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Wednesday, 01 September 2010 |
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With August crowds dispersing and hopefully the soaring temperatures dropping a few degrees to a more comfortable 25 to 27 degrees (today is 34!), then Spain's Costa Tropical returns to its more conventional pace – with the arrival of September we can move around with much more ease and comfort. Even the weekly supermarket run becomes pleasurable again… Many Almunecar hotels were affected by a fall in tourism again in 2010, with some recording much lower levels during the week this season than before, apart from the weekends when occupancy soared to 100%. This compares with 79% in 2009, 82.5% occupancy in August 2008 and 98% in 2007. One could clearly notice the difference this year during the week, but at weekends the beaches of the Costa Tropical filled to over-capacity thanks to the improvements in transport routes provided by the opening A-44 and A-7 motorways – that is apart from the unfinished section between Taramay and Motril – which caused regular traffic jams Friday to Monday along the N-340 coastal road link. Private landlords of holiday properties also recorded a decline in interest and rates – however while back in 2009 some owners were discounting as much as 50% for last minute arrivals, in 2010 discounting was less aggressive. Let's hope we don't see flash flooding the likes of September 21 2007… a recent drive up the still not so dry river bed (track) of the Rio Verde reminded me of the importance of keeping these beds clear and free from rubble and debris. This was a major factor which caused the flooding in the town back then. Then, I discover a recent report from the Spanish State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, has now suggested that the weather phenomenon known as ‘gota fría’ (downpour cloudbursts) could be anticipated along the Mediterranean coast after September 15. Caused when cold air at high altitudes meets hot and damp air on the ground, with traditionally Autumn being the customary time for this to happen. AEMET has indicated that the risk of such sudden downpours is likely to extend into October. The AEMET centre in Murcia has recommended caution during this period, especially if you are in the areas of Murcia, Valencia, Eastern Andalucía, Cataluña and the Baleares where torrential rain could reach 200 litres per square metre. Don't say I did not warn you… On the party side of things here this month, there will be plenty to keep you occupied. As ex-pats who escape the heat and crowds of summer return then the cultural life shifts from beach to more sedate activities. For lovers of traditional Flamenco then this year sees the first "El Moreno" festival of dance, song and guitar playing on the night of September 11. Tickets start at 8 Euros, including a drink and the event takes place from 9pm in Majuelo park in the centre of Almunecar. The fiesta of San Miguel in Almuñecar old district takes place the last weekend of September, with various events, processions and parties centered around the historic castle of San Miguel – the old quarter set on the hillside above the town hall square. No doubt there will be fireworks, and plenty for the revelers to enjoy this year. And on Friday September 24, Almuñecar’s Día del Turismo (Tourists Day) is commemorated. The Palacete de la Najarra, the tourist information office near to San Cristobal playa will host various activities and later in the afternoon present awards to those businesses and their employees who have contributed most to promote tourism and hospitality in the town. Finally, September 29 may not be a good day to travel as it is the proposed date for Spain's General Strike.
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Friday, 30 July 2010 |
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Despite this gloriously hot, humid and sticky weather, it is clear that the locals and the tourists are continuing to fill the beaches (& the roads) of Spain's Costa Tropical; far more so than during the week. The coastal road, the N-340 - the last remaining part of the A7 motorway to be by-passed - has been seeing traffic jams up to 3 and 4 kilomteres in length between Almunecar to Salobrena and Motril to Torrenueva. Friday and Sunday evenings the major incidents as people are pouring down from Granada, Jaen and other cities to escape the intense heat (40 degrees plus in some) as they seek the sea and the sand for the weekend. From August 4 to 8, the US President and family will be staying at a private hotel (with their full entourage) in the Marbella area. During the Obama's stay they will be meeting with Spain's Zapatero, and later at their villa on the island of Palma de Mallorca, the King and Queen. With this visit at the height of the summer season there will be at least two things to watch out for – security will be on high alert and Air Force 1 will be sat on Malaga airports tarmac! Coincidentally, this is also the time of year when most Saudi Royals and Russian oligarchs choose to stay – who knows what luncheon and dinner invitations will be traded around this season then? While many of us are learning to tighten our belts, and control our spending, here on Spain's Costa Tropical, town halls and local authorities are busy saving and finding new ways to increase their revenues. More tourists always means more cars and less availability for public (free) parking. Almunecar and La Herradura have introduced blue zone charging, and to make matters worse have increased the amount of streets near to beaches with yellow lines. The up shot is that if you park on the yellow area you get towed and fined (up to 180 Euros a go), and if you forget to display your parking ticket in the blue zone then its minimum 6 Euros fine. Salobrena tried the blue zone but local businesses blocked the introduction – so now you have to only worry about being towed. Salobrena also fines people for making noise or cooking on the beach too. Staying in Salobreña, this year they will not be illuminating the Moorish castle in the summer months to save an estimated 6000 Euros in electricity. We also understand that the town hall will be charging all non-residents in the municipality twice their municipal tax (ibi) in 2010 – simply because they are second home owners and should contribute more to subsidise local rates. They are the first such authority in Spain to present this act, and as expected many homeowners are furious at the decision. This is now being challenged in the courts, and once resolved could see the town hall having to reimburse or even compensate those affected by their decision. To add to stress levels, we have seen an increase in the number of embargoes against properties for the non-payment of town hall taxes (ibi). The current trend indicated that those property owners more than 5 years in arrears are being targeted first. Therefore my advice is if you are here this summer, have purchased a property in the last 5 years, and are not sure if you have ever paid the tax – pop to the town hall and ask them to check, before they force an embargo against your home. Well, apart from the heat, the fines and the queues to avoid – this month is "all the fun of the fair" time… with ferias in Malaga, Almunecar and Motril. The Almuñecar feria starts on Monday August 9 and ends on the night of August 15 with a spectacular firework display on the beachfront. Culminating with the procession of the statue of the Virgin del Antigua (the town’s patron saint) that leaves the church in the late afternoon, is carried to the sea at Playa San Cristobal and then transported by a flotilla of small boats around to the Puerta del Mar beach near the main promenade. At around 23.30 the Virgin returns from the sea to the land and in celebration a spectacular firework and music extravaganza is launched – this is a real must see for any visitor to Spain’s Costa Tropical. However, don’t forget that as with all the local fiestas then many banks and administrative offices will be closing by 12 noon throughout the week. The full programme of events is listed here . From Monday August 9 until Sunday 15 (a local holiday which passes to inlude Monday 16th) there are a range of activities, events, concerts and musical shows that not only take place around the town and beaches but at night centres in the main Feria ground; this is the site known as Puerta de Almuñecar and is popularly known as the site of the Friday market. Many events are free to enter, and if you have never visited then it is well worth taking part. There is the fun of many traditional fairground attractions and rides plus, to relax and eat, there are the various casetas (local political parties and the Semana Santa brotherhoods set up their tents offering traditional food, entertainment and drinks to help with fundraising). The party will go on until the early hours of the next morning on each and every night. And, finally – please, please, please be very careful with your bottles and cigarettes – the countryside around at the moment is absolutely tinder dry and the slightest flammable material could spark a serious forest or campo fire. We have already seen some outbreaks in Portugal and the north of Spain and we have not seen serious fires here since 2007 so let’s keep it that way…
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Wednesday, 30 June 2010 |
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At the end of last month, the Spanish met office announced that it expects this summers temperatures to be at the very least 2 degrees higher than the average last year – taking expected highs on the coast to around the mid 30s and inland around the 40s. They also added that they expect the summer to last well into October so best to get an abundant supply of lotion and creams, drink plenty of fluids and to stay out of the midday sun! On property sales in Andalucia, recent government figures showed a 17% increase in sales compared with 2009; and of these sales more than 90% were second hand properties. So it appears that in spite of all the bad press both at home (in Spain) and abroad (in the UK) regarding the Spanish economy and its possible collapse, there are still those faithful who are buying the bargains that are around to be grabbed. To the skeptics I remind them that Banco Santander also owns an estimated 20% of all UK mortgages which were acquired when it purchased the Abbey group and they appear also to be the only surviving bidder for the RBS arm of Williams & Glynns banking subsidiary which includes over 300 branches nationwide. For those of you who have just purchased your new home, it is the season to take advantage of even more deals. From July through to the end of August shops and stores start their sales; with many offering as much as 50% or more off the regular price. Small compensation to the fact that as of the first of this month, vat (iva) in Spain increases to 18%. As work on the two underground parking areas on the promenades of Velilla and San Cristóbal near to completion, then the town hall expects to re-open to traffic in both directions the paseo on July 3 2010. For the last two summers the promenades have been blocked and have been a real eyesore to visiting tourists; this year sees that all change – a welcome turn for local businesses. Also, on Velilla, the AquaTropic water park re-opens later this month. The water park owners have just had their concession renewed for a further 15 years, however the condition for renewal sees the closure of the Aqua-Noche nightclub – a late night disco bar popular with tourists and locals alike. The Virgen del Carmen, the fishermen's protector, has her own special day when only she is the centre of religious attention – July 16. Throughout the coastal towns and communities of Spain's Costa Tropical, there are many small local fishing communities who still have a strong connection with "Carmen, La Reina de los Mares" (Queen of the Seas). Believing the Virgin, with her presence, cleanses the water and that once she (or her effigy) has passed over the sea is it fit for bathing. In Almunecar, from around 7pm that day, Carmen’s much-loved effigy is transported on a throne through the streets before being carried on a flower-filled boat, accompanied by a flotilla of "jábegas" (fishing boats), from the beach of San Cristobal and on past the Peñon del Santo (Rock of the Cross) to the beach at Caletilla. Music, cheering crowds, rockets and fireworks add to the atmosphere until late dusk when Carmen is returned to her chapel. While times vary there are always lively processions in La Herradura, Salobrena, Torrenueva and Motril.
The 23rd Almuñecar International Jazz festival opens on Saturday July 17 and runs for a weeklong series of nighttime concerts by world renowned jazz artists. Jazz on the Costa Tropical is a very well established occasion attracting locals, tourists and many aficionados who appreciate good, cool music in the fantastic Arabesque location of the Majuelo Park just below the Arab castle fortress walls of San Miguel. The concerts begin around 22.30 each night, and tickets on the door are usually limited to a few latecomers - so it is always best to get them in advance (see below for details). The Almuñecar Jazz festival 2010, kicks off as follows - July 17: BOBBY HUTCHERSON & THE CEDAR WALTON QUARTET July 18: RUBEM DANTAS OCTETOWITH CHANO DOMÍNGUEZ July 19: CHRISTIAN SCOTT QUINTET July 20: JAMES CARTER QUINTET July 21: MADELEINE PEYROUX July 22: STANLEY CLARKE BAND WITH HIROMI July 23: URI CAINE ‘BEDROCK’ WITH BARBARA WALKER July 24: DAVID SANBORN WITH JOEY DeFRANSESCO & STEVE GADD
From Saturday 17 to Saturday July 24 at the Majuelo park in Almuñecar Time: 22.30 pm Price per concert: 14 Euros Season ticket: 80 Euros + gift CD On Sunday July 25, at the same venue, the Almuñécar Municipal School Band will perform a free jazz themed concert from 22.00 in the Plaza de la Constitución, in front of the Town hall. |
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Tuesday, 01 June 2010 |
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06/2010 - Spain & the heat is on! With the Spanish government attempting to put through emergency austerity measures (including tax rises, pensions reform, public sector pay freezes, etc) as a direct response to the Eurozone's continued bewildered financial state, and the government housing authority offering to assist in the leasing of the Spanish savings banks property acquisitions (estimated to be in excess of 130,000 homes) the "doom & gloomers" have a wealth of ammunition to condemn life on Spain's Costas. June 2nd could see Spain's first national general strike in over a decade, with many unions calling for all workers to protest at the dramatic state reforms which were passed last week in the State congress by just a single vote in favour. Last month, the International Monetary Fund came to Madrid for their annual review of the economic climate, and again Spain was told to take urgent and crucial measures to control the state deficit. Their request was for an urgent reorganization of the Caja savings banks, (4 of which CAM, CajaAstur, Caja Cantabria and Caja Extremadura merged at the end of May 2010). Expect more to follow... The IMF also demanded a 'radical' reform of the labour market, fiscal consolidation between autonomous regions and the restructuring of the banking system – in essence they want to see more economic and realistic firing packages, reduce employees contractual obligations, and a greater controls on the financing of the autonomous regions and their access to credit facilities frozen for the next 2 years. In essence the IMF experts stated the upturn of the Spanish economy was 'weak and fragile' and that growth would be less than 2% in the medium term even with measures in place. June is a busy month as the temperatures soar over 30 degrees most days; with the first weekend seeing the return of sharks to the beaches of Almuñecar… in fact that is the "Tiburones" annual meeting. On June 5th to 6th biker enthusiasts (the tiburones) from all over Andalucia congregate and compare their various styles and machines . This meeting of riders and followers is now in its 11th year and attracts more than 1,000 riders who congregate around the beaches of Pozuelo and Eucalyptus, near the Hotel Bahia Tropical. Usually there are trials, exhibitions, and sleepovers – and it's a great opportunity to see some rare and remarkable heavy duty machines too. June 11 to 13 is when the fiesta of San Antonio is celebrated in the village of Lobres between Motril and Molvizar. The star act performing in the main marquee during the fiestas is Vega, at 1am, and whats more the show is free to all. Fiesta de San Juan (night of the 23rd to the 24th) is a national holiday celebrated along the beaches of Spain. This is the one day, and night, when we are permitted to camp out overnight on the Spanish playas and many, many people do. The beaches are packed to the waters edge, celebrating the start of the summer and the shortest, and for many, one of the most magical and exceptional nights of the year. Traditionally bonfires are lit at midnight and then the party continues through the night. Old and young people sing and dance around the bonfire, throwing to the flames their wishes on pieces of paper. Regarded as a day that praises Saint John the Baptist, the night can also be traced to earlier pagan festivals that commemorate the summer solstice and the magical power of the sun. It's the day when the sun shines in the sky longer, yet it also begins its sad journey to the winter. It's a night of enchantment and mystery, but is also known as the Witches night. The night of San Juan essentially celebrates change - night turns to day, fire to water - fire cleanses while water restores, invigorates, and revives the spirit and wellbeing. There are a range of traditions that are popularly practiced by the revelers, and these include jumping over the bonfire flames or the cinders three times (believing that their problems of the last months will be burned away); jumping in the sea at midnight is believed to wash away evil spirits, as is leaping barefoot three times over each of the rolling breakers; and washing your face and feet three times in the sea will provide you with three wishes leading to a blissful year ahead. Bathing in the sea this night is also said to be beneficial for all forms of skin complaints, too. If you happen to be visiting Spain's Costa Tropical at this time, then you can be sure of a memorable, some would even say "… dreamlike" night, that is wonderful to see and a joy to share. For the latest news and updates, you can find me at www.twitter.com/SpainCostaTrop |
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Friday, 30 April 2010 |
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05/2010 – An annual Spanish family expense… As members of the cofradías (secular religious societies who organise the Easter parades in Andalucia) put their sandals away, a few weeks later they are again busy organizing fundraising events with Las Cruces de Mayo. The different societies set up decorative crosses in rooms, garages and empty shop fronts from May 1 to May 3 all around Almunecar, Salobreña and La Herradura. Like in previous years the mayors have requested that the traditional party atmosphere be curbed after 4 and 3 am rather than the customary all-nighters. Visitors to the Costa Tropical are encouraged to take part in the weekend festivities, which help to raise funds for the coming years Easter parades. By stopping at the crosses to donate money, partake of local wine, and even enjoy a home-cooked tapa or two with friends you will be contributing to the societies coffers. The members of the societies donate their time, their work, their food and their hospitality freely – so please go along and support them; helping the locals to continue traditional Andalusian Easter processions. Children too take part, and you will often see their small displays on the street corners around the towns and villages. However, with Sunday May 2 being the traditional Mothers day (Día de la Madre) here in Spain… then its almost certain that monies collected are used by the children to offer presents to their mothers! The Andalucian government (Junta de Andalucia) has just announced an increase in second hand property transmission taxes from 7% to 8%; and this applies for all garages and parking spaces over 30,000 Euros and all properties over 400,000 Euros. This new rule is active from March 19 2010. A costly tradition of Spanish family life occurs throughout May and June; these busy months see the celebration of children’s First Holy Communions. A very traditional religious ceremony celebrated by all Spanish children, and normally around the child’s 10th birthday. The child must attend catechism classes at their local church for a minimum of 3 years before receiving communion for the first time. Many Spanish families start saving for the ceremony after the child´s baptism and it is quite normal to have 100 or more guests, with many restaurants getting over booked at weekends during this busy season. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, first, second and third cousins plus the godparents and family friends are invited and presents in the form of jewellery and money are gifted. On such occasions the churches are over-flowing when at least 10 or more children - the boys dressed in military style suits and the girls in flowing silk and satin dresses - receive their First Holy Communion together before going on to lunch with their families. If you're looking for a quiet, friendly place to stay on Spain’s Costa Tropical, where you can relax on your own private terrace and take a dip in the pool then just consider a break at this comfortable B & B in Almuñecar. All guests have sole use of the top floor of this well appointed property, comprising a large, private, sunny terrace with 180 degree sea views, a double bedroom and luxury bathroom with bath and shower. And, if you'd rather not drive, your host will arrange for you to be collected from the airport and will be delighted to give you information regarding the many places of interest on the doorstep. for more details, or call Jane on +34 680 868 692. Given the continued fall in the sale of Spanish properties, the electric company, Sevillana, has been issuing random advice notices in order to encourage homeowners to revise their installations in line with EU norms. These letters are being sent out to properties with an electric contract over 10 years old – ands ask owners to contact a registered electrician to check their installation and insure that the fuse box incorporates a power surge limiter switch to control the contracted electric supply. Without the limiter, should a surge occur, then the electric company will not accept any liability for damage to your equipment. The average cost of the revision, limiter installation and new certificate depends much on the age of the property and the state of the electric installation – generally the range is between 250 Euros up to a 1,000 or more (if the installation and wiring is very old.) Looking for something different to do with family and friends then why not invest 10 Euros, and pick up a copy of the useful pocket guide – Granada Tapas Tours: 100 Tapas Bars in Granada; researched and written by Vernon Grant & Gayle Mackie. With 18 routes of 4 bars each to choose from, and 72 bars in various parts of the city where you will be treated the same as the locals. The book guides you away from popular tourist bars, and as you stroll from one to the other (using the simple to follow directions given), then you are made aware of some of the lesser know attractions of Granada city. The book also offers 28 bars that you can drive to in the vast and varied province of Granada, including the Costa Tropical, the Lecrin Valley, La Alpujarra and some that are hidden in spectacular countryside locations. The book also offers tapas tips to ensure you get the most pleasure from your tapas experience, a glossary of the dishes you are most likely to be served and, crucially, how to pronounce them. Copies are also available from the office of Tropicana Properties in Almunecar, if you can not wait for the post! |
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