Fuengirola Zoo – An Oasis of Calm in the Centre of Town · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

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When visiting the Costa del Sol in Andalucia, Southern Spain, and must-see destination is the Zoo in Fuengirola.


Located right in the center of town, the zoo is a beautiful and calm place, beautifully designed to give its residents space and realistic natural habitats to live in, grow and produce their young.

History of the Zoo


The zoo originally opened in the 1970’s, as a typical zoo, with awful cages and fenced enclosures for the animals. Living conditions were unspeakable and left a lot to be desired. In December 1998, Rain Forest took over the contract to operate the zoo and completely redesigned the property using the latest “full immersion zoo” concept. The property is actually relatively small, so they chose to use a “tropical forest” ecosystem for the whole of the property– very suitable with the sub-tropical vegetation in the area.


They set out to create an environment embracing the tropical rainforests of Madagascar, Southeast Asia and Equatorial Africa, including rivers and waterfalls, caves, valleys, trees and rocks. As the property is small, subterranean stables were built for the animals to sleep and also raised gardens were erected around the property to block off the nearby buildings – making the zoo a different world within the busy seaside city.

Breeding of endangered species


Once everything was in place, the animals were introduced to their wonderful new habitat. Breeding of endangered species now successfully occurred – particularly with the chimpanzees.. Although the zoo had been breeding chimps from the outset, in the past there was a great deal of infanticide, as conditions were so unnatural. For the first time they could walk on grass, touch plants, run, play hide-and-seek…. for the first time they could behave like chimpanzees.


With the introduction of the new zoo, many of the animals are now successfully breeding – not only the chimps, but also the Bornean Orang-utans, the Sumatran Tigers, the lemurs from Madagascar, Pygmy Hippopotamus and the Blue Duiker are all examples of animals that now successfully breed their young in this new environment.


It is truly wonderful to see the baby animals, and their parents so happy and proud. Although I am normally against zoos as a whole, seeing endangered species flourishing is truly a heart warming experience.

A stroll around the zoo


As you enter the zoo, staff will take your photo, as a memento of your visit. You will then calmly stroll around the shady environment, with tropical sounds appropriate to each section playing through the trees. It is easy to imagine that you are actually in the tropical jungles of Africa or Asia!


There are aviaries of beautiful birds, waterholes with various buck and birds including beautiful flamingos and their young, sharing the space, and of course the more famous animals in the zoo – the Gorilla, the Sumatran Tigers and leopards! Also worth a visit are the Orang-utans – they have recently produced a cute youngster, and the mother endlessly shows off her baby to visitors, and also delights in posing for you – she definitely has a great sense of humour, and I have managed to take some amazing shots of her!


The chimps are also enchanting to watch, and currently have youngsters too. The golden cheeked gibbons are also beautiful – the male of the species being black and the female a beautiful golden color. Currently their baby is also golden, but as it is a male, it will eventually turn black like Dad.


Make sure you visit the Nile crocodiles – scary looking creatures, but luckily the viewing glass is very thick!


The highlight of the visit, in my opinion, is the Madagascar enclosure – habitat of the lemurs, where every 30 minutes you can take a tour to visit these gorgeous and friendly creatures. Entrance to the enclosure is through a very realistic baobab tree – created for the zoo – you can really imagine that you are in Africa when you step inside this hollow tree on the way to the lemurs!


Another highlight is the regular Forest Clearing Exhibitions, where you can enjoy a commentary on various animals in the zoo, and see exhibits. In summer, during July and August, try and visit the zoo at night for an amazing experience as the animals come to life after sleeping in the heat of the day – concluding with a dinner in the heart of the jungle! Currently they are running a special African evening, with African dancing and a tasty meal.

In conclusion:


All in all, Fuengirola zoo is a zoo in continuous evolution and it is difficult to include everything about this wonderful place in one article. However, it is important to know that the zoo is involved in 35 European endangered species breeding programs and also collaborates on a variety of international projects to save, in situ, the planet’s endangered forest zones. Please give generously to the various projects as you visit the zoo and have a wonderful visit! You will be back (I’ve visited 4 times and I LIVE in Fuengirola!

About the Author:


Anne Sewell is involved in travel on the internet with several websites, including All World Vacation Station – a global travel guide with worldwide accommodation and tour options.

Article Source: Fuengirola Zoo – An Oasis of Calm in the Centre of Town · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

The Highlights of Sunny Malaga · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

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Located in Andalucia, Spain, Malaga is at the heart of the seaside region of the Costa del Sol. Although the area is perhaps most famous for its white beaches there are many other attractions to explore in this historic city. In fact, here you can take in the spectacle of a festival, explore ancient architectural treasures and soak up stunning views and delicious local fare.



Visit the town in festival time and enjoy a feast for all of your senses. The Fiestas de Carnival takes place for 40 days before Lent while the Feria de Malaga happens for two weeks in August. During both occasions the streets become a riot of colour and you can enjoy music, street entertainment, stalls and enthusiastic crowds.



Malaga is a great place to take in modern art. A trip to Centro de Arte Contemporaneo (Centre for Modern Arts) is recommended. Located on Avenida Comandante Benitez, it showcases both established and up and coming artists.



The Picasso Museum on San Agustin is a must-see. The most famous painter of the 20th century was born in the town in 1881. Here you can take in examples of his art in a stunning 16th century building steeped in Andalucian history. Furthermore, Picasso’s birthplace in nearby Plaza Merced is also worth a visit.



Not only does Malaga boast an amphitheatre but it has a Roman Theatre too. In fact, the town can trace its origins even further back to the Phoenicians. The Roman Theatre is open to the public and sits at the base of another historic attraction – the Alcazaba – close to Plaza de Aduana. Alcazaba is a Moorish word for walled fortifications and it is one of only seven to survive in Spain.



Another reminder of more violent times is the adjacent 14th century Castillo de Gibralfaro, built on a much older Phoenician site. Now in ruins, it once witnessed a 3-month siege against the rulers Ferdinand and Isabella; however, its ramparts still stand and make an impressive site set amongst woodland.



Close to both of these warlike structures is a popular walk along the Paseo del Parque. Taking you past parkland and woods it offers a pleasant stroll that leads to the harbor, which is one of the busiest in Spain.



Of course, it is impossible to visit Malaga without taking in its white sandy beach, fringed with palm trees. Here you will find many delicious eateries called Chiringuitos where you can sample delicious tapas and other delicacies.



It is also good to know that once you disembark your flights to Malaga, then it is possible to travel on to such nearby jewels of the Costa del Sol, such as Fuengirola and Puerto Banus. With the opportunity to experience Malaga and beyond, there really is so much to cater any visitor on a trip to this sunny destination.



The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

About the Author

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Article Source: The Highlights of Sunny Malaga · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

The pull of the Costa del Sol · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

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The Costa del Sol has been one of the most popular holiday destinations since the 60’s when sun worshippers used to flock to the newly popular Torremolinos, which gave birth to the term “package holidays”. Since then more and more resorts have been developed and are favourites with holiday makers looking for all year round sun, good value for money and a solid infrastructure.

We have seen the luxury resort of Marbella become one of the elite worldwide holiday destinations thanks to those visionary men such as Ricardo Soriano (hotelier and friend of the rich and famous), Jose Melia (builder of the Melia don Pepe and a chain of luxury Costa del Sol hotels), Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe (the original risk taker and founder of the world famous Marbella Club and Puente Romano Hotels) and of course Jose Banus (founder and builder of the luxury marina Puerto Banus).

These men, amongst others, were pretty much responsible for placing Marbella firmly on the map as one of the most luxurious holiday resorts and popular hangouts to the rich and famous. Now some forty years on the Costa del Sol remains one of the first choice holiday destinations to many people from all over the world every year.

Quite a lot has changed since the first holiday makers flocked to the Costa del Sol back in the 60’s. The country is no longer a dictatorship since the passing of Franco in 1975, the currency is no longer the peseta since the introduction of the Euro in January 2002 and flights are much more affordable since the birth of low cost airlines like EasyJet.

The scenery has also changed quite dramatically over the years too as the Costa del Sol became a main area in which to own a holiday home or more recently a place to relocate. As the demand for properties increased so did the construction, which in turn slowly changed the Costa del Sol from a series of small fishing villages to busy towns and holiday resorts. However, that aside the Costa del Sol still remains a unique destination for holiday makers and home buyers.

As the tourism to the Costa del Sol increases each year the government are implementing a number of infrastructure amendments to help keep people moving freely from resort to resort. The largest of these includes the building of a new airport terminal at Malaga International Airport and then the construction of a new runway. This will allow more flights to and from the Costa del Sol and mid next year there are plans to restart an old Delta Airlines route to and from New York. In addition British Airways have just announced that from March 2008 they plan to increase the number of flights to Malaga Airport from their London hub airports.

In December 2007 the brand new AVE high speed rail link starts to operate between Malaga and Madrid shaving off over 2 hours on the current journey time to two hours forty five minutes. In addition to this the existing RENFE rail link which currently stops at Fuengirola in the west will be extended to eventually run down to Algeciras linking up Marbella and Estepona on the way.

Plans have also been approved, subject to an environmental impact study for a new motorway linking San Pedro de Alcantara to Ronda cutting down the journey time from fifty minutes to just twenty two.

All of this is helping keep the Costa del Sol a firm favourite to holiday makers and home buyers and the recent “cleansing” of the Marbella town hall and disassociation from the former corrupt mayors is slowly bringing back the property investor.

There really is nowhere like the Costa del Sol with its mountainous terrain on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. From the western parts of the Costa del Sol views of Gibraltar and North Africa are clearly visible.

The Costa del Sol is just 2 hours from many of the Northern European countries by air and boasts one of the best all year round climates of any Mediterranean area. From Nerja in the east right down to the busy port of Algeciras in the west the Costa del Sol remains one of the key holiday destinations of Europe.

About the Author

Online Marketing Services Spain

Article Source: The pull of the Costa del Sol · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

Sales of Spanish property and Related Procedure · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

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Spanish property sales – Benalmádena has it all

Spanish property sales is easy in an area with Tivoli, green parks, Selwo Marina with dolphin show, casino and much more

Buyers of a Spanish property will appreciate that Benalmádena is a special town with originally three areas: Benalmádena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Costa. Benalmádena is located at the foot of the mountains Sierra de Mijas. There are only 15 kms (10 miles) to Malaga Airport, and the motorway is on the hillside giving easy access to the neighbouring towns and villages. Commuting by bus and train is also easy. The train runs along the coast between Fuengirola and Malaga, and stops in Benalmádena every 30 minutes. If you are planning to buy a property for rental, Benalmádena is ideal as the holiday guests do not need to rent a car.

Benalmádena Pueblo This is a typical beautiful Spanish village (pueblo) with narrow streets and old houses. The tourism has not yet reached the old part of Benalmádena as it is drawn back from the busy beaches, even though it is close to the main attractions of the area. In Benalmádena Pueblo Spanish property sales are mainly apartments, penthouses and town houses.

Arroyo de la Miel This area has now turned in to the town centre of Benalmádena. It is rich in small restaurants and shops, and in the middle of everything you can find Tivoli, one of the main attractions. Tivoli has entertainment for all ages, offering great fun for the family. The cable car is located next to Tivoli, taking you to the top of the mountain where you can enjoy spectacular views of the coast and the sea. In Arroyo de la Miel Spanish property sales is mainly apartments and penthouses.

Benalmádena Costa As the name indicates, this part is located on the sea front, stretching several miles in both directions. This is where you find the beaches and lots of life in the summer. The famous sports harbour, Puerto Marina, is particularly well-known for the cosy atmosphere and the beautiful architecture. This is a lively place with more than 1000 moorings and all sorts of water sports: sailing, water ski, big-game fishing, diving etc. In Benalmádena Costa Spanish property sales is mainly apartments and penthouses, but moving further along the coast, also villas can be found, making Benalmádena Costa a diverse area for Spanish property sales.

The author is a real estate broker and wishes to update the readers about sales of spanish property.

Article Source: Sales of Spanish property and Related Procedure · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

Expansion of Malaga airport · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

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For the many of you that have been to the Costa del Sol recently or are planning to come soon, the constant work being done at the Malaga airport has probably not gone unnoticed. The work as been ongoing now for a few years and looks like completion is coming soon, Easter 2010 according to the powers that be. Not bad timing considering a lot of people talking of many western European economies should be out of recession by then.

Let me just be clear, the new terminal will be open next Easter, construction should be finished at the end of this year, and during January and February of next year a trial will be carried out so that on opening day everything will work ‘perfectly’. This will be followed by the new terminal which should be ready a several months after the Easter opening.

This expansion will almost triple its capacity and will bring its competitiveness into line with other European airports, with enough capacity for the next fifty years and will solidify its position as a major airport in Spain and Europe. The expansion should also allow for access by the new ‘super’ planes developed for those long haul flights making it a connection centre.

The new terminal will be joined to the current ones, generating a total area of 385,000m² (more than double the current 135,000m²) with the capacity to attend to 9,000 passengers per hour, that’s around 30 million travellers a year (again doubling current capacity)with 179 check-in desks and 48 boarding gates, with 7,500 pieces of luggage processed every hour.

The new runway, on completion, will allow the capacity of flights per hour to almost double, from 37 to 72.

Of course, they are not improving only the airport itself, but the surrounding infrastructure with a modern transport interchange with access to buses, taxis, private and rental vehicles and the new railway station for the Malaga-Fuengirola. Additionally two new road links will be added: the south, by way of the A-7 motorway, and the north, by way of the future ring road, which will be joined to the national MA-21 road. Furthermore, two car parks will be opened with space for 3,700 vehicles.

This vast project will not only keep Malaga competitive as a transportation and commercial area, it will also benefit tourism and property prices throughout the Costa del Sol. The Junta de Andalucía has in recent years become quite dependent on British tourists which have made up a sizable percentage of the foreign tourists flying to the Costa del Sol. They seem to have realised this and have over the last year been trying to promote the destination around the world. The new airport should allow for direct flights from most parts of the world, making it easier for Chinese, Russian, etc… tourists to visit.

Furthermore by allowing more direct flights from further a field, the average time its takes people to get to the Costa del Sol should decrease, which will allow more people to benefit (as many British, Irish, etc.. have) of shorter travelling times, thus making a second/holiday home in the sun a more convenient possibility.

Regards
Andrew Belles

Article Source: Expansion of Malaga airport · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

Old Charms of Benalmadena · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

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Benalmádena lies near the Malaga hotel in Costa del Sol shoreline south of Spain. It is bordered by two municipalities- the Torremolinos on the east and Fuengirola on the west. On its north are the Alhaurin de la Torre and the Mijas Pueblo, whilst the south of Benalmádena is greeted by the Mediterranean Sea. The Benalmádena district is divided into three areas, namely the Benalmádena Costa, the Arroyo de la Miel and the Benalmádena Pueblo.

Tourists are attracted and fond of this destination because of its warm Mediterranean climate. It has a sunny climate almost all year round, just perfect for that outdoor leisure activity.

The tourism industry is the primary Benalmádena industry. The urban area of Benalmádena offers a wide array of vacation homes, hotels and hostels to accommodate any type of guest and match any budget.

Historic Welcome from Benalmádena

Now get a glimpse of old and charming Benalmádena. You’ll discover the enriching sights of history and more.

The village of Benalmádena Pueblo still retains its old-fashioned charisma; a contrast to the city’s modernisation. The typical village settings are the white houses, the long narrow alleys and the atmosphere of cheerful locals. More than that is the spectacular view of the Costa del Sol as this town is geographically elevated to about 300 meters above sea level.

Gardens like Águila and Muro, the Colomares Castle and the Archeological Museum can be found in the village area. The bronse statue of the “Child of Benalmádena”, the entrance of the Parque de la Paloma and the Torrebermeja watchtower are also great places to visit.

The Benalmadena Costa has the most diverse population and the most advanced amongst the three district areas. This is where the highly acclaimed Puerto Marina, famous pubs, nightspots, restaurants and golden beaches are situated. Hotels are also abundant in this area to cater large number of tourists. Guests can also enjoy the theme parks particularly the Selwo Marina and Sea Life and the Puerto Marina.

The Torrequebrada Casino, which includes leisure facilities and a conference area, and the Torrequebrada Golf Course is also along this district. Guests can also enjoy the cable car ride to enjoy the picturesque view; or go to Puerto Marina and engage in water sports like kayaking, water skiing or diving.

Arroyo de la Miel is home to the famous theme park called Tivoli World, the oldest Costa de Sol amusement attraction. For those who love hiking, guests can visit the Monte Calamorro, a proud symbol of Arroyo de la Miel. An additional cable car set up in Arroyo de la Miel ascends to its peak, and guests can even catch a glimpse of the Malaga, the Costa del Sol and even Africa on a clear sunny day.

Benalmádena also showcases a variety of religious structures as different civilisations once passed this Spanish city and left their religious influences. The town is home to the largest stupa in the western area called the Enlightenment Stupa. Other towering Buddhist and Hindu temples are also present in the area. Churches and museums also depict the rich history of Benalmádena.

The coastal Benalmádena provides an avenue for fun and relaxation. A Spanish holiday treats like no other!

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Visit Go Cielo to search and book hotels in Benalmadena, even you can book any of the in Spain.

Article Source: Old Charms of Benalmadena · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

I Love Italian Travel – Attractions of Northern Italy During May, Part II · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

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On the second weekend of May the city of Brescia, Lombardy hosts the Mille Miglia (Thousand Mile Race), a non-competitive version of that classic auto race from the 30’s and 40’s. Hundreds of thousands of spectators watch almost 400 classic cars as zip through the city streets in a thousand mile (1600 kilometer) race throughout northern and central Italy. The city of Legnano, population about 60 thousand, holds its Carroccio Festival & Palio delle Contrade on May 23rd to honor a military victory in 1176. You’ll see hundreds of people who festively march in medieval costumes followed by a horse race. Then a few days later the city of Caravaggio, population 16 thousand, plays host the Madonna of the Fountain celebration that commemorating Madonna’s miraculous appearance in 1432 when she was said to console a young woman in distress. Spend May’s last Sunday in the beautiful walled city of Bergamo, population 120 thousand, situated about 60 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Milan at the Bergamo Marathon. You may even apply to run this race. I’d rather watch.

The city of Trento whose population exceeds 100 thousand is home to the the Trento Film Festival that focuses on Mountain, Exploration, and Adventure films for approximately ten days starting at the end of April. For a few days in mid-May the local capital Bolzano hosts a fine wine exhibition in the Mareccio (Maretsch) Castle located close to the city center. Finish the month at the Speck Festival, showcasing the local specialty, cured and seasoned raw bacon. You’ll find plenty more local foods and wines as you listen to musicians in traditional costumes.

By early May the weather warms up in Friuli-Venezia Giulia as just about everywhere else in northern Italy. On 2nd of May the town of Coseano, approximately 52 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of the local capital Trieste, hosts the annual “Coseano Vie d’Artista” festival where over two hundred artists display their paintings on the town streets. The kids will love “Il Paese dei Balocchi” (Toyland) in the town of Rive d’Arcano, population about 2,500, also located some 52 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Trieste. Pinocchio will be there accompanied by lots of music and games. In mid-May the mountainside church of S. Pietro Zuglio some 70 miles (110 kilometers) from Trieste hosts the Kissing of the Crosses Celebration. After a parade numerous crosses that come from all the churches in the surrounding valley are assembled in this hilltop church. Participants march in single file and touch the cross of Saint Peter to symbolize Peter’s devoted kiss to Jesus. Other May festivals in beautiful Friuli include the International Chair Salon in Udine, the Sapori Pro Loco gastronomical festival in Villa Manin di Codroipo, a poetry festival in Monfalcone on the coast, and a musical festival in Pordenone. There’s even a sundial festival in Aiello.

——

Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but would rather drink fine French, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his new wine, diet, health, and nutrition website www.wineinyourdiet.com and his Italian travel website www.travelitalytravel.com.

Article Source: I Love Italian Travel – Attractions of Northern Italy During May, Part II · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

I Love Italian Travel – Attractions of Northern Italy During May, Part II · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

Mucho More About Here: http://costadelsolfuengirola.info/

On the second weekend of May the city of Brescia, Lombardy hosts the Mille Miglia (Thousand Mile Race), a non-competitive version of that classic auto race from the 30’s and 40’s. Hundreds of thousands of spectators watch almost 400 classic cars as zip through the city streets in a thousand mile (1600 kilometer) race throughout northern and central Italy. The city of Legnano, population about 60 thousand, holds its Carroccio Festival & Palio delle Contrade on May 23rd to honor a military victory in 1176. You’ll see hundreds of people who festively march in medieval costumes followed by a horse race. Then a few days later the city of Caravaggio, population 16 thousand, plays host the Madonna of the Fountain celebration that commemorating Madonna’s miraculous appearance in 1432 when she was said to console a young woman in distress. Spend May’s last Sunday in the beautiful walled city of Bergamo, population 120 thousand, situated about 60 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Milan at the Bergamo Marathon. You may even apply to run this race. I’d rather watch.

The city of Trento whose population exceeds 100 thousand is home to the the Trento Film Festival that focuses on Mountain, Exploration, and Adventure films for approximately ten days starting at the end of April. For a few days in mid-May the local capital Bolzano hosts a fine wine exhibition in the Mareccio (Maretsch) Castle located close to the city center. Finish the month at the Speck Festival, showcasing the local specialty, cured and seasoned raw bacon. You’ll find plenty more local foods and wines as you listen to musicians in traditional costumes.

By early May the weather warms up in Friuli-Venezia Giulia as just about everywhere else in northern Italy. On 2nd of May the town of Coseano, approximately 52 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of the local capital Trieste, hosts the annual “Coseano Vie d’Artista” festival where over two hundred artists display their paintings on the town streets. The kids will love “Il Paese dei Balocchi” (Toyland) in the town of Rive d’Arcano, population about 2,500, also located some 52 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Trieste. Pinocchio will be there accompanied by lots of music and games. In mid-May the mountainside church of S. Pietro Zuglio some 70 miles (110 kilometers) from Trieste hosts the Kissing of the Crosses Celebration. After a parade numerous crosses that come from all the churches in the surrounding valley are assembled in this hilltop church. Participants march in single file and touch the cross of Saint Peter to symbolize Peter’s devoted kiss to Jesus. Other May festivals in beautiful Friuli include the International Chair Salon in Udine, the Sapori Pro Loco gastronomical festival in Villa Manin di Codroipo, a poetry festival in Monfalcone on the coast, and a musical festival in Pordenone. There’s even a sundial festival in Aiello.

——

Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but would rather drink fine French, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his new wine, diet, health, and nutrition website www.wineinyourdiet.com and his Italian travel website www.travelitalytravel.com.

Article Source: I Love Italian Travel – Attractions of Northern Italy During May, Part II · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info