




Living in a cave in Spain. are you mad I hear you say, well not quite, not only has this been going on for centuries it is becoming increasingly popular once again due to the many advantages if offers.



For anyone that has driven past Granada on their way to the to Almeria or another eastern coastal area of Spain you will have past Guadix and and noted the terrain changes dramatically as the Sierra Nevada mountain range looks majestically over the region. The land starts to become sparse and dessert like, you may also have noticed the cave homes built into the rock face . There are in fact many hundreds of caves in the area including Guadix, Fuente Nueva and Baza and many are now being reformed with surprising results.


If you would like to know more about these unique homes, some of which are many stories in height, several bedrooms and all modern amenities, please check out Iain and Gayle's fascinating web site http://www.livinginacave.com/ where you will find everything you ever wanted to know about living , buying and renovating caves in this beautiful part of Andalucia.


Gary

http://spainguides.com/

Sunday, 8 July 2007

The Noche de San Juan


One the night of June 23rd the Spanish pay tribute to the Summer solstice with the fiesta of San Juan. Although not on the mainstream calender as being one of Spain's great fiestas it is in fact one of the most celebrated nights in the whole year, second only perhaps to new years and Christmas Eve, although the latter is more of a quiet family affair rather than the fun and excitement that can go on all night with the San Juan Fiesta.

The festival of San Juan ( named after John The Baptist ) goes back 5000 years and is an ancient pagan festival.

As the sun sets on the eve of the 23rd everyone heads for the nearest beach where they build bonfires, light barbecues, prep the food including fresh sardines, kebabs and other tasty morsels, fill buckets with ice and drinks and have fun .
Here is an excellent video of the San Juan Fiesta. http://www.videojug.com/film/spanish-festival-night-of-san-juan
Gary