Family Fun in Barcelona

When taking children on a trip to Barcelona, you will undoubtedly want to plan your itinerary to include activities to keep the little ones amused. Thankfully, there is a lot to see and do in this wonderful city, even if you're under a meter high!

What family holiday to Barcelona would be complete without a trip to the zoo? Everybody, young and old, will enjoy Barcelona's lovely zoo. The zoo was made famous by Snowflake, the Albino gorilla, but he has now passed away. Today, visitors can see a wide range of exciting and exotic animals, ranging from dolphins to Iberian wolves, from the red panda to the Eurasian otter. There is an impressive conservation centre too, that is bound to be of great interest to the kids.

Continuing the wildlife theme, adults and children alike cannot help but enjoy the wonderful Barcelona Aquarium. With over 10,000 fish and underwater creatures to see, the kids will be absolutely mesmerized watching this secret world unfold before their very eyes in front of the 35 tanks that make up the aquarium. The aquarium regularly holds workshops, theatre activities and story telling sessions, so it is a good idea to check out the upcoming events on its website.

For little boys (and big boys too!) the Barcelona Football Club Museum is a definite must. Absolutely everything about this famous team, from historical photographs to interesting paraphernalia, is housed in this 3,500 square meter complex. There is also an art museum for the girls to meander around while the boys gape at Barca exhibits.

Barcelona's answer to Disneyworld can be found just 90 minutes outside the city in the form of Port Aventura, a wonderful activity park that is divided into five exciting areas for children to enjoy. A full day 'or even longer' can be spent in Imperial China, the Far West, the jungles of Polynesia, Aztec Mexico or in the Mediterranean, enjoying theme-related rides, shows, shops and restaurants. The park caters for kids of all ages from the very little ones who would appreciate gentler rides, to adrenaline junkies who need their fix from rides such as the notorious Dragon Khan or Furious Bacus.

Finally, if Port Aventura is not your style, or you are simply after a slower change of pace, don't miss out on a visit to the nostalgic Tibidabo, a one hundred year old funfair that boasts some of the best views of the city. The park is packed with delightful amusement park offerings, including the must-ride funicular railway. While Tibidabo's rides are reasonably tame compared to Port Aventura, there is something about the charm and historical importance of this park that makes it a firm favourite among children.

As can be seen, there is a great choice of things to do in Barcelona to keep the kids amused. Combined with other natural attractions such as the long stretches of beaches along the coast, no kid should ever go bored in this stunning city.

Autumn Festival Jerez

In a city known for its fine wines and sherries, Jerez´s Autumn Festival is one of the citys most popular events of the year.

Hosted to celebrate the annual grape harvest, the famous Andalucian horses and the tradition of the flamenco dance, this celebration fills the town with music, dancing and street entertainment.
Boasting the best chalky soil for grape growing, Jerez is at the centre of the ´sherry triangle´ and produces some of the worlds best fortified wines. The Royal School of Equestrian Art is also based here, and the city is renowned for the quality and training of its horses.

Street entertainment including puppet shows, singers, dancers, theatre and a grand procession in honour of the Virgin de la Merced and the blessing of the grapes also takes place.

Contact details: Jerez de la Frontera Tourist Office, Alameda Cristina, Edif. Los Claustros, 11403, Jerez. Tel: 0034 956324747.

E-mail: turismoinfo@aytojerez.es

When: September,

Entrance:. Various.

Opening hours: Various but mostly evenings.

Getting there: Flights direct to Jerez or Cadiz.

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Things to do in Alcoceber - Valencia

Situated on the Costa del Alzahar in the region of Valencia, you will find Alcoceber on Spain´s north-east coast.

What to do in Alcoceber

Average yearly temperatures in Alcoceber are 17 degrees centigrade, which is substantially lower than on the south coast of Spain, but creates a mild climate year round. Summer is warm and welcoming in Alcoceber without being stifling. Alcoceber has five fabulous beaches which are sandy and long. The water at Alcoceber is clear and ideal for swimming and watersports. Also along the seafront promenade you will find a great range of beach restaurants serving fresh seafood, paella and a host of other famous Spanish dishes.

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Shops are plentiful and sell a varied range of goods including leather items and local handicrafts. If you are looking for a cheap hotel in Alcoceber, an apartment in Alcoceber or a last minute hotel in Alcoceber, you will be spoilt for choice. If you are planning a holiday in Alcoceber, you can also enjoy a visit to the castle and enjoy playing golf or tennis.

How to get to Alcoceber

Fly to Valencia Airport. For cheaper flights, most budget airlines fly directly to Valencia. Flight time approx. 2 hrs 30 mins.

About us

Things2dospain.co.uk is a website for lovers of the Spanish culture. If you are looking for places to go, places to eat, discos, nightclubs, beaches, music festivals, events, places of interest, family fun days out, local ferias or even boutique hotels, you will find the information on things2do. You can even get directions from google maps on the page, and bookmark your page to create your own itinerary.Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Users of things2do can contribute content by contributing to our forum board, and adding reviews and articles. That way, we keep our finger on the pulse by getting up-to-date reviews from the people who matter most. You can also contribute to our blog, and promote your own business by sending us your details on the ´submit form´. You get free classified advertising and a free listing, and we will encourage readers to review and rate your business.

Things to do in Alcobendas - Madrid

Situated just 12km north of Madrid, Alcobendas is one of the prettiest cities near Madrid. With a population of 3 million people, Madrid is the capital of Spain and is very close to the centre of the country.

What to do in Alcobendas

The weather in Alcobendas is very cold in winter and very hot in summer. Many of Alcobendas´ residents choose to move out to the coastal regions in July and August to escape the intense heat. Owing to its central location, the best time to visit Alcobendas is spring or autumn, unless you like it very hot or very cold.

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If you are looking for a cheap hotel in Alcobendas, or a last minute hotel in Alcobendas, you will not be disappointed. Alcobendas boasts a wealth of hotels, car hire offices, luxury accommodation and even hostals for holidaymakers on a budget. Alcobendas is one of the higher class areas of Madrid and is home to many of the city´s professionals.

Shops and bars serve authentic Spanish cuisine, and tapas bars in Alcobendas serve superb food at reasonable prices. Shops are plentiful, and you will find everything you want to buy in Alcobendas. Several parks and green areas have been created in Alcobendas to give residents and holidaymakers a feeling of being close to the countryside. Madrid´s Science Museum is also located in Alcobendas. Madrid is only minutes away by hire car, bus or taxi, where you can get stuck in to the nightlife and lively bars and clubs..

See map of Alcobendas.

How to get to Alcobendas

Fly to Barajas Airport, Madrid. Flights to Madrid from most UK airports take 2 hours, 30 minutes. Most UK budget airlines offer cheap flights to Madrid. Transfer from Madrid Airport to Alcobendas is approx. 25 mins by hire car.

About us

Things2dospain.co.uk is a website for people who are interested in Spain. If you are looking for places to go, places to eat, discos, nightclubs, beaches, music festivals, events, places of interest, family fun days out, local ferias or even boutique hotels in Spain, you will find the information on things2do. You can even get directions from google maps on the page, and bookmark your page to create your own itinerary. Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Users of things2do can contribute content on our forum board, and add reviews and articles. That way, we keep our finger on the pulse by getting up-to-date reviews from the people who matter most. You can also contribute to our blog, and promote your own business by sending us your details on the ´submit form´ on the site. You get free classified advertising and a free listing, and we will encourage readers to review and rate your business.

Antigua in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is one of the Canary Islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean. One of the island´s oldest villages is Antigua, which was built in the 18th Century. Fuerteventura was created 70 million years ago after widespread volcanic activity in the area. Known as the Nuevo Horizonte, Antigua is situated on the east coast of Fuerteventura.

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What to do in Antigua

Standing proudly in the middle of Antigua is the town´s beautiful church – Cruz de los Caldos – which was built in 1785 and dominates the skyline. Next to the village square, the church is open to visitors and holidaymakers in the mornings. Another huge attraction is Antigua´s fully restored windmill which brings visitors from all over Spain. Inside the windmill is a craft
shop selling local hand-made artefacts. The local market offers shoppers a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables and handicrafts at great prices.The annual fiesta in Antigua, Fuerteventura is a must-see event if you are planning to visit the island. Celebrated annually on the 8th September to pay homage to Nuestra Señora de Antigua, this colourful, noisy event brings
life to this vibrant town. The small port of Pozo Negro is situated just a few minutes from the town centre.

Car hire from Fuerteventura is quick and easy to arrange. The best option is to hire a care if you want to explore the island. Quiet and tranquil beaches combine with the nature reserve of Lobos which brings visitors fromall over Europe. A wide range of bird and plant species can be found in and around Antigua, Fuerteventura, and are unique to the area.Golf courses are situated atPajara and Puerto del Rosario. The weather is spring-like all year round and is always warmer in the south of the island. How to get to Antigua, Fuerteventura

Things to do in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura Airport is located just 3 km from Puerto Rosario. Budget flights from the UK to Fuerteventura can be found easily online and flight time from the UK is approx. 4 hours. Cheap flights to Fuerteventura are regularly obtainable. Car hire can be booked in advance

About us Things2dospain.co.uk is an informative website about things you can do in Spain. If you are looking for places to go, places to eat, discos, nightclubs, beaches, music festivals, events, places of interest, family fun days out, local ferias or even boutique hotels, you will find the information on things2do. You can also get directions from google maps on the page, and bookmark your page to create your own itinerary.

Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Users of things2do can contribute content by entering our forum board , and also by adding reviews and articles. That way, we keep our finger on the pulse by getting up-to-date reviews from the people who matter most. You can also contribute to our blog, and promote your own business by sending us your details on th´submit form´ on the site. You get free advertising and a free listing, and we will encourage readers to review and rate your business. The majority of things2do content is written by the people for the people.

There´s something about Mijas

I went up to Mijas-Pueblo yesterday for the first time in ages. Although I live only 15 minutes away, it´s one of those places that I visited a lot many years ago, and sort of overdosed on. It seemed every time I had visitors from the UK, up to Mijas we would trek. My dad is over on holiday so we decided to go for a trip to the town and meet up with some friends who live there. One thing I do remember is that it always used to be a nightmare to park, and if you couldn´t squeeze in between the tourist coaches and the donkey taxis you would find yourself lost in one of those ever narrowing streets - hoping to God nobody opened their front door- as everybody breathed in in the car. Well the new public car park (apologies if it has been there a year or two for those who know better) is brilliant. Not that I would normally wax lyrical about a car park, but it was something of a revelation. A big P sign directs you down to the entrance before you get to the main square of the town with its impoverished donkeys, and you enter well below street level. Once parked, remember to take the lift up to floor 10 (not down as we did to start with - which caused dad to mutter some obscenities as he thought we were lost in some dark, Mijas basement). You then exit right beside the town hall and the main square, which was a relief to dad as he can´t walk as well as he used to (as in the nearest bar will do). The view from the adjacent viewing platform (in front of the church) was absolutely stunning, and we could even see the outline of Gibraltar off in the distance. We also strolled over to the Casa Museo, which is home to some fascinating machinery which was used to produce olive oil and wine during Spain´s pre-Franco days. A reconstruction of a secret room, built behind a wardrobe, where the ex-mayor of Mijas, Manuel Cortes Quero, hid for thirty years from Franco´s troops is also situated on the top floor of the museum, and his story is documented on the walls of the cell. After a couple of drinks and tapas around the square, we headed back to Mijas-Golf for a late lunch and a superb menu del dia at Hoyo 19. €12 per head included three courses each plus a bottle of wine, and dad remarked that the oxtail was the best he had eaten in Spain (not my cup of tea but he was impressed). I enjoyed eggs florentine and swordfish which was excellent. Mijas Pueblo, unlike many other villages on the Costa del Sol still exudes a certain charm, and has not been spoilt at all by mass construction. The history and whitewashed houses of the town contrast with the modern bars, restaurants and facilities. But somehow it seems to work. Often some of the best places to visit are on our doorstep, and now that the summer madness is over, I would definitely recommend a day at Mijas-Pueblo.

Summer nights at the Triana

To celebrate my aunt´s birthday, ten of us went out for dinner at the Triana Beach Restaurant, at Carib-Playa on Friday night. Prices at many of Marbella´s beach bars have shot up recently, and the quality of the food in some of them is not as good as it should be. The Triana is an exception, and although it is by no means a luxurious restaurant, the food, the location and prices are hard to beat. Try the fresh mussels mariniere, or the tuna with white wine, lemon and sautéed onions - both favourites of mine. The scenic terrace enjoys an elevated position over the beach and the open views to the Mediterranean are stunning. Live music is played during the summer times on Friday evenings, and the Spanish guitarist who performed last week was brilliant. I love the informality of the Triana and it´s everything that a chiringuito should be - fresh food, reasonable prices and 50 metres from the sea. Oh and also plenty of parking right next door. With starters, main courses and plenty (and I mean plenty) of cava, wine and soft drinks thrown in, the bill worked out at €35.00 per head -not bad for Marbella. We use this beach bar a lot, as I used to live closeby, and it´s definitely one of the best in the area. Also it´s a great place to take the kids, as there is plenty of room to play on the sand in front of the terrace.

Telephone:-952 933 833. To get there from Marbella, take the coast road East in direction of Calahonda/Fuengirola. After the sign for Elviria, exit the road at Las Chapas sign. Go straight up slip road parallel to N-340. At roundabout 1st exit and at next roundabout head down right to the beach. When you get to beach front turn left and the Triana is 100 metres on your right hand side.

Aguamania - well worth a visit

Aguamania is a country bar - restaurant, just 20 kilometers from the coast, located by the A355 in the campo outside Cartama. If you fancy a run out in the country, it will only take you 25 minutes from Fuengirola. I love the location of Aguamania and the excellent food.
And if you fancy a few days away from the summer madness on the Costa, villa accommodation for up to 12 people is available , with it's own private pool. Wre were first taken to the restaurant last winter, and enjoyed the best Sunday lunch we have ever had in Spain - and believe me we´ve tried a few. It may be a bit warm for roast beef and all the trimmings in August, but we will definitely be going back next month. Not only is the food great, and the welcome warm and friendly, but its the perfect place to take the kids. There is plenty fo them to do, and the restaurant also hosts club nights, karaoke evenings and kid´s activities. From September, the Farmer´s market will resume on Fridays. This is the perfect ´get away from it all´ restaurant and the food and prices are unbeatable. See link for website or call - 95 242 0028. You won´t be disappointed.

A great horse show at El Ranchito

My horsey relatives (horse-loving not horse-looking) were over to visit recently and were eager to go to one of Andalucia´s horse shows which take place along the coast.Opened in the 1960´s as a riding school, El Ranchito at Torremolinos, now hosts the most spectacular shows on the Costa Del Sol. José Gonzalez bought the ranch in 1975, and continued running it as a school until the 1990´s when he decided to create a family horse show with animals trained by him.
This amazing show is performed every Wednesday evening, and brings together some of Andalucia´s finest riders and horses. Split into six sections, with a short break in the middle, the show includes equestrian ballet, Spanish dressage and the most incredible skills by the horsemen.Lasting one and a half hours, the show regularly attracts crowds of over 500 in the summer months, and advance booking is recommended. Dinner and a flamenco show can also be enjoyed at certain times of the year. This is much more than a show for the tourists, and we were amazed by the skill and horsemanship of the riders. Well worth the money and a great family day out. Adult price is €20 and price for the children is €10.50. Situated at El Pinar, Torremolinos, the phone number for more information is:- 95 238 3140.

Sizzling Sunday Salsa

As the temperatures soar along the Costa, the best way to spend a day off is at one of the many beach bars dotted along the coast. If you want to try something different with some sexy salsa thrown in, the Rancho Cubano, beachside close to Pinomar, Marbella, is one of the top places to go on a Sunday. We went to celebrate a friend´s birthday last Sunday, and had a great time - well, we had a great time apart from the dire food on offer. The mojitos are fabulous, and at €5 a throw, are well priced for this part of the coast. To get in the mood, the drinks were flowing, and the platters of fresh fruit kept us all refreshed well into the evening (in fact the platters of fresh fruit would probably be your safest bet where the food is concerned), or eat before you go. The roast chicken was as hard as a table top, the chips were greasy and the mixed salad, well - do you really want to know? Put it this way, if you are not averse to slug type creatures, by all means order it. There enough said about the food. But being a birthday party our priorities were very much the music and mojitos, and both were superb. The live band play from around 5pm and once everyone has finished eating, the tables are cleared for dancing. There is something strangely sensual about tanned bodies in beachwear salsa dancing while the waves lap the shore behind the restaurant. The music was loud and the dancing was great fun. Even for those of us who are not natural dancers, you can´t resist joining in. Lasting for several hours, there is something distinctly sexy about sipping mojitos on the beach with a salsa band playing nearby. To get there (best to park on the approach road down to the beach and walk), from Calahonda, direction Marbella, exit the road at the English International College, and take first turn right through a very old and antequated tunnel - pip your horn a few times before entering. When you drive up the slope turn first right and first left. Then right down to the beach and the Ranchon Cubano is about 200 metres to the left of this.

Summer fun at Malaga Feria

I am usually of the opinion that if you´ve been to one feria, you´ve been to them all. They are often much of a muchness, and although I am always tempted to go to Marbella and Fuengirola ferias, there is one event for me that stands head and shoulders above the rest. The Feria de Malaga, which takes place between the 16th and 24th August this year boasts a fantastic atmosphere that you don´t find at similar, smaller events along the coast. Our family usually take the train from Fuengirola to the centre of Malaga, so we can happily indulge in too much fino without worrying about driving home. We always visit in the afternoons, and you only have to follow the crowds and the noise to find the hub of the festivities. The beauty of this event is that it doesn´t have a touristy feel to it, and is a much more passionate and intense affair than most of the annual celebrations west of the city. Hundreds of señoritas dance in the streets with their colourful flamenco dresses swirling around them, and don´t miss the horse procession on the first day of the feria, where the horsemen show of their riding skills on some of the most beautiful Andalucian horses you will ever see. This fair is all about eating, drinking, dancing and merry making, and you will always be made to feel welcome. We normally stagger back to the train station around 8pm, footsore, a little bit drunk and happy to have experienced another fabulous Malaga feria. So don your dancing shoes and your flamenco frock and boogie on down there this August.

Against my better judgement ....... Aqua Park!!

As temperatures continue to soar along the Costa del Sol (even the dog has gone floppy and refuses to walk further than the gate), I was faced with the uneviable task of entertaining 5 kids for the day. An assorted bunch of nieces, nephews and godchildren, aged between 8 and 16 were never going to all agree on a venue so we had a show of hands and the Aqua Park (Parque Aquatico Mijas) won. I should have rigged the vote I thought as we headed off for the infamous water wonderland near Fuengirola. We went early and entered the park around 10am. The admission price was €11 each for children aged 4-12, and €16 each for older kids and adults. Not too bad when you consider that they wanted to stay all day (Groan!). Attractions included some terrifyingly named slides such as the kamikaze and the body ski, which are not for the faint- hearted, but us gentler souls were also well catered for with the wave pool and jacuzzi areas. This is the first time I have been to Aqua Park for about ten years, and vast improvements have been made since then. The staff are helpful and friendly (strange but true), and a lot of emphasis is placed on the safety and comfort of the visitors. There is also now a games arcade, mini-golf and rock climbing wall to add to the fun, plus a café-bar so you can keep refreshed throughout the day. The park obviously gets packed during the summer season, but there is still plenty of room to spread out, hire a few sunbeds and relax by the pool while the children enjoy the facilities. Do remember to pack plenty of high factor sun tan lotion. Although there are plenty of shady areas, the children will probably want to spend 90% of the time on the slides. We had a great day out, and miraculously there were no tears, no arguments and most importantly no sunburn! The park is open from 10am-7pm in July and August, and until 6pm in the Spring and Autumn. To get there from Marbella direction, exit the N-340 just after Dunnes Stores on the left. Aqua Park is here on the right hand side.

Finca la Mota

Has anyone been to Finca la Mota recently near Alhaurin el Grande. This great little hideaway has been open for over 20 years, and Arun the owner seems to have been there for even longer! It´s the perfect place to relax by the pool with a few drinks and delicious food. All of the meat is cooked on the barbecue, and the ribs and steaks are fantastic. There is also a great selection of salads including my favourite - coronation chicken, greek and niçoise. New on the menu is a wide range of sandwiches and baguettes with weird and wonderful names such as the Dolly Parton (chicken breast - not surprisingly) with cheese and bacon, and the delicious Brad Pitt - steak with onions and english mustard. The prices at Finca la Mota may well have gone up a bit in the past 20 years, but they are still well below what you will pay in other restaurants around Alhaurin. There is a large patio area, shaded by trees, a pool and sunbathing garden open to all guests. Accomodation is also available in the rustic finca building beside the outdoor restaurant. Only 15 minutes from the coast, Finca la Mota is a favourite with our family, and is the perfect place to take the kids! To get there from Fuengirola, take the Coin road from the Aquapark/Mcdonalds exit of the N-340 and head inland. Pass Alhaurin Golf Course and when you get to the roundabout with petrol station on the right go straight over. Finca la Mota is situated 200 metres past here on the left hand side - look out for the signs. 95 249 0901.

Romeria de las Lagunas - what a day

Romerias can be spectacular occasions when the statue of the Virgin is carried through the streets, followed by horses, carriages and local people donning traditional dress. I went to the Romeria de Las Lagunas last week, which takes place annually in the Parque El Esparragal, just past Mijas-Golf. What a fantastic occasion. We always go mob-handed and get there around 11.30am to make sure we get a table (by the bar obviously). The Virgin de la Paz is carried into the park on a flower laden carriage pulled by two oxen - accompanied by drumbeats and live music from the stage in the park. A huge paella was cooked for the crowds, and although the queue took around an hour to get to the front of (not for me as I was busy at the bar - but for my friend´s daughter and friends who had been sent on the paella mission) - it was delicious. Manzanilla (dry sherry) and Malaga wine were also served free of charge, and the pub in the park was also packed with revellers. The serious dancing started around 5pm when locals and holidaymakers boogied the afternoon away. The best part of the day was undoubtedly the greasy pole climbing competition (really) when lots of macho local youths compete to see who can climb up a vertical wooden pole and yank down a whole jamon serrano from the top. After many failed attempts, one courageous lad shimmied his way up to the top to claim the prize - to the adulation of the local girls! Altogether a brilliant day out - and even time for one for the road at the makeshift bar at the other end of the park where the horsemen were congregated to show off their trusty steeds!

Sphere Mania

One of my friend´s teenagers were over recently and, on the lookout for something new to try, they spent a brilliant day at Sphere Mania in Marbella.
Sphereing – the lastest craze to hit the coast

If you fancy rolling down a hill at speeds of up to 30mph in a sphere ball, then Sphere Mania is well worth a visit. Situated at La Quinta Driving Range, next to the golf club, Sphere Mania opened in mid-April, and has enjoyed fantastic success since the first day.
To enjoy sphereing you need to be daring, adventurous and very slightly mad! You may have tried paragliding, bungee jumping or even white water rafting but this is the newest, craziest adrenalin rush you are likely to experience.

Josh and Lewis were harnessed in to the sphere ball, facing each other, with a safe distance between them. The ball was then sent hurtling 200 metres down the hill, giving them the ride of their lives. After nearly giving me a heart attack - and that was just watching– they emerged from the ball giggling hysterically.
The ultimate sphereing experience, and another option to harness sphereing, is the amazing aqua sphereing, which sees one or two people plus 30 litres of water tumble down the hill in what can only be described as an ´in the washing machine´ experience. Passengers slide around inside the ball as it hurtles downhill, and judging from the shrieks of laughter when they emerge, it´s a crazy experience.
Amazingly, there is no dizzy feeling after riding the sphere, more a feeling of ´what the hell was that´. It is very much a rough and tumble ride, but we found that it was just as much fun watching our friends descend the hill, as it was taking part. Not for the faint-hearted but a great day out for the kids! €30 per head and birthday parties can be arranged.