Trivial Pursuit was invented in Nerja; Fact or Fiction?

We have all played it. Trivial Pursuit is one of the biggest board games in the world. Unless you have lived in a cave, you will have played at least one variation of this addictive pastime.

So, what is Trivial Pursuit?

It is a board game that is based on the ability to answer questions on popular culture and general knowledge. If you get a question right, you move around the board. The aim is to get your pie filled with little coloured wedges.

Check out the video, this demonstrates the art of playing this great game.

So, true or false? Was Trivial Pursuit invented in Nerja?

It sure was. Canadian journalist Scott Abbot and Chris Haney came up with the idea when the pair came to Nerja to stay with the parents of  Scott Abbot. After Haney’s death, a local journalist, David Baird who is based in nearby Frigiliana decided to research the history of the game.

Once they had their idea ready to go, they just needed some fool to give them a load of money to invest in the project.

So, without further ado, they made a beeline for the bars of Nerja. Why not? If someone would invest in a few bottles of vino, then this super-duper board game would be no problem.

As luck would have it, they encountered a South African who had grown up in Canada but had been living in Nerja since the early seventies and he invested in the project. A stroke of luck, considering he had never met either of the journalists.

The rest, as they say, is history. There are now so many versions of the game that it would take me an age to list them. Instead, why not nip over to Wikipedia and check out all the details yourself. You never know; one day it may come up in a pub quiz, or, a Trivial Pursuit question. Wikipedia

Walking in the Malaga province of Andalucia, Spain

If you love walking, then, walking in the Malaga province in the autonomous region of Andalucia, Spain, is for you. Spring and early summer bring forth an array of beautiful flora and fauna. One of the most striking displays comes from the humble Corn Poppy.

What is a Corn Poppy?

Corn poppy, (Papaver rhoeas), also called field poppy or Flanders poppy, annual (rarely biennial) plant of the poppy family (Papaveraceae), native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The plant has been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, and North America and is one of the most commonly cultivated garden poppies. The corn poppy is also the source of a red dye used to colour some wines and medicines.

The corn poppy is an erect herb, typically no taller than 70 cm (28 inches).

The solitary flowers emerge from drooping hairy buds and are borne on stems some 25–90 cm (10–35 inches) long. The flowers measure some 7–10 cm across and have four petals and numerous dark stamens. The petals are usually a brilliant red, sometimes with a black basal spot. The edible seeds are borne in egg-shaped capsules.

In Europe, the corn poppy was formerly a widespread weed in cultivated fields, with seeds lying dormant for years and sprouting when the soil was turned (see soil seed bank). During and after World War I, fields that had been disturbed by battle bloomed with corn poppies, and the flower has become a symbol of that war. The flowers are an important symbol for Remembrance Sunday in the United Kingdom. Thanks to Britannica.com

Walking Holidays in Malaga

Nerja has many great walks to keep anyone happy. However; walking in the countryside further deeper into the Malaga area of Andalucia has its own benefits. The picture above shows the Corn Poppies in the fields around the Pueblo Blanco or “white village” of Villanueva del Trabuco.

This, along with many other areas further inland is a walking paradise. Acres of unfenced land, rolling hills, dramatic mountains, olive groves as far as the eye can see and, some fantastic birdwatching sites.

Book your villa or apartment through Nerja Beach Holidays and get your hiking boots on. You can have the very best walking holidays in Malaga to enjoy.

A modern apartment for rent right in the heart of Nerja

Spain is open for business once more. Tourists from the UK are now allowed to take holidays in Spain. Nerja, on the Costa del Sol, is a firm favorite.

The best way to enjoy a Nerja holiday has to be with a self-catering rental apartment, villa, or townhouse. Nerja Beach Holidays can offer you some of the very best Apartments for rent in Nerja.

Here we have a new edition to the Nerja Beach Holidays portfolio of Nerja properties; Edificio Chaparil.

Self-Catering apartment for rent – Description

This modern 1 bedroom apartment is located on the 5th floor of a quiet building, with an elevator.

As you enter the apartment, you will find the living room with a TV and free WiFi, and a comfortable sofa. There is also a dining table for two people. You will be able to enjoy the sea view as you open the sliding doors to the balcony.

​The sofa bed can accommodate two children or one adult.

​There is a kitchen fully equipped with a dishwasher and washing machine. There is air conditioning in the bedroom and the living room.

​In the bedroom, there is a king-size bed and plenty of storage. The bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with a shower.

​The apartment is located in the city center of Nerja at 200 meters to Torrecilla beach.

• Sleeps 3

• Air conditioning

• Free WiFi

• Nerja city center location

• 200 meters to the beach

• VMT Number pending

Facilities

General:
Check-in: from 14h / Check-out: by 11h

Linen & Towels provided

Lift in the building

No smoking inside

Pets not allowed

Outside:

Balcony,

Inside:
WiFi, Air conditioning / Heating, Washing machine, TV, Iron, Ironing board

Kitchen:
Fridge freezer, Ceramic hob, Oven, Microwave, Kettle, Coffee machine, Dishwasher, Dishes, and silverware,

Bathroom:
Walk-in shower, toilet
​
Beds:
1 king-size bed (2×2 meters)
​
Extra Services:
Malaga Airport taxi transfer (69€ for 4 people)

You can check this fantastic Nerja apartment out via the Nerja Beach Holidays website. I would advise you to book your Nerja Villa, Apartment or Townhouse NOW! The Brits are on their way and accommodation in Nerja and other locations along the Costa del sol will be a premium.

​

May holidays on the Costa del Sol in sunny Nerja

The banner reads; On your Burriana Beach, we do not forget you – from the Town Council

Nerja on the Costa del Sol is a beautiful place for a May holiday break. Living as we do, 99km from Nerja, 682 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Gorda and San Jorge mountains, it’s nice to get to the coast, once in a while.

Nerja is our usual choice of a seaside location. There are many reasons for this; Indian, Chinese and other food outlets are available. Also, staying on the lovely Capistrano Playa site is a bonus.

Capistrano Playa is directly behind the lovely Burriana Beach. There is a private path from the apartments that leads down to the beach. This private path is packed with all sorts of plants, palms and water features. Some of the ponds contain exotic fish and turtles.

Nerja on the Costa del Sol is open for business

The Covid pandemic has caused all sorts of problems. Local, regional, and national lockdowns have conspired to keep beaches and tourists apart. The unfortunate consequences can be seen everywhere. Nerja is no exception.

Sadly, some of the bars, restaurants, and cafes we are used to visiting have closed. Some temporarily, others permanently. The Coach and horses in Nerja town center is one such place. The Chinese restaurant on Burriana Beach is another to have succumbed to the pandemic. There are more besides.

However; Nerja is slowly getting back on its feet. There are still plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels open.

Burriana Beach

Burriana Beach was deadly quiet. It is an experience I have never had in Nerja. Almost deserted beaches, Chiringuitos closed and the smells of the BBQ’s at La Barca and Ayo’s paella were missing.

The town center had plenty of life, not, as we would expect, the bustling amount of a Nerja in May during pre-pandemic times, but enough.

Nerja Itinerary

We already had a plan of what we were going to do on our Nerja break. We were celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary and my wife’s birthday. A takeaway Chinese meal was one of the treats we had planned and, we were not disappointed. Eating a Chinese meal while overlooking the Capistrano Playa complex and Burriana Beach was a delight.

We were going to have an Indian meal but, whilst having a vino and tapas in Bar Redondo (Round Bar), the camarero who we know well told us about a great restaurant called Pinnichios.

He wasn’t wrong; we had a beautiful meal. I opted for the house Piza and my wife went for the Osso Buco (Osso buco, in Italian, literally means hollow bone, which refers to the way of cutting and presentation of the pieces of meat that are used. It is a stew prepared with veal shank, always cut into slices that include the bone and its marrow.).

The dessert was a lovely Tiramisu. It goes without saying, a couple of bottles of Italian wine were consumed. The price was also a pleasant surprise.

If you get to Nerja soon, try Pinnochios restaurant at Calle Almirante Ferràndiz, 48

As luck would have it, we also managed a great Sunday Lunch on Burriana Beach at the Steakhouse. This is another place you really must try. The food was fantastic and at a great price.

We also stopped in two of the other restaurants that were still open on Burriana. A tapas and a nice beer or two were very welcome.

Relaxing in the apartment

The apartment was great, and, as I mentioned, the views were fantastic. I read one of the many books available, an autobiography by Martin Bengtsson titled “If you’re not in bed by ten, come home!” 

Trust me; this is a brilliant book. I read it over two days.

The extraordinary memoir of a gentleman-vagabond, adventurer who partied with Gracie Fields, Errol, Flynn and came out standing. Bengtsson’s voice, witty, debonair and emphatically non-conformist -, sings from the pages, whether he is describing his, career as a stuntman in Spaghetti Westerns or, revealing his secret life as a spy., Contains all the ingredients of a best- selling, novel – murder, intrigue, crime, sex, royalty, piracy and espionage – and yet it is all true.

Time to leave Nerja

After a lovely, quiet week above Burriana Beach, we left for home. It was a memorable week, not just for the food and beverages but being in Nerja when it was so quiet. Happily, as we were driving along Burriana Beach, there were plenty of vehicles and many more people.

Nerja will recover, the tourists will be back and the businesses will open. Check out the Nerja Beach Holidays website for some of the best holiday self-catering apartments, villas, and townhouses in Nerja.

Where did Spanish Omelette, or, Tortilla de Patatas originate? Good question.

The best Tortilla in Spain? of course, I made it.

Nice and juicy on the inside and crispy on the base.

Well, according to a great website I found, they had this to say about one of Spain’s favourite dishes;

The potato omelette was invented in Extremadura in 1798. Until now, the legend of the invention (or rather recipe) was in Navarra in 1835 when General Tomás de Zumalacárregui during the siege of Bilbao in the First Carlist War . He was looking for cheap and nutritious food for his troops. Rather, the credit would go to the shrewd peasant who was commissioned by the military. This is what the expert Javier López Linage assures in his 2008 investigation. According to the documentary sources he has found, the conceptual origin of the famous potato omelette is in Villanueva de la Serena, towards the end of the 18th century. “It is curious, when I edited the book for the first time I had already seen that document, but until I have reviewed my papers I have not been able to understand the real scope of what was said there,” he says. Read more

Who am I to argue with that? Read the rest of this interesting article by following the link.

My homemade Tortilla or Spanish Omelette

The great thing about the Internet is that you can find almost any recipe you like. There is really no need to be going out buying books on the topic. Here I have added a Youtube video of a recipe similar to my own.

My own recipe calls for six eggs but you make it how you see fit. I also added fresh parsley to mine. Tortilla is a fantastic way to make a meal for the whole family or to use as a tapa. Hot or cold you will love this Spanish traditional dish.

My own way of consuming the Spanish omelette is with a dollop of Mayonaise and a splash of Encona super hot chilli sauce.

But I am a hopeless cook!

Can’t cook, won’t cook? No problems! Tortilla or Spanish omelette is to be found everywhere in Spain. You can buy this dish in the supermarkets, small or large, with onions or without onions and with all sorts of extra ingredients, such as peppers and herbs.

This dish is served as a tapa, the main course, or, sometimes in our local restaurant El Cortijuelo, as Patatas a lo Pobre (Potatoes of the poor). This is when they misjudge the tipping of the pan onto the plate and it ends up all broken. It still tastes fantastic.

When you visit Nerja this year, do try this fantastic dish. It goes well with any beverage.

Apartment Tetuan 6 – Self-Catering

This delightful two bedroomed apartment is situated on Oasis de Capistrano, Nerja, a private complex set in beautifully maintained gardens with palm trees, manicured lawns, flowering shrubs and plants giving a variety of colours all year round.

Entry is via a short flight of stairs into a small well kept private garden and south-facing terrace with table, chairs and sunbeds.

The apartment provides comfortable accommodation for four people with an open plan living/dining area and kitchen.

The living room has two sofas, a TV with international channels, a DVD player, a dining table, chairs and a music system. WiFi is free to use and there is air conditioning/heating.

The spacious fully modernised and the fitted kitchen has all the amenities for those wishing for a self-catering holiday including a washing machine.

Both the double and twin bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and ceiling fans and the double bedroom also has air conditioning/heating. The bathroom has a bath with overhead shower, washbasin and toilet.

Oasis de Capistrano

Oasis de Capistrano has two communal swimming pools, a large children’s pool and an onsite bar/restaurant. Burriana Beach is 15 minutes walk, Nerja centre is around 20 minutes walk. There is a regular local bus service within two minutes from the apartment.

For larger parties, we can offer Tetuan 44 (a one-bedroom apartment that sleeps 4) which is just metres away from Tetuan 6. Prices start from 535€ per week for both properties.

Self-Catering Facilities

General:
Check-in: from 14h / Check-out: by 10h

Late departure/early arrival is subject to availability

Linen & Towels provided

Free change over of linen for stays of 14 days & over

No smoking inside

Outside:
Two communal pools, Terrace, Barbecue, Terrace furniture, Street parking

Inside:
Free WiFi, Air conditioning/heating, Washing machine, TV, Safe, Fire extinguisher, First aid kit, Iron, Ironing board

Kitchen:
Fridge, Freezer, Ceramic hob, Oven, Microwave, Kettle, Toaster, Dishes and Silverware

Bathroom:
Bathtub with overhead shower, Washbasin, Toilet, Hairdryer

Beds:
1 double bed, 2 single beds

Additional Hire per stay:
Highchair (30€)
Extra bed (75€)
Extra cot (30€)
Beach towel (10€)

Extra Services:
Welcome pack of groceries (15€)
Wine pack (2 bottles) (6€)
Malaga Airport taxi transfer (69€ for 4 people)

For more photographs and information, please follow this link Tetuan 6

There are many curry houses on the Costa del Sol and inland areas

Chez Spice – a fantastic Curry House

Curry on the Costa del Sol? It’s not really the first thing you think of when choosing a holiday, is it? But, you would be surprised how many of us do crave a good curry.

Nerja has, in our view, one of the very best curry houses in the whole of Andalucia. The Goa town in Nerja is excellent. I have written about the Goa town in Nerja on this blog before. Check it out via the link.

If, however, you are one of those people who like to explore, we have a treat for you.

Curry on the Costa del Sol or Inland – Chez Spice

Views from the restaurant Chez Spice across Lake Viñuela.

Not far from Nerja, about a half-hour drive, close to Lake Viñuela, there is a fantastic curry house. Chez Spice, Hindu restaurant. You need a head for heights but, the views are amazing.

The people running it, to my surprise, were not actually Indian. Not only that, but they also are not even Asian! A Spaniard who comes from Madrid and his wife, who does the cooking, is from the Dominican Republic.

You would not know that from the menu and the fantastic Indian / Asian food.

The Menu

I’m not the world best authority on Indian / Asian cuisine, but, the menu was so varied, there were lots of items that I had never even heard of, never mind tasted. The usual favourites were there as well.

I had a Phall. Phall is a British Asian curry which originated in the British Bangladeshi-owned curry-houses of Birmingham and has also spread to the United States. It’s the hottest curry and not for the faint-hearted.  I grow Jamaica Scorpion chillies, so, its to be expected I would go for this.

The starter was a classic pickle tray, consisting of Lime Pickle, Mango Chutney and Raita. This was served with Papadums and Khandari Naan Bread. The rest of the party had Basmati Rice, Gosh Maratha, Lamb Madras Paarsee, Mumbai Chaat and Botti Tikka.

Served with Indian Cobra Beer, San Miguel and wine. The cold water helped as well. The whole lot came to less than 23€ per head.

The food was fantastic, the service was excellent. Chez Spice is well worth the journey, not to mention the great day out at Lake Viñuela and the amazing views. Check out the Chez Spice Facebook page.

Please ask us if you need help in choosing a local restaurant. Nerja has a very diverse selection of places to eat. Book your apartment or villa today and get ready for a great holiday in Nerja on the Costa del Sol.

Spain is to open its frontiers to Visitors – But when?

Nerja has many beaches – You can soon be here

When can I book a holiday to Spain – Start Now!

Anyone who reads my blogs will know I love the Sur in English. The Sur is a free newspaper for Andalucia. If you have read the paper you will know it is a goldmine of information.

Originally, the date set for opening up was 1st July 2020, but, Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish PM, changed his mind and called for the 21st of June. This has come as a great relief to businesses up and down the Costa del Sol, including Nerja.

However; (there is always “however”, the president of the Costa del Sol Tourism Authority, Francisco Saldo, has asked for clarification. It was proposed that people on flights from the UK would need to quarantine (mostly due to the late imposition of lockdown and high infections and mortality rates in the UK). Also, the UK government has a Covid-19 policy in place that requires visitors from overseas to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.

Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya has stressed that there has to be reciprocity in arrangements when travel between the two countries is allowed from Sunday

So, the rest of the EU countries will be fine to fly into Malaga and have a holiday on the Costa del Sol, Nerja included. The British tourists will have to wait until the political squabbling is resolved.

Check out the Sur in English for more on this matter.

Other Stories from the Costa del Sol – Andalucia to have the safest beaches in the country this summer, according to the Junta de Andalucia

Again, another great story from the Sur in English. Official met in Marbella to discuss plans to employ 3000 workers as beach monitors. These monitors will patrol the Andalucia coastline, including the Costa del Sol and Nerja.

The millions made available will go into ensuring the health and safety precautions, set out by the government, are respected. Specialist equipment, such as quad bikes, jet skis, surveillance towers and boats will all go to keeping things safe for all users.

Booking a holiday to Spain – Nerja

When can I book a holiday to Spain? Check out the main Nerja Beach Holidays website. There are many great self-catering holiday apartments, villas and townhouses available. We hope to see you very soon.

Nerja caves and museum reopen with restrictions and temperature checks from Monday 8th of June

Scenes from yesteryear. Music inside the Nerja Caves

Nerja Caves and Museum. Good news at last! Just when you thought we would never be allowed out and back doing what we like doing best. It seems like an eternity since I last visited the Nerja caves and Museum. It has really only been a few months.

From Monday the 8th of June 2020, we are allowed back into the Nerja Caves and Museum complex. There will, however, be heat checks carried out on people visiting the site. The Corona deaths and infections may have almost disappeared but we cannot be complacent.

According to an article in my favourite freebie newspaper, the Sur in English, people will be allowed back into the Nerja Caves and Museum site but with a much-reduced capacity and several safety measures to ensure we keep our social distancing and other actions.

Nerja Caves and Museum – Sur in English

Here is part of the article from the Sur in English. Please visit their main website for the full posting.

The Nerja cave reopened to the public on Monday, with restrictions including a 70 per cent reduction in ticket sales and temperature controls for visitors.

Hand sanitizer and gloves have been placed around the site and a distance of five metres must be kept between groups of visitors.

The reopening coincides with the 60th anniversary of the first visits to the caves on 12 June 1960 and as such the Nerja Cave Foundation has marked the date by creating a walk which takes visitors through the grounds, above the caves. The botanic gardens, home to 1000-year-old pine trees, will also be open from 9 June from 9 am until 3 pm.

Nerja villas and apartments

If you haven’t booked your Nerja villa or apartments yet, please visit the main Nerja Beach Holidays website.

You will find some great self-catering holiday villas and apartments in Nerja. Villas, townhouses and apartments in Nerja on the Costa del Sol. Book Now!

Spain will welcome back foreign holidaymakers in July, says Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez

Hoorah! Spain will welcome back foreign holidaymakers in July 2020

Fantastic news from the Sur in English, the Free newspaper for ex-pats in Andalucia. They ran an article on the latest developments concerning the Coronavirus and its effects on the lives and the economy of the Spanish people.

Tourists will be able to come to Spain again from July “in conditions of safety”, prime minister Pedro Sánchez announced at a press conference on Saturday.

“Tourism is a vital sector for the Spanish economy,” said Sánchez, encouraging professionals in the sector to “prepare for an activity to resume in coming days” and for when Spain reopens its frontiers to international tourism in July.

“There will be a tourist season this summer,” said the prime minister, adding that the domestic market would return first.

He called for people in Spain to plan their holidays and to make the most of the “wonders” this country has to offer tourists. Many will be able to do this “very soon, from the end of June, onwards,” he said.

From 22 June the government is to create “safe corridors” to link areas of Spain that have moved into Phase Three of the plan to ease lockdown restrictions as well as with some European cities.

In terms of tourists coming from other countries, Sánchez confirmed what government minister Teresa Ribera said on Thursday, that activity would be able to resume in July. This would happen “in conditions of safety” he said, adding that tourists could “start planning their holidays in Spain now”.

Read more from the Sur in English article from this link.

Book your Nerja apartments now

Now that we know a little bit more, we can all look forward to a self-catering holiday on the Costa del Sol. Nerja is a fantastic place at any time of the year and the best way to enjoy it is with your own Nerja apartment or Nerja villa.

Check out the Nerja Beach Holidays website for the very best in self-catering holiday apartments and villas in Nerja. Book Now!

Where are the beaches in Nerja on the Spanish Costa del Sol?

I found a fantastic website that lists the beaches in Nerja on the Costa del Sol. The site is called Nerja Turismo. This website is full of fantastic information on what to see and do in and around Nerja. It also lists all the beaches. Take a couple of minutes to see where you can go on your Nerja holiday.

The Coronavirus deaths and infections are coming down rapidly. How long will it be before I can fly to Spain for my Summer Holidays?

When can I fly to Spain? Not yet but hopefully, very soon.

How are things now in Spain? When can I fly to Spain?

The Coronavirus deaths and infections look like fizzling out. Thankfully, we are getting the death rate into lower double figures. Also, the Spanish government has implemented a staged withdrawal from the lockdown.

Some areas, such as Andalucia, Madrid and Barçelona are a stage behind other areas with smaller death and infection rates. Also, the Spanish prime minister has asked for another 15-day extension to the current emergency powers.

However; week by week, things are getting back to normal. For instance; people are now allowed out for exercise as well as food shopping. Restaurants, bars and cafes are opening, albeit with limited capacity and social distancing.

Also, there are very strict rules on such things as the handling of menus, condiments and other multi-use items. Even these rules are set to be relaxed within the next few weeks.

Bit by bit, Spain is getting back to what has been termed “a new normal”

What is “A New Normal”

New Normal is a term in business and economics that refers to financial conditions following the financial crisis of 2007-2008, the aftermath of the 2008–2012 global recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Wikipedia

It also refers to how we will change the way we do things. For example; wearing face masks may become a normal thing for people in built-up areas, as it is in parts of Asia. Personal contact, such as shaking hands, or even the traditional Spanish greeting of kissing on both cheeks will become a thing of the past for some people. Not all, but some will be wary of any type of contact with others.

How we behave in places such as sports arenas, shopping malls, trains, buses and planes, remains to be seen.

For now, we are in stages 1 (Andalucia) of lockdown, so, we have a way to go yet. Spain has relaxed the rules on flights from Italy and some ports are also open.

For now, we must play it by ear. As soon as we are able, we will be back open to guests. Please keep a watch on the Nerja Beach Holidays website. You can choose whatever apartment, villa or house you would like, and, as soon as it is available, we can contact you.

We look forward to seeing you in Nerja very soon.

Benidorm is the top destination of choice for post-lockdown Brits

Top 10 holiday destinations after Coronavirus lockdown – Benidorm is Nº1

Where do you think will be the top 10 holiday destinations after Coronavirus lockdown? If we are to believe what we see on Twitter and Facebook, it’s Benidorm!

Reading through our twitter account, a tweet caught my attention. It was a list of the top ten holiday destinations that appeared on the Internet search engines. Now, it doesn’t mean people are booking their autumn or winter holidays already, but, they are searching for them.

Also finding themselves amongst the runners and riders are the long haul holidays. This makes a big change from 2019 holidays when the Algarve, Majorca and Tenerife were the locations most favoured by Brits.

Top 10 holiday destinations search according to Google

1. Benidorm

2. Maldives

3. Las Vegas

4. Tenerife

5. Orlando

6. New York

7. Cancun

8. Dominican Republic

9. Dubai

10. Majorca

As you can see, according to Google, Brits are looking to go to Benidorm and Tenerife in Spain, with Majorca (Mallorca) also another favoured destination, if only at number ten. Las Vegas, Orlando and New York City are all in the top six, with the Maldives at number two and Cancun and the Dominican Republic bringing the central America / Caribbean area ahead of Dubai.

I was surprised that France wasn’t in the top 10 holiday destinations.

Spanish resorts are considering charging as little as 50p a pint of beer, to get the Brits to visit. However; it is thought that Brits will be better to look at autumn and winter holidays this year.

Non-essential travel is still advised against due to the present Corona situation. The travel restrictions will vary from country to country.

Balearics Tourism minister Iago Negueruela said: “There are countries like the United Kingdom that have taken too long to adopt containment measures and that also puts us in a different situation with respect to them.”

Other advice given to travellers is to book holidays via package deals. This way your holiday is covered should anything go wrong. Doing it yourself is risky, so, make sure you get a no-quibble money-back cancellation assurance.

Also, a flight out of the UK will be protected under EU Air Passenger Rights 261. For extra consumer protection, pay with a credit card.

So, there you have it. Google thinks Benidorm is set to be the destination of choice from the top 10 holiday destinations after Coronavirus lockdown. Good luck!

Nerja is also a great place for a holiday at any time of the year. If and when you are able, try visiting Nerja on the Spanish Costa del Sol and see what you have been missing. We hope to see you soon.

The Horseshoe Whipsnake and the Eagle. The weather has broken and I went for a walk around my local area. I spotted my first snake of the year as well as my first big bird.

Walking uphill we saw a whipsnake and Golden Eagle

Due to the Coronavirus lockdown rules, movement is very limited. The weather is bright, warm and sunny and will continue to be so. It is past the fiesta of San Marco, this is usually the start of the shorts instead of trousers season.

Keeping 2 meters apart, my wife and I set off for a short walk around our area. We had gone no more than 50 meters and we cam across a whipsnake.

The Horseshoe Whipsnake

This Horseshoe Whipsnake was about 50 Cm long

The horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis) is an aglyphous colubrid that, even if it may bite if touched or grabbed, it’s not considered a venomous species. It presents a transversal mark on its head from one eye to the other, and another mark in the shape of a horseshoe on its neck, which gives this species its common name. It’s a species typical of rocky habitats. Thanks to Allyouneedisbiology.com

I have seen quite a few of these Whipsnakes during my time in Spain. They can move like lightning. This was my first encounter of this year. Maybe due to the fact we cannot get out and go very far.

The Golden Eagle

Thanks, @adriandavey your photo is better than mine.

Having left the snake to its own business, we carried on uphill. We were met with the wondrous sight of a bird of prey. It was a bit far away to get a decent photo or video, so we stopped walking and waited.

Eventually, the bird came with a few hundred feet of us and we saw it was a Golden Eagle.

In Spain lives the Aquila chrysaetos homeyeri subspecies. These impressive and large eagles need remote mountainous open areas far from human disturbance to stabilise their populations. Adults are sedentary and they build their nests either on trees of cliffs. See more information on Golden Eagles and other birds of prey resident in Spain from wildandalucia.com

Andalucia, Malaga and the Costa del Sol, including Nerja, are excellent places for viewing the wildlife of Spain whilst out walking. If you have binoculars, keep them handy, you never know when you will need them.

Spring brings out the most beautiful of flowers and plants

We may be locked down due to Coronavirus but that doesn’t stop Spring and mother nature. Andalucia is in bloom. No matter where you go, you will see the most interesting and beautiful flowers in bloom.

You don’t need to be an ardent gardener to appreciate these gifts from mother nature. Nor do you need to know their Latin names or groups. You can simply wander through the fields and olive groves and admire the plants.

Mother Nature, the perfect gardener with springtime blooms

What has always amazed me is the way these plants seem to find each other. The old fashion adage of ‘red and green should not be seen together’ fails massively when you see the blood-red corn poppies hiding in their thousands amongst the green fields. They look spectacular. Some fields actually turn so red that they look as if they are on fire, from a distance.

Rapeseed is everywhere. Rapeseed is a bright-yellow flowering member of the family Brassicaceae, cultivated mainly for its oil-rich seed, which naturally contains appreciable amounts of toxic erucic acid. This is bedmates with Lillies and Convolvulus.

There are plenty of websites where you can get all the information on these spring flowers. One such website is called Spain Info.

A short drive from Nerja and you are in the Andalucia countryside. There are some fantastic walks as well around Nerja. You will come across all the beautiful flora and fauna while you also enjoy the mountain and sea views. This time of year is a ramblers paradise.

That is why it is more the pity that we are unable to take advantage due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Hopefully, we will be ‘released back into the wild’ in time to enjoy one of the most beautiful areas of Europe.

The photographs I have taken today are close to the village of Villanueva del Trabuco. Trabuco is about 45 minutes north of Nerja and has the most beautiful mountains and idyllic walking routes of anywhere in Spain.

Capistrano Playa 200 – Side Balcony. Summer holidays at their best

It’s coming now to the end of April and we are well and truly into 2020. The Coronavirus pandemic aside, How has it been in Nerja? It’s been lovely. What’s more, it continues to be lovely. The weather along the Costa del Sol on Spain’s southern coast has been, for the most part, bright blue skies and plenty of warm sunshine. Perfect winter sun weather.

Nerja has long been one of the top winter sun attractions and for many different reasons. Located east of Malaga city and south of Granada, you have two excellent airports to choose from.

Flights, especially from the UK are cheap in the winter months and this makes a winter sun break all the more attractive.

With plenty of sandy beaches, all year round tourist attractions, access to all of the best cities, towns and villages in historical Andalucia and the many outdoor activities available, Nerja really is your best bet.

The top 10 Spanish Summer holidays Destinations are…

It depends which list you go by, for example, take Jet2’s list of the top Summer sun destinations along the Costa del Sol:

• Benalmadena.
• Torremolinos.
• Fuengirola.
• Nerja.
• Marbella.
• Puerto Banus.
• Estepona.
• Mijas

To that list, you could add many other locations. But, no matter what the list you go by, Nerja will always be in the top 10 favourite destinations on the Costa del Sol. Why take our word for it? Don’t; come and see for yourself.

Nerja Beach Holidays have a good list of rural houses, townhouses, apartments and villas in and around the town of Nerja which sits east of the city of Malaga on the Costa del Sol. There are all types of accommodations to suit all size parties, from single occupation to extended family groups or clubs.

Some of the properties are next to each other and so accommodation very large groups are no problem.

Check out the main Nerja Beach Holidays website and see what is available for a fantastic summer sun holiday in Nerja. If you require any extra help, please contact us and we will be delighted to help you book your winter sun holiday in Nerja on the Costa del Sol.

What are the Top 10 activities for people who are bored on lockdown due to the Coronavirus?

D.I.Y wasn’t Dave’s strongest point but, hey! how hard can it be?

Lockdown? OK, most of the world are now on some sort of lockdown. It’s not easy, and, for some people, it is harder due to their circumstances, such as those living in high rise apartments or living alone.

There are lots of things we can do, without the need to go outside. Personally, my biggest bugbear is getting motivated. We are on day 30 (I think?) here in Spain. The Spanish government acted quickly and imposed an almost 100% ban on leaving the home.

We are allowed out for food, medicines and if you are a keyworker, such as medical staff and police.

So, what can we do to stop ourselves getting bored? Worse still, we need to stop ourselves to become obese. Boredom increases our cravings for food and drink, so, we need to be careful.

So, what are people doing to prevent themselves from going stir crazy?

Watching the TV

This has got to be the Nº1 activity. With the thousands of TV channels available, we are gorging on box sets, quiz shows and shopping channels. It’s an easy form of entertainment.

The Internet

Where would we be without the Internet? We can search for things to do, such as this little article, we can watch videos from Youtube and other channels, we can study using the vast amount of information available. But, the Nº1 activity must surely be the social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Video Chats

Keeping in touch with family and friends during the lockdown is a must. There are many platforms we can use to chat with people. Years passed, this would be possible only by phone. That would have been expensive. Now, of course, we have Whatsapp, Messenger, Skype and other programmes that allow us to speak face to face or with group chats. What’s more, it’s free.

Playing Games while being locked down

Not easy to do on your own, unless of course, the games are online. Online gaming is very popular. Here are the most popular of them all.

Minecraft. Best game ever played, probably the best game ever in history.
Roblox. A very addictive game even more than Minecraft and I play it all the time!
Warlords: Call to Arms.
Halo 3.
Bloons Tower Defense 4.
World of Warcraft.
Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare 2. See more.

Baking and Cooking

The lockdown has caused people to become inventive. The lack of bread, cakes, biscuits and so on has driven the most anti-foodie into the kitchen. Overnight, people who could not boil and egg have become budding Jamie Olivers. Baking videos are massively popular and people are making their own food. No KFC, Maccies, Wetherspoons and so on, so, no problem, we shall make our own.

Entertaining the Kids

No school for the children under lockdown rules. The schools were the first to be closed and so parents are left at home with their little bundles of joy. But, as we all know, children can get very bored and quickly. For some parent’s this will be harder than for others. A family in an apartment without access to outside spaces will find it harder than those with a garden.

TV, the Internet, all sorts of games are all fine but the children do like to be outside. There is also the childrens education. Many parents are taking the lockdown time to help with the childrens education. Reading and writing, history and maths, the parents are having a go.

Keep Fit

Being locked down is hard when you want to be active. In the UK people are allowed out for one form of exercise per day. This, however, may change as the casualties mount. TV fitness Guru’s are becoming fashionable again. People are watching and joining in.

Making videos and sharing them

There are a lot of budding actors and directors out there. People are making videos, most of them amusing, some not so. We are bombarded with home videos of dads and mums doing the most outrageous pranks. Youtube and other platforms are awash with the terminally bored detainees making complete fools of themselves.

Lockdown is great for D.I.Y

Yes! The dreaded DIY jobs you have managed to put off for the last few years are staring you right in the face. What’s more, you are going nowhere soon, so, there are no longer any excuses.

SEX during Lockdown

Now, I don’t say that everyone is at it but we can expect a baby boom around Christmas and New Year. Stuck at home and having already exhausted the above activities, some people will just ‘get on with it’, so to speak. Mind you, what is the bet that names such as Boris, Covid and Corona feature highly on the list of names for the new arrivals.

Well, that’s my thoughts on the lockdown activities, no doubt you will have your own.

Click the photo to get the latest news on Coronavirusin Spain

WHO Coronavirus advice

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the most talked-about subject so far this month. What started out as a few sneezing people in China has now spread across the entire globe. Only Antarctica is free of this nuisance.  It is everywhere and anywhere.

It would be quite bizarre of me not to mention it in this blog. So, this is what we know so far about the Coronavirus in Spain.

According to the Euro Weekly, a periodical for the Costa del Sol area of Andalucia, there are six confirmed cases.

As reported earlier, the Junta de Andalucia has confirmed several cases of Coronavirus on the Costa Del Sol. Three of those cases are in Marbella and one in Fuengirola.

The Marbella cases involve two men, aged 42 and 53, respectively, and an 81-year-old woman. All three are isolated, and under close observation, while they recover in their homes, according to Marbella authorities. See more 

Protecting yourself against the Coronavirus

There are some basic measures to ensure that you are safe and protected from this outbreak. the World Health Organisation (WHO) has a great website with lots of interesting information. I have added the videos from that website above.