Spain is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and its festivals and traditions are as varied as they are fascinating. From tomato fights and devil-jumping to fiery beach bonfires and horse herding, the customs and celebrations of Spain are both unique and captivating. In this blog, we will explore some of the lesser-known traditions … Continue reading Spain Culture: Beyond Flamenco – discovering Spain’s strangest cultural celebrations
Category Archives: Spanish Culture
Where to go: Ronda – the oldest Spanish city
The town of Ronda, located an hour away from Benahavís, looks as if someone had suspended it over a steep cliff. To speak of Ronda is to speak of unparalleled cultural, natural and scenic resources, of wine and oil tourism, of gastronomy, of charming hotels and fiestas of all kinds. About Ronda wrote Ernest Hemingway, … Continue reading Where to go: Ronda – the oldest Spanish city
Coronavirus-related good news stories
Last week we promised you that each week we will be sending you a fresh newsletter with some tales of optimism and communities coming together during coronavirus. By doing that, we wanted to bring some sunshine and offer comfort to those who need it the most. Time and time again we see that during times of … Continue reading Coronavirus-related good news stories
Almeria becoming a movie star
Almeria. How did the Andalusian desert become a movie star? Almost everyone has seen the movie, but hardly anyone knows where it was made. Several popular films such as: ”Lawrence of Arabia”, “Good, bad and ugly” or “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” were set in the eastern part of Andalusia, in this unusual landscapes … Continue reading Almeria becoming a movie star
The black bull of Andalusia and other facts
4 intersting facts about tradition of Andalusia The black bull of Andalusia For decades, the black bull has been the logo of the Osborne Group company. Today, it is also a symbol of Spanish culture and longlife tradition. It was designed in 1956 by the famous artist Manolo Prieto, who was a pioneer in graphic design … Continue reading The black bull of Andalusia and other facts
Bodegas in Jerez – in the city that should be in heaven
Jerez. During the Moorish reign, the city was called Seris, the Spanish transformed it into Jerez and the British transformed it into Sherry. “The city of Jerez should be in heaven¨, said Victor Hugo about the experience of drinking Sherry. This unique wine region located in Andalusia, in the south of Spain, known as the … Continue reading Bodegas in Jerez – in the city that should be in heaven
Málaga and Gothenburg Smart Tourism Cities Award 2020
European Capital of Smart Tourism Gothenburg and Málaga have been named as winners of the EU’s 2020 European Capital of Smart Tourism competition. Last year, The European Commission launched a new competition to award the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism to 2 European cities with the smartest, most innovative and inclusive approached to … Continue reading Málaga and Gothenburg Smart Tourism Cities Award 2020
Ara Malikian Spanish Rock Violinist
Ara Malikian – Spanish rock violinist Ara Malikian is one of the most eccentric-looking and expressive violinists we have had the chance to see and listen to today. His music is ad restless and powerful, as it is moving and deep. His tight jeans, shining rock-style jackets and long Afro hair make the performance nothing … Continue reading Ara Malikian Spanish Rock Violinist
6 reasons for visiting Frigiliana during the Festival of 3 Cultures
Frigiliana is located in the eastmost part of the Axarquía region, overlooking the Mediterranean from the Natural Park of Sierras de Almijara. This charming white village offers one of the prettiest and most spectacular views of the Costa del Sol. It is one of the most historic villages in the province of Málaga. … Continue reading 6 reasons for visiting Frigiliana during the Festival of 3 Cultures
June is full of joy in Spain – San Juan
June in Spain is a month full of joy and excitement. Why? It’s because of San Juan. It’s a long-awaited holiday which falls on the night of June 23rd, 24th called San Juan or St. John’s Eve. Why are the Spaniards so eager to see the arrival of the date? What is special about this one … Continue reading June is full of joy in Spain – San Juan
7 Reasons Why you Should Visit Cádiz
Earlier this year, the New York Times included Cádiz in the list of 52 places in the world to be visited in 2019. It is a charming city surrounded by wonderful beaches and it’s lying in the most southern part of Andalusia. It is often called the Spanish Havana or the joyful city. Among the … Continue reading 7 Reasons Why you Should Visit Cádiz
The beauty of Córdoba’s Mezquita
The beauty of Córdoba’s Mezquita great mosque 850 columns made of granite, jasper and marble, 19 naves and the uniqueness of semi-darkness. All this makes an electrifying impression! Without any exaggeration, the Mezquita can be considered the most beautiful mosque ever made by the Arabs on the Iberian Peninsula. The Great Mosque of Cordoba … Continue reading The beauty of Córdoba’s Mezquita
Museum of Cars and Fashion – perfect marriage
If you are into old vehicles, we have something for you – the Automobile Museum of Málaga. Located in Tabacalera, the Automobile Museum of Málaga hosts a unique collection in the world that combines high standing vehicles and haute couture, where art, fashion and design meet in the same space. It’s where you can enjoy … Continue reading Museum of Cars and Fashion – perfect marriage
10 Movies shot in Andalusia
What to do when you have already discovered Andalusia, saw all the monuments, tasted many dishes and photographed things worth immortalising? Everyone is looking for something that interests them most. We love movies, and so we went onto looking for … movies that were set in Andalusia. Andalusia is an ideal region for filmmakers. Everything … Continue reading 10 Movies shot in Andalusia
Dania Garcia – 3star Michelin winner
One chef – three stars – a multitude of concepts Dani García – inspires, delights and sets new directions Nestled in a subtropical garden, in the heart of the Marbella city and Puente Romano Hotel, Dani Garcia Restaurant is truly unique and exotic. But what so extraordinary about it? The setting of it … Continue reading Dania Garcia – 3star Michelin winner
Christmas celebrations around the world
Christmas trip around the world For many Christmas is one of the most important moments of the year. No wonder why – it’s unique, magical, full of joy and generosity. It brings us closer and it encourages us to reflect. This is true and universal for many countries. We set out on a journey … Continue reading Christmas celebrations around the world
How to decorate a Marbella Club HIlls’ terrace, for it to be functional and have space to relax
The dream of resting in the sun in front of the house is one of the reasons why many of us decide to move to the south of Spain. How to arrange it, so it serves us well and makes a beautiful showcase of the house? Functionality above all Regardless of whether we … Continue reading How to decorate a Marbella Club HIlls’ terrace, for it to be functional and have space to relax
Andalusian style interior design
Andalusian style interior design – how to feel on holidays every day? They say that anyone who has visited Spain once will surely return here. And not once. Castanets, flamenco, sangria, corrida de toros, siesta – examples of the distinguishing features of this wonderful country can be multiplied indefinitely, but indispensable elements of this counting are … Continue reading Andalusian style interior design
Pueblos Blancos – Biggest attractions of Andalusia
One of the biggest attractions of Andalusia is “Ruta de los pueblos blancos”, or the White Cities Route. It runs between a dozen or so historic towns that combine architectural similarities: white facades of houses, churches and defensive walls. Snow-white “Pueblos Blancos” not only glisten beautifully in the sunshine, but also captivate with its amazingly … Continue reading Pueblos Blancos – Biggest attractions of Andalusia
Vuelta a España – the world’s 3rd largest cycling competition
Vuelta a España beginnings The Vuelta a España began in 1935. Initially, a total of 50 brave cyclists began the first Tour of Spain in Madrid. They run with heavy iron bicycles and carried their own patches and tools to fix the breakdowns. However, the event sputtered in its early years, initially due to the … Continue reading Vuelta a España – the world’s 3rd largest cycling competition
Pueblos blancos – white villages of Andalusia
Many “Pueblos Blancos” towns do have to be seen! It’s either their spectacular location or extremely captivating buildings that distinguish them. Pueblos Blancos of Andalusia Some of the biggest attractions of Andalusia are White Cities, “Pueblos Blancos”. It is a group of several towns and cities, distinguished by white buildings and a picturesque location on … Continue reading Pueblos blancos – white villages of Andalusia
Feria de Málaga – fiesta not for the fainthearted
On the left side, you can hear the trumpet, on the right singing and clapping, in each bar a different song is played, but all of them feel the same rhythm; the rhythm of the “fiesta”. Feria de Malaga is not for the fainthearted. It lasts eight days and nine nights, and its tradition dates … Continue reading Feria de Málaga – fiesta not for the fainthearted
The flamenco star lights up Marbella
ARTICLE #47 – 29 JULY, 2018 “THE FLAMENCO STAR LIGHTS UP MARBELLA” “Precisely for that reason: because flamenco transmits emotions (…) they go directly to your heart no matter where you are from”, says Sara Baras about what flamenco means to her. On the 11th of August, we will have the pleasure of … Continue reading The flamenco star lights up Marbella
Cirque du Soleil in Málaga
ARTICLE #46 – 8 JULY, 2018 “CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IN MÁLAGA – MAKING DIFFICULT THINGS LOOK EASY” “Let’s make it even more difficult – it is both the motto and the challenge of the “Circus of the Sun”. In each subsequent show, they want to beat the level of surprise, escalate the fantasy and … Continue reading Cirque du Soleil in Málaga
San Juan – celebrating the first day of summer in Spain
ARTICLE #44 – 24 JUNE, 2018 SAN JUAN – CELEBRATING THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER IN SPAIN” Between June 20 and 22, the Earth’s semi-axis tilts toward the main star of our system: the Sun. It is the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere and the light of day never seems to go … Continue reading San Juan – celebrating the first day of summer in Spain
What to look for in a developer?
ARTICLE #38 – 6 MAY, 2018 WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DEVELOPER? 3 tips on how to choose the right property developer in Marbella Who is your property developer? Did you know that the reputation of the property developer in Marbella is the most important but interestingly, the most overlooked factor when investing in a … Continue reading What to look for in a developer?
Marbella Club Hills’ Equestrian lifestyle
ARTICLE #37 – 29 APRIL, 2018 MARBELLA CLUB HILLS’ EQUESTRIAN LIFESTYLE Private gated equestrian and golf lifestyle communities are an interesting trend popping up in and around Marbella, especially in the Benahavís Hills area; however, for many people, equestrian may not be a term instantly recognized unless one is part of the lifestyle. For years, … Continue reading Marbella Club Hills’ Equestrian lifestyle
3 Things to do when living in Benahavís
ARTICLE #36 – 22 APRIL, 2018 3 IDEAS FOR ACTIVE LIVING IN BENAHAVÍS Whether you are relocating or just thinking of having a second home for summer holidays, Benahavís has for years been one of the top destinations amongst home buyers of various nationalities (we’ve put some statistics for you here). Marbella is famously known as the … Continue reading 3 Things to do when living in Benahavís
Benahavís – how to experience the genuine culture of Spain
ARTICLE #35 – 15 APRIL, 2018 BENAHAVÍS – THE GENUINE CULTURE OF SPAIN Most people who come visit Spain, only experience the surface of Spanish tradition. When on holidays for a couple of weeks, they tend to visit the coastal cities, where they can often find highly densely populated areas with a majority of foreign … Continue reading Benahavís – how to experience the genuine culture of Spain
4 Benefits of using property management services
ARTICLE #33 – 25 MARCH, 2018 4 Benefits of using property management services Purchasing an investment property at Marbella Club Hills can yield outstanding returns if you have a clear plan and objective. Once you own the property of your dreams it makes sense to make the most of your new investment by renting it … Continue reading 4 Benefits of using property management services
Buying a holiday home in Marbella: Is this the right investment for you?
ARTICLE #32 – 18 MARCH, 2018 Buying a holiday home in Marbella: Is this the right investment for you? Owning a holiday home in your favourite destination can seem like a dream. Purchasing a second home in Marbella, one of the most exclusive and cosmopolitan areas in the South of Spain can give you access … Continue reading Buying a holiday home in Marbella: Is this the right investment for you?
The benefits of South-facing homes
ARTICLE #31 – 11 MARCH, 2018 What are the real benefits of south-facing homes? When buying a home, we are often given a lot of information that meaning of which we may not always find easy to understand. For instance, is the North, South, East or West the best orientation for your house in Marbella? … Continue reading The benefits of South-facing homes
What makes luxury real estate…luxury?
ARTICLE #30 – 4 MARCH, 2018 What defines a luxury home? Luxury homes differ from coast to coast and from country to country. The criteria that determine whether a home is luxurious or not are constantly changing and are largely influenced by the type of clients who purchase different types of properties at any given … Continue reading What makes luxury real estate…luxury?
Spain ranked Nº1 in the list of countries growing healthy produce
ARTICLE #29 – 25 FEBUARY, 2018 Spain ranked No1 in the list of countries growing healthy produce. Once again, Spain was ranked No 1 but this time in the World’s Best Olive Oils competition 2016/2017. Drawing from the results of 14 leading international extra olive oil competitions held recently, it appears that Andalusia has the … Continue reading Spain ranked Nº1 in the list of countries growing healthy produce
Sierra Nevada, the Mountains of the Sun
ARTICLE #28 – 18 FEBUARY, 2018 Sierra Nevada, the Mountains of the Sun For some of you, the idea of starting a new year with no snow on your porch may seem as unthinkable as it is for others to conceive the idea of a white and snowy Costa del Sol. The Sierra Nevada, which … Continue reading Sierra Nevada, the Mountains of the Sun
Outdoor Life in Benahavis
ARTICLE #27 – 4 FEBUARY, 2018 “OUTDOOR LIFE IN BENAHAVÍS” Outdoor life in Benahavís. Benahavis unparalleled beauty provides the perfect setting for some of the most exciting outdoor activities. The stunning natural surroundings and moderate climate combine to create the ideal place for those seeking to experience life to the full. If you believe that … Continue reading Outdoor Life in Benahavis
The Marbella Club Group and the Davis Cup 2018
ARTICLE #25 – 21 JANUARY, 2018 The Marbella Club Group and the Davis Cup 2018 Editorial credit: Maxisport / Shutterstock.com The Spanish Tennis Federation, RFET, has recently announced that the Puente Romano Sports Complex in Marbella (part of the Marbella Club Group) will host Spain’s Davis Cup. Officially sponsored by BNP Paribas World Group, the first round tie … Continue reading The Marbella Club Group and the Davis Cup 2018
Dine With Me in Benahavís
ARTICLE #24 – 14 JANUARY, 2018 DINE WITH ME IN BENAHAVÍS Benahavis affectionately called the gastronomic corner of the Costa del Sol or “La Sarten de Andalucia” (the frying pan of Andalucia), has the highest concentration of high-class restaurants in the region. Surrounded by stands of olive trees that lead the eyes out on the … Continue reading Dine With Me in Benahavís
Luxury Wine Tasting on the Costa del Sol
ARTICLE #10 – 18 AUGUST, 2017 “LUXURY WINE TASTING ON THE COSTA DEL SOL” Costa del Sol is more than just sun-drenched beaches and endless summers. In fact, some say that winters are even better as Andalusia offers a unique lifestyle with various activities throughout the whole year. There is no doubt that if … Continue reading Luxury Wine Tasting on the Costa del Sol
Marbella – Living in Style and Dining in Style
ARTICLE #9 – 11 AUGUST, 2017 “MARBELLA – LIVING IN STYLE AND DINING IN STYLE” The unbelievable Dining experience on the Costa del Sol. Marbella, home of Michelin Stars. There’s a good reason why Marbella Club Hills is located on the exclusive hill of Benahavís. It’s simply a great place to live. We’re not … Continue reading Marbella – Living in Style and Dining in Style
Benahavís – Andalusia’s Best Kept Secret
ARTICLE #8 – 4 AUGUST, 2017 “BENAHAVÍS – ANDALUSIA’S BEST KEPT SECRET” Nestled amongst some of the most magnificent mountain views on the Costa del Sol, sits a stunning Andalusian village. Its narrow winding streets combined with a touch of traditional Moorish architecture provide a unique atmosphere reminiscent of times past. Situated only 7 … Continue reading Benahavís – Andalusia’s Best Kept Secret
Flamenco and Art on the Costa del Sol
ARTICLE #7 – 28 JULY, 2017 “FLAMENCO AND ART ON THE COSTA DEL SOL” The times have long gone when Costa del Sol’s main attributes were sun-drenched beaches and continuously warm weather. There is so much more to the coast than the obviously very attractive climate. It is usually the history, the tumultuous experiences … Continue reading Flamenco and Art on the Costa del Sol