10 Things You Do Not Know About Spain - maybe ?

How well do you know Spain?

Have a look below and see how much you didn´t know!

1 Spain is the third biggest country in Europe after the Ukraine and France, and is also the second most mountainous country in Europe after Switzerland.

2 Spaniards speak four official languages. Castillian is what most people refer to as Spanish. Galician is spoken solely in the province of Galicia. Euskara is spoken in the Basque Country and Catalan is spoken in Catalonia.

3 With over 45 million inhabitants, Spain has the 6th largest population in Europe.

4 The Spanish climate varies widely. The north is cool and very cold in Winter, whereas the south is mild and very hot in summer. The capital Madrid, because of its central location, is one of the hottest cities in Spain during the summer and one of the coldest in winter.

5 The Kingdom of Spain once included the country of Portugal.

6 Spain ´owns´ the two north African cities of Ceuta and Melilla.

7 Madrid, Spain´s capital city, is the highest city in Europe. Madrid is 667 metres above sea level and is situated right in the centre of Spain.

8 Spain is the closest country to the continent of Africa. At its closest point, Andalucia is only 12 miles from the coast of Morocco in northern Africa.

9 Spain is the biggest producer of olive oil in the world. Over 44% of olive oil consumer worldwide comes from Spain, and it produces twice the amount of Italy and four times the amount Greece produces. The region of Jaén is the biggest producer of olive oil in Spain where over 25% of the country´s output is produced. This amounts to a staggering 10% of the world´s olive oil being produced in Jaén alone.

10 Over 45 million tourists visit Spain each year.

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alicante - costa brava top events

Alicante

By road, sea or air you can reach Alicante, the “City of Lights”. With more than 3,000 years of history inherited by different civilizations. Alicante is the Capital of the Costa Blanca in the province of Valencia. With its beaches, Port and Promenade being the main characteristics of the city. Alicante’s diverse contrasts of landscapes and attractive beaches, can offer something for everyone.

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What to do in Alicante

To spend a holiday in Alicante and you can enjoy a fun packed holiday as Alicante can offer you almost anything you wish to do or see. From scuba diving or sailing in the Mediterranean to hiking through their wonderful Nature Parks, or playing golf in one of their many courses, known to be the best in Spain, and in close proximity of the airport (El Altet Airport). A beauty spot to see when you stay in Alicante is The Isla de Tabarca, a marine nature reserve, with a seabed carpeted in underwater plants, a paradise for diving enthusiasts. For younger members of the family that want more entertainment than just the beach, they can choose from large theme parks ( Terra Mítica ), Aqua Parks or even Safari Parks, there is endless entertainment for everyone.

The busiest leisure area in Alicante is the Port, busy with pubs, discos and restaurants. Staying in Alicante you can enjoy the gastronomic traditional dishes from produce used from the surrounding countryside or fresh from the sea, and over 300 varieties of rice dishes to choose from (Paella )and a typical sweet ( Turrón ) and try their local fortified wine ( fondillón). For those interested in architecture visit the Roman Ruins or the Cathedral, just of a few to mention. In July and August on Fridays and Saturdays the city holds what is known as the “Castle Nights”, in the Castle of Santa Barbara where they hold musical events and dining in the open air on a summers evening. Alicante is an ideal destination to spend your holiday in summer or winter, with its quality beaches and rolling countryside and challenging golf courses, and offering numerous tourist accommodation and residential estates.

How to get to Alicante

Alicante International Airport is located about 11km from the city of Alicante at El Altet and is easy to get to from the main A7 motorway. It is very well sign posted and with good access. Car parking is right outside the arrivals and departures. Buses and Car Hire are easily accessible. By road you can get to Alicante, on the A-7 motorway from the French border. The national route N-340 links Alicante to Barcelona and Valencia City. Flight to Alicante from the UK takes less than three hours depending on the airport of departure.

More information

Golf & Country Club La Marquesa
Avda. Justo Quesada, s/n
03170 Rojales • Alicante

For scuba diving in alicante

Marina Deportiva de Alicante, Moll 8 Zona de Llevant, Planta alta Local
They organize excursions to the Island of Tabarca, the Bay of Alicante and other underwater points of interest. They also offer a sailing charter service with skin-diving.

Theme Park Monte Tossal

Located in the city-centre next to the Castle of San Fernando, the park is on the side of Mount Tossal and is divided up to represent the various regions of Valencia. It has fun and cultural attractions such as mini-golf, giant chess, pétanque, multi-purpose hall, children’s games, skating, skateboarding, cafeteria, shop and car parking.


Tourist information office
Avenida Rambla de Méndez Núñez 23
03002 - Alacant/alicante


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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.

Arroyo Hondo Casares

I have sampled food at many restaurants along the Costa del Sol, but not many compare to the fab fare at Arroyo Hondo near Casares. Take the N-340 from Estepona, direction Sabanillas, and turn inland at the sign for Casares. The restaurant is situated in a great countryside location just 2km from Casares village and 10km from the coast. Admittedly, the last time I went here with friends, I was suffering some quite severe hangover symptoms after a late night birthday party on the Saturday. But the fantastic food and ambience at this restaurant soon perked me up (or was that the wine??). The menu is completely different to anything you will find on the coast, and although I love the beach bars in and around Marbella, their menus are all very similar, and offer little in the way of creative food. Sunday lunch is the best time to go to Arroyo Hondo in my opinion, as they are open all afternoon and you can relax and enjoy the views aswell as the great food. Dishes include:-sweet onion and manchego cheese tart; vietnamese spring rolls with lime, chilli and basil mayonnaise and gravadlax tartare with poached quail´s egg and wasabi créme fraiche (my absolute favourite). Main courses include such favourites as:-slow roast belly of pork with sage and onion mash and haricot vert wrapped in bacon; pan-fried sea bass with saffron cream and prawns, served on a bed of roasted thyme potatoes and seared duck breast marinated in 5 spices with wok-fried pak choi and green tea noodles. Desserts are home-made and delicious and include vanilla créme brulée, and warm wild berry frangipane tart. Oooh I shouldn´t write about this when it´s nearly lunchtime and all I have to look forward to is a soggy sandwich. Arroyo Hondo´s food is different and totally delicious - even with a hangover! If you are planning a trip here, it is best to book. Tel: 95289 5152.

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.

Malaga Airport

At a time when many residents of the Costa del Sol are moaning about the recession in Spain (a downturn I would prefer to call it) and the credit crunch in the UK, vast expansion of Malaga Airport will make it one of the most modern, well-equipped airports in Spain. Once the new terminal is open in 2009 (hopefully) the airport will be able to handle thousands more passengers and fly to many more destinations. Longer haul flights will be available without having to change in Madrid or the UK, and new car parks will reduce the parking problems which now exist. So for those of you who have lived on the Costa del Sol for a number of years and have come to dread a trip to the airport to pick up friends and family, 2009 and the completion of the works is something to look forward to. As in my last blog, the Maria Zambrano Train Station, Malaga is also a modern, totally reformed building, and is a great advert for travellers arriving in the city. There are plenty of reasons to be cheerful about the Costa del Sol and Malaga in particular - check out some of the new tapas bars and restaurants in the city centre - chic, and elegant with superb food. So keep positive, stop moaning and celebrate the many positives about this fabulous coast.

Renfe - a pleasant surprise!

Having decided to brave Seville in mid-Summer, we also decided to take the train from Malaga to Seville and avoid the hassle of city driving - tempers can get frazzled in our car when we are hot and bothered and very slightly lost. Having looked on the Renfe website, www.renfe.es, I was pleased to see we could book online, and the whole operation took no more than 5 minutes. I can also get frazzled when trying to book or buy something online only to be confronted with page after page of questions to fill in -just stopping short of asking me what I had for breakfast. So it was all happy skippy with booking the tickets, then just after the credit card details had been accepted and the window pop-up was instructing me to print my tickets, my computer threw a wobbly and closed the page down. Hmm - I thought it was all going too swimmingly. Well luckily, Renfe admin had sent me a confirmation of booking with a reference so I spoke to the astonishingly helpful chap at the station (and was offered an English speaking operator if I preferred). He told me to take the booking reference to the station check in and our tickets would be waiting for us on the day of departure. Very helpful and very friendly - tomorrow we will see if it has worked! But all in all, having travelled on trains from Malaga to Seville and Madrid in the past, they are clean, cool and run on time - unlike the UK where delays and cancellations are hitting all time highs. So if you are planning to travel within Spain, consider checking out the Renfe Website - you will be pleasantly surprised by the prices too.

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.

The hippodrome

The hippodrome at La Cala de Mijas is now planning its summer season, when night racing starts from 10pm. For horse racing fans, the hippodrome is one of the best sporting days out on the Costa, and the only reason you don´t see it advertised any more is because none of the local papers will run ads for the hippodrome as the previous owners left a trail of unpaid bills (yes really). The new owners have promised smarter and better organised events to once again attract the crowds. Some of Spain´s top horses race here, and the hippodrome boasts several bars, restaurants and a roof top terrace - often hosting live music. Last time we went entry was €5 each, and bets can be made at the course. For more information and race dates, call 95 259 2700.

I love Gibraltar

Now you may not hear that said very often - but I really do enjoy a day in Gib! I wouldn´t choose to live there and, although I have lived in Spain for 14 years, I still sometimes crave a bit of Britishness. - Main Street Gibraltar is much like most main streets in England, and the shops are great. The BHS Home Store is a good one at the bottom of Main Street, and of course what sort of a high street would it be without M&S at the top end? From the Marks food store try the home made chocolate chip cookies and a great range of herbs and spices. All the summer stuff is in now too, and there is a great range of swimwear and sarongs for beachlovers. I always find that the cafés on Main Street are a bit of a rip-off, but if I go with my dad he insists on sitting there so he can watch the old soldiers parading up Main Street on a Saturday morning. If you want to make a day of it, go out on the dolphin boat from the Marina - it´s only about €20 each, and unlike many similar trips, you are guaranteed to see hundreds of dolphins, which swim into the Bay of Gibraltar as the warm water attracts them. And don´t forget a trip up the rock to see the apes. The last place I lived in the UK was Mansfield, and although this was no green, leafy suburb of Shakespeare´s England, it was very similar to Gibraltar (Apes and all!) Hmmm perhaps that´s why I feel so at home on the rock!