Costa Del Sol Attractions (9)

Gibraltar
The British rock holds many attractions for the visitor. Gibraltar has a long history having a strategic location close to Africa. The rock has diverse wildlife, lovely scenery, and architecture. Gibraltar has become famous for its VAT free shopping in Main Street.

Perhaps it is most famous for the apes that reside at the top of the rock. Certainly they are a bit hit with the tourists. The Barbary Apes, (Macaca Sylvanus), are tail-less monkeys and they are the only free-roaming monkeys in Europe. Natives of North Africa. How did the apes get to Gibraltar ? It is believed likley that they were taken to the rock as pets by members of the British garrison, or even as game?

Another legend claims that should the apes ever disappear, the British will leave Gibraltar. During the last war, natural causes had diminished the ape numbers. Winston Churchill took an interest and additional animals were imported. There are 6 ape packs residing on the rock. The apes do wander into town and forage for food but all in all they are much loved by the full time inhabitants. Whilst on your trip ask your guide, (if you have one) to put an ape on your shoulder for a photograph session.
Whilst on your trip to Gibraltar watch out for the Dolphins leaping in the bay. As whole families of dolphins visit there is a goo chance of seeing some of them.

LOWER ST.MICHAEL’S CAVE TOUR
Lower St. Michael’s Cave was discovered in 1942, accidentally, whilst blasting a second entrance at St Michael’s Cave in order to prepare it for use as an emergency hospital during the Second World War. There are organised tours available to the general public priced at £5.00 per head. The tour normally lasts around three hours, however due to the fact that there is some scrambling and minor climbing with ropes involved, duration times may vary. The cave is totally in its original natural state (although it is fully lit). This cave could be referred to as a show cave as most known formations may be found here. One of the sites visited during this tour is a beautiful underground lake and fortunately for the visitor, who will no doubt not want to forget this wonderful espeleological experience, photography is permitted.
People are advised to wear stout shoes and casual clothing. Group sizes range from a maximum of ten and a minimum of five. Due to the unusual nature of this tour, children under the age of ten years are not allowed.

WALKING TOURS
This is an opportunity for you to go on a gentle and interesting walk. The tour starts at Casemates Square at the entrance to the Main Street in Gibraltar. Licensed tour guides will take you on a tour of the City Centre. You will travel back through time and find out all about Gibraltar and its history during the Moorish, Spanish and British periods. You will learn about the development of its people and its culture. The tour is based on themes elaborated at different stops. The Tour takes about one hour to an hour and a half and is mostly wheelchair friendly. Total tour distance approximately one kilometre. The Tour will leave you with lasting memories of Gibraltar, its people and places so ….Let’s go!

WORLD WAR II TUNNELS
These tunnels were excavated during 1939-1944 by the Royal Engineers and a contingent of Canadian Engineers, and are an extension to The Great Siege Tunnels excavated during The Great Siege of 1779-83. The Rock is in fact honeycombed with a 32 mile-long network of tunnels. There are fascinating tours of these tunnels, which are conducted by a guide from H.M. Forces.
Persons wishing to go on these fascinating tours are advised to bring a torch and to wear comfortable shoes. Recommended party sizes are a maximum of fifteen and a minimum of six or seven and the price for the tours is £2.00 per person. The average duration of a tour is three hours.

ROCK AND FORTRESS TUNNEL TOURS
Licensed tour guides will take you on a tour lasting approximately 52 minutes with a 15- minute comfort break where refreshments are available. Tour includes static exhibitions and photographic displays.

CABLE CAR TOUR
The Cable Car is the best way to the "Top of the Rock" and a must-see attraction for all visitors to Gibraltar. The journey takes passengers 412m above sea level in approximately 6 minutes offering spectacular views all the way. From the Top Station one has uninterrupted views southwards across the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa; westwards, of the City of Gibraltar and across the Bay to Algeciras; a birds eye view of Gibraltar airport and Spain to the north; and the blue expanse of the Mediterranean and the beaches and cities of the Costa Del Sol to the east. A self-service restaurant is located within the Top Station complex where passengers will be able to pick up a quick snack and a drink whilst taking in the spectacular views around them. Group bookings can be taken in advance.
Pocket Multimedia Tour: A personal state-of-the-art Interactive Multimedia Guide is available to all passengers on arrival at the Top Station, allowing passengers to gain an insight into Gibraltar's fascinating history whilst being guided around the Top Station terraces. The commentary is available in eight languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Swedish, Portuguese and Hebrew and was the first of it's kind to be offered in Europe.
A cable car runs a continuous shuttle to the top of the Rock, daily excluding Sundays

Enjoy your trip to Gibraltar.

To stay in the area look at our quality properties on offer. Casares which is only 25 mins away, or Calahonda which is approximately 60 mins away. To look through a larger selection of properties look at Costa Del Sol.

Once you have been to Gibraltar please add comments to our blog. We would love to hear your views and this will help other visitors.

Costa Del Sol Attractions (8)

Mijas Pueblo
Mijas or Mijas Pueblo has been described as a jewel of the Costa Del Sol. Having a population of 7.5K it is perched 428 meters above sea level. The village is easily reached form the N340 highway near fuengirola. The tourist is very welcome in Mijas and even the Town Hall has a helpful English speaking section to assist with any queries.

Whilst having quite a few non-Spanish residents living in the village it has managed to hang on to it's true Andalucian identity.

Around the village there are viewing points where once can see the fine views of the area. Make sure you visit Muralla Gardens, where the flowers bloom all year round due to clever selection of plants. Visit also The Plaza de la Virgen de la Pena, you might see a band playing in the bandstand!

Wander through the streets and visit the many shops displaying local goods such as paintings, leather work, ceramics, ideal for gifts to take home.

Many think that one of the nicest things found in Mijas is the taxi service. This quite simply consists of a 'donkey service'. For approximately 6€ you can take a donkey ride around the streets, or if you are feeling wealthy for 12€ you can take a small cart, again pulled by a donkey. Horse and carriages work the summer months and can be found in Plaza de Pina.

In the middle of the village you will find a lovely fountain where the birds drink. This fountain was carved by Galiano. The square is surrounded by cafes and shops.

A must is a visit to Santuario de la Virgen de la Pena, carved out of solid rock and a tribute to the patron saint of Mijas. Built in 1586 following an image of the Virgin appeared. It is recorded that later an image of the Virgin was found concealed in a recess in the tower, hidden for 500 years!

If you wish to look for rental accomodation in the area look at Mijas, Fuengirola, or to look further afield look at Costa Del Sol.

Costa Del Sol Attractions (7)

Gaucin

Gaucin is a lovely whitewashed mountain village, a short drive from the equally delightful village of Casares. The village has views to Gibraltar and North Afirica.

The village has a population of 2000 and is 626 metres above sea level. Gauchin's name is derived from 'guazan' meaning strong rock in Arabic. Due to its position the vilage was a Roman settlement and the roman signautre was perhaps the castle called Castillo del Aguila which means Eagles Castle. The castle was later devleoped into a fortress by the Arabs.

Look out for eagles circling overhead while kestrels regualry nest in the walls.of the medieval convent.

Gauncin was once a haven for smugglers of brandy and tobacco who travelled the district. Gaucin has a checkered history and in the first year of the Spanish Civil War, (1936-1939), nationalists captured the village and killed more than fifty people.

Today Gaucin is a quiet village, and is famous locally for the 'bull run' which takes place over Easter weekend where bulls are run through the streeets, (they are not harmed) and the local males and the odd intrepid tourist, take their chance by standing in front of the bulls.


When you walk through the streets you will see the handholds on the walls used to help get people out of the way of the bulls.

If you want to stay near to Casares follow this link. If you wish to look further afield look at CostaDel Sol.

Costa Del Sol Attractions (6)

Casares
Casares is one of the typical Spanish whitewashed mountain villages found in in this part of Spain. It has population of 3000 and is one of the most famous and most photographed villages.

Casares can easily approached from the A7 coastal road and my favourite route is from the N340. The journey is only 9 miles. On route stop off to look over the scenery you might spot some eagles on the way up!

As you enter the outskirts of the village you will find a car park on the right hand side of the road, (free). If you prefer drive just a few metres more and park outside a bar or restaurant.

Then you walk just a few steps to fantastic views below to the village. You can drive down into the village, (best for those less able), but if you can, walk down the steep winding steps to be treated to a close up of the lovely houses which look just like sugar cubes from a distance.

The main square is called 'Plaza de España' In the square notice the statue of Blas Infante the Andalucia Nationalist leader who was born here on July 5th 1885 and executed by Franco's own rebels at the start of the civil war. Off the square in Calle Carrera his birth house has been turned into a museum and tourist office.

Follow the narrow street next to the Virgin del Rosario chapel when you reach the top you will be 1,400 feet above sea level. Visit the old fortress. There is an old fortress. There is also a derelict church, Iglesia de la Encarnación, (currently being rejuvenated). The church remained in use the mid 1800's. and was damaged by anarchists during the Spanish Civil War. From here you are likely to spot peregrine falcons and kestrels flying around the gorge. If the weather is kind and clear you may spot the African coast and the Rock of Gibraltar.

Near the church is the Hermitage of Vera Cruz. All that is left is a domed alcove which may have been an altar room. Look out for bullet holes. During the civil war it was common to hurl the bodies of enemies into the deep gorge below. Look across the gorge to the right of Restaurant la Teraza a simple iron cross marks and remembers another civil war hurling site.

Behind the church next to the cemetery there are the interesting signs of an outdoor auditorium.

When you leave Casares, unless you want to return by the same route, go past the visitor centre and when you get to the T junction you can either turn left for Manilva and the coast, or turn right for another visit to the whitewashed village of Gauchin.

If you select the route to Manilva after 1.5K you will see a small track. This was once the main route to Jimena and San Martin. It is bumpy ride but still usable. Travel over a cattle grid and past a farm house you will eventually come to a ruins of a 30 foot high wall. This is the remains of the Iberian and Roman town of Lacipo.

If you want to stay near to Casares but in more luxury look at this link. If you wish to look further afield look at Costa Del Sol.

Costa Del Sol Attractions (5)

Crocodile Park
Situated in Torremolinos, the heart of the Costal del Sol. In Crocodile Park you will find yourself in front of prehistoric monsters which have miraculously survived 200 million years of evolution - carnivores which knew the dinosaurs and use the 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.

Crocodile Park Torremolinos
C/ Cuba, 14 29620 Torremolinos (MÁLAGA)
Telf: 952051782
E-mail: arkosaurio@crocodile-park.com

15 minutes from Torremolinos center
Taxi service and parking

Prices
Adults: 10,00 €
Kids: 7,50 €
Senior citizens (+65): 8,00 €
Children under 4 years: Free

Opening time
March, april, may, june, october, november: 10.00 to 18.00
July, august, september: 10.00 to 19.00
December, january, february: 10.00 to 17.00

To obtian a rental property in the area look at our site Costa Del Sol

If you have been, or go to the Park please do let us know what you thought as this will help other visitors plan there trips.

Costa Del Sol Attractions (4)

Selwo Marina
Selwo Marina can be found on the seafront in just one street back from the sea front in Benalmadena Costa opposite the Parque de la Paloma.

Selwo Marina management team has developed an environment where you can experience some of the marine life of other paprts of the world.


Dolpinarium
There is a Dolphinarium (dolphins and sea lions) where you can easily view these lovely marine creatures. You can even see their antics underwater!

Ice Island
The Ice Island is home to an extensive range of species of penguins

Amazonia
Amazonia as you would rightly guess takes you to the tropical jungle to experience the marine life.

For childrenSelwo Marina is great for children and there is a playground, a touch and explore pool and many other areas to enjoy.

Opening hours
Selwo Marina is open every day from February 12th to October 31st, check the Selwo website for full details. You can and also purchase a discount card allowing repeat access to this and other attractions.

For suitable quality rental properties we suggest you look at the following link: Costa Del Sol or more specifically at the following,
Calahonda, Mijas, and Rivera Del Sol

Costa Del Sol Attractions (3)

Benalmadena Cable Car

Situated right next to Tivoli World, (see Costa Del Sol Attractions (1) the Benalmadena Cablecar runs to the summit of Monte Calamorro. The cable car is owned by Selwo Park. You can enjoy fantastic views over the Costa del Sol, Sierra Nevada from the summit. On clear days you will be treated to views to Gibraltar and the North African coast. Each of the cars can take four people and the journey lasts approximately 15 minutes.

At the summit is a cafeteria. Included in the price of the cable car is Donkey rides, exhibitions of birds of prey and Spanish horse riding exhibitions.

Thought for the day: Why not ride up to the summit in the cable car, and then get fit walking down? Even better perhaps take your cycle up in the car and cyle down!

The Cable Car is open every day from 10am to 9pm.

If you wish to visit other local attractions visit Selwo website where you will find a link to pre-purchase tickets. You can and also purchase a discount card allowing repeat access to this and other attractions.

For suitable quality rental properties we suggest you look at the following link: Costa Del Sol or more specifically at the following,

Calahonda, Mijas, and Rivera Del Sol.