Easy Driving Directions From Málaga Airport to The Axarquía

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Marianne under Axarquía

After arriving on your flight to Málaga airport and collecting your hire car, you may have a lot on your mind, not least of which could be driving on the opposite side of the road than you are normally used to. You will also be faced with a bewildering array of road direction signs bearing unfamiliar names, as well as road works to improve road access to the airport and to build a new underground train station.

The following easy driving directions will soon have you on your way to your accommodation in the Axarquía, with no fuss!

As you drive away from the airport terminal and car hire premises, you will see a large roundabout. Follow the road signs for Málaga, keeping the large San Miguel brewery building on your right.

At this point, the road has two lanes and you need to be in the left-hand lane. As you pass the brewery, this left lane will take you up and over a dual-carriageway road (the N 340) and will loop around to the right. As you follow this road around, you will be brought back down to join the N 340 that you have just driven over.

Despite the many directional road-signs you will now see, after approx. 2 kms, be in the right-hand lane and follow the signs for Motril or Almeria. Sometimes you will see only one of these names and sometimes both. Motril and Almeria are both situated to the east, beyond the Axarquía, so either will do.

Bear right to loop over the bridge and swing left to join the aptly named Autovía del Mediterraneo – E 15/ A7. Keep following signs for Motril or Almeria until you reach your chosen destination in the Axarquía.

DON’T FORGET TO DRIVE ON THE RIGHT!

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Photographs I love …. and why! [3]

Posted on April 10, 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.

Here you can see Calle Marqués de Larios, in the heart of the city of Málaga. This elegant pedestrianised shopping street is shielded from the glare of the summer sun, by canopies hung across the street. It is a welcome relief during July and August to be able to stroll around in the shade.

The pale blue building on the right houses the Cafetería Lepanto, which serves up a whole host of delicious pasteles (pastries and cakes), ice creams, sweets, chocolates, coffees, teas and other drinks to manicured Malagueños.

It’s always a favourite place of mine to stop off for a treat!

What’s your favourite photograph, and why? Do you know of another great coffee shop in Málaga?

Driving in Spain: Speed

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Marianne under Laws and Customs, Uncategorized

Last month, new speed limits were introduced on roads throughout Spain in an attempt to cut fuel consumption after oil prices soared following unrest in the Middle East. The maximum speed on motorways is now 110 kilometres (68 miles) per hour instead of 120 kph, with this restriction likely to remain in place until at least the end of June 2011.

However, many Spaniards believe the change is a ruse to raise funds through more speeding fines.

Talking of which, hundreds of drivers were caught during the first operational month of the “average speed” radar system installed in the tunnel on the A7 between Torrox and Nerja.

Cameras photograph all vehicles´ number plates when entering and exiting the tunnel and, if the average speed of the vehicle over the one kilometre distance is calculated to have exceeded 100kph, a fine of up to €600 is issued. Offenders will also be given six points on their driving licences.

At the present time, the radar speed trap is only operating in the eastbound (Torrox to Nerja) tunnel. There are no cameras in the westbound tunnel.

You have been warned!

Street Markets around the Axarquía

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Marianne under Slice of Life

Colourful, bustling street-markets are very much a part of everyday life here in Andalucía, for both locals and tourists alike. Every day of the week there is an open-air market in one or other of the pretty white villages or towns in the area.

Items for sale include brightly painted pottery, locally grown fruit and sometimes irregularly-shaped vegetables, spices, olives and nuts, as well as clothing, handbags, shoes and jewellery.

Often the slowly shuffling crowd will come to a complete standstill, as a new baby (much to the delight of his young mother) is fussed over and kissed by a multitude of Spanish women, amid cries of “guapo” (which means that the baby is gorgeous!), totally oblivious to all around them.

When waiting to be served at a busy fruit and vegetable stall, with customers standing several deep all around, you just have to stand your ground and shout up when you think it´s your turn, or the little old ladies wearing black will surely push their way in front of you!

These photos were taken at the street-market at Caleta de Vélez, but this is a fairly typical scene across the Axarquía. It is wonderful to buy such fresh, locally-grown fruit and vegetables.

Beats the supermarkets any day, with good prices too!

Why not visit a local market today? There’s sure to be one!

MONDAY: Torrox pueblo and Torrox Costa

TUESDAY: Nerja, Trapiche (Farmers Market)

WEDNESDAY: Algarrobo Costa, Rincón de la Victoria

THURSDAY: Frigiliana, Torre Del Mar, Vélez-Málaga

FRIDAY: Almuñecar, La Cala Del Moral (Rincón de la Victoria)

SATURDAY: Cómpeta, Caleta de Vélez, El Palo (Málaga)

SUNDAY: Nerja (Car Boot)

Where’s your favourite street-market, and why? Do you know of any others in the Axarquía?

Playing the Spanish Markets

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Try Before You Buy: Renting a house for a while

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Marianne under Axarquía, Slice of Life

Once you have fallen in love with our beautiful area, east of Málaga, and the associated agreeable lifestyle, you may decide that this is a wonderful place to come to live.

There are many important things to consider though.

What will it be like to leave family and friends in another country? Will the long-term reality compare to the holiday experience? It isn’t summer all year, so what will the changing seasons be like?

Many other considerations may also arise, and the best way to discover the answers, with the least commitment, is to find the area that you think will suit you best, and rent a property for a period.

This will give you the chance to immerse yourself in the reality of living in another country.

One suggestion would be to rent for a full year, so you can see the effects of the passage of the seasons, with the changing weather. You will also get some idea of the Spanish fiestas and festivals, especially around Christmas and Easter time.

If you would prefer your rental period to be for only six months, perhaps you should try midwinter to midsummer, rather than over the summertime only. This way you will still experience the changing weather.

Hopefully during this time of easing yourself into life in a new country, you will get a feel for how often you have the need to return to visit your family and friends.

Fortunately the combination of the proximity of Málaga airport and the ability to book flights on the internet, will give good prices combined with an easy journey back to the UK.

Do you think it’s a good idea to rent before you buy, or do you have other ideas?