It’s such a lovely area of mainland Spain it would be a shame not to share the attractions of the Costa del Sol with as many lucky people as possible. With that in mind the Costa del Sol tourist board have embarked on a big push to spread the word in Spain and abroad.

Guests of Wimpen already know how good the Costa del Sol is from enjoyable times spent at Club Bena Vista and it couldn’t be easier to get to with Malaga and Gibraltar airports close at hand. The Spanish government realise what a good investment it is to attract more visitors so have pledged 152.2 million euros over the next year, an increase of 11 per cent.

Adopting  new ideas is a key ingredient of the new Costa del Sol promotion, 100 local business’s will be involved to make sure all year round visits are promoted as well as the traditional sea and sand. There will be 320 promotional events in 35 different countries and the modern trend of booking flights and accomodation seperately hasn’t escaped the tourists boards  reach.

Venue:

THE HOLIDAY INN – COVENTRY SOUTH

A45 London Road, Ryton On Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 3DY

The county town of Santiago del Teide bears the same name but couldn’t be more different if it tried. A 325 green Titsa public bus from Los Gigantes to Puerto de la Cruz (there are 6 a weekday) will drop you outside the church of San Fernando Rey near the main plaza. There are several walking routes from here through the volcanic lava flows of Chinyero and they are described in detail and several languages on a large notice board, and the Tourist Information office can provide you with maps etc.

If you are not aware of the last eruption of Chinyero in 1909 you can pop into the museum at the restored rural house Casa del Patio, next to the church. The temperature is a little lower up here and the clouds hover low on the pine tree covered mountains, a lovely setting.

Walking down to the lower end of the village the Fuente de la Virgen is a nice little walk up the hillside guided by white crosses until you reach a shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes and some great views over Santiago del Teide. Just past this path is a turn down to the old Camino del Real, an ancient pathway that connected this village to the coast. If you have around three hours to spare it’s a great walk down through history and alongside the Barranco del Valle before emerging just above Puerto Santiago.

Between the ends of Santiago del Teide there are some welcoming cafes and bars where food and drink is cheap and served with a smile. Of course you don’t have to do a full walk to appreciate he villages above Los Gigantes, Chio, Guia de Isora, and Tamaimo are all in easy reach and will give you a flavour of a different Tenerife.

Filming was quite extensive and the crew also made good use of Montañas del Fuego, Mirador del Rio, and Orzola at the northern tip of Lanzarote, and Papagayo Beach in Playa Blanca. These landmarks are just a small selection of the amazing sights that Lanzarote can offer. Wimpen will make you feel at home in Playa Blanca, Las Brisas and Las Casitas are at the southern end of the island but just an hours drive and you can be at the other end of Lanzarote and all points in between.

If you want to see Doctor Who saving the Universe from Lanzarote you can see the first episode via this link and the DVD of the adventure also includes a return visit to our shores by one of the production team two years ago. If you haven’t experienced Lanzarote at first hand make a point of visiting soon and see why it is such an out of this world attraction.

Where else can you look forward to music from Chaikovsky, Marilyn Manson, Sting, and Pitbull? That’s just a taste of the musical summer being served up in Tenerife for 2012. Wimpen resorts have plenty of great activities for all the family but a trip out to a big concert or show is always a nice extra.
Santa Cruz Auditorium is always a beacon for culture and Imperial Ice Stars are bringing their spectacular musical Sleeping Beauty On Ice (La Bella Durmiente Sobre Hielo) to the capital for 8 shows between the 9th and 13th May. Last year the same company filled the Auditorium with Swan Lake On Ice but this time their international cast will be dancing to the music of Chaikovsky. Tickets range from 19 to 45 euros and can be bought at the Auditorium box office 10am to 3 pm weekdays or online at entradas.auditoriodetenerife.com

Forget the traditional mud of summer music festivals in the UK, Tenerife has a major three day musical extravaganza as Rock Coast Festival takes over Santa Cruz dockside from 24 to 26 May. Big names are still being added but Iggy Pop, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Marilyn Manson are just some of the confirmed stars along with over 30 local Tenerife bands. The performance site will also feature a fair, and many artistic side shows daily from noon until the early hours. Tickets are 50 euros for the 24th May, 60 euros for the other two days, or 120 euros for a three day pass, all from www.ticketmaster.es
The south of Tenerife gets plenty of action to, American rap star Pitbull is heading for the Annex Stadium (next to the main football stadium) in Playa de Las Americas on 23 June. This guy is at the top of his musical tree and the stadium hosts regular concerts, last one was David Gueta. Prices for this are very reasonable at 25 euros for general entrance and 40 euros for the VIP zone, again from www.ticketmaster.es or Halcon Viajes travel agent in Los Cristianos.
Just a week later Sting will be performing at the Heliodoro Stadium in Santa Cruz, home to CD Tenerife. The former Police front man is going back to his roots and promises lots of the early stuff from his group and solo days. Tickets are all 50 euros for this concert with www.ticketmaster.es the online place to book.
There will be plenty more music and theatre to enjoy during the year so whether you are just a temporary guest of Wimpen or a long term resident enjoy the music.

Las Brisas

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It looks like another deadline will pass in the wait for Playa Ajabo to become the improved and user friendly beach that Callao Salvaje has been waiting for. Our last Wimpen report on here was in early September 2011 and the signs were encouraging but a return look on 25 February 2012 revealed that it was still a long way from ready.

The mountains of new sand still dominate the old shingle and dark sand beach but it will take some concerted efforts to level it all out once it is time to invite sun bathers to sprawl out. The plant and flower beds had been filled with earth but now also have small trees and plants in place and the other noticeable change is the new quay that juts out. Steps at the half way point show that it is intended to allow small boats to moor up but it needs mooring posts and a pathway leading to it. Lamp posts are now in place but it doesn’t look like are ready for use, there is a lot of infrastructure to add, especially as the large block for changing facilities and a cafe or kiosk will need full services added.

Estimates for a March 2012 opening seem wildly hopeful but with the basics now in place, a big push could see happy bathers and sun worshippers in place for the summer. Watch this space.

• Sueno Azul
• El Marques
• Las Casitas

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