When you think of Spain, i bet you think of sun, sea and sangria… am i right? Well you are not wrong but what if i told you that when i think of Spain i think of Snow, Slopes and Skiing. You might be thinking this guy has had a few too many sangria’s and he must be thinking of Northern Italy or the Swiss Alps. We you might be surprised to find out that Spain is home to some of Europe’s best  resorts, with a variety of slopes to choose from thought out this fantastic country. There are many different areas of Spain that are home to some amazing ski and winter resorts and i want to tell you about my favorite two locations.

Baqueira Ski Resort

Situated in the heart of the Pyrenees, Baqueira Beret is widely considered to be Spain’s number 1 winter destination and is regularly visited by the Spanish royal family.

The main resort, Baqueira, has been purpose-built with ease of access to majestic slopes. Also, this area is known for its traditional culture with a number of enchanting villages located around the valley.

Baqueria is the largest winter resort in Spain with approximately 91 miles of marked pistes, 4 miles of marked off-piste and a further 4 miles of cross-country ski.

Located at the highest art of the Aran Valley, it has long and wide ski runs, some running through trees and vegetation. Divided into 3 zones, Baqueria, Beret and Bonaiqua. Due to its location on the northern side of the Pyreness the resort and with the climate that the near by Atlantic creates, the resort has a great snow record through the winter months.

The resort was founded approximately 60 years ago, a group of people lead by Jorge Jordana Pozas, Jesus Serra Santamans and Luis Arias founded the ski resort in the are of Naut Aran due to the amazing snow conditions found there.

Sierra Nevada

The impressive Sierra Nevada with an altitude of 2100m is located in the south of Spain in the Penibéticp Mountain Range, close to the historical city of Granada.  the ski resort has 6 different areas named Veleta, Laguna de la Yeguas, Borregiles, Loma Dílar, Parador and Río.

The vast ski resort has a combined 103 pistes over 94,8km which include 16 green, 35 blue, 43 red and 9 black slopes for you to test your skills. The season on Sierra Nevada lasts from December to April.

Sierra Nevada is the 3rd highest peak on the peninsular of Spain and the most southerly ski resort of Europe. The resort hosted the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1996 and occasionally hosts World cup races. In 2017 it was home to the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships.

At the foot of the slopes there is the picturesque resort village of Prodollano. Home to large number of shops, equipment rental premises, souvenir shops, ski schools and resturants it is a great base to begin your ski journey.

Honorable mentions

Navacerrada

Located 52km (32 miles) outside Madrid, Navacerrada is the closest ski resort to the capital, making it perfect for a day trip. It is divided into two areas, the upper area with intermediate/difficult pistes and the lower area with intermediate pistes. The resort also boasts a slalom stadium and ski jump.

Formigal

A stunning resort located in the Aragon Pyrenees, Formigal offers 137km of pistes over 90 runs. Its north- and west-facing slopes give it a good snow record and its location within driving distance of a number of cities in the northwest of Spain and southeast of France drives its popularity. Formigal has snow gardens and facilities for younger skiers, and hosted the 2008 Alpine Junior World Ski Championships

La Molina

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King’s Day, the celebration of “Three Kings” or El Día De Los Reyes 6th January every year, is treated with more importance that the 25th December. El día de los Reyes is a day that is anticipated for months before. It’s the day that Spain celebrate the three Kings, or the three wise men, who brought their gifts to the new born baby Jesus. The Spanish keep the tradition of gift giving on this day, children may receive a gift on Christmas Eve but the main presents that they have wished for all year will be presented to them on the 6th January.

The Three Kings, Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, play the same role that Santa Claus does in many countries – they are the ones that bring the gifts – and children write their letters to them to explain how good they have been and to request the presents they want.

Children leave drinks out for the Kings on the night of the 5th, and food for their camels, for this is how they travelled according to the bible. They also leave their shoes outside the front door, in the hope they will be filled with small gifts or sweets.

The Procession

King’s day is always on 6th January, but the processions take place the evening before, all over Spain. They are called Cabalgatas. Every town and village has them, but the largest are in the cities on the mainland and they can attract hundreds of thousands of people.

The Three Kings travel through the streets, throwing festive sweets out for the many children who have lined the street to get a glance at the mystical figures. Then they will stop somewhere to give the kids a chance to request their favourite presents for the following morning. The procession will be going by street entertainers, torch bearers and finished off with a spectacular fire work display.

Roscón

On the day of the 5th you will see hoards of people beelining their way to local bakeries throughout Spain and its territories to buy a traditional cake called a Roscon de Reyes. It’s a ring donut shape that is decorated with candied fruit and filled with either cream or vanilla custard.

In the cream layer, there will be a toy or a figure of baby Jesus and a bean, and in the cake box there will be a crown. The person who gets the toy, wears the crown and becomes King of the celebration, and the person who gets the bean has to buy next year’s Roscon de Reyes.

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Christmas time or Navidades in Spanish, runs from December 24th to January 6th. Its a time of happiness, joy and celebration. Everyone making their way home to reunite with family and friends, looking foward to catching up on the past years events, exchanging stories and tales while reminiscing of past Navidades, in Spain it really is the time of year where the family rejoins and becomes one again.

Christmas was originally a religious holiday, and with Spain still having a large Christian following to many it still is, but these 13 days are a special time even for the many who do not embrace religion. You can feel it in the air, the atmosphere is different,the people are on a high, the festive cheer is contagious and it spreads like wild fire.

Christmas Lotto ‘El Gordo’

The sound of the young pupils from San Ildefonso School calling out the Loteria de Navidad numbers give an early kick of to the festive period. December 22nd of every year is ‘EL GORDO’ which translate to the fat one, it is Christmas Lottery in Spain which staggering, life changing amounts of prize money. Each year you hear the young pupils list of the numbers in a manner that is synonymous with El Gordo, and whether you are listening in through the radio or watching it unfold on TV so as you here the sound of the numbers being read out you knows its Christmas. I suppose its Spains version of the Coca Cola trucks advert.

Feliz Navidad

Once you have finished tearing up your losing lottery ticket and December 24th rolls around you ready for the celebrations to begin. Christmas Eve in Spain is called Nochebuena which means Good Night in Spanish, which is predominantly a family celebration. People meet for early evening drinks in the favourite local bars mixing with all locals wishing everybody the best, but soon enough everybody returns home to gather round a dinner table filled with an eclectic mix of delicacies served during different course. Some of the typical food you will find on a Spanish Christmas menu would be a starter of Spanish tapas and appetisers such as jamon (ham), queso (cheese), chorizo (Spanish sausage), the first course would then be light salad or soup that is traditionally sea food based, the main course would predominantly be Roast lamb and a variety of locally sourced trimmings but some families prefer pork or chicken,  and desert would be made up of nibbling on Turron (typical Christmas sweet) and Polvorones (Almond cookie) , and to finish of no Spainish feast would be complete with a ‘chupito’ which would be a shot of liquor or brandy. Once the table has been cleared and dishes put away the younger members of the family will probably head for bed because a traditional Spanish meal is known to go on well into the night.

Many Christians in Spain attend midnight mass of the 24th, in Spain it is known as the Misa del Gallo. He prayers are said and traditional Christmas carols are sung accompanied by the sounds of the zambomba (a Spanish drum), carracas (ratchet shaker) and because it is Spain a acoustic guitar.

Papa Noel or better know to us as Santa Claus is a fairly recent tradition in Spain, he brings children gifts on Christmas Eve. In parts of Spain you can find other types of traditional characters such as Olentzero, he is a coal venders who descends from the peaks of the mysterious peaks of the Basque mountains each Christmas to reward the well behaved children with gifts, but the children who have not behaved the past year will only find a lump of coal, left as a reminder to be nice for the next year.

December the 25th is a relaxed day in Spain. You will find some shops, bars and restaurants open that will be filled with family and friends who were unable to meet the night before. The local parks and plazas have a more jubilant ambiance to them as all the children are out playing with their new toy and gifts that Papa Noel left for them, showing them of to their friends.

Dia de los Santos Inocentes

In spain they do not really celebrate boxing day as we know it so the festivities mellow a bit until the 28th. December 28th is a special day called “Dia de los Santos Inocentes” which is roughly translated to ‘the day of the the Holy innocents’, this day was originally celebrate the young victims of a massacre that was ordered by the biblical figure call Herodes. This is a well know story around the world, Herodes who heard of the birth of a new ‘King of the Jewish people’ sent his armies to massacre all the new born babies so to eliminate any future threat to his crown. Inocentes in Spanish can also me naive or simple, so December 28th has become the unofficial fools day which is celebrated in a similar manner to our own ‘April Fools Day’.

Another special day that comes around during Christmas time is Dec. 28^th, the “Día de los Santos Inocentes”, a day that originally commemorated the young victims of a massacre ordered by biblical-age governor of Judea, Herodes. The governor hoped to eliminate the future threat to his power after prophets announced the recent birth of a new “king of the Jewish people”. The word inocente in Spanish can also mean simple or naïve, and this day in Spain is celebrated in much the same way as April Fool’s Day is in other cultures, meaning Dec. 28^th is a day to watch out for tricks or “inocentadas” that pranksters are looking to play on people.

Feliz año nuevo

As you will find with most celebrations in Spain, it is always based around a meal. So up until 11pm on December 31st (which is known in Spain as Noche Vieja – old night) the streets are very quiet and subdued, sort of like a calm before the storm. People are at home once again surrounded with family and friends feasting on certain Spanish delicacies, laughing, joking and singing their way up to the New Year. Depending on the location people will either see in the New Year in their homes or they will congregate in the town squares underneath the town clock, irrelevant of where you see in the New year their is one tradition that is always upheld, and that is the eating of the grapes. On each dong of the bell at 12 o’clock you must eat one grape, if you manage to eat all 12 grapes in time you are then bestowed with good luck and fortune for the coming year, easier said then done I must add.  Once you have cleared your face of left over grapes it is time to party. Meeting with friends in pubs and clubs you are now ready to dance your way into the New year, drinking establishment will stay open until the sun comes up so you have plenty of time to find the right dance partner. New years day is a day of rest for those who have partied through the night.

Los Reyes Magos

Now you have fully recouped from your new year shenanigans its time to prepare for the arrival of Los Reyes Magos (the 3 kings). On January 5th you make your way to the local bakery to order the traditional Roscon de Reyes (a large ring shaped cake) which you will eat for breakfast on January 6th. A few days prior to the 6th, young children will write a letter to the three wise men or their favourite King: Melchor, Gaspar, or Baltasar, indicating which presents they would like to receive this year. The morning of the 6th the children will wake early to see if they where good enough to receive what they asked for, its a morning very similar to our Christmas morning where regular nutrition goes out the window and they gorge themselves on sweets and treats. In most towns in Spain their a procession through the town centre by Los Reyes Magos, who shower the crowds with more sweets and toys.

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Let me give you a small intro into why Spain is the best country in the world…

Try all the Gastronomy that the best country in the world has to offer

Healthy, varied and tasty gastronomy from Spanish Omelettes to Iberian ham, paella, fabada, salmorejo … And this could go on, we could continue filling pages and pages about the fantastic Spanish cuisine and delicacies. The secret of Spain being a quarry of which world-renowned chefs continue to be produced, lies in the fact that we have a diverse and exquisite quality of raw material. Fruits, vegetables, meat and fish of the highest quality with the open the minds of chefs, whether in a renowned restaurants, lost in the middle of nowhere or in the kitchen of any home. Eating is a pleasure.  Doing it at a Spanish table is like savoring the sky.

The best Beaches 

In the Old Continent you will not find better beaches. Although in summer many of them are usually crowded with tourists, there are many that can be visited and enjoyed almost all year. Large and extensive beaches of white or golden sand; small hidden coves; beaches surrounded by forests and green areas; ideal for diving and snorkelling, or just a space to go with children and family… There are all varieties for all tastes. The blue flags that signify the highest quality of beaches wave to the sky on all of the Spanish coasts.  These beaches are to be enjoyed all year round, as Spain is blessed with a beautiful climate you will always be able to find a beach with something going on. Still not convinced that Spain is the best country in the world….. well keep reading.

Learn a new language

Spanish is the second most spoken language, so come and learn the passionate Spanish language that will benefit you when you travel to other countries, especially the vibrant South Americas. Learn and discover the variety of vocabulary, expressions and dialects that the Spanish language offers. 

Discover Culture

Spain has been a field of games and conquests of almost every great civilization worth its salt. Phoenicians, Romans, Carthaginians, barbarians, Arabs, etc. If we add to that the fact that the country was a great world power that followed the discovery of America, we have served as an authentic cultural, historical and monumental melting pot that is very difficult to find in any other country in the world. Palaces such as La Granja de San Ildefonso, in Segovia; cathedrals like that of Burgos or Santiago de Compostela; medieval castles such as Xàtiva; Roman ruins like those of Mérida; museums such as the Prado in Madrid or the Guggenheim in Bilbao; and excellent works such as La Alhambra or the city of Toledo. Every corner of Spain breathes history and works of art are counted by hundreds of thousands. Indulge in the incredible Fiestas that each region has and immures yourself in the traditional Iberian Culture.  You are now starting to believe that Spain is the best country in the world!!

Landscape diversity

Breathe nature and contemplate the variety of beautiful landscapes such as The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is located on the island of La Palma and is a World Biosphere Reserve. An area of volcanic origin that shows a steep landscape with almost 2,000 m of unevenness, its central space is occupied by the caldera of Taburiente. A area of 8 kilometers in diameter and 1,500 m deep, but also has a large amount of water resources, both underground and superficial (streams and torrents) in which a great variety of plant and animal species have been developed. Here is one of the best places to observe the stars from the observatory of Roque de los Muchachos.

 In the northeastern part of the Canary Island of Tenerife, there is an immense natural park that offers a unique vistas, a impressive wall of mountains that reach the Atlantic in steep cliffs that fall over coves and black sand beaches where you can bathe in complete freedom. This park full of green mountains, palm trees, cloud forests, deep valleys, hundreds of trails and charming villages that was declared a Biosphere Reserve. It is a spectacular exhibition of the immense forces of nature.

Fall in love with a mountain village

The mountains is an ideal destination to enjoy as a couple or as a family. Nothing like a route between green meadows and clear streams to detoxify from the pollution of the city and recharge batteries to face the new year. In Spain, we are fortunate to have an ample variety of towns to escape for the weekend to enjoy the spectacular landscapes and take yourself back to nature at this perfect time of year.

With just a small quite into why Spain is the best country in the world, why don’t you get yourself over here and find out for your self.

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On December 8th, the Catholic Church celebrates the fiestas of ‘La Inmaculada Concepción de la Virgen María’ the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. This is a dogma proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854 that declares that the Virgin Mary was immune of all stains of the original sin from the very moment of her conception. The devotion for La Virgen María is still very popular in many Spanish speaking countries. In Spain the 8th December is a national holiday called El Día de la Inmaculada which translates to ‘The Day of the Immaculate Virgin’, or La Fiestas de La Purísima ‘The Feast of the Most Pure’.

Traditions and celebrations vary from one community to another, but usually the celebrations have a religious and a social component with a solemn mass in the honor of the Virgin, firework displays, a parade among other organised social events. In the beautiful city of Valencia, ‘las cofradías de las Hijas de María’ which is translated to ‘the sisterhood of the Daughters of Mary’ are the the protagonists of the procesions and celebrations. Every year up to twelve single women of around eighteen years old sign up to become members of the sisterhood, loyal to the devotion of the Virgin Mary in their local parish. For the following 12 months ‘las clavariesas’ the name that these young women are given will participate in the parish activities and they will help raise the money to pay for the celebrations of December 8tht. During the celebrations of December 8th each young women will be accompanied to  the various gatherings and celebrations by a young man of their choosing, usually a boyfriend, a brother, a friend or a cousin.

The outfits of the ‘Las clavariesas’ is of considerable importance. Each ‘clavariesa’ dons a black dress and upon her head she will wear a ‘teja y mantilla’ a comb holding up a piece of lace. Spain is not as religious a country as it once was and certain religious festivities are kept going mainly as traditions and cultural gatherings. The ‘La Inmaculada Concepcion de la Virgen Maria’ is a special time of year on the Spanish calendar that brings friends, family and communities together for days of festivities and celebrations.

The fiesta of La Inmaculada concepcion de la Virgen Maria is the perfect kick off to month packed filled with fiestas and celebrations and in a time where we seem to be moving away from traditions this is a steadfast festival that has been and will be celebrated for years to come.

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Northern Costa Blanca stretches from Alicante to Denia. The World Health Organisation has said that the area is one of the healthiest areas in the world and is especially beneficial for those with respiratory problems. The area remains green throughout the year and there are wonderful mountain views inland from the miles of glorious beaches. Outside of the resorts you will find unspoilt villages that are becoming popular with property buyers who want peace and quiet within easy reach of the resort towns. The Northern Costa Blanca is famous for the many orchards of citrus fruits and for the production of excellent wines.

There are many charming Towns on the Northern Costa Blanca; At Elisa Overseas Properties we bring you some of the most popular!

Moraira

Moraira is a small town in the La Marina about half way between Alicante 80 kms to its south and Valencia 108 kms to its north. Barcelona is 438 kms to the north. Moraira remains one of the most unspoilt resorts on the Costa Blanca, with 8km of beautiful coastline backed by mountains. There is a high proportion of expats living here from Northern Europe, and the area is very popular with retirees.

Restaurants are a particular feature of the the town, and we have included a lot of information about them, as well as the beaches, and the history of the town.

Moraira has more than 2,000 hectares under cultivation and 1,000 hectares of vineyards. The vineyard area, where they grow Muscatel grapes for wine making, .is away from from the coast, up in the hills, where the climate is a little cooler, and the land is not so valuable for villa development.

The 9,500 permanent population increases to as many as 30,000 during the summer tourist season. A fuller history of the town shows that there has been people living here for thousands of years, but only at the end of the 20th century did it grow beyond the fishing village that it had been.

Moraira

Javea or Xavea (in Valencia’s language)

Located between the capes of San Antonio and Nao, Jávea is one of the most important tourist destinations on the Costa Blanca. The historic quarter, located two kilometres away from the coastline, preserves a beautiful architecture, with emblematic monuments such as the church of San Bartolomé, the city’s neuralgic centre.One of the main attractions of this region is its coastline. No less than twenty kilometres of sands and hidden coves where visitors can enjoy a swim and a wide variety of water sports.

Javea

Teulada

Teulada, a municipality with and old wine-growing tradition, is located in the region of Marina Alta, Alicante. Magnificent beaches and coves are some of Moraira’s best attractions.Teulada’s historic quarter, in the interior of the province of Alicante, is surrounded by a green landscape filled with vineyards, a crop that reflects the agricultural tradition of this municipality, and is part of its identity.Surrounded by a wall in the old times, Teulada’s city centre is dominated by the church of Santa Catalina, a very beautiful example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, erected to honour the patron saint.Teulada’s main attraction is its coast, where we find Moraira. This town is an important Costa Blanca tourist destination, thanks to eight kilometres of beaches and fine coves, such as Platgetes, Portet, and L’Ampolla, the latter dominated by a solid, large defence tower known as the Castle of Moraira. The natural port and picturesque littoral is the ideal setting for several sports, such as scuba diving, sailing, or bike riding.As for wine production, this region’s sweet wines are of excellent quality, specially White Marina Alta, and Muscatel.

Teulada

Calpe

Dominated by the imposing image of the Rock of Ifach, Calpe sits on the shores of the Mediterranean, surrounded by a beautiful landscape filled with mountains and vineyards. Many ancient civilisations settled in this town in the Marina Alta region of Alicante, a history narrated by the remains it preserves, which include the Roman baths “Baños de la Reina” (Queen’s Baths).Deeply-rooted traditions harmoniously coexist with the tourist industry, making it one of the main destinations on the Costa Blanca. Eleven kilometres of beaches and coves, a marina and a beautiful natural environment are part of the immense appeal of the town. Including, of course, its astounding gastronomy, an authentic showcase of Alicante’s cuisine.

Calpe

Denia

The Romans dedicated this city to the goddess Diana, and turned its port into one of the most active in the Peninsula. Up to this day, Denia has not ceased to be visited.The Muslim castle keeps many examples of its heritage at the Archaeological museum. The city also has remarkable monuments such as the church of Asunción, from the 18th century, with Renaissance and Baroque reredos; and the City Hall, which still has in its façade two memorial tablets from the ancient temple of Diana. The avenue of Marqués de Campo, the cosmopolitan setting for the festivities of Moors and Christians, is complemented by the fisherman’s quarter, the most popular and gregarious area in town. Denia has a commercial port and a marina.Denia has a twenty-kilometre-long coastline, which presents fine sands in the northern part, yet steep and rocky sections to the south. The municipality has countless one-storey houses scattered around, with white façades, red-tiled roofs, and the typical porches from this region, called “riu-rau”. We can access the Montgó Nature Reserve from the road that goes to Jávea, which passes through Las Rotas, and San Antonio Cape. A lighthouse sits on this cape, on top of a cliff that is 163 metres high.

Denia

Denia Beach

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Do not miss the Christmas lights, Church contests, your typical christmas gastronomy and all the events that you will enjoy in this Fantastic city.

Malaga is known across the country for its beautiful Christmas lights. Hundreds of locals and visitors come together to catch the first glimpse of the colourful decorations. The main Alameda avenue is decorated with thousands of white lights that run through the leafy branches of the city’s most famous trees, lining the way to the famous Marques de Larios roundabout. It is also important to remember to stroll down the Larios Street, which glows with its own Christmas magic.

A number of cities across the Costa del Sol celebrate the days before Christmas Eve with nativity contests. One of the most well known events is held in Fuengirola, where each year’s assembly is more surprising than the last. Many residents will dedicate an entire room or their whole garage to a nativity scene. Preparation can sometimes begin months before, but it is most well known among Fuengirolenos. Each year, the town designs a route with signs to guide anyone who wants to visit each scene.

If you find yourself in the Malaga province this Christmas, it’s important to try the most typical items in the area. Antequera is the birthplace of shortbread and the craftsmanship that comes with this ancient recipe attracts hundreds each year in search of this sweet snack. The nuns in the convent also put their hands to work for the faithful, who arrive in search of their egg yolks, fritters and shortbread. The typical Christmas sweets in Malaga are exquisite and have a well deserved reputation in the world of national pastries.

You will be able to find a wide range of restaurants to spend New Year’s Eve at, with a party and a dinner or, if you prefer, you can spend it at one of the main squares of the Malaga municipalities. There are plenty of places where people gather to welcome the New Year. If you would prefer a bigger crowd, you can visit one of the following places:

• Malaga: Parque de la Constitución (Constitution Park)
• Torremolinos: Plaza de la Nogalera (Nogalera Square)
• Benalmádena: Plaza de la Mezquita (Mosque’s Square)
• Fuengirola: Plaza de España (Spain Square)
• Marbella: Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Square)

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Jamón – The Artisanal Ham Of Spain

Jamón is at the heart of Spanish culture and cuisine.  While Spain’s regions vary in their local food traditions cured Serrano and Ibérico hams are treasured from coast to coast. It is enjoyed from the markets of Barcelona to the bars of Galicia and everywhere in between.

There exist two great traditions of artisanal cured hams in Spain, both of which are a source of enjoyment and great pride among Spaniards:

Jamón Serrano is a cured country ham made from conventional pork. From time immemorial in the mountains of Spain, people have packed fresh hams in sea salt and hung them from their rafters to cure. A year to eighteen months later the jamones are ready.  With no cooking required, these hams are carved into paper thin slices and served with a glass of Spanish wine, or added to a myriad of recipes like croquetas de jamón or added to sautéed vegetables or stews.

Today, Jamón Serrano comprises about 90% of Spain’s annual ham production. These hams are produced mostly by recreating the effect of traditional techniques in modern production facilities from white pigs raised mostly on cereal grains. The hams are made from Duroc, Pietrain, Landrace or other large white pigs, which flourish throughout Europe. When compared to hams processed in other countries, however, Jamón Serrano is firmer with a consistent texture, some marbling, a warm red color and a deep ham flavor.

Jamón Ibérico is the pride of Spain. The lineage of the unique animals that produce these hams stretches back to pre-history when they ran wild in the Iberian Peninsula. Columbus had some of them on the Santa María when he set out to discover the New World. Our family, who founded Jamon.com, has been on a quest for the finest of all hams, Jamón Ibérico, since we started our business in 1996.

The acorn-fed variety is called Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (bellota literally means acorn).  These fortunate Ibérico pigs are free to roam the meadows of the ‘dehesa’. The ancient rangeland of western Spain. During the autumn they feast on acorns (bellotas) from the holm oak and cork trees, sometimes gaining as much as a kilo of weight a day. Much of the resultant fat is mono-unsaturated.  In fact, they are sometimes called “walking olive trees” because their fat is nearly as healthy as extra virgin olive oil.

Jamón Ibérico de Bellota is considered the world’s finest ham.  Some whole hams can sell for upwards of $2,000 per piece.

Ibérico de Bellota hams are cured 24 to 48 months, losing nearly half of their weight as the fat melts away.  When the hams are finished curing, they have an incredibly complex taste, distinct marbling, a deep red color and an intense ham flavor bathed in mono-unsaturated fat.

Non-acorn fed Ibérico ham is produced from Cerdo Ibérico. A pig that is native to Southwestern Spain and Southeastern Portugal. These pigs are much fatter and have more marbled meat than normal pigs. As opposed to their luckier Bellota destined brethren, they are mostly fed cereal feeds, and may be allowed limited free range time where herbs supplement their diet.

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Marbella is located is picturesquely located on Spain’s glorious Costa del Sol, where Andalusia meets the Mediterranean Sea. Marbella stands out for its unique combination of adventure, entertainment, spectacular shopping, 5-star dining, and fashionable beach life.

Each year, jet-setters from around the world flock to the swankiest Spanish resort to soak up the sun and get a taste of quintessential Andalusia, but also to experience the ultimate in Mediterranean glitz and glamour at Marbella’s chic addresses.

Listed below are some of the best things to do in Marbella:

Roam the Charming Marbella Old Town

If somehow you only have time for one quick stop in the elegant Spanish resort, let it be the charming Marbella Old Town. The picturesque maze of narrow streets that comprise the city’s Casco Antiguo revolves around a delightful Castilian renaissance square – Plaza de los Naranjos. Here, a number of pavement cafes and restaurants litter the romantic enclosure, serving traditional food and beverages in the shade of fragrant orange trees.

This is a wonderful place to indulge in Andalusian delicacies, cool off with a cold drink, and watch the world go by. If you’re lucky, you can also spot an alfresco flamenco show or a bohemian artist playing its rusty Spanish guitar.

After a tasty meal in the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos. Why not  take a stroll through the delightfully narrow streets of Marbella Old Town ? Where you can shop for some original souvenirs and traditional products in the old-fashioned boutiques and marvel at the gleaming whitewashed architecture that lines the alleys, giving the area a rapturous Arabian feel.

Soak Up the Glitz and Glamour of Puerto Banus

Whether you’re a jet-setter or just want to catch a glimpse of how the rich and famous play on the sunny Costa del Sol, Puerto Banus is definitely the best place to go. The most fashionable marina in Spain lies only 6 km southwest of Marbella and offers everything from sandy beaches and high-end shopping to exclusive restaurants and amazing nightlife.

Here you’ll find streets nonchalantly lined with big name boutiques such as Gucci, Dior, Chopard, or Dolce & Gabbana; spectacular million-dollar yachts moored in the harbor; a catwalk-like seafront bursting with beautiful people and polished Rolls Royces; as well as a wealth of stylish party venues for both day and night entertainment.

Have Fun in the Themed Parks

Marbella and the surrounding area are packed with a variety of themed parks, from zoos and water parks to fabulous fairgrounds that entertain visitors of all ages. The closest to Marbella center, however, is the Funny Beach, an enjoyable amusement park with go-karts, electric cars, video games, and many exciting children’s rides. Thanks to its convenient location on the beach, the park plays host to a nice chiringuito where you can have a snack and a cold drink, as well as a pretty good range of watersports, such as water skiing and banana rides.

If you’re looking for more water fun, Marbella’s Costa Water Park offers two stunning locations, one in Marbella and the other in Puerto Banus. Both parks are floating in the sea and provide an excellent variety of water activities.

Benalmadena – the pretty coastal town between Fuengirola and Torremolinos, is home to a wonderful range of themed parks such as the Tivoli World, the delightful Butterfly Park, or the Sea Life Centre.

Other notable attractions around Marbella include the beautiful Bioparc Fuengirola (30km from Marbella); Torremolinos Aqualand (47 km from Marbella); the Parque Acuático Mijas; and the amazing Selwo Safari Park (near Estepona), which is also the largest and most beautiful safari park in the entire Spain.

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The city also offers an amazing selection of tours to experience. There are preserved ruins, castles, museums and other archaeological sites as the city has been civilized for more than 7000 years. Apart from these places, the city also has beautiful promenades, beaches and parks along with the fantastic restaurants offering local cuisine. As well as these places the city also has beautiful promenades, beaches and parks along with the fantastic local cuisine.

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