Hola Fuengirola - Travel to Fuengirola On-line

Local charity received 100,000 Euros from Ryanair

2011-11-10T14:06:00.001Z

Ryanair does seem to get a lot of bad press these days, but today I hear that a local charity called DEBRA Espana which is based in Marbella under the name of 'Butterfly Children' will received 100,000 Euros towards their respite home in Marbella. The money has been raised by the sale of the Ryanair 2012 calendars. Well done Ryanair, I feel sure the money will be greatly appreciated.

Foreign Office concerned as one in five travel without insurance

2011-10-07T20:01:00.001+01:00

British travellers risk being seriously out of pocket if they do not take out adequate insurance as research shows one in five travel without taking out insurance. Always best to buy your insurance when booking your holiday and not just before you travel, that way you will be covered for your deposit too.

Feria fever – Fuengirola 2011

2011-10-07T19:46:00.000+01:00

Drove down into town this evening and about 6pm – all the local shops were already closed and the streets were full of family groups – dressed flamenco style and heading for the Feria Ground.

Yes it Feria fever again, cannot believe how quickly the Feria comes around each year. As is customary during the Feria, we usually see the first rain of the season, so far this year not drop.

This year I watch in amazement as the young men assembled the rides, hanging from ropes bolting the terrifying rides together. I must be getting older as I used to love the ‘mousetrap’ at Alton Towers.

IKEA, MALAGA

2011-08-19T18:52:00.001+01:00

Who would have thought that IKEA would bow down to the Feria syndrome? Obviously the management at IKEA have learnt over the 4 years in Malaga that there is no one to open up during Feria week. Probably same applies in Sevilla and Cordoba during their Feria weeks.

I seldom leave the compound during August, but today I set off to Malaga to have a look at the 'new arrivals' (much advertised on the local radio) and was really disappointed to find the whole place was closed and no notices to say why. Obviously it’s Feria week in Malaga.

Malaga Fair 2011

2011-08-11T20:22:00.001+01:00

The Malaga feria is almost upon us and many turists visit the city at this time of the year. The opening event is Friday night (12th August) with a firework display on the Malagueta beach at midnight followed by a concert.

All thoughout the week the feria is in full swing from 1pm until 7pm in the main shopping streets around Calle Larios. The evening then continues at the Feria ground - buses are available to take you from Malaga centre to the fair ground.

There will be extra trains running between Malaga and Fuengirola - every 20 minutes instead of the normal 30 minutes.

Ryanair booking process now compliant with EU regulations.

2011-08-11T20:04:00.000+01:00

Ryanair has changed its booking process to ensure it is now compliant with European regulations.

It is now much clearer what the final cost will be when booking with Ryanair – the up-dated website now displays all unavoidable costs upfront so you don’t have to get to the final page to reveal the total cost of your flight.

Easyjet and Jet2 now allow you to pay by debit card with no extra charge – with Ryanair you have to pay by prepaid master card to avoid credit card costs.

Luxury weekend in Puerto Banus

2011-06-03T19:29:00.000+01:00

If you are staying on the Costa del Sol this weekend, do head to Puerto Banus where they are hosting a "Luxury Weekend". All the high-end shops are putting on something special and have invited VIP guests. The Cartier shop has a fabulous diamond encrusted serpent necklace on display and I was lucky enough to have a preview yesterday. B & O were hanging out chandeliers and there is a giant catwalk on the port’s main jetty where models will be showing the new seasons fashion. Organised by the Tourism department the event runs until Sunday evening.

Complaints – Denuncias

2011-05-28T20:18:00.000+01:00

To make a police complaint or DENUNCIA as it is called in Spain you can call the number 902102112.

Calls are answered 24 hours a day in Spanish or English. For French, German and Italian the service is available from 8am until midnight every day of the week.

This telephone service is for the following type of crimes:

Robbery, theft from home or vehicles, loss of documents, damage and scams. However it is not used when there is robbery with intimidation or when it is by someone you know. In such cases you would need to go to the Police Station or Local Comiseria Local in Fuengirola which is located on Avenida Conde San Isidro 98 – just beyond the new Town hall.

After completing your telephone complaint you need to go within 48 hours to the Police station of your choice, to sign the document.

Do take care when calling from a mobile as it can take quite a while to make your complaint. Always best to call from a landline if possible or from a call box.

Classic Motorbike Rally in Mijas

2011-05-28T09:10:00.000+01:00

There is a Classic motorbike rally this weekend 28^th and 29^th May in Mijas village. If you need spare parts for your classic bike head to Mijas as there are also market stalls selling parts.

We have an old Vespa, but not quite old enough or in good condition for the Vespa competition. Everyone in the family have at some time or other fallen off the Vespa and it is looking a little sad. What is really good to see now in Spain is that everyone is now wearing a helmet – even around town.

Residency certificate

2011-05-21T22:06:00.001+01:00

To apply for your Certificate of Registration for the European Community you first need to make an appointment at the Comiseria in Fuengirola. You can either go to the National Police station or call 952197114 to make an appointment.

All that is needed is:
Application form EX16 + 1 copy
Valid passport or Residency card + 1 copy
Form 790 + copy (10 Euros fee needs to be paid at the bank beforehand)

Cruising into Gibraltar

2011-05-21T21:34:00.000+01:00

The Government of Gibraltar have announced that from 2012 cruise ships will be able to open up their revenue making facilities (shops and casino) whilst the ship is still docked in Gibraltar. I am sure that most people who have been cruising will have had to rush back to the ship so that it can head out into international waters.

It is hoped by the Gib turism department what passenger and crew will be able to stay ashore longer and boost the revenue of the local shops and pubs and the Cruise liners will be able to offer longer trips ashore.

1st Apple Store to open on the Costa del Sol

2011-05-21T21:32:00.002+01:00

APPLE has announced that a new Spanish store will be opening in Marbella in September 2011. The new Apple store will be the first retail store in southern Spain and will be in ‘La Canada Shopping Centre’ in Marbella. This will bring the number of stores in Spain to 7^th, (there are already 3 stores in Madrid, 2 in Barcelona and 1 in Valencia.

Soon, we will be able to shop for Apple computers, iPads, iPhones and accessories.

Malaga Airport transfers - Autosol

2011-05-21T21:20:00.002+01:00

There is a local company based in Torremolinos called Autosol - they are located close to the airport and offer transfers from Malaga airport to all local towns.

The fare from Malaga to Fuengirola is 35 Euros and Mijas village is 46 Euros (VAT at 8% is added to the rate). A driver will be waiting in the arrival hall with a board with your name on.

For an extra 10 Euros per journey you can order a child seat.

The website is very clear and you can book and pay for your trip on-line.

Renew your EHIC card soon

2011-05-18T18:16:00.001+01:00

The extract below is taken from an article written by Martin - at www.moneysavingexpert.com and I cannot stress enough how important it is to have your EHIC card when you travel to Spain. Treatment at the local State- run Health Centres and Hospitals here in Spain will only be carried out free of charge if you have your original and of course 'in date' EHIC card. Cards are free and can be obtained at the Post Office or on-line at the official site www.ehic.org.uk.

"The free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives health cover in state-run hospitals and at GPs in all 27 EU countries, plus some others. Yet many who think they are covered are not.

· Urgently check the date. Over 6m cards will expire in the first half of 2011, never mind those already dated. If going to Europe ensure all cards are valid. See the EHIC guide for how to renew/apply (beware Googling as some firms charge).

· If it's free for them, it's free for you. With an EHIC you pay what a local pays. If it's free for them, as in Spain, it's free for you. If they pay, as in Germany, you pay the same.

· Always carry your EHIC. You must present it to be covered, so don't leave it at the hotel. Keep it in your purse or wallet.

· Kids need their own. Include under-16s as dependents on a parent's or guardian's application form and they'll be sent an EHIC too."

Night in White, Malaga Saturday 14th May 2011

2011-05-12T14:26:00.000+01:00

On Saturday evening in Malaga there is a special event called La Noche en Blanco. The event runs from 8pm to 3am and visitors to Malaga can sample museums, art galleries including the new Carmen Thyssen Museum, cinemas and monuments.

All activities throughout the city are free as well as guided tours of public buildings. The streets will be filled with rock and pop concerts, performing arts, plays and films.

What better way to get to know the city of Malaga and all for free!

Mijas Race course

2011-05-11T16:39:00.001+01:00

The summer season at the Hipodromo Costa del Sol start on Saturday 2^nd July – then each Saturday evening until 23^rd July. From the 29^th July race night changes to Friday evening and continues through August on the 5^th, 12^th 19^th and 26^th. The races start at 10pm when it is a little cooler.

The adult entrance fee to the Hipodromo is 5 Euros or purchase a pack on 6 tickets for 20 Euros. For persons under the age of 18 or over 65 years entrance is free.

Although the racecourse is close to the Castle at Fuengirola, a car or taxi is needed as it is just a little too far to walk. There is plenty of parking and it is free.

For more information call 952592700 or www.hipodromocostadelsol.es - the site is in English and Spanish. Tickets can also be purchased at El Corte Ingles and at some hotel receptions.

Easyjet flights

2011-04-07T09:30:00.000+01:00

I have just heard that Easyjet summer flights from Glasgow to Malaga have been re-scheduled. The weekday flights which were due to leave around 6am are now not leaving until late afternoon. This is so disappointing for the families who booked early and chose Easyjet over Ryanair because of the early morning departure.

Easyjet have given their customers the option to change their flight to an alternative day.

ITV for cars and mopeds - MOT certificate

2011-03-11T21:08:00.002Z

Once a car or bike is over 4 years it becomes necessary to have ITV test every 2 years. Cars or bikes over 10 years old then need a yearly test. Mopeds over 3 years old need to be tested every 2 years.

There are ITV centres all over Spain – the nearest one for our area is in Malaga on the Guadalhorce Industrial Estate close to Malaga Airport.

Only cars registered in Andalucia can apply on line for an appointment, if your car is not registered in Andalucia, you then need to call for an appointment. The telephone number to call for an appointment is 902101539.

The ITV test is very thorough and starts by checking documentation and insurance. Lights, wheels, brakes, indicators, visual check underneath the car for corrosion and finally an inspection inside the car - mirror, door handles, seat belts etc. Hopefully everything is in order and you are asked to wait about 10 minutes, your documents are returned , stamped and signed with a new sticker for the windscreen which shows you have a current ITV and the month and year of the next inspection.

To make your appointment on-line go to www.itvcita.com this brings you to the Welcome Screen of Veiasa the company responsible for testing. Next click on the ‘Continuar’ button. On this page you add your details, Registration No, name, surname, telephone number, last 6 numbers of the chassis, second surname (if you have one) and e-mail address. Next click ‘Aceptar’. On the next page chose the centre which you would like to attend, then chose the time for your appointment – then print off. If you need to change your appointment you can go back in and change at any time.

On test day, do get to the centre about 10 minutes before your appointment as you need to check in and are then told which queue to join. Good luck. If all else fails and you do not feel confident enough to get the ITV test done alone, most local garages will do a pre-ITV test and then arrange to take you car to Malaga for the test.

Mopeds do not have to go to a test centre - once a month a mobile unit spends a day or two in each large town. To find out when the mobile unit is next in your area go to www.itvandalucia.com and click on the moped icon, next on the left hand menu click on the Ubicacion ITV Movil – here you will find a list showing dates and times.

I have a test booked for next week, so I will see if what I have written is all correct.

Cruising into Malaga Port

2011-03-05T15:58:00.002Z

As far as I know cruise ships have always stopped at Malaga, but in the last few years this has been on the increase. Royal Caribbean and Costa Cruises use the port throughout the year. See a complete list of cruises from Malaga port here.

I was recently at the port to drop off my mum and sister who had booked a 6 night cruise starting and ending at Malaga. According to my sister there were lots of couples on the cruise who owned property on the Costa del Sol and were incorporating a short cruise with a visit to their apartment or villa. My own family sent 6 nights on the cruise then stayed the weekend with me – so 2 holidays for the price of one flight.

The port of Malaga is really easy to get to from the airport – there is now a new road which takes you from the airport along the coast road, scenic and not crowded. It takes about 10 minutes by car. You could also take the train from the Airport to Malaga Maria Zambrano station which takes 13 minutes then get a taxi to take you to the ship - the port of Malaga is about 2 km from the station. I did notice people walking from the entrance of the port to their ship but it is difficult with large cases and can be quite a long way – depending on where your ship is docked.

Andalucia Day - Día de Andalucía 2011

2011-02-26T22:28:00.000Z

Día de Andalucía is on Monday 28th February so we have a Bank holiday weekend in the province. Almost all businesses and shops will be closed as well as the schools. Expect restaurants and bars on the seafront to be very busy around 2pm as Spanish families do like to eat out.

Andalucia day is to commemorate Andalucia becoming an autonomous community in Spain on 28th February 1980. The holiday is always on the 28th February so can fall on any day of the week, this year it is a Monday making a ‘Puente’ or bridge – a long weekend.

Spring has sprung

2011-02-22T18:38:00.004Z

Warm and sunny today, February has been a fabulous month this year.

The weather forecast for this week is good with temperature rising to around 22 degrees - great as its half term with lots of families here on holiday.

Sixt low cost hire car at Malaga airport – save 30%

2011-02-22T18:22:00.000Z

Sixt is a German hire car company which operates in Spain – they are offering car hire from Malaga airport from just 16 Euros a day. 1 week in March for a medium sized car is just 109 Euros with unlimited mileage, insurance and VAT included. Tyre and windscreen insurance is an extra 25 Euros. Book your summer holiday car before 28th February and save 30%.
Checkout their web site for offers.

Bioparc, Fuengirola

2011-02-19T19:24:00.002Z

Formally known as the Fuengirola Zoo, the Bioparc Fuengirola has announced the birth of twins to a 5 year old Lemur. This is the 4th set of twins born to the ring tailed lemur and proof that the breeding programme in Fuengirola is working well say the vets and keepers.

The Bioparc is a new model of zoo based on respect for nature and the preservation of natural species, a model which has already established itself as a flagship for Europe.

The creation of our baobab was quite an achievement. It is one of the largest artificial trees in the world. A team of 20 people worked on its fabrication during 6 months, including masons, welders, sculptors and painters, as well as a botanist. Some of the branches, fabricated on the ground and raised with a crane, weighted more than 2,500 kg. Today it has become an icon of the zoo and of the City of Fuengirola.

SPECIAL OFFER - until 28th February 2011 - Annual pass for adults 25 Euros or 20 Euros for children.

Gibraltar here we come:

2011-02-13T15:59:00.002Z

Decided to take a trip to Gibraltar yesterday. Set off quite late, exactly 1pm when we got on the N340 at the Fuengirola junction, followed the coast road to Marbella, and then took the A7 (toll road). The first toll was 1.85 Euros and the next one at San Pedro was 2.20 – total just over 3 Euros. The road was quiet and we drove into Gibraltar at 2pm.

1 hour from Fuengirola to the Gibraltar border is the fastest we have ever got there and we did stick to the speed limit all the way. Jaime has decided he wants no more points on his licence.

There was no queue at all and we drove over the runway without incident. The new airport terminal looks like it is nearing completion and very smart too. I did smile when I read the signs – beautifying the surroundings.

We have been to Gibraltar many times and seen all the sights – but I love the Barbury apes and had to add a photo. I was reading an article recently stating that they often come down into town to raid the dustbins – McDonald’s takeaway!

If you are here on holiday and have a hire car, it is usually best to park in La Linea (plenty of parking very close to the border) and walk over the border. Once you have passed Customs checks, hop on a double decker bus to Main Street. If you would like to see the Barbury apes, take the cable car which is at the top of Main Street.

For a coach trip to Gibraltar, go to Torreblanca Travel on the seafront for information and times.

Switch off the Aircon automatically

2011-02-09T20:48:00.000Z

Just been reading about a device to automatically switch off the air conditioning unit when there is no one in the room. Ideal for holiday apartment when the tenant might leave the unit running all day or in children’s rooms.

Go to Econair to see the battery operated and mains powered units. The mains unit comes with a smoke alarm too.