Manilva, Sabinillas and Puerto De La Duquesa a February 15Th - February 28Th 2017 Castles and Country
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
www.theolivepress.es February 15th - February 28th 2017 17 ll about ® ® ® A Manilva, Sabinillas and ® OCEAN C@FÉ ® & OPEN EVERY DAY BAR Puerto de la Duquesa PassionBIS TRO Puerto de la Duquesa, Puerto de la Duquesa Estepona Puerto de la Duquesa, Banús Vol. 11 Issue 259 www.theolivepress.es February 15th - February 28th 2017 Marbella Puerto Duquesa Sabinillas www.barandcafegroup.com Born to be wild NATURAL WONDERS: Sights on Manilva’s beaches include a shopping line of drying squids, while (inset) kids play on one of the many rocky coves TS hidden craggy coves fringed with wild grasses and flowers owe Indeed on many weekends outside of July and August, you can practi- more to Cornwall’s rugged coastline than Spain’s Costa del Sol. Chloe Glover discovers the raw natural cally have the beaches to yourself… and a good number have great But these are the attractive protected natural beaches of Manilva, a beauty of the Costa del Sol’s wild west chiringuitos to eat on. true haven for nature lovers. Worlds away from the heavily commer- On one beach at Punta Chullera, you find the perfect place to explore Icialised sands of nearby Mijas or Fuengirola, four kilometres of golden rock pools and dive into the sea, while at another a handful of tourists playas are being kept wild as an ecological reserve. to the half dozen of unspoilt beaches, that lie below the main N340 sunbathe next to a group of squids drying on a line. Endangered western snowy plovers, chameleons and rare species of coastal road. But the beaches are just one of the natural draws of Manilva, which is dune plants are among the flora and fauna in renaissance here since “These are some of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol and some broadly split into three areas; beach-front Sabinillas, port-side Duquesa the conservation zone was created in 2011. of the least known,” explains Bish Witkowski, owner of local Castles Unsurprisingly, eagle-eyed tourists are also beginning to be drawn estate agency. Continues on next page Neumáticos Sabinillas CLETO JOYERIA LOS PROFESIONALES DEL NEUMÁTICO FESTINA • LOTUS • ORQUIDEA VICEROY • LUXENTER • ORIENT GREAT VALUE GREAT • PARKING AT MALAGA AIRPORT 650 euros per year JEWELLERY WATCHES C/Bolivia, 6, Sabinillas PRESENTS Tel: 952176557 REPAIR SHOP DESIGN & QUALITY THE TYRE PROFESSIONALS Calle Duquesa de Arcos, 47, www.brunosparking.com Sabinillas [email protected] Tel: 952 897 207 tel: 952 892 766 mob: 628 265 562 Cafe & Grill Bar - Sabinillas Email: [email protected] 18 www.theolivepress.es February 15th - February 28th 2017 www.theolivepress.es February 15th19 - February 28th 2017 19 ll about Manilva, Sabinillas and Puerto de la Duquesa A February 15th - February 28th 2017 Castles and country From previous page and the hillside village of Manilva proper. “There is nowhere quite like Manilva”, explains local expat councillor Dean Tyler Shelton. “We share a fantastic and unique micro climate nestled between the Sierra Ber- meja mountains and the Straits of Gi- braltar, there is a great mix of locals and tourists and there are excellent views of the north African coastline.” Avid walkers and mountain bikers can take a break from the seaside to enjoy the salty fresh air and the rolling country- side on one of several trails. Some wind their way up to the pretty white village of Manilva itself, a commu- nity that has thrived thanks to its many vineyards established in the 16th cen- tury. Unique The must-see Nilva Wine Museum is a RURAL: Hills above Manilva, Duquesa port and the Roman baths mecca for thirsty walkers and wine lovers alike, who come to take tours of its grape metre from the waterfront, lined with res- most fascinating flea markets (Rastro de plantations and indulge in tastings. taurants touting everything from Chinese Sabinillas) rolls into town. It has been backed by eight Michelin- stir fry and Indian curries to Italian pizzas, Held weekly at the fairground off the starred Basque chef Martin Berasategui, Moroccan cous cous and British fish and Camino de los Baños de la Hedionda, it’s who personally selected Nilva wine for his chips. a bargain hunter’s delight with some 300 eponymously-named restaurant’s wine list. A short walk east along the beachfront stalls selling everything from fruit and veg “He has completely backed our project, will bring you to San Luis de Sabinillas, to antiques, secondhand snips, artisan sponsored some vines and supports our affectionately known by locals as ‘Sabi.’ products, clothing and jewellry. vision,” said Nilva boss Argimiro Martínez Traditionally a small seafaring village with After a day discovering Manilva’s mani- Moreno. fisherman’s shacks on the beach, it has fold charms, it’s time to put your feet up. Those without money to splash on a boomed over the past few decades to be- From lux to low key, the three course meal with wine at Berasate- come a laid back tourist town has lodgings to gui’s restaurant can pick up a bottle from resort with a thriving ex- suit any depth of pocket. the museum for as little as €5. pat community. It has boomed Enjoy the lively seafront The adjacent Plaza de la Vendimia (Wine Gaze at impressive vibe of the port at Har- Harvest Square) boasts a vibrant mosaic views of Morocco’s At- to become a laid bour Club Aparthotel depicting grape-pickers at work. las Mountains from its back tourist resort Duquesa or During the first weekend in September, a LAID BACK: Robinson Crusoe charm at Floria, and (top) Castillo de la Duquesa main beach, which fans live like the lord of the throng of visitors pile in to help celebrate out invitingly. with a thriving manor at El Molino del the annual harvest festival (la vendimia), fect spot for a late spring picnic under and an exhibition room. The beach is the epicen- Duque, an 18th century tread the grapes and toast the fruits of the shade of the surrounding eucalyptus Visit the archeological museum to see tre of Manilva’s massive community mill remodelled into a their labour with large glasses of local trees. displays of prehistoric artefacts and oth- full moon party each Au- stunning self-catering vino. The impressive site is joined by a host of er curiosities, such as a fourth century gust, a dazzling all- night hacienda that also A hidden oasis lies waiting just a couple other local Roman archeological gems. hoard of coins. celebration. serves as an unforgettable setting for of kilometres further north, right on the Excavation work in 1989 uncovered the The intriguing fencing museum next door Inspired by the legendary parties of Thai- weddings and special events. border with Casares; the Roman baths of ruins of a former bath house near Plaza is testament to Manilva’s long involve- land’s Koh Pha Ngan island, the family- With its authentic Spanish coastal vil- Hedionda. de los Banos Romano and a Roman ment with the sport and it remains an friendly event features Chinese sky lan- lage feel, Sabinillas is a perfect laid back Julius Caesar is one of many to have tak- necropolis lies just north of Castillo de ‘epee centre’, as the local fencing club terns and other eye-catching displays. choice for families and couples alike with en advantage of the medicinal sulphur Duquesa, another fascinating stop-off. still practice their blade skills in the cas- Manilva’s scintillating events calendar numerous places to stay. springs gushing from the valley’s lime- Occupying the site of a former Roman tillo. brings together locals and visitors the For a day or to stay over, magical Manil- stone outcrop. villa, the 18th century edifice was con- For sport with a more nautical nuance whole year around. There’s even a day va is the perfect antidote to its brasher The four cloudy blue pools and arched structed to ward off continuous coastal head to Duquesa’s yachting marina dedicated to tourists who are celebrated Costa neighbours. And with natural at- brickwork offer a fascinating step back attacks by pirates. which bustles with a happy mix of locals through dance and song. tractions by the bucketload and spades in time. Nowadays, it enjoys a more pacifistic role and British and German tourists. There is no rest for the town, even on of authentic charm you won’t have to dig The invitingly warm waters are the per- as the home of two museums, a library Taste the globe without budging a centi- a Sunday, when one of Costa del Sol’s deep to discover it all. 20 20 www.theolivepress.es ll about Manilva, SabinillasFebruary and 15th - February 28th 2017 A Puerto de la Duquesa CULTURAL HUB: (top left) mosaic in Sabi and mural of vinegroves, (above) Castillo de la Duquesa F the idea of travelling around the world in 80 restaurants floats your boat, bustling La Duquesa Port is the perfect spot to drop anchor. IA walk around this whitewashed marina takes scarcely longer than five minutes but just count the blackboards promoting cuisine from all over the globe: China, India, Japan, and Sin- Nautical gapore, and a plethora of European ports of call too! Duquesa is the true gem In the maze of alleys behind the port you will of Manilva with dozens also find Hemingways, its bustling Irish neigh- bour Kinsales, as well as Tim’s fish and chips, of restaurants and an Italian pizzerias and authentic Spanish eater- international clientelle to ies, packed together more tightly than wheels match in the car-park. nice Excellent It could be argued that La Duquesa lacks Spanish identity, with more English voices than yachts and more burgers than tapas.