Our Checklist of 9 Things to Do at this Year’s Fuengirola Fair

Feria del Rosario en Fuengirola 2011Our neighbours in Fuengirola are celebrating their local “Feria” this week (starts on the 6th October and ends on the 12th). Referred to as the “Feria del Rosario” – in honour of the town’s patron saint – it is famous for its’ horse exhibitions and processions.

We thought it would be interesting (and fun!) to give you a checklist of things you should do during this year’s Fuengirola Fair… so here goes:

1)      Go and watch the official “switching on” of the Fair Lights. Takes place on the 6th October at 10:30pm at the Palacio dela Paz.

2)      Watch the “Misa Flamenca” (Flamenco Mass) in honour of the Patron Saint, La Virgendel Rosario Coronada. There will also be a procession which leaves from the Plaza de la Constituciónin the town centre. 7th October at 10:30am.

3)      Horse Show and Exhibition in the Fuengirola Bull Ring. 12:00pm on the 8th October – Entrance is Free (more…)

Aventura Amazonia: A New Adventure Park Concept in Marbella

aventura amazonia adventure park in marbella

Aventura Amazonia, a new adventure park built amongst the trees, has just opened inMarbella. This new and innovative concept – apart from being great fun – is totally respectful of nature and the natural surroundings where it is located.

Visitors can enjoy 73 different challenges and 20 impressive zip lines including the longest in Andalucía (240 metresof exhilarating descent!). You get to decide which adventure circuit you want to attempt; all games and circuits are grouped according to their difficulty level, very much like ski slopes! (more…)

Did You Know You Can Visit the Fuengirola Zoo (Bioparc) at Night?

Bioparc Fuengirola at Night

Bioparc at night...

Fuengirola Zoo, or Bioparc, as it is now called is a favourite amongst holiday makers who visit theCosta del Sol. If you haven’t been, you need to make sure you a visit in to your busy holiday plans; the kids will love you for it and you’ll have a blast of a time! Until the end of August, they’re even open at night!

Divided into different themes, Bioparc Fuengirola offers visitors a unique experience as you are taken on a fascinating tour that includes visiting Africa’sCongoValleywith its lush vegetation and a group of gorillas, including an enormous silverback! (more…)

Jamie Cullum Concert at the Sohail Castle in Fuengirola

Jamie Cullum Concert in FuengirolaWe’re in for a real treat this Thursday evening (4th August) as contemporary Jazz artist, Jamie Cullum, takes to the stage in the amazing setting of Sohail Castle in Fuengirola.

Known for his passionate and energetic live performances, the 31 year old visits the Costa del Sol for what will be his only show in Andalucia (even more of a reason to go!). The foundations of Sohail Castle will be literally shacking as he performs songs from his own albums as well as hits from other famous artists.

Although his music is rooted in Jazz, he delves into a vibrant mix of pop, rock ‘n roll and jazz. He’ll be pounding away at his piano, but if we are lucky, we’ll also be able to sample his talents on the guitar and drums too! An interesting fact: Jamie never works to a set list in his live performances, it’s all improvised! Should make for a very entertaining evening…

The doors of Sohail Castle will open to the public at 8:30pm and the show starts at 10pm. If you’re looking for tickets, you can buy them online at www.ticketmaster.es or at any El Corte Inglés department store. Prices start at €35 if you buy before the event and go up to €45 on the night.

Note: If you’re heading to the Costa del Solspecially to see the concert and you are looking for somewhere to stay, you can check our availability on www.sunsetbeachclub.com

The Virgen del Carmen Processions: Don’t Miss this Breathtaking Cultural Event

Virgen del CarmenFor those of you who enjoy taking in a little Spanish culture during your holidays, I highly recommend you take a couple of hours this Saturday (16th July) to go and see one of the many “Virgen del Carmen” processions taking place along the Coast.

Last year I went along to the Virgen del Carmen procession in Los Boliches – just a 15 minute drive from the hotel – and thoroughly enjoyed the experience (follow the link to the blog post I wrote).

I won’t provide a long winded explanation of what this day represents – you can see this post about the Virgen del Carmen celebrations for that – but I will quickly explain a little about the reason for this colourful and emotional event.

The Virgen del Carmen, or Stella Maris, as she is often referred to is the patron saint of fishermen and of the Spanish Navy! If you visit one of the processions which take place in most of the “traditional” fishing villages along the Coast – Los Boliches, Benalmádena,La Carrihuelain Torremolinos, Marbella and Estepona, to name but a few – you will witness the pure devotion the local villagers towards their patron saint.

The processions usually start off in the afternoon as the fishermen carry their “Virgen” – which is usually handcrafted in wood and porcelain (more…)

Scuba Diving Season has Started! (Video)

Here’s a short video I took as I spotted some clients taking scuba diving lessons in the main pool here at Sunset Beach Club; it was a little overcast so they had the pool to themselves!

Scuba diving season has officially started and we are lucky enough here at Sunset Beach Club to have our very own dive centre on site! Run by Scuba Tours, one of the longest running dive organisations on the Costa del Sol, the team of qualifies instructors are available to answer guest queries about their fantastic selection of excursions and PADI courses.

Apart from initial lessons in our pool, guests who sign up for an excursion can experience an entry level dive at a site that is within a few steps of the hotel. Those who are looking for a little more adventure can choose from 15 different dive sites situated along the Coast, including reefs, wrecks and caverns!

There’s something for everyone. Guests can choose from the following:

  • Day Excursions (Beginners and advanced)
  • PADI Courses (From beginner to professional level)
  • Special Kids Programmes (from 8 years of age)

For more information about Scuba diving lessons and excursions, pop into the “dive shack” located by the pool at Sunset Beach Club or visit the Scuba Tours website on www.divinginspain.com . Alternatively, just ask at our Leisure Desk.