Former Huddersfield gymnast and pub landlord Brian Hayhurst and his wife Elaine are ex-pats who have lived just outside Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol for 20 years. He writes a regular blog for Huddersfield Hub.

As the temperatures begin to climb and holidaymakers start to take up hotel accommodation and vacation lets, they will be pleased to learn that some swimming pools will be allowed to fill up.

The Andalusian government officially announced this, but with some restrictions of up to 225 litres per person in certain areas with approval of local councils.

Some authorities will impose huge fines if a pool is filled up. How they monitor these poor folks bewilders me. There are apparently 75,000 pools in the Malaga province!

Whilst mentioning the Andalusian government – they are seeking public help to identify and report illegal and unregistered apartments in one small, but significant, way of reducing tourism in certain holiday hotspots.

Almost 40,000 properties are properly registered in the Malaga province. The uprising against overcrowding by tourists continues to be a contentious issue in many towns and cities like Barcelona, Seville and now Malaga.

It certainly is a difficult dilemma for those responsible for the upkeep and prosperity of their cherished towns, which thrive upon tourism, while needing to keep locals happy.

READ MORE: Catch up on Brian’s previous blogs HERE

I have previously mentioned some of the fascinating and interesting places to visit here. This week, a most iconic and much photographed Ronda gorge has opened a new walkway beneath the massive bridge connecting parts of this – one of the oldest towns in Spain.

The mayor said: “The walkway is destined to be a popular ‘must see’ after over 600 tickets @ €5 were booked in the first 24 hours.”

The road from the coast up to Ronda is a real test of a good driver on the twisting 70km up there.

The Puente viego (old bridge) was built in the 17th century, before and during the many conquests and battles between invading groups.

Arab baths are still viewable and it was one of the first towns to offer bullfighting. For those who like this activity/sport, the museum of bullfighting is packed with history.

 

 

Everyone likes a meal deal but here in Spain the Menu del Dia takes some beating for variety and value.

History tells us that ‘menu of the day’ was created by dictator Franco in the 1960s, for workers who could not make it back home for lunch. Now it is offered to all as a traditional, cheap but sustaining meal.

One very busy restaurant near us had the chalkboard (above) with typical starter – mixed salad, or soup etc with bread. Then meat or fish with vegetables, followed by a sweet, and a drink. All for €11.50 (£10.75).

At the other end of the culinary scale, there are dozens of excellent charity gala dinners for around €40, offering lavish meals, including drinks and entertainment, organised by hard working groups like the British Legion or Lions who raise substantial funds for needy groups including Age Concern, animal shelters and disabled people – young and old.

Some are black tie events, but most are smart casual and always an enjoyable way of helping raise monies.

Finally and briefly…

  • Grocery prices appear to be slowing down but olive oil costs are still rising, mainly due to the drought;
  • The much-anticipated Cala Music Festival has been cancelled after a dispute between the promoter and the local council;
  • Work on the spectacular Malaga Cathedral is to resume after a pause of 242 years (yes, 1782!) due to a lack of funds. Now a new outer roof, funded by Junta Andalusia and others, will make the building watertight;
  • Record temperatures are forecast this summer here…