Paul O’Mahony of Property Point Marbella recommends - Christmas cheer on the Costa del Sol

Paul O’Mahoney of Property Point Marbella reports on the latest news & events.  For more information, please visit Property Point Marbella’s website at www.propertypointmarbella.com.

Now that the weather has turned cooler, and the Christmas lights are up in Marbella, Malaga and Fuengirola, we can start thinking about how best to spend the festive season on the Costa del Sol.

Whatever you decide to do this Christmas, you will find a wealth of Christmas concerts, events and shows to keep you and the family entertained over the festive season in Marbella, Puerto Banus and all the way along the coast.

If you are looking to stock up on English goodies at Christmas, try M&S in La Cañada for a range of festive food and chocolates, and also, Iceland, in Mijas-Costa, which sells much more than frozen food. You can buy the big tins of Quality Street, Roses, Celebrations and Heroes at Iceland for a fraction of the price you will find them elsewhere on the coast, (they ran out last week but hopefully they have re-stocked by now) and also treat yourself to some mulled wine, party food and some delicious festive desserts.

Christmas in Spain starts with La Nochebuena, Christmas Eve, which is celebrated as a family occasion, followed by midnight mass. After leaving church, children let off fireworks and people sing carols around the streets. Traditionally the local kids wait until Los Reyes, on 6th January, for their presents, but recently customs have changed and they hope to get presents on both occasions.

One special fiesta is the Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales, which is held every 28th December in Malaga. Thousands of people gather at Puerto de la Torre at the north-west of the city to dance and listen to a host of verdiales. This type of folk music and dance is unique to Malaga, and resembles Celtic or Gypsy music, which is known throughout the world for its distinct rhythms and beats.

La Noche Vieja, New Year´s Eve, is always great fun in Spain, and is normally celebrated with a grand meal, either at home or in a restaurant, followed by an all night extravaganza of partying. At midnight, 12 grapes are eaten (one to each chime of the church bells). If you manage this (and I never do), you will have a lucky year (that explains it then). The grapes are washed down with copious amounts of Cava, and the celebrations continue well into the next day.

Most popular with the children, the Fiesta de los Reyes, the Fiesta of the three Kings, is held on January 6th, and is the official day when Spanish children receive their gifts. Three men, dressed as kings, parade through the streets on floats, mules or horseback and scatter thousands of sweets to the waiting children. Be sure to get there early for a good vantage spot. This event starts around 6pm in Malaga, Fuengirola and Marbella.

Southern Spain is a truly magical place to be at Christmas and New Year, and whether you fancy walking the beaches, golfing, taking a trip to the cinema to watch English-language films, or even seeing a pantomime at one of the local theatres, you will find plenty to keep you entertained. With almost guaranteed sunshine, you can also make the most of the great range of outdoor activities on offer. Bowling, golf, tennis, hiking, cycling, quad biking, 4×4 off-roading are all also on offer, along with carol concerts and the traditional colourful Spanish Christmas parades. If winter sports are more your thing, the slopes of the Sierra Nevada are just a two hour drive from Marbella and Puerto Banus, and you can enjoy a day or two in one of the most scenic and beautiful areas of Andalucía. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, you will not be disappointed, and there are runs to suit all abilities, plus a ski school with expert tuition for all ages.

If you are planning to go out for Christmas Day, make sure you book early as a lot of the local restaurants are already fully booked. If you pick up a local paper, you will find plenty of  reasonably priced menus including three courses, with roast turkey and all the trimmings, Christmas pudding and wine inclusive. If you are looking for a special location, the Tamisa Golf Hotel near Mijas Golf is also offering a Christmas Day lunch plus plenty of live entertainment over the festive period.  If you prefer a quiet Christmas at home with family and friends, make sure you order your Christmas turkey early as the local British butchers are already over-run with orders.

There are plenty of things for the kids to do during the festive season on the Costa del Sol, including a trip to Selwo Aventura at Estepona. Selwo is one of the best safari parks in Europe, and visitors can observe over 2,000 species from all five continents, roaming freely in large open spaces similar to their natural habitat. Selwo Marina at Benalmadena is a voyage of discovery and takes visitors through the different aquatic regions of the ´New World´ and is home to dolphins, sea lions, exotic birds which fly through the Amazon and Penguins.

If you are planning to visit Marbella and Puerto Banus during your stay on the Costa del Sol, you will find a wealth of things to see and do near your hotel or holiday accommodation. Known as jet set resorts, since stars of the small screen started to buy holiday homes in Marbella and Puerto Banus in the 60´s, this exclusive region of the Costa del Sol has more attractions and annual events than any other region of Andalusia. Puerto Banus beach clubs, Marbella nightclubs and a host of exclusive restaurants and bars make this one of the most famous tourist destinations in Spain.

The most famous place to stay in Marbella is the luxurious Marbella Club Hotel on the golden mile, between Marbella and Puerto Banus, and if you want to party into the night, the nearby Olivia Valere Club, is a legendary venue for great food, music and dancing till dawn. By day, visitors to Puerto Banus can stroll around the marina with its luxury yachts and waterside cafés, bars and restaurants, or relax on the beach, while by night, enjoy some of the best nightlife in Europe. Whatever you want to do in Marbella or Puerto Banus, you will find it.

Source: Adapted from an article on http://www.andalucia-travelguide.com/

To view the latest property listings in Marbella, please visit Property Point Marbella’s website at www.propertypointmarbella.com.