Have a Flutter
Missed out on El Gordo but still feel like a flutter? Pass a few hours in Casino Torrequebrada, between Malaga and Marbella, where you will find Roulette, Black Jack and Poker amongst others as well as gaming machines. Go to town and book a lovely meal in the restaurant which has live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Look up the website for more information www.casinotorrequebrada.com. The casino is in Avenida del Sol s/n Benalmadena Costa. There is also Casino de Marbella in Avda R. Soriano. If you prefer Bingo, there are a surprising number of Bingo Halls in Spain including Bingo Paris in Plaza Cruz de Humilladero, Malaga and Bingo Malaga, Calle Martinez Maldonado 63.
Pamper Yourself
Treat yourself to a luxurious pampering at the Thermal Carratraca, south of Ronda. The baths date back to Roman times, earning world-wide fame in 1855. The hotel has 43 rooms and super programmes dedicated to Health, Beauty and Weight Loss. Some of these are Relaxation and Anti-Stress, Treatments for Circulation and tired Legs, and Thermal Circuits which include pools and juice or infusion. Visit for the day for Hydromassage, Reflexology Treatments, Facials, Manicures or Pedicures. Tel 952489544 or check www.thermasdecarratraca.com
The Alhambra
This is the perfect time to visit the Alhambra in Granada. It is more peaceful with fewer visitors and you can enjoy a view of snow covered Sierras. The Generaliffe is an absolute delight with pools, gardens and great views. The Palace of King Charles V will surprise you and, in the old fortress you will find the oldest part of the complex affording wonderful views over the city. However, the Nazarine Palaces are the real treasure. You have to enter at the time stated on your ticket, but you can stay inside as long as you wish. It is really amazing. You can have a guided tour or wonder at will. Book tickets on www.alhambra.es, in some travel agents or, in this season, buy them there.
Clear the Christmas Cobwebs
Try something active. Head for El Chorro where you can enjoy Winter activities with Indian Sport Tel 686479288. Take a half day course and scoot down rock faces, shoot off some arrows and take a brisk walk through the woods and over the hills. The Winter courses include Rapel, Archery and Hiking and are guaranteed to clear those cobwebs away.
Take to the Trail
Horse riding is a great way to enjoy the countryside. Cortijo Las Minas in Salinas has half and whole day trails and these are really spectacular. You can also go for one or two-hour hacks and there is pony riding for children. Check out your local stables, enjoy riding again or take some lessons.
Cortijo Las Minas, Salinas Tel 968703178, 646904640
Vista Verde, Vva del Rosario
Tel 617 158 202
El Higueral Equestrial Centre, Campillos Tel 661892801
Andalucia Horse Riding between Velez-Malaga and La Vinuela Tel 616032215
Natural Horseriding in Spain, Estacion Bobadilla Tel 952720271
A Tour With a Difference
Explore the city of Malaga by bike with Malaga Bike Tours. Get oriented and feel at home straightaway as you ride through the narrowest of streets discovering delightful hidden squares on this four and a half hour tour. The knowledgeable and entertaining guides offer insights into the history and culture of the city. There are plenty of opportunities to take photos. You can also opt for a Tapas On Wheels where you sample tapas with a glass of Malaga Wine as your guide tells you about the place. If you prefer to ride in the mountains then check the website for Mountain Bike Tours in the Montes de Malaga or the Coastal Tours. Malaga Bike Tours, Pasaje La Trini Tel 606978513.
Challenge Yourself
Don´t let your new year resolution slip away. Plan to do something different. Take up golf, get carried away on the wind paragliding or hang gliding, make a parachute jump or take a balloon trip. The best place for papragliding and hang gliding is in Valle de Albadajais and there are also places in Carmona, Ruta de la Mina, Padul and Loja. If you would prefer to go underground, there are opportunities for potholing here. The caves attract potholers every year. Explore below ground in Cueva del Gato, La Pileta and even in the bat cave of Zuheros.
Cordoba
This lovely city holds a wealth of historic monuments and good restaurants. The Mosque is the grandest and most beautiful ever to be constructed by the Moors in Spain and will certainly take your breath away. Now it is a mix of Cathedral and Mosque containing the best of each. It is open Mon to Sat 10 to 5.30, Sun 2 to 6.30. Located in the centre of the city it is surrounded by the quaint streets of the Jewish Quarter. Nearby is the delightful Casa Andalusi which recreates the atmosphere of a Moorish house with lovely furniture, artefacts and exhibits and a very pretty patio.
Christian and Moors Battle Again
In the small Andalucian town of Orce, north-east of Baza, the amazing Festival of San Sebastian and San Anton is celebrated with a recreation of the wars between Moors and Christians, religious processions, music and fireworks. Natural there is dancing and you will see the traditional Cascamorres, a kind of clown in bright attire.
San Sebastian
On the Feast of San Sebastian on 20th January, festivals are held in many villages, towns and cities. One of the most unusual is held in Caniles, Grananda, when townsfolk, replete with good food and wine and armed with staves and protective clothing, battle to grab the banner from the Saint´s head. The winner leads the procession the rest of the way and everything ends with fireworks.
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