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Summer is finally coming to the Costa del Sol and with it, the promise of warmer balmy nights, ice cold mojitos and a chance to let your hair down at one or more of this season’s concerts.

In the coming months artists from all over the world will be visiting the province, performing in a variety of concerts offering all kinds of music, such as: pop-rock, jazz, blues and soul, with sounds from the 80′s, 90′s and even some modern music too. British group, Jamiroquai, headed by singer Jason Kay have confirmed this week that their tour date in Malaga will be 3^rd August.

While the complete concert programme is yet to be finalised, amongst the many famous names who will appear at the open air auditorium are Ricky Martin and Juanes. The Puerto Rican “Mr. La Vida Loca” himself will be in Malaga on the 27^th July as part of his European “Music Soul Sex” tour. It has also been announced that he will sing some new material, as well as well loved classics from previous albums.

Peter André, a English-born Australian singer, who once topped the charts with his hit single “Mysterious Girl” (how could we forget?!) back in 1997 will also be heading the bill.  Read more »

Considering the times of crisis that we are currently going through here in Spain, money is something not a lot of us have to spare, and that’s where this new initiative from a newly opened establishment – a Time Bank – in Marbella comes into play. Now while this concept might sound a little strange at first, I urge you to read on.

In this bank, there are no tellers, no vaults, cheques or even money to speak of. Instead the “bank” offers a selection of different services based on the abilities of its members, and it pays with… well, more services, which is in actual fact “time-based currency”, completely abolishing the need for money at all. Each client, upon registration will offer their own abilities to the rest of the members and can earn the help of others who can teach them, or share what they know.  Read more »

For those not already in the know, Tivoli World is an attraction park in Benalmadena which offers a great day out for all the family with its combination of traditional fairground rides, faster rides, water rides and many more – all surrounded by lush gardens with decorative fountains.

Tivoli World has decided to change its opening hours, a change which came into effect on the 30^th April. The hours the park now opens to the public are from 11am to 7pm Wednesday to Friday and from 12 midday to 9pm on weekends. Tivoli World has also announced that it will be hosting some new productions this year, including a Ukrainian ballet show produced by Sergei Ilchenko. There will also be various kids plays this year, such as Tanzani K, Tiny Town Show, Cinderella and Aladdin which are performed on the ground – however The Little Mermaid, another kids play is performed on the park’s lovely “boat of mysteries”.

Tivoli World is located just five minutes away from the Arroyo de la Miel train station and not too far from the bus station. Group tickets and special wrist bands can be bought on site and there is also free parking in the area.

You can also save 10% buying your tickets on-line at: www.tivolicostadelsol.com and even purchase a Supertivolino on-line and save yourself a long wait in the queue!

If you’re living in or visiting Marbella and the surrounding areas and you need a car (or bike) rental, or even want to buy a bike, then consider your search well and truly finished.

Founded in 1998, “Rainbow Rentals” is conveniently located in the centre of Marbella, just a stones throw away from the promenade on Avda. Severo Ochoa quite near Clinica Europa and almost opposite the Hotel Fuerte Miramar Spa. The owner, José Antonio has 13 years experience in the trade, surviving through word of mouth and his service is second to none. To give you a better idea of the location, if you walk or drive a bit further, you soon join on to the main street of Marbella, “Ricardo Soriano” where all the shops, restaurants and banks are located.  Read more »

Tourism looks to be one of the sectors that will boost Spain’s economy this year, as forecasts for growth are more than two percent. Around one million more tourists are expected to visit Spain this year, with a vast majority of them being northern Europeans who originally intended to visit regions that unfortunately have become natural or political disaster zones. Of course, these re-scheduled trips are music to the ears of a country which is emerging from a long financial downturn.

Spain is currently the world’s third largest tourist destination behind France and the United States however, experts still say that Spain’s prices need to become more competitive for any sustainable growth to be recorded. Indeed, when compared to other “fun in the sun” destinations like Turkey or Greece, Spain is continually the more expensive option. There are many strategies currently being talked about by the tourism board and one of them is upgrading accommodation and facilities to distinguish Spain as a quality destination for higher-spending visitors.  Read more »