Author: Robbie

Rain in Spain Falls Mainly in the Plain

Rain in Spain is falling everywhere: not just in the plain!

Rain in Spain, especially in the south is always welcome. Almeria, home to Europe’s only semi-desert barely has around 130 mm of rain a year, the average yearly rainfall in Spain varies hugely. Almeria is the driest area of Spain.

This year (2022) has been a strange year. The rain typically comes to the north of Malaga province, bang on time; during the annual fiesta! You could bet your house that the second week of September, we would get rain of some sort. This year though; nothing.

September gave way to October and still no rain. Then, all of a sudden, as the Eurythmics would sing “Here comes the rain again!” Only, this time, it hasn’t stopped for the last two weeks!

Our local village saw flooding after an overnight deluge. The autumn leaves that are still falling blocked the drains, and this in turn caused the water to settle in the streets instead of draining into the river.

Rain in Spain, thanks to Storm Efraín

Every Friday, the Sur in English brings us the news for the south of Spain. It is a free weekly newspaper in English. There is always plenty to catch up on. This week, it explained the weird weather patterns. Check out this report from Ignacio Lillo.

Storm Efraín, which has wreaked havoc in some parts of Malaga province, has nevertheless brought the best news of the year to the Axarquía region. On Thursday 15 December the regional government’s Hidrosur network rain gauges registered more than 40mm accumulated in 24 hours, with further rainfall expected today, Friday 16 December.

The rain gauge installed at the Benamargosa river, in the hamlet of Salto del Negro, recorded 41mm up to midday on Thursday. In contrast, the one at the La Viñuela reservoir recorded 37 and 30 in the village of Alfarnatejo. Read more.

Why is it so important that the rain falls when it does?

Something I never knew, until I came to live in Spain, was that the rain should fall on time. As I live out in the Andalucia countryside, all around me are olives, lots and lots of olives. Olives, like all other plants and trees, need water. The olive trees, need the rain to fall before the harvest. If the rain falls during the harvest, work has to stop for several days as the fields are muddy, the nets are heavy and it is almost impossible to collect the fruit.

Harvesting olive trees may begin as early as late August and will continue through November depending upon the region, variety and desired ripeness. They are picked for both eating and processing into oil, so the degree of ripeness is important and a factor in the timing of harvest.
In our area, the harvest is usually around November time. Normally, we will have had a fair bit of rain by then and the fruit will be large and ripe. But, because we have just got the rain, there has been little or no harvesting for the past two weeks. At this rate, we will be lucky to be picking olives before Christmas.

Forecast more Rain

After today (16/12/22) we have a break in the rain for a few days, and, then, back to grey skies and rain until the end of the month. Malaga weather forecast.
As much as I hate the rain, it is necessary for farmers and people in general. Late rain is a bit of a nuisance but no rain is the worst-case scenario for everyone.
Luckily, we have just invested in a new, larger, umbrella.

Christmas in Nerja 2022 – Self-Catering Christmas Breaks in Nerja

Nerja – Self-Catering Christmas & New Year Holidays

Christmas in Nerja is as magical as you could want. Decorated and waiting for visitors, the town is always a hive of activity. If you have never been to Nerja, then, this is as good a time as any to come and see what this lovely Andalucian town has to offer.

Self-Catering is the best option. Renting a self-catering apartment or villa from Nerja Beach Holidays gives you the freedom of movement that a hotel or resort holiday doesn’t. You can come and go as you please and you are not tied to itineraries.

The Balcòn de Europa, Nerja Caves, the Church of El Salvador, the many beautiful beaches and the great variety of bars and restaurants will amaze you.

Booking a Self-Catering Apartment

Booking a Self-Catering Apartment in Nerja 2022
The Balcòn de Europa in Nerja is a great place to visit. The views are beautiful

Definitely, this is the best way to see Nerja. Nerja Beach Holidays has a large portfolio of apartments, villas and townhouses available for rent. Take a trip to their main website and pick yourself a great self-catering accommodation, but be quick about it. Christmas and New Year are very busy times for Nerja and the accommodations can be booked up pretty quickly.

Capistrano Playa 203 – Self Catering Apartment

Description

This spacious two-bedroom apartment has a scenic sea view over Burriana beach and the Mediterranean Sea.

The apartment has two bedrooms, a bathroom and an open-plan living room/kitchen. Both bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and patio doors which open onto small terraces giving scenic views of this beautiful complex and out to the Mediterranean Sea.

Capistrano Playa 203 apartment has one bathroom which has been modernised and offers a walk-in shower, hand wash basin and toilet.

The open plan living room has a television with international channels, a Blu-Ray DVD as well as free WiFi. There is a dining table and seating for 4.

Access to the terrace is via the patio door in the living room and the master bedroom.

​The kitchen is fully fitted with a fridge freezer, hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker and all the usual appliances required for guests wanting to self-cater, including a washing machine.

This apartment also has a large, covered, private terrace complete with a large table and seating for 4 perfect for dining comfortably outside.

​The complex has 2 communal pools (1 for adults and 1 for children) with grass and shaded areas as well as sun loungers for hire.

Burriana Beach is within a few minute’s walk down the terraced, tropical gardens which lead from the Capistrano Playa complex directly to the Burriana beachfront, a promenade with a large variety of bars, restaurants, shops and a host of water sports in the summer months.

Balcon de Europa is approximately 20 minutes walk away. There is also a regular local bus service within a few minutes’ walk from the apartment.

Check out the main website for full details and photographs of Capistrano Playa 203

Booking a Self-Catering Apartment is easy but if you need help to have questions, please contact us by phone, email or via Social Media.

Food and Drink in Nerja – A visit to Cochran’s Irish Pub

Just what you need after a day shopping and watching the World Cup

Nerja is a great place to go shopping, there is so much to buy and so little time to buy it, or, so I’m told.

My family were over for a stay in Nerja with Nerja Beach Holidays and a trip to the centre was on the cards. Ale-Hop has relocated, not very far, just around the corner from the original shop. There is always something you need from Ale-Hop.

Ale-Hop? What is Ale-Hop?

Originally from Gata de Gorgos (Alicante), Vicente Grimalt, the founder and manager of our brand, set out in his professional career in 1968. At that time, he was working in door-to-door sales of products from his hometown, notably the famous wicker bags and hats. A few years later, in 1990, he founded the company CLAVE DENIA S.A., which was dedicated to wholesale. Read more.

If like us, you have been calling the shop “Ale Hop” for the last umpteen years, then you are wrong. The proper pronunciation is “Allez-hop!” and is of French origin. It translates as “off you go” or”so, there you go”…so, there you go.

I digress: Being as I didn’t need any shopping, and neither did my brother-in-law, we decided to catch the second half of the Wales v Iran world cup game. As luck would have it, there was a bar just opposite the Ale-Hop shop. We had a large beer and free tapa (very nice, pork Pinchos Morunos) and the tapa was lovely! That’s more than we could say for the Wales result; they lost 2 – nil.

Cochran’s Irish Pub

After a bit of shopping, we decided to give Cochran’s a visit. As it was a lovely sunny day, decided to take a seat on the terrace. If you have never been to Cochran’s, give it a go. The terrace overlooks the Mediterranean and the area between the Balcon de Europa and El Salon Beach. The terrace has plenty of seating and there is a bar and waiter service. Check the site out.

We decided on some refreshments, beer and wine and also a bite to eat. One of the items on the menu was a platter of mixed items. Stuffed Jalapenos, deep-fried Brie cheese, onion rings and chicken wings, served with a little salad and a BBQ sauce. Just enough to keep us going before we got to the apartment

If you are visiting Nerja, why not give Cochran’s Irish Pub a visit?

How to Make Fish Pie – Como Hacer Pastel de Pescado

FISH PIE- PASTEL DE PESCADO

COD, SALMON AND KING PRAWNS IN A CREAMY FISH SAUCE TOPPED WITH MASHED POTATO SERVED WITH GREEN BEANS AND FRESH, CRUSTY BREAD. LOVELY STUFF.

I used fresh fish from Mercadona supermarket in Archidona, close to where I live. You can guarantee that the fish is super-fresh.

Fish Pie – Pastel de Pescado – very easy to make.

 

Ingredients
Fish (use whatever you like, the firmer the fish, the better)
500ml milk
Butter
Flour
Fresh parsley
Potatoes

Method
Make mashed potatoes (if you don’t know how to do that, then there is no hope for you)
Heat 500ml of milk in a large pan. Bring the milk to a simmer.
Skin the fish and bung it into the simmering milk for about 3 minutes.
After 3 minutes, remove the fish from the liquid and put it into the dish you intend to serve it from. Save the milk into a jug.

Make a Roux
How to Make a Roux
Melt 1 part butter or fat in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Then sprinkle in 1 part flour.
Stir the butter and flour constantly with a wooden spoon in a figure-eight motion for even cooking.
In 3 to 5 minutes, you’ll have a light roux that should puff slightly.
This recipe has 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of butter. Chuck in a bit of fresh parsley.

Putting the Fish Pie Together

Once the roux is ready (it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon) add it to the fish, and make sure to cover it all but leave enough room for the potatoes.
If you are impoverished and don’t have a piping bag, add the cooled mashed potatoes to a freezer bag and cut the corner off (if you haven’t got a freezer bag…Use a big spoon) and cover the contents of the bowl with a nice, thick layer of mashed spuds.

Next make a nice pattern with a fork if you like and then place the dish into a hot oven at 180 – 200C 375 – 400F depending on your oven.
After 30 minutes take it out and serve it with whatever vegetables you like.

Job done!

Finally; Check out this Spanish version of this lovely fish dish. Ask the nice people at Nerja Beach Holidays where the best fish restaurants are, they know Nerja like the back of their hands.

Self-Catering Holiday Rental Apartments in Nerja – Capistrano Playa 203

Holiday Rental in Nerja
Apartment Capistrano Playa 203

Nerja Self-Catering Holiday Rentals 2023

Nerja is a great place to be at any time of the year. As we approach the end of 2022, we can look forward to the Christmas and New Year festivities. A self-catering apartment, villa or townhouse is your best bet. Not being tied to hotel or resort itineraries gives you the freedom to explore Nerja and the Costa del Sol.

It is also time to look forward to the Wintersun holidays and the 2023 holiday seasons. Make sure to book early to get the apartment, villa or townhouse you want. You can always content Nerja Beach Holidays with any questions or extra information you may need.

Nerja Beach Holidays has many great accommodations to suit single or group stays. Make sure to check out the main website to see what is available over the Christmas and New Year periods. But; book NOW as this is a very popular time for visitors to Nerja.

Apartment Capistrano Playa 203

Nerja Self-Catering Apartments Capistrano Playa 203
Do you like what you see? If so, check out this great apartment on the main Nerja Beach Holidays website

Take a look at this latest addition to the Nerja Beach Holidays portfolio: Apartment Capistrano Playa 203.

Description

This spacious two-bedroom apartment has a scenic sea view over Burriana beach and the Mediterranean Sea.
The apartment has two bedrooms, a bathroom and an open-plan living room/kitchen. Both bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and patio doors which open onto small terraces giving scenic views of this beautiful complex and out to the Mediterranean Sea.

The apartment has one bathroom which has been modernised and offers a walk-in shower, hand wash basin and toilet.

The open plan living room has a television with international channels, a Blu-Ray DVD as well as free WiFi. There is a dining table and seating for 4.
Access to the terrace is via the patio door in the living room and the master bedroom.

The kitchen is fully fitted with a fridge freezer, hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker and all the usual appliances required for guests wanting to self-cater, including a washing machine.
This apartment also has a large, covered, private terrace complete with a large table and seating for 4 perfect for dining comfortably outside.

You can see more details and photographs from the main Nerja Beach Holidays website. Make sure to book early.

Thank You Guardia Civil Tràfico Officers – Your Help Was Much Appreciated!

Breaking down on the motorway is no joke! No matter what country you are in: Thank you, Guardia Civil (Velez-Màlaga)

Driving to Nerja

My sister is in Nerja for two weeks, her 5th holiday abroad this year. Mind you; she is retired and it was her birthday treat.

We had agreed to meet up for a couple of days and celebrate both her and my birthdays. We haven’t seen each other since May 2022 when she stayed in Torrox. This time, she is staying with Nerja Beach Holidays, for two weeks.

Our house is north of Nerja, about 1 hour and twenty minutes easy drive via Autovia, so we packed our bags for a two-night stay and set off to Nerja via the coast road. There is an overland route via Lake Viñuela and Velez-Malaga which is a beautifully scenic drive but this can sometimes be a bit hit-and-miss.

There wasn’t a lot of traffic and we expected an uneventful journey, as usual. I should have bought that lucky heather of the Gypsy lady after all!

Not long after joining the A-7 motorway route to Nerja, the car started to shudder, like the space shuttle on re-entry to the atmosphere! It sounded like the engine was dropping out!

There was no option but to pull over and see what the problem was. As it transpires; the front right tyre had burst in three places. It was as flat as a pancake.

As luck would have it – Here comes the cavalry

Burst tyre on the A-7 to Nerja - Thanks to the Guardia Civil Tràfico
The tyre had burst in three places – It could have been much worse!

Cursing our bad luck, we hadn’t seen a car pulling up behind us. It was the Guardia Civil (Tràfico).

Two men got out and asked what the problem was. They saw the tyre was wrecked and asked us to pull up about 50 metres further on as we were still on a slip road. They then got our red triangles and placed them along the road for us.

I tried to call for a Grua (breakdown truck) to get us off the motorway and to a garage to change the burst tyre. This was an impossible task. The traffic had picked up and I couldn’t hear a thing with the noise of the passing vehicles. The Guardia Civil took charge and got hold of a rescue vehicle for us. They made sure we were safely behind the barriers and bade us farewell.

We were towed to El Palo where our two front tyers were changed. We were on our way to Nerja. Thankfully, the rest of the stay and journey back was uneventful.

I would like to put on record how helpful the Guardia Civil Tràfico officers were. They made a very stressful and potentially dangerous incident look like a run-of-the-mill occurrence.

An autovía is one of two classes of a major highways in the Spanish road system similar to a British motorway or an American freeway. It is akin to the Autopista, the other major highway class, but has fewer features and is never a toll road.

What to do if you break down?

Passengers should move away from the vehicle to a place of safety, behind a barrier or fencing away from oncoming traffic. Place the two warning triangles to alert other drivers of the obstacle. If on a motorway, place one 50 metres behind the car and another 50 metres behind that.

Check out this website for complete instructions on what to do if you break down on the motorway in Spain.

Guardia Civil

The Civil Guard is the oldest law enforcement agency in Spain and is one of two national police forces. As a national gendarmerie force, it is military in nature and is responsible for civil policing under the authority of both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence. Wikipedia

Note* Make sure you have the correct documents (insurance) as well as Hi-Viz jackets, and Hazzard Triangles. You might just need them.

New Year 2023 in Nerja – Christmas and New Year 2023 Celebrations

So, What are New Year and Christmas Like in Nerja?

Christmas is a great time to be in Nerja. Although Dia de los Reyes Magos (Epiphany: Day of the Kings, January 6th) is a bigger event, we have seen Christmas become bigger even as the years pass. Call it progress, call it fashion. However; There are still some great Spanish traditions that are observed.

Spain´s top Christmas traditions

The Nativity or Belen de Navidad
The Christmas tree
Villancicos or Spanish Christmas carols
Christmas sweets (turrón, polvorones and mazapan)
Cava wine
Spanish Christmas Lottery
The 12 grapes on New Years Eve
Roscón de Reyes
The Three Kings
Cesta de Navidad – Christmas basket
El Aguinaldo

When you get a few minutes, you might want to check out this website for a full description of these events.

New Year 2023

New Year’s Eve in Nerja is a splendid affair. I have spent a few great nights bopping away on the Balcòn de Europa. For a few years, we booked a New Year package at one of the restaurants on the Balcòn. This consisted of a 5-course meal with a party pack. We were released into the wild just before midnight with our party packs. These contained a bottle of Cava, a tin of small, peeled grapes, a silly hat, and an annoying thing to blow.

New Year Grapes

The Eating the twelve grapes. Tradition has it that you have to eat them one by one, in time with the striking of the clock at midnight on 31 December. If you manage to eat all the grapes in time, you are in for a year of prosperity and good luck. This is a bit tricky if it is your first time.

The trick is to get the small grapes that come in a tin, these are peeled and very small. I have seen people buying bunches of grapes, some are the size of plums. Watching people trying to swallow them can be quite concerning. For those who manage it, the coming year bodes well. Check out this great website for more about Spain during the festive season.

The Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) usually has a band playing on the Balcòn de Europa and the obligatory Scotsman, complete with kilt and bagpipes, brings in the UK New Year at 01:00 local time (00:00 UK time). I’m sorry, there is no escaping the demon pipes. (As someone who served with both Irish and Scots Guards, I can be forgiven, after all, have you ever been woken at 06:30 by bagpipes?)

The dancing and celebrations usually carry on through the early hours. It is great fun.

Covid-19 the great Spoil-Sport

Apartments Gran Plaza 1 Nerja - New Year 2023
Gran Plaza Apartments – If you want to be at the very centre of all that’s happening in Nerja

During the Covid pandemic, such gatherings were forbidden and the celebrations were cancelled. Last year though, we stayed in a lovely apartment on the Gran Plaza de España in the centre of Nerja.

Gran Plaza de España 1 bedroom apartment is ideally located in the centre of Nerja. If you want to be at the heart of everything that is happening, then this is a great place to book. Gran Plaza de España apartment.

I digress: New Year’s Eve 2022 was great fun. Although large gatherings were still restricted and people were asked not to gather on the Balcòn de Europa at midnight; we did. Partying was forbidden: no Cava and no grapes. The local police were on hand to make sure everything was as it should be. The Guardia Civil also came along for the ride.

Slowly but surely, people began to gravitate towards the Balcòn and Tutti Frutti square, shopping bags in hand and looking sheepish. From all around the Church of El Salvador, the square and the Balcòn, corks started popping, people were getting ready to choke themselves on grapes and groups started to form.

True to form, as the bell started to chime in the New Year, the grapes were swallowed (or spat out to prevent foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) the Cava consumed and people hugged and wished each other all the best for the coming year. The police had nothing to do, everything was a joyous occasion. After all, we had just come through the worst pandemic since the Spanish flu in 1918.

New Year 2023 – Book Now!

This year, if you are thinking of spending Christmas and New Year in Nerja, book early! This is one of the busiest seasons and the accommodation is snapped up. Check out the great self-catering apartments, villas and townhouses available to you from Nerja Beach Holidays.

If you need help with your booking or have questions about the accommodation, please contact NBH and we will be happy to help in any way.

You can connect to Nerja Beach Holidays from this page or call direct.

Whatsapp: (+34) 644 793 168

Spanish Food and Drink on Facebook – Food Ideas

I have built a Spanish Food and Drink Page on Facebook

I have been cooking for the best part of 50 years in one way or another. When my wife bought me a Ken Hom Wok, I was truly inspired. Since then I take any and every opportunity to cook.

Why Spanish Food and Drink?

I have lived here in Spain now for close to 21 years. In that time, I have eaten pretty much everything that Andalucia can offer. Some classic dishes and some, Matt Hancock might be eating in the I’m a Celebrity…get me out of here! camp. I jest ye not!

There are some truly outstanding dishes, such as Cochinillo or Lechòn (suckling Pig) and Rabo de Toro (Oxtail) and some horrors, such as Sesos (Brains in breadcrumbs look just like any other breaded meats, watch out!).

I have cooked a lot of regional as well as local dishes. I also photographed them too. So, it seemed like a good idea to make a Facebook Page and put all the photographs and recipes together. Viola! https://www.facebook.com/groups/spanishfood 

There will be all sorts of things going on this page, not just Spanish food and drink. I often cook British food as well as Italian, French and American.

American? Yes; Cajun, Creole, Tex-Mex, Soul Food, Jerk and so on. I group this diverse group of cuisines as ‘American’

Youtube the FoodTube

Spanish Food & Drink on Facebook - Rabo de Toro
The classic Rabo de Toro or Ox or Bulls Tail Stew – Served at Manolo’s in Salinas

I binge-watch Youtube for food and drink Ideas. There is an absolute wealth of videos that will give you the genuine recipes as well as versions on a theme. Some, such as Spain on a Fork and Kay’s Cooking are my favourites. One is a Spanish chef and the other is a culinary disaster: both are entertaining.

I have also added the food and drink from the restaurantes, bars and other food suppliers. The Menu del Dia (Menu of the Day) can bring up some excellent dishes. They are also good value, ranging from 8€ upwards. Tapas are also added and tapas bars.

Nerja is a fantastic place for foodies such as me. There are Chinese, Spanish, Greek, Italian, Indian and many other international cuisines represented. You won’t go hungry in Nerja.

If you are staying with Nerja Beach Holidays and are catering for yourself, this Facebook page might give you some ideas. Not just what and where to eat but, also, what to cook for yourself.

I hope you enjoy the page and I also hope that you will contribute some of your own ideas.

Nerja Lovers Facebook Page – Nerja Information on Social Media

Nerja Lovers is the name of a Facebook page for visitors and residents of Nerja

Nerja is a fantastic place for a holiday at any time of the year. It is, from talking to friends also a great place to live. I have been visiting Nerja since 1995 when we stayed at the Balcòn de Europa hotel.

This is located, strangely enough, at the end of the Balcòn de Europa (Who would have thought?). We also rented privately in apartments over the Bar 19 pub.

These days though, we visit Nerja many times during the year as we live in the north of Malaga province, about an hour away. Any excuse will do for us, “fancy a curry?” “How about a week away?”, you name it, we can find an excuse to get down to that lovely part of the Costa del Sol.

Also, I like to get new photographs and see what’s happening for this Blog.

Nerja Beach Holidays have lots of beautiful villas and apartments in Nerja, so, we like to stay as often as we can.

Where to Eat in Nerja? What’s the Best Beach…

Since Judith Chalmers first introduced the watching world to Nerja way back in the nineties, people have been visiting in even greater numbers. This is still true today. Nerja back then looked a bit different to what it does in 2022. Not too much but time and modernisation move on.

Along came social media and things changed even more. Now, people who visit Nerja and the wider Costa del Sol don’t need brochures to tell them what to do or where to stay. Facebook, for example, is awash with information: some good, some utter codswallop.

This prompted people to set up their own Facebook pages for Nerja. Some are fantastic and offer real information; one such Facebook page is Nerja Lovers

Nerja Lovers Facebook Page

Nerja Lovers Facebook Page logo
Nerja Lovers Facebook Page logo – It sort of acts as a mark of quality

 

Hello, friends from around the world. Welcome to our group which is dedicated to all of you who love Nerja and want to share your pictures, videos and experience from this amazing city!

Nerja Lovers is a new community on Facebook. We are united by their love for Nerja, the passion to buy in the small shop in Nerja, and preserve the beautiful beaches and all the charms of Nerja.

Sorry if we make mistakes. We are human and this is why we make mistakes.
The group rules: (Yes! there are rules so make sure you abide by them)

This page is great and very popular, with 58k plus members. So, if you need an opinion or some local information, this page is very useful. There are thousands of photographs of Nerja and the surroundings.

Beware though! there are some very strange people on that Facebook Page.

As with other blogs and Social Media sites, you do get a few ‘strange’ people posting answers to mainly genuine questions. You also get some stupid questions asked by some genuine people.

One person asked the group “What is the weather like at the end of May?”

Some answers were ”

Come and find out! How the **** do we know, look up the long-range forecast like everybody else.
Sorry !! It’s great”
and…
Maybe ask the Just Stop Oil protesters, they can predict the future.
PS If you’d said please l would have given you a sensible answer.
Others were a lot more polite and sensible.

 

If you are a regular visitor to the Nerja Lovers Facebook page, you will soon get to know the characters. My favourite is a lady who you would swear is the Mayoress of Nerja. I know she is a resident because she uses the royal “We” in all of her posts.

I you are looking for photographs of Nerja, the hotels, restaurants, beaches and so forth, this is a great group for you to visit.

Check out the Nerja Beach Holidays website for the best villas, apartments and townhouses in Nerja.

Long Term Rentals on the Costa del Sol | 2-bedroom House Nerja Santo Tomas

Are You Looking For Long-Term Rentals in Nerja?

Long-term rentals in Nerja don’t come any better than this great 2-bedroom house. I have often said, the best way to enjoy a holiday in Nerja is to have your accommodation. Renting in Nerja, rather than staying in resorts and hotels, gives you more freedom. Nobody likes to be tied to itineraries.

You will have more freedom to visit other towns and cities in the Malaga or Andalucia areas. Ronda, Granada, Seville, Cordoba and Malaga city are just a few fantastic places to visit.

Some people, those with more time on their hands, or those on business, may like a longer stay. Well, we have just the place for them. the lovely 2-bedroom house Santo Tomas from Nerja Beach Holidays.

House Description

Long Term Rentals on the Costa del Sol - 2-bedroom House Nerja Santo Tomas
Views from the patio of Santo Tomas  a 2-Bedroom long term rental house in Nerja

​​This 2-bedroom house is located in the quiet urbanization of Santo Tomas. Both bedrooms are located upstairs and have access leading to the terrace upstairs with a scenic view over the sea. There is a terrace at the front and back of the house.
Burriana beach is 10 minute’s walk from the house. We do not accept rentals for less than 6 months.
There is also an outside bathroom with a shower and a washing machine.

The House Area

Distances
Airport (Málaga): 72 kilometers

Beach: 10 minutes by walk
Golf: 27 kilometres
Shops: 10 minutes by walk

​Local leisure
Small shops, restaurants, pubs, café, theatre, cinema, museum, church, park, market, boardwalk

​Local activities
Cycling, diving, swimming, walking, kayaking, jet ski

Please visit the main Nerja Beach Holidays website for more details and photographs. If you have any questions or need more information or help with your booking, please conrtact Nerja Beach Holidays and you will get all the help and assistance you need.

Heads Up!

There is a great special offer on a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Capsitrano Playa. 15% discount for the weeks of November 2022. See more details here.

What to eat in Spain – Bacalao a la Vizcaina

Cod in a delicious Red Pepper Sauce – Bacalao a la Vizcaina

Bacalao recipe from Albert Bevia

Without a doubt, Spain on a Fork is my favourite Spanish recipe channel. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t watch. Spain on a Fork is presented by Albert Bevia, born in Valencia, raised in California but now, living back in Spain.

What I like about this Spanish food channel is its simplicity. The produce used is what I can get myself from Spanish supermarkets, such as Mercadona, Dia and so on. Also, the recipes are inexpensive.

On this blog for Nerja Beach Holidays, you will find that I will be posting my efforts at the recipes Albert posts on Youtube and his blog. I would also recommend watching his channel and reading his blog to familiarise yourself with everyday Spanish cuisine.

Andalucia has a varied cuisine that has many influences and ranges from 5-star dishes to basic peasant staples. From Cochinillo (Suckling Pig) to Sesos (Pig’s Brains), from Rabo de Toro (Oxtail Stew) to Criadillas (Bull’s Testicles).

You will also find videos and posts for some of the most famous and simple tapas recipes.

How to Make Bacalao a la Vizcaina or Cod in Pepper Sauce

Como Hacer Bacalao a la Vizcaina - Cod in Red Pepper sauce
Como Hacer Bacalao a la Vizcaina – Cod in Red Pepper sauce

I used cod pieces that I bought frozen from Mercadona Supermarket in Archidona, close to where I live. I defrosted the fish in the fridge overnight. Then, resting at room temperature, I made sure that the fish was patted dry with kitchen towel (stops spitting oil and makes a crust on the fish).

Coat the Bacalao (Cod) in plain flour and pat the excess flour off and rest on a piece of kitchen paper.

In a frying pan, add sufficient olive oil to cover the base and turn the heat to high. Once the oil is very hot, lower the fish into the pan, skin side down. Fry for about 3 minutes or, until you get a nice crust on the skin. Turn the fish over and do the same.

Making the Sauce

For this sauce, I used 1 whole diced onion, 3 cloves of garlic minced using a rallador (grater), half of a red bell pepper, a choppd tomatoe, four small Piquillo Peppers (they come prepared in a jar) and a teaspoon of  Spanish Sweet Paprika. (recipe on Alberts website)

In a seperate frying pan add olive oil and bring to a medium heat. Add onions and garlic and fry for a few minutes until the onion softens. Add the red bell pepper, piquillo peppers and chopped tomatoe and fry until softened. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.

Once cooled, put into a bowl or other container and blitz with a hand-blender until you get a smooth sauce. Salt and pepper to taste. Return to the pan and reheat.

By this time, your fish will be ready to serve

Pour some of the pepper sauce onto the plate and cover the base with an even layer. Add the cod and an optional garnish. You are ready to enjoy one of the best fish dishes of Spain.

In my version, I have added a few prawns as a nod to a local dish which features prawns as well as Angulas (Baby Eels)

Please visit the Spain on a Fork Youtube site for more great dishes from Albert.

 

 

Nerja Holiday Discounts – Bargain Holidays in Nerja

A Fantastic offer of a 15% discount on a Nerja Holiday Apartment; This offer runs for the whole of November 2022

Nerja Holiday Discounts

Everyone is counting the pennies at the moment. That includes people looking to get away on a well-earned holiday to Nerja. There is some excellent news for the people at Nerja Beach Holidays. They have a fantastic offer of a 15% discount on a one-bedroom holiday apartment in Nerja.

Capistrano Playa 108

Nerja Holiday Discounts - Cut priced Holidays in Nerja - Capistrano Playa 108 - Discount apartments in Nerja
Great views from the Capistrano Playa apartments – BOOK NOW! and get 15% discount

Situated on the sought-after Capistrano Playa complex, this elegant one-bedroom apartment overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the complex.

As you enter the property you will find the living room set with a TV, sofa and an armchair. There is international TV in this property and free WiFi is provided. There is air conditioning and a ceiling fan. The living room leads to an open-plan kitchen with a dining area. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge freezer, hob, oven, microwave, coffee machine and all the usual appliances needed for your self-catering holiday.

​The apartment has one bedroom with two single beds. It also has a vanity, clothing space and air conditioning. The bedroom leads onto the terrace. ​

The bathroom is just next to the bedroom and has a shower, a washbasin, a toilet and a washing machine.

The terrace is furnished with a seating area, a barbecue, a ceiling fan and an awning.

The Capistrano Playa complex does have a lift / elevator but due to the location of this apartment it is not suitable for those with walking disabilities or those using wheelchairs as access to the property is via stairs. Access to the apartment is via a spiral staircase.

The complex has 2 communal swimming pools (one for adults and one for children) with grass and shaded areas and also a drinks café (open in the summer months).

There are more details and photographs of this great discounted apartment. Capistrano Playa 108

Don’t hang about though: book now! and bag yourself a great bargain holiday on the Costa del Sol.

Como Hacer Butifarra con Garbanzos – Homemade sausage with Pulses Recipe

Butifarra con Garbanzos – A great hearty meal from the Costa del Sol

Butifarra; what is it?

Butiffara or Botifarra is a type of sausage and one of the most important dishes in Catalan cuisine. Botifarra is based on ancient recipes, either the Roman sausage botulu or the lucanica, made of raw pork and spices, with variants today in Italy and in the Portuguese and Brazilian linguiça. Wikipedia

That’s one way to describe it: another is simply ‘homemade sausage’. Butifarra comes in all shapes and sizes, all flavours, and is presented with anything you like. Usually, in the Andalucia region, you will find it simply served with Garbanzos (Chickpeas) or Lentejas (Lentils) or some other type of pulses.

The more adventurous will jazz it up, but, for now, I’ll show you how I make this delicious Spanish dish after seeing it in Nerja.

Como Hacer Butifarra con Garbanzos – How to make homemade sausage with Chickpeas

Unless you have a food processor with a sausage-making fitting, go out and buy your sausage. Mercadonna (Spanish Supermarket, a bit like ASDA) do a fantastic version, a lot like Cumberland sausage. The recipe is simple and quick.

Method

In a pan add a little olive oil (or other another type of oil. Add the butiffara. Cook on high for 3 or 4 minutes and then turn the meat over. You are looking to get some colour for on the meat. Once browned to your liking, transfer to a plate and cover.

Add diced onions ( I like two) and 3-4 cloves of minced garlic, along with finely diced carrots and a stick of celery finely chopped. Saute until the carrots go translucent.

Add the sausage to the pan and reduce the heat to medium.

Add sufficient stock ( Mercadona and other stores have ‘Caldo’ which is pre-made stock) to cover the sausage and turn the heat to a simmer. Cover for 30 minutes.

You are looking to reduce the stock by half.

Add a bottle of Garbanzos (chickpeas) or lentils. Add some fresh or dried parsley. Mix and replace the lid. Cook for ten minutes. If you want thicker a sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornflower with some cold water and stirr the entire pan.

Job done!

Serve with some fresh sliced bread for a simple, hearty meal for 4 people.

There are many variations on this theme. Whats your favourite? You will find this dish all over Andalucia. If you don’t see it on the menu; ask for it,

Make sure to keep updated with the latest villas and apartments from Nerja Beach Holidays. Autumn and Wintersun holidays are a great time to be on the Costa del Sol.

Drought in Andalucia Spain – Andalucia Seeks EU Help

Drought in 2022 is causing problems for everyone

Long dry summer and so far the drought continues

The summer has been long and hot in Andalucia. Normally, you can expect rain to start falling about the second week in September; usually for somebody’s Fiesta! So far, this September, we have had a few hours of thunderstorms and showers; nothing more!

I live to the north of Nerja, about an hour away. The village of Villanueva del Trabuco is 4KM from my rural house.

Drought is more than a problem for my friends and neighbours as they are mostly farmers, farm workers and businesses associated with food production. No rain means the olives will be small this year.

“Olive trees are very resistant to water scarcity,” said Juan Carlos Hervas, an expert with the COAG farmers’ union.

But when droughts become extreme, the trees “activate mechanisms to protect themselves. They don’t die but no longer produce anything,” Article of interest link

Even when it does rain, it has to be the right type of rain; does this sound silly? I will explain: If the rain comes down in torrents, it washes soil away and runs off into the low areas. It does not sink into the hard ground. This causes flooding in some areas and erosion in others. A slow, long spell of rain is better as it sinks into the earth slowly.

If it doesn’t rain in September or October, this plays havoc with the olive harvesting. You cannot pick olives in the rain or when the ground is waterlogged. It is dangerous, extra-hard work as the nets get soaking wet and covered in mud. I have worked on the olives for my nieghbourneighbour; believe me, it is hard work, even under perfect conditions.

There is an excellent article in the Sur in English. The Andalucia regional government are asking the EU for financial support due to the effects of the drought. Check out this article.

Andalucia seeks European Union’s help with the water shortage

On the second day of his two-day visit to Brussels, the president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, said on Tuesday that the present drought in the region is a serious threat to the economy and major investment is needed to provide adequate infrastructure.

He explained that works costing one billion euros are already underway and another four billion euros of investment will be needed, so he called for specific plans to be drawn up by the government in Madrid to finance these projects in southern Spain and for the EU’s Next Generation funds to be reprogrammed to cover not only environmental and energy efficiency projects but also to solve the water problem. See more

So far, my weather forecasting app has warned of rain several times this week but, none came. There was some thunder and a rather pathetic rainbow.

Dry weather is wonderful for tourists but, everybody needs water.

Antequera attractions – Cuba 1897 and Local Artists Exhibitions – MAD Antequera

Using Nerja as a base, discover the joys of Antequera and all it has to offer

Antequera

Antequera is a city in Andalusia, southern Spain. It’s known for its ancient burial mounds, including the Dolmen de Menga, Dolmen de Viera and Tholos de El Romeral. The Alcazaba of Antequera is a centuries-old Moorish fortress. The vast nature preserve of Torcal de Antequera has dramatic limestone tower rock formations. Overlooking the town, Peña de Los Enamorados is a distinctive, face-shaped mountain.

Check out this great website for all the information on Antequera – See more.

I love Antequera. Imagine, if you have ever been to Granada, the city of Antequera is a smaller version. There is so much to see and do, a single day is not enough, and a week is a better option. However: if you are using Nerja and Nerja Beach Holidays as a base, take a day trip. There are often free exhibitions in the many museums, galleries and other great public buildings.

I went last week to see the CUBA 1897 exhibition and the art gallery containing works by local artists, both free of charge. Here is a link to the MAD website.

Cuba 1997 Antequera Exibition

This exhibition runs from the 23rd of September to the 27th of November 2022. There are large photographs showing the Cuban artillery pieces, the soldiers and officers as well as uniforms, insignia and other related artefacts.

In 1894 Spain cancelled a trade pact between Cuba and the United States. The imposition of more taxes and trade restrictions prodded the economically distressed Cubans in 1895 to launch the Cuban War of Independence, a resumption of the earlier struggle. Cuba’s war of independence.

Nerja to Antequera 1 hr 11 min (102.9 km) via A-7 and A-45 by car. The car park has a 180º view of Antequera from the rooftop. This is well worth the trip.

Another pleasant place to visit is a small park dedicated to the most famous dogs from different countries; these include the likes of Lassie as well as a local here dog named ‘Ajax‘. This brave dog saved the lives of Guardia Civil officers and civilians. Park Glorieta Rojas Perez

Check out this website, if you are thinking of making the trip. There are so many places to see, great food and excellent shopping.