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August 19, 2013

Rock Jumping Fun in Manilva, Costa del Sol

Filed under: Lifestyle,Things to do — Lucy @ 9:02 am

Manilva Municipality has 7.8km of coastline ranging from the “Blue Flag” sandy beaches of Sabinillas and La Duquesa to the pebbly and rocky coastline near Punta Chullera.

Punta Chullera Beach Manilva

If you love rock jumping there is a pebbly beach near Punta Chullera where the braver kids, teenagers and adults love to jump off the rocks.

 

Rock Jumping in Manilva

 

Rock diving Manilva

Which is your favourite beach in Manilva?

Please leave a comment below or email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu

 

 

Costa Water Park Now In Sabinillas, Manilva

The offshore inflatable assault course a bit like the course on the TV show “Total Wipe-out” has proved such a success in Elviria, Marbella, that they opened another one at Mistral Beach near Puerto Banus, Marbella and now in Sabinillas, Manilva!

Costa Water Park like Total Wipeout Near Puerto Banus

Costa Water Park Near Puerto Banus, Marbella

It is excellent fun for (nearly ) all the family although it can be quite exhausting.
Costa Water Park Sabinillas

 Inflatable fun in Sabinillas, Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain

Inflatable in the sea in Sabinillas, Manilva, Costa del Sol

 

 

Inflatables in the sea in Sabinillas, Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain

For just 10€ per hour it is a great value way of getting fit and having fun at the same time.

For more information see http://www.costawaterpark.com/

What is your favourite thing to do when on holiday?

Please leave a comment below or email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu

 

August 11, 2013

Sotogrande Polo tournament 2013

Every summer Sotogrande, the neighbouring seaside resort to Manilva,  is the venue for one of the biggest polo tournaments of the year.  Top polo clubs from all over the world relocate to Sotogrande for the summer with their top polo horses and polo players to compete in the Bronze, Silver and Gold Cup Tournaments.

Polo Sotogrande - Santa Maria Polo Club

 

The rich, famous and royalty flock to Sotogrande to watch the exciting matches which is open to all.  Entry to watch the matches is normally free except for the Gold cup grand finale where a small entrance free is usually charged.

Below is the timetable for the rest of the matches this summer:

Sotogrande Polo - silver cup timetable

Sotogrande Polo Timetable

Sotogrande Polo Tournament - Gold Cup Timetable

Sotogrande Polo Tournament - Gold Cup Timetable

Sotogrande Polo Tournament - Gold Cup Timetable

Sotogrande Polo Tournament - Gold Cup Timetable

If you have any events within a 50 mile radius of Manilva that you would like to be promoted please email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu.

 

If you are looking to buy a property in Spain to live in or for holidays or are looking for a holiday home to rent short term,  please contact info@barringtonhomes.eu and a member of our team will be happy to help you.

 

 

 

 

August 10, 2013

Family Fun at Manilva Fair, Costa del Sol, Spain

Manilva Feria is in full swing and there are still two nights left if you want a fun night out whilst staying in the La Duquesa area.

Manilva Fair, Costa del Sol, Spain

The atmosphere is electric with children and adults of all ages having a great night out.

Manilva Feria 2013 childrens rides

If you are crazy enough and enjoy losing your stomach and being bounced around, the Super Saltamonte is one of the most popular rides at Manilva Fair.

Manilva Fair,Super Saltamonte,  La Duquesa, Costa del Sol

If you have a head for heights and love speed then this high rocking boat gets the adrenaline going.

Manilva Feria High rocking boat, Costa del Sol, Spain

When I was younger the health and safety laws where I lived didn’t allow you to bump into each other in the bumper cars and you had to “dodgem”.  Not the case here in Manilva and they seem to go faster than ever before.  Be careful you dont get whiplash and keep your hands and legs inside the car!  Fantastic fun though.

Manilva Fair bumber cars, Costa del Sol, Spain

Why spend thousands going to Florida in America when Disney World is right here in Manilva!

Disney world Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain

This crazy man in a dress and his train is at Manilva Feria every year.  Does anyone know if he has ever misjudged the tunnel and been knocked off?

Manilva Fair 2013 La Duquesa, Costa del sol, Spain

This dancing bull ride is great fun and popular with the kids.  Can you stay on?

Manilva Feria dancing bull ride, Costa del Sol, Spain

The kids also love dancing in this ride and trying to stay upright.

Manilva Fair,near La Duquesa, Costa del Sol, Spain

There are still two nights left of the fair including the following events:

Saturday 10th August 2013

7.30 pm Grand parade through the streets of El Castillo de La Duquesa and Sabinillas accompanied by the “Chi Chi Pom” marching band. It leaves the Castle in El Castillo de La Duquesa at 7.30 pm and La Noria in Sabinillas around 8 pm (timings approximate).

10 pm Clown performance in the children’s zone of the main pavillion.

11 pm Performance by comedian Tony Rodríguez.

Midnight Music and dance in the main pavillion to the sounds of “Costa Pop”.  This is followed by resident DJ and hits from the 80s, 90s and modern day.

Sunday 11th August 2013

10 pm Magic show in the children’s zone of the main pavillion.

11 pm Performance by comedian Jesús Tapia.

Concert by Hombres G tribute band followed by the latest sounds from the resident DJ.

If you are planning a holiday and would like to visit Manilva next summer, Barrington Holidays www.barringtonholidays.com have a large selection of properties available for holiday rental.  Please contact info@barringtonholidays.com for more information.

If you are considering buying a property in Spain to use as a holiday home or to live in, www.barringtonhomes.eu have a large selection of apartments, townhouses and villas for sale in the Manilva, La Duquesa, Sabinillas, Casares and Estepona areas.  Please contact info@barringtonhomes.eu for more information.

If you have a property in the Manilva, La Duquesa, Sabinillas, Casares and Estepona areas and are thinking of selling or renting it out for holidays, please contact info@barringtonhomes.eu to discuss your options.

 

 

 

 

August 7, 2013

Manilva Fair 2013 €1 rides for children tonight

Filed under: Lifestyle,Local Events & Culture,Things to do — Lucy @ 5:04 pm

Manilva Feria officially opens tomorrow night (Thursday 8th August 2013) but today, for the first time, Manilva is going to celebrate “Childrens Day” day at the fair.

Manilva Fair Childrens Rides

Further to the requests from local families, Manilva Town Hall Fiestas department has arranged with the Fairground organisers to have a special night tonight dedicated to children to make it affordable so that many families in the area can take their children their to enjoy the attractions.

Therefore tonight, Wednesday 7th August 2013, the rides will be open to children for just €1 a ride.

Manilva Town Hall has also arranged that the the cost of the majority of rides from Thursday to Sunday will be €2 with the exception of rides holding less than 10 people in which case the price will be €2.50.

Manilva Fair is located at the site of the Sabinillas Sunday Market along the road to the Roman Oasis.

Its a great evening out for all the family and there are normally a few rides there that you will never forget!

Which is your favourite ride at the fair?

Please leave a comment below or email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu

 

 

August 3, 2013

Banana boat fun in La Duquesa, Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain

If you are looking for fun and exciting things to do in the La Duquesa area then a trip on the banana boat is well worth a go.

Duquesa Activities Banana Boat Trip

Not only is it fast and exhilarating but the views of La Duquesa, Sabinillas, Manilva and Estepona from the sea are breathtaking.

A ride on the banana boat costs €20 per person but if you gather a group together and speak to Pedro at Duquesa Activities he will give you a special rate.

Duquesa Activies www.duquesaactivites.com offer a wide range of nautical activities including boat trips, fishing trips, scuba diving, kayaking, wake-boarding and the banana boat ride.  They also offer land and air based activities such as wind karting and para triking.  For more information visit their website www.duquesaactivities.com or call 664 483 599.

What activities do you like doing on holiday?

Please leave a comment below or email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu

A great family evening out in La Duquesa, Manilva

La Duquesa improves every year and has become a fantastic place to go out to for the evening with street entertainers, markets and a wonderful selection of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Amazing street performers in La Duquesa

There is a great atmosphere at La Duquesa Marina with different generations of families enjoying an evening out together.  The place is bustling with people browsing the market stalls or watching their children on the carousel or rides.

Summer evening in La Duquesa

There is a wonderful new “pedal powered” carousel at Puerto de La Duquesa marina ridden by Carlos who delights the little kids by passing them sweets as they spin around.

At El Castillo de La Duquesa there is a Medieval Market with  a wonderful variety of stalls offering a wide range of goods from hand made leather items to silicon iphone covers.

Medieval Market at El Castillo de La Duquesa

The Medieval Market at El Castillo de La Duquesa, Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain

El Castillo de La Duquesa Medieval Market

Along the promenade there is a big inflatable “Bart Simpson”bouncy castle, slide and trampolines and a basketball area for the children.

Bouncy Castle fun area for children in La Duquesa

“The Simpsons” inflatable fun zone on the promenade between La Duquesa Marina and La Duquesa Castle

La Duquesa fun zone for children

If you are planning an evening out in La Duquesa I would suggest perhaps you park in the car park near  La Duquesa Castle and walk along the promenade to the Marina for a meal or even try one of the restaurants in the village of El Castillo de La Duquesa itself.

Where is your favourite place to go out to in the evening with your family and why?

Please leave a comment below or email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu.

If you haven’t booked your summer holiday yet and would like to visit La Duquesa,  www.barringtonholidays.com have some wonderful new properties on their books available to rent.

Please contact Jessica at info@barringtonholidays.com for more information.

 

 

June 30, 2013

The school run to Manilva

Filed under: Lifestyle — Lucy @ 12:55 pm

We are a week into our nearly 3 month school holidays and my stress levels are falling nicely.

Life has become calmer as I don’t need to nag the kids to get ready for school or do their homework or rush them so that we get to the various after school activities on time .

It also means that I dont have to do the school run up and down to Manilva several times a day.

Autumn morning in Manilva

What is your school run like?

Mine is a crazy ten minutes that bombards the senses and leaves me needing a bit of calm and tranquility.
It starts with the 4 kids arguing over who sits where and then is followed by them arguing over whether they can have the music loud or not.  The girls normally win and then we are subjected to Jessie J or Taylor Swift or some other chart topper (Gangnam style is popular with the boys too) blasting the cobwebs out of our ears.  Three minutes later we are all into the music being played and enjoying the sights on the way to school.
We go the back way to Manilva, past Duquesa Village and La Vizcaronda and we see a menagerie of animals on the way.  Little owls, sheep, dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, horses and foals, donkeys, mules and one day we even saw a peacock!
LittleOwl in Manilva
Once we get to Manilva itself the views change again and whichever way you look it is simply stunning or interesting.
Manilva Village to Casares Village Spain in Spring
The journey to work or back home after dropping the kids off at CEIP Pablo Picasso school in Manilva is peaceful and tranquil and the view down the Manilva and Casares valley towards the sea is so breathtaking it helps my mind settle and sets me up for the day.
What is your school run like?

June 29, 2013

Britain in the Sun – Gibraltar

We have been watching with amusement the Channel 5 documentary series following the lives of the residents on Gibraltar.

Gibraltar

We love Gibraltar.  It is a unique and interesting place steeped in history and full of characters from all over the world that have made Gibraltar their home.

When you visit Gibraltar you do feel like you have walked into a town in Great Britain.  Except of course for the monkeys or Barbary Apes to be precise.

Monkey in Gibraltar on the look out for food

Watch out there’s a monkey about that might nick your food!

Gibraltar Barbary Ape enjoying stolen packet of crisps

Cheeky Gibraltar Monkey eating stolen bag of crisps

You see red telephone boxes dotted about and the police force wear a uniform that is similar to the British “bobby on the beat”.

Main Street Gibraltar is reminiscent of a typical British High Street with shops such as Marks and Spencers, BHS, Top Shop, Peacocks, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Next, Monsoon, Mothercare, Early Learning Centre, Hallmark and Burger King located there.

There is also a large Morrisons Supermarket and MacDonalds restaurant located a 10 minute walk from Main Street and recently Eroski Supermarket has opened near the border which stocks 100’s of Waitrose products.

Gibraltar holds a special place in the hearts of many British Expats who have chosen to live in Spain.  Having Gibraltar nearby helps you feel closer to home and softens the impact of moving to a foreign country with a foreign language.View from beach in Manilva in winter to Gibraltar

I know there are 100s of expats living in Spain who make a monthly trip to Gibraltar to stock up on their favourite British foods and buy cheap cigarettes and alcohol.

Gibraltar is also special to many expats living in Spain as it is their source of income i.e where they work.

Employment is in abundance in Gibraltar and the market is dominated by the finance and gaming industries.

Manilva, La Duquesa, Sabinillas and Casares have become very popular locations within the commuter belt to Gibraltar as they are just a 30 minute picturesque drive away and the quality of life is second to none.

If you are thinking about moving to Spain or Gibraltar or buying a holiday home and would like to know more about our area,  I have written a 200 page guide on Manilva Municipality – An Expat Residents Guide To One Of The Best Places In The World To Live.

If you would like me to send you a free copy of this guide please email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu

June 27, 2013

Blue Flag awarded to Sabinillas Beach

Filed under: Duquesa Information,Lifestyle — Lucy @ 1:40 pm

Sabinillas Beach in Manilva on the Costa del Sol in Spain has again been awarded the blue flag by the   Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe.

Sabinillas Playa Banda Azul

 

Beaches are awarded the Blue Flag based on compliance with 32 criteria covering the following:

1) Environmental Education and Information

2) Water Quality

3) Environmental Management

4) Safety and Services
All Blue Flags are awarded for one season at a time.

If the criteria are not fulfilled during the season or the conditions change, the Blue Flag may be withdrawn.

 

For more information on the blue flag initiative visit http://www.blueflag.org

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