Spanish Lifestyle

The Spanish lifestyle is second to none, and whether you intend to spend a few weeks or most of the year here, we are sure you'll fall head over heels for this fantastic place we call home.

After all, this is the place where the sun shines for 325 days a year. Where you can stroll along a golden beach, take in breathtaking mountain scenery, go on a shopping spree and dine under the stars or even skiing – all in one day.

As for the food, well if you've ever visited Spain you'll know it's fantastic. It's also incredibly healthy and this, along with the fabulous climate, abundance of outdoor activities and efficient healthcare system, makes Spanish residents among the healthiest and fittest in Europe.

We could talk about how amazing life is out here all day, but we know you're bound to have lots of questions about the practical stuff. What are the schools like? Do you need to learn the language?

Though Benalmádena has experienced a steady pace of growth and development over the past two decades, the town has kept a close eye on new construction, recently advocating quality over quantity and has launched civic efforts such as a public arts project along its seaside promenade, to help preserve Benalmádena's local charm.

Family fun in southern Spain

Southern Spain attracts millions of tourist each year, thanks to its unbeatable combination of accessibility, glorious weather and superb attractions for all the family. So when you buy a property in the region, whether it’s a holiday villa or a permanent home, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best family days out available anywhere in Europe.

There’s so much to see and do in southern Spain, it would be impossible to list it all – and besides, you’ll have a lot of fun discovering it for yourself. Here’s just a quick guide to get you started.

Attractions on the Costa del Sol

Tivoli World & Cable car

Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. Between Benalmadena and Arroyo de la Miel.

The biggest and best theme park on the Costa del Sol, with something for kids of all ages. You will find plenty of good reasons to visit Tivoli World having the experience to enjoy a fantastic day in a unique spot on the Costa del Sol. A world of magic and a visit the whole family will enjoy.

With new exciting rides and fabulous shows at the different squares you are guaranteed a fantastic day out. Entry to the park is just 6€ (06/03). For this fee you have access to the gardens, numerous bars and restaurants and several free shows. If you wish to take the rides, you buy a ticket. The 'Supertivolino' gives you unlimited access to more than 30 rides or you can purchase any amount of single tickets. Some rides have age and height restrictions for safety reasons. www.tivolicostadelsol.com

Aqualand Torremolinos

C/ Cuba, 10. 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga. Just of the N340 at the Torremolinos turnoff

Aqualand is located only 10 minutes from the centre of Torremolinos. Aqualand is a place where you can spend a day having lots of fun with the best aquatic attractions one can ever imagine. Also, this year the park offers a new attraction: the “Boomerang”, plus relaxing green areas and 18-hole mini golf course. One of Europe’s largest water parks, with around 70,000m2 of thrilling rides, pools and jacuzzis.www.aqualand.es

Parque Acuatico Mijas

Carretera Nacional 340, Mijas Costa. Just off the Carretera.

A great-value and family-friendly water park in the heart of the Costa del Sol. Escape the hot beaches and visit the Parque Acuático Mijas water park, which offers plenty of pools and crazy slides as well as picnic areas and restaurants. Entrance: €14.50; children €9.50; under 3s free.www.aquamijas.com

Selwo Aventura

Autovía Costa del Sol, Estepona

Located just a couple of miles along the coastal road heading towards Estepona from Marbella and Puerto Banus, and a short distance from our rental apartments in El Presidente, is the spectacular Selwo Wildlife Adventure Park, Selwo Aventura. Here you will find more than 2000 animals from every continent living in semi-free conditions on the one million square metre site. Selwo Aventura is open daily through to December 9th 2007. The opening hours from Monday to Friday are from 10.00 to 18.00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 19.00. In July and August the closing time is extended to 20.00. .www.selwo.es

Selwo Marina

Parque de la Paloma, s/n Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena.

Selwo Marina in Benalmadena covers a large site with various well-presented shows and exhibition areas featuring dolphins, sea lions, penguins, crocodiles, snakes and exotic birds and offers an excellent day-out for all the family. Selwo Marina is open daily until the end of October and then at weekends until December 9th. Its daily opening hours are from 10.00 and it closes at various times from 18.00 in the winter to 24.00 from June until the end of August.www.selwo.es

Fuengirola Zoo

Avda. Camilo José Cela, Fuengirola.

For a fun trip designed to keep both kids and parents happy, why not try the Fuengirola Zoo? It’s open every day from 10am and can be found right in the middle of the town of Fuengirola, just 5 minutes walk from the central bus and train stations and 30 minutes drive east of Marbella on the A7/N-340 coast road. Fuengirola Zoo is home to some 500 animals from 100 different species, but you won't find them cooped up in tiny cages here. This zoo is different, being divided into separate sections where the only thing keeping you from the animals (and vice versa) are natural barriers like bridges and riverbanks, or shatterproof windows that let you get so close to the crocodiles or tigers on show, you can almost put your head between their lethal dentures. The real ‘piece de resistance’ of the zoo is without doubt the "Moonlight Visit.” Throughout July and August the zoo stays open late until 1.00am so visitors can observe the more nocturnally-minded species on show, such as leopards, flying foxes and porcupines. For added authenticity, the forest paths are illuminated with artificial moonlight and the air filled with a forest soundtrack. What’s more, after checking out the animals, you can you can round the visit off with a meal in one of the zoo's themed restaurants.

Kids are well catered for and have free run of a large play area, which includes a miniature farm. The park is also very user-friendly for people with disabilities.

Tickets are available at the zoo box office. The zoo is open daily from 10am, whilst closing time depends on season. For more information, call 952 66 63 01 or visit www.zoofuengirola.com

Nerja Caves

Cueva de Nerja, Maro, Nerja 29787

Some of the most breathtaking underground caverns in Europe, with stalagmites, stalactites, columns and Palaeolithic wall paintings.www.cuevadenerja.es

Crocodile Park

C/ Cuba, 14. 29620 Torremolinos

A great day out for animal lovers, this adventure park is home to over 300 species of crocodiles and reptiles. Situated in Torremolinos in the heart of the Costa del Sol. Crocodile Park houses prehistoric creatures which have miraculously survived 200 million years of evolution. These carnivores knew the dinosaurs and use the same cold, merciless hunting tecniques. From a distance of less than 2 metres, you can wonder at the gigantic crocodiles by silently walking beside them, observing the secrets of one of the most fascinating creatures of our world.www.crocodile-park.com

Aventuras en el Mar Yacht Charter

Dry dock, Puerto Banús, Marbella 29660

Yacht charter and nautical services located in Puerto Banús providing a whole range of high quality services in yacht charter and maintenance.www.chartercrew.com

Bowling and Video Arcade, Marbella

The La Cañada shopping mall is home to MegaBowl - one of the most modern tenpin bowling alleys you’re ever likely to find. With 22 computerised bowling lanes, family fun is virtually guaranteed, even for those who’ve never played before. Pizzas, hotdogs and burgers can be ordered from an American-style diner both during and after a game, plus there’s a sports bar with giant screens showing all the major international sporting action including English Premiership football.
And just next door to the bowling, you’ll find the Video World amusement arcade stuffed to the rafters with the very latest video game technology.To reserve a lane just call 902 23 29 99 or visit www.megabowlmarbella.com for more information.

Sealife Centre, Benalmadena

If your kids relish the idea of seeing 2 metre long sharks up close and personal, this is the place to go. The centre is open daily between 10am-6pm and can be found in Benálmadena Port, approximately 40 minutes drive east of Marbella along the A7/N-340 coast road. For more information and prices, call 952 56 01 50.

Wolf Park, Antequera

For something a little off the beaten track, why not check out the unique 40-hectare natural wolf park, home to European wolves, Timber wolves, and the rare white Polar wolves, plus numerous rare plant species.

For more information and prices, call 952 03 11 07.

Funny Beach

For those who love amusement, speed, adrenaline, vertigo and unlimited frenzy – Funny Beach does exactly what it says on the tin.If your kids need to burn off some serious energy, or indeed if you do, Funny Beach has a decent go-karting track where up to eight budding Lewis Hamilton’s can race head-tohead. There are trampolines, bumper boats, video games and water activities such as jet skiing, water skiing and the ubiquitous Mediterranean holiday inflatable banana-pulled-by-aspeedboat experience. There’s also a restaurant serving kiddie-friendly fare, a bar with a live band, and if all that sounds too much, the beach out front is one of the best you’ll find in Marbella with sunbeds for rent so you can chill out in the sun.

For more info: www.funnybeach.com

 

The taste of southern Spain - delicious!

The culinary traditions of southern Spain are as diverse as its landscape, from fantastic fish and seafood on the coast to delicious sausages, stews and game dishes inland. Eating out is a way of life in Spain – meal times are relaxed and social occasions, allowing plenty of time for the fantastic flavours to be savoured.

Breakfast

Spanish breakfasts are usually very simple, perhaps some fresh crusty bread and a strong coffee or hot chocolate. A tasty traditional breakfast dish in southern Spain consists of toasted rustic bread rubbed with a garlic clove, spread thinly with fresh tomato puree, with a couple of slices of Serrano ham and a drizzle of olive oil. And if you can't get enough of the full English don't worry, you'll be able to enjoy a good fry-up at most of the coastal resorts.

Lunch

is the most important meal of the day in Spain, and a very leisurely, social occasion. It tends to begin around 2pm, lasting up to two hours. Dishes on lunch menus are much as you'd expect to see in the evening – a far cry from a quick sandwich pit stop. Traditionally enjoyed with a jug of Sangria. After a hearty lunch many locals will head off for a siesta, and you'll find some shops are now shut until the evening.

Early evening - time for tapas

Early evening is the time to fill up on tapas, which you'll find in abundance throughout southern Spain. These tasty snacks are shared over a cold glass of beer, and can be anything from a dish of olives to paella. It's a great way to sample some of the region's many specialities.

Dinner

After a large lunch and a few tapas you're not going to want a heavy dinner, so evening meals tend to be fairly light. They're also eaten late – many restaurants don't start their evening service until around 9, and tables start to really fill up around midnight. Evening meals in Spain are fun-filled occasions, often lasting long into the night as groups of family and friends enjoy each other's company over some fine food and wine.

Start your evening meal off with an aperitif of Malaga Virgin, a sherry of the region.

Wine

Spain is famous for its Rioja wine, a full-bodied red wine often served slightly chilled. There are four classifications of Rioja, the younger joven and crianza, and the older reserva and gran reserva – all delicious. Southern Spain is famous for it's sherries, the most famous being “Jeréz" from Andalucía.

Best of all, a good glass of wine will usually set you back just 2€.

Food shopping

Food shopping in southern Spain is quite different from the rest of northern Europe. You'll rarely find ready-made meals. Pretty much everything you eat, you'll have to make fresh.

Luckily there are daily fresh fish markets in all the major towns, and every day a different town or village hosts its weekly street market selling the fantastic, cheap and locally produced fruit and vegetables. Most supermarkets stock familiar products from other countries. You can have your weekly shopping delivered to your door, and you can now even order online without leaving your sun lounger!

Food shopping is often much cheaper than other areas of northern Europe, as so much is grown here and produced here. A decent bottle of wine can cost from 2.50€, a crusty baguette from 0.50€ and a carton of milk about 0.90€.

Some useful phrases

Good morning - Buenos días
Good afternoon/evening - Buenas tardes
Good night - Buenas noches
Hello - Hola
Goodbye - Adiós
See you later - Hasta luego
See you soon - Hasta pronto
Thank you - Gracias
Please - Por favor
How are you? - ¿Cómo estás? Or ¿Qué tal?
Fine, thank you - Bien, gracias
My name is... - Me llamo...
What's your name? - ¿Cómo te llamas?
A cold beer please - Una cerveza fría por favor
A white coffee please - Un café con leche por favor
A glass of red wine please - Una copa de vino tinto por favor
Can I have the bill please? - La cuenta por favor
How much does it cost? - ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Where is the nearest bank? - ¿Dónde está el banco más cercano?

Shopping Centres

It’s not only the good weather that’s virtually guaranteed in Marbella – good shopping is too. New York, London, Paris, Milan… you could easily add Marbella and Puerto Banus to that list without fear of ridicule, such has been the growth in designer boutiques and High Street fashion stores in the area in recent years. The two most popular shopping areas in town are La Cañada, and the Marina Banús and El Corte Inglés complex in Puerto Banus.

La Cañada

The La Cañada complex is simply huge, housing nearly three hundred outlets, and is situated immediately north of Marbella, on the Ojen junction from the A7/N-340 motorway which circles the main town.

This shopping centre boasts famous brand name stores such as Zara, H&M, Massimo Dutti, Boulanger and Habitat and many more.

Like most modern malls, in La Cañada you can literally buy anything from haute couture and golf clubs to technology products, furniture and even the weekly shopping. There’s also an array of different bars, coffee shops and restaurants serving everything from classically Spanish cuisine to Halal dishes, and the ubiquitous American-style fast food. You’ll also find a cinema complex here, plus a huge air-conditioned tenpin bowling alley called MegaBowl, alongside which is a video games arcade. A great place to go with the kids one afternoon if it’s too hot outside and they’ve had enough of the beach!

There is ample parking both above and below ground, but this mall is extremely popular amongst locals and tourists alike and can get head-spinningly busy from midday onwards, especially on Saturdays.

Parque Miramar, Mijas Costa

An exciting shopping mall and plaza near Fuengirola with large supermarket, many fashion boutiques, home furnishing stores, and sports and electronics outlets, as well as restaurants and bars.

In addition there is 12 screen cinema complex which shows at least one film every week in English. It’s well-signposted from the A7/N-340 coast road, opposite the castle as youapproach Fuengirola, so you can’t miss it.

Plaza Mayor, Malaga

The most popular shopping and entertainment centre in Malaga city itself is located just off the A7/N-340 coast road and signposted not long after the turn off for the airport as you head towards Malaga city from Marbella.

Plaza Mayor

is basically a huge outdoor shopping mall with a variety of different boutiques, shops, bars, themed restaurants, plus a multi-screen cinema, a bowling alley and a kids’ play area. The shops in the mall stay open all day. Marina Banús and El Corte Inglés

El Corte Inglés

is one of the biggest and most popular chain of department stores in the whole of Spain, similar to Selfridges in the UK.

Spread over five vast floors, their flagship store in Puerto Banus has been open for over ten years and is a place where you can literally buy almost anything. A further El Corte Inglés store on a grand scale has also been recently constructed in Mijas Costa just off the A7/N-340 north of Fuengirola town.

Whichever store you visit, particular treats can be found at the seafood section in the giant Hipercor food hall, the second floor where home brand and designer clothes labels compete side-by-side for your attention, plus the mind-boggling array of sports equipmenton display in the sports department.¨

A serious piece of advice, buy some of the locally grown produce on offer because you’ll probably never have tasted such delicious fruit and vegetables in your life. And if you miss out on the Marbella market, fear not, as Fuengirola and Nerja both hold their own markets on Tuesdays. Fuengirola market is held at the fair ground near Los Boliches, and Nerja’s is in Calle Chapril.

Calahonda and Estepona hold their markets on Wednesdays, at the Calypso Centre and Avenida Juan Carlos respectively.

Cinemas

Most weeks, one film will be presented in English in each cinema – usually the most popular Hollywood blockbusting release of the day.

A word of advice - when choosing which film to watch, always look for film posters outside the cinema which have ‘V.O’ clearly marked on them. This stands for ‘Version Original’. That means the soundtrack will be in English. The posters might also indicate the film is presented in ‘V.O.S.E’ which means the soundtrack will be in English but with Spanish subtitles.

Cine Sur at Parque Miramar, Mijas Costa

A 12-salon cinema complex within the Miramar Shopping mall, with many restaurants and bars, showing at least one film every week in EnglishTel: 952 19 86 00

Cinesa La Cañada, Marbella

The multi-screen cinema at La Cañada can be found on the first floor, immediately ahead of you as you enter the mall via the entrance next to McDonald’s.

For information and ticket sales call 902 33 32 31.

Cine Gran Complejo, Puerto Banus

The multi-screen cinema in Puerto Banus is located on the main road which runs the width of the port just behind the main harbour area.

For information call 952 81 00 77, to reserve tickets call 952 81 64 21, or visit www.cinesgranmarbella.com

CineSur Plazadel Mar, Marbella

The multi-screen CineSur cinema can be found inside the Plaza del Mar commercial centre which is on Marbella’s Paseo Maritimo beachside promenade just a little further west than the Parque de la Constitucion.

For information call 902 50 41 50 / 952 76 69 42

Yelmo Cinema Complex, Malaga

This cinema shows a different film in English each week at the Plaza Mayor Leisure Park on the way to Malaga.Tel: 902 90 21 030

Healthcare

Southern Spain has several major hospitals serving the state and private sector. Many doctors and nurses are fluent in English and there are volunteer translators on hand to help.

Doctor's surgeries and clinics

There are state-operated medical centres (ambulatorios) in every town and village, offering a wide range of medical services. Unfortunately, these GPs tend to speak only Spanish and are often booked up for days in advance.

You may prefer to visit one of the many private GPs, family practitioners and paediatricians in the area. Many allow you to drop in without an appointment, with some open 24 hours a day.

The British Consulate in Málaga can provide you with a list of doctors from the UK in practice on the Costa del Sol, and there are other English-speaking GPs from Spain, Scandinavia and Germany.

Dentists

There’s a vast network of private dental clinics in the area, but very few state dental practices. Pharmacies

Chemists or pharmacies are called farmacia in Spanish and they usually have a green or red cross outside. They’re open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30 to 8.00pm. Details of the nearest 24-hour pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) will be displayed on all pharmacy doors.

Non-prescription drugs are only sold in pharmacies in Spain, you won’t find them in supermarkets or elsewhere. Eligibility for state healthcare UK & European non-resident visitors

If you’re below retirement age and on a short visit to Spain from the UK, EU or some non-EU European countries, you’re entitled to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment. This will be equivalent to the treatmentSpanish nationals receive, though it may vary from what is offered in your country of residence.

Before you are treated you’ll need to produce a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, known in Spain as a Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea) which has replaced the former E111 form, and several other healthcare forms.

You should note that this only covers you for medical emergencies within the state sector and does not include repatriation due to illness, the so it’s not an alternative to private insurance.

The EHIC card is available and valid in all European Community countries, as well as Switzerland and the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). Apply for the EHIC card in your country of residence prior to departure. In the UK, EHIC forms are available free of charge from post offices and travel agents. For further information or to download an application, log on to: www.dh.gov.uk/travellers

Transport and travel

AVE High Speed Train

The AVE is Spain’s pride and joy and the government has ambitious plans for it, such as eventual speeds of up to 300km per hour, meaning that passengers will be able to reach all provincial capitals from Madrid in less than four hours (6.5 hours from Barcelona). It’s thought that, when completed, the AVE will replace the majority of air traffic between Madrid and Barcelona and by 2009, it will connect with the French TGV high-speed network, taking passengers onward to destinations such as Marseille and Avignon. Within Spain, the AVE currently operates between Madrid and Seville, Madrid and Tarragona and Madrid and Huesca and on a variety of shorter routes.

The AVE should be operational between Madrid and Málaga by late 2007 when the final Antequera-Málaga section of the route is completed. Until then, the Talgo 200 high-speed service has a direct route between Madrid and Málaga which takes just over four hours.

Public transport

If you’re planning to live in a city or town in southern Spain, you can certainly get by without a car as public transport is pretty efficient.

Taxis

Most taxis are un-metered with set prices for certain journeys. You should only use taxis that display a special licence as they’re governed by strict legislation. Flag a taxi down if its green light is displayed, or look for a taxi rank. You can also phone to be picked up.

Buses

Local buses in towns and cities are very good. They run regularly from 6am until between 10pm and midnight and there are often night buses after that. All towns have a bus terminal (Estación de Autobús) and you’ll see lots of bus stops dotted around. Stick your hand out to make sure the bus stops for you.

Long distance buses are clean, air-conditioned and really good value.

Trains

There’s a good network of state-run trains operated by RENFE. These include: Cercanía – local commuter trains Regional – intercity trains

Largo recorrido – long-distance express trains, including the high speed AVE that takes you from Madrid to Seville (417km) in 2 hours.

Driving in Spain

Although the public transport system is generally excellent here on the Costa del Sol, you may want to hire a car to make the most of your stay here. The roads and infrastructure of the Costa del Sol have improved dramatically in recent years. Most of the main roads and motorways have recently been resurfaced and there are several good toll motorways in the area, all in very good condition and rarely very busy. The tolls are very reasonable, between 1-3 euros per car, although prices do go up during the summer months and over the Easter holidays.

Driving Rules and Regulations

You’ll need to ensure that you’re driving legally on Spanish roads. If you’re stopped by the police and don’t have the correct paperwork you can be fined. Therefore, always ensure you have your driving licence and car hire details with you. Driving Licence (Permiso de Conducción)

Your EU or British driving licence is valid in Spain, The Spanish drive on the right and you should give way to vehicles on the left. Seat belts must be worn at all times in the front and back. You must be 18 or over to drive. Children under 12 cannot sit in the front without a suitable child seat. You’re legally required to carry at all times spare tyres and all the tools needed to change them, two warning triangles (bearing symbol E9 and code 27R03), a spare set of headlight bulbs – as it’s illegal to drive with a broken light – and a reflective jacket (which must be worn if you break down or get a flat tyre and have to get out of the car).

Note: Drink-driving laws are stricter than the UK with a much lower allowed alcohol level. Speeding fines are payable on the spot for non-residents.