East of Málaga: The Weather in Autumn

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Marianne under Axarquía, Slice of Life

Towards the end of August we usually start to look forward to some relief from the long hot summer. This year, we were hoping that the autumn thunderstorms would arrive on time to bring some relief for the parched ground. The normal pattern would be that these first autumn rains arrive anywhere from mid September to early October. This year has proved to be an exception, as by mid October, we still await a break in the weather.

Typically the warm sun continues towards Christmas-time with a few rainy periods in between. The autumn and early winter sun can be surprisingly warm, but this year has proved warmer and drier than normal, with virtually unbroken sunshine and temperatures between 24-28C, which would make a beautiful midsummer day in northern Europe. A by-product of this has been brilliant clear blue skies.

What is certain is that, together with May and June, the climate here during September and October can be the most pleasant of the year. Visitors from the north would still be wise to take similar precautions against the sun as in summer, but the nights are more comfortable to sleep with overnight temperatures in the range 15c to 18c compared with the low to middle twenties Celsius during July and August.

All in all, it is a wonderful time of year to visit our area to the East of Málaga.

You might also enjoy:

East of Malaga: The Weather in Summer

A Year in the Life of an Almond Tree: Andalucían Style!

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Marianne under Axarquía

We start off each year with a wonderful show of pink and white blossom spilling down the hillsides. Flowers appear in early January and their petals often look like snow on the surrounding hills and mountains.

As we move into Springtime, the almond nuts begin to swell, hidden within their soft green velvety cases.

Finally, at the end of a long hot summer, the green velvety cases have dried and cracked open, to reveal and shell of the almond nut inside. Ready for the picking!

Whilst you´re here, why not have a look at:

The heart of Cómpeta: El Paseo de las Tradiciones

Photographs I love …. and why! [7]

Posted on September 9, 2011 by Marianne under Photographs I love

This is just one of a series of photos I have taken, and will share with you over time, capturing the essence of living east of Málaga. Each one, in it’s own unique way, reminds me of why I love living in southern Spain, and in particular the Axarquía.

This photograph was taken on the road between the villages of Torrox and Cómpeta. The building you can see is the Pavo Real restaurant.

I love the way the mountains appear in “layers of distance”.

Fresh Figs Stuffed with Goat´s Cheese and wrapped in Smoked Bacon

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Marianne under Recipes

In August, when the fig trees are laden with fruit, this recipe is always a winner at our house. Serve as a starter or as a main course. Delicious!

Simply pluck the fresh figs from the tree and slice off the top and bottom of each fruit. Cut a cross into the top of each fig and stuff with a square of goat´s cheese. Wrap in a rasher of smoked bacon and skewer with a cocktail stick.

Bake in a hot oven for approx 20 minutes.

That´s it – enjoy!

If you like the look of this recipe, you might also enjoy:

Patatas a lo Pobre: Poor Man´s potatoes

Lemon Chicken for a Summer´s Day Lunch

East of Málaga: Embalse de La Viñuela almost full to capacity

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Marianne under Axarquía, Places

[Image credit: (cc) Bart & Co]

According to embalses.net, La Viñuela reservoir (Embalse de La Viñuela), at the heart of the Axarquía, is at 93.53 per cent capacity, which is more than 11 per cent fuller than this time last year, and 42 per cent more than the average for this time of year.

Reservoirs in Málaga Province as a whole are 91.23 per cent full. This figure is slightly higher than the same time last year, but more than double the average for this time of year over the past decade (43.73 per cent).

What good news!

Where does your water come from? Do you rely on town or reservoir water, or do you have an independent supply?

Whilst you´re here, why not have a look at:

La Viñuela reservoir: Embalse de La Viñuela

The heart of Cómpeta: El Paseo de las Tradiciones

Lemon Chicken for a Summer´s Day Lunch – East of Málaga