We decided to take in the first of the Holy Week processions in San Pedro de Alcantara on Domingo Ramos (Palm Sunday). The two floats, one of Jesus on the donkey and the other with the Virgin Mary, beginning their journey through the streets of the town by emerging from the main church in front of a packed square made up of local people and also many visitors.    more »

Seven of the ten stations on the future coastline railway service between Fuengirola and San Pedro Alcántara are to be designed by prestigious architects Joao Alvaro Rocha and Francisco Mangado Beloki. The stations in question will be in Las Lagunas, La Cala de Mijas, Calahonda, Las Dunas, Hospital Costa del Sol, Puerto Banús and San Pedro. The architects have been given 24 months and 17 million euros to come up with the final plans.   more »

Easter Week, known in Spain as Semana Santa, is the most important celebration in the country and has to be experienced first hand to be fully appreciated. Here we list full details of the celebrations in Marbella, San Pedro Alcantara and Nueva Andalucia.   more »

There are just two days to go now before the Spanish people are called to the polls to vote for the party they think will best lead the country over the next four years.   more »

A new ‘010’ citizen telephone service has been launched by the Marbella Town Hall and enquiries, complaints and suggestions can be dealt with in seven different languages (Spanish, English, German, Italian, French, Arabic and Dutch).   more »

The Estepona Town Hall is asking residents to take their real Christmas trees to the municipal nursery rather than throw them out with the normal rubbish.   more »

With the Three Kings due to arrive on Saturday evening, and a lot of last-minute shopping to do, the unsettled weather of the past few days has caused some concern, particularly amongst those who intend to turn out to greet Their Majesties when they parade through the streets.   more »

Connecting to internet in the open air in some of the best known spots in the town will soon be possible.   more »

The municipality is soon to be able to boast the biggest butterfly farm in Europe. Work is already taking place on a 1,500 square metre site in the Retamar area near the Buddhist stupa and the attraction should be open some time next year. The farm will be home to some 2,000 exotic butterflies of 150 different species from all over the world which will be seen flying freely around visitors’ heads. The complex will also consist of a laboratory where visitors will be able to observe the butterflies’ reproduction process and biological cycle, as well as space for seminars, exhibitions, school workshops and illustrated talks.

After a long wait Fuengirola has become the province of Malaga’s fifth official “tourist municipality” after Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Nerja and Ronda. This distinction, awarded by the Junta de Andalucía, is aimed at improving competitiveness and encouraging a higher quality of services in towns with large numbers of visitors. The agreement was signed at the end of last week in Fuengirola by the Mayor, Esperanza Oña, and the regional head of Tourism, Sergio Moreno. In figures the distinction means an extra injection in the town by the regional government of 1.8 million euros. Measures to be carried out include integrating the municipal tourist information offices into the Andalusian network; the creation of a new website; and the updating and maintenance of the tourist signposting.

For those who have never experienced it, the local town or village Feria is the very essence of Spain. Noise, music, dancing, flamenco dresses, fireworks on the beach.   more »

We all know what the Costa del Sol has to offer during the summer, but why visit in the winter? Well, not only are there some cracking flight deals on offer, meaning you can get away for less, but here are our top three reasons to travel this winter. Look no further for a bit of inspiration...   more »

In Andalucia around 58 million appointments are made each year to see doctors. Now hospitals and health centres using the new Diraya system, which allows appointments to be made by internet or telephone, will also enable patients to make appointments via text message. Specifically 89 per cent of patients – 6,824,000 residents assigned to a total of 543 health centres – will now be able to make use of the new service.   more »

Janet and I are very pleased to announce our new, exciting Tango Holiday Solutions web site where you can find a full range of Costa del Sol holiday rental properties to view. We will also be able to help you with long term rentals and Costa del Sol property sales through our extensive network of partners on the coast of southern Spain.   more »

Work has begun on what will be the first eco-park in Andalucia, on the site of the former plant nursery in San Pedro de Alcantara. The Parque Forestal de los Tres Jardines will cover 9.5 hectares and include three different types of gardens.   more »

This week the Junta de Andalucía has launched a new promotional campaign to attract tourists from both the rest of Spain and other European countries.   more »

A day spent sampling tapas is the ideal way to experience Spanish culture and discover its enchanting bars and taverns. Tapas are an exquisite, varied sample of popular regional cuisine. You can share dishes and enjoy a broad selection of products. All the taste of Spain in just one meal, and usually at very affordable prices.   more »

The Andalucian government is planning to bring into effect a series of stringent new laws regarding community pools, from January 1, 2008.   more »

Under a Directive from the European Union, carriers are obliged to collect each customer’s ‘Advance Passenger Information’ (API) to pass on to the relevant national authority. This means that your airline must capture key pieces of information found in your travel document, such as date of birth and nationality, prior to travel.   more »

When the Mayor of Torremolinos, Pedro Fernández Montes, inaugurated the town’s new Parque de la Batería on July 28, he hailed the 7.4-hectare open space as the town’s new flagship park and a recreational treasure for residents and tourists alike.   more »