Day Trip | Visit the Lanjarón Valley in Granada

A few weeks ago I had the best day out ever - visiting the Lanjarón Valley in Granada with a bunch of friends who know the area well, one being a local of a beautiful village called Los Pinos del Valle (with some of the most beautiful village houses and gardens I have ever seen). The day consisted of a barbecue in nearby Torrox then a drive to the valley where we picked oranges and lemons from the trees, drank water from the stream, wandered on hilltops and visited the beautiful village of Los Pinos. Here we stopped by the village shop, where we ate cured jamon -pulled down from hanging from the ceiling - just for us. We ate the sliced jamon at the shop counter and left with wild honey. Lanjarón is most famous for its mineral water, which is sold throughout Spain, and is situated in the Western Alpujarras around 50 kilometres from the city of Granada itself. Less famously, Rowan Atkinson aka Mr. Bean, (I'm told), has a villa overlooking the lake. You can read more about the area here plus I'm sure my friends will be available (for a commission - they're those sort of friends!) to treat you to a day out too! Driving time from Marbella about 4 hours round trip and a chance to see the 'Real Spain'.

Marbella Landmark La Concha Mountain | Getting to the Top!

First, I have to admit I have never done this because I'm actually a very lazy person (although I do think it would be good to do - one day!). La Concha (the shell), at the end of the Sierra Blanca mountain range, is the prominent mountain which features in many postcards of Marbella. For something nice, healthy and free to do you can follow defined trails on climbing the mountain for a spectacular view of the Costa del Sol. I'm told it takes about 5 hours over 11 kilometres. For details on the route check out these websites - MarbellaTrails.com and Escartin Lam (hiking trips) - you might even like to contact them to join a group.

Very important not to try this in the middle of the day in the summer months, take plenty of water and tell people where and what you are doing! Click here to view recent story about people who decided to do just this in August 2008.

Artisania | International Artisans Market Puerto Banus

Throughout the summer months, June to end August, is a lovely artisans market - Artesania - in Puerto Banus, situated in the Plaza Antonio Banderas (off Calle Julio Inglesias - yes, really - plus two locals in Marbella). The market opens about 4pm in the afternoon, but really too hot to be out shopping, and is open right through to around midnight in the evening. Items sold include international products including: silver from Peru, pottery from Venezuela, lamps from Morocco, flamenco dresses and shoes for little girls, tatoos for boys, jewellery, bags, art and crafts. Also in the plaza is a childrens' play park with rides, trampolines, plus street entertainers and artists. So a great place for a play and wander on a summer's evening.

Saturday Market at the Bullring Puerto Banus

Definitely worth getting up for on a Saturday morning is the huge. Puerto Banus street market situated at the bullring next to the Centro Plaza Shopping Mall. Best buys include summer kaftans - the coolest, most comfortable thing to wear over your bikini or lazing around the house - flip flops, beach shoes, bags, jewellery and some nice household items too. Best of all is the buzz of the place - great people watching (including checking out the newly, surgically enhanced with plasters and large sunglasses), so even if you're not shopping its good to sit down and grab a beer and check out the crowds. The market goes right down the hill to Puerto Banus, where a flea market sells antiques, furniture and paintings, plus adhoc items. The best character at the market is a Goose (yes) with a neck scarf at the fruit and veg stall (near Pointers vet), who occassionally holds up the traffic marking his territory on the zebra crossing! Most Saturdays are really busy and in the summer very hot too, so don't take anyone with you who hates shopping - this is an experience for the determined shopper. Parking is difficult close to the market but park at the H-10 Andalucia Plaza Hotel and take the short walk up the hill, following the crowds. Take water, lots of small notes, barter a little and watch your handbag/purse - and you'll have a great time.

Kids' Summer Camp

Starting Monday 30th June and held every week in July and August, Monday to Fridays from 10:30am to 1:30pm and Euros20 per day (minimum booking 1 week=5 days). Activities for kids, boys and girls, from 4 years to 16 years old. Held by Paint and Fun Ceramics Cafe based in San Pedro de Alcantara (about 10-15 mins drive from Puerto Banus), they do at least 2 to 3 different projects every day, including CLAY MODELING, CERAMIC PAINTING, BASKET WEAVING, KITE MAKING, PAPIER MACHE, BEADING AND FIMO MAGNETS and more handicrafts. Prior booking by email info@paintandfun.com or call 952 783884 or send your SMS to 620 273794.