Estepona, world capital of ham

After last edition success and for the second year in a row, Estepona will become the world capital of ham. The professional ham cutter, Jose Maria Tellez, will organize the largest tasting of this delicious product at Estepona promenade. The event will be held from 12 till 16 August, and more than 150.000 visitors are expected.

A total of 69 companies of the sector will offer their products for "five euros the dish" with cheese, pepperoni and soft drinks.

The best ham cutters in the country will be at the event, so one of the highlights of this meeting will be watch to these ham professionals preparing the dishes that will be later offer to the guests.

This event will be open to both the public and professionals in the industry, and the main objective is none other than to value and publicize the high variety and quality of the Iberian products existing in Spain.

Exhibitors will remain open on the town centre promenade between 20:00 and 2:00 hours.

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Selwo Natural Park

Selwo Aventura proposes a great adventure in Africa on the Costa del Sol and make an exciting expedition for its wild territories.  All types of flora and fauna come together in this semi-open park where visitors may get up and close to the wildlife through an authentic safari. 

You can see on this map the different areas of the park. 

Photo credit: Tomas Alcala

Selwo Adventure is a unique animal, nature and adventure park, located in Estepona. 

The park covers more than 100 hectares and is home to more than 2,000 semi-free roaming animals from all over the world in recreated natural habitats. 

You can meet the most representative species of Africa such as lions, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, hyenas....

Known as the fastest animal in the world, the cheetah can run at full speed at over 100 km/h for 10 to 20 seconds.

Hyenas are extremely intelligent, They hunt in groups of 10 to 30 individuals, led by a dominant female.they can reach up to 50 km/h for more than 3 km.

The red Panda is principally nocturnal and solitary. It uses trees not only to feed, but also to escape from predators on the ground and to sunbathe in the winter.

The Hippopotamus can reach great speed of up to 30 km/h over short distances.  It is one of the most aggressive creatures in the world and is often considered to be the most ferocious animal in Africa.

With some males exceeding 250 kg it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger.Until about 10,000 years ago, the lion was the most widespread large land mammal after humans. 

In addition you have "Territory Madagascar", the habitat of ring-tailed lemurs who enters the habitat of these mammals originating in the large African island.

Europe's largest walk through aviary with over 1000 birds of different species living in an enclosed valley.

 The park has a variety of adventure activities such as one of the longest zipwire in Europe, camel rides or the Path of the Hanging Bridges. There is also the Selwo Lodge Hotel if you wanted to stay for longer than a day and specific programs for younger as the Nature and summer camps.

Its a good idea to buy the tickets on-line as you can get a good discount. For more information visit: selwo.es/en/prices 

How to get there:

By car, you should take the exit located at Km. 162,5. 

Avenue Selwo s/n

A7 highway km 162,5

29680 Estepona - Málaga

GPS: 36.461818, -5.086251

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Jellyfish Alert!. Some facts you should know.

Today we are going to talk about our not-so-friendly-neighbours the Jellyfishes, that visit our shores from time to time. 

Jellyfishes are free-swimming, non-aggressive, gelatinous marine animals surrounded by tentacles. These tentacles are covered with sacs that are filled with poison that can cause a painful sting.  

Their natural habitat is more than two nautical miles off the shoreline, but what (we saw recently) is what happens when there is little rainfall in spring and the temperatures are very high as they reproduce more, making it more likely that they reach the coast and appear as swarms. In addition, with the ongoing problems of overfishing and pollution which kill-off their natural predators, you have the ideal conditions for a jellyfish invasion.

Jellyfish are usually found near the surface of the water during times of diminished light, floating in the water column, or after washing up on the beach. Jellyfish stings are generally accidental and a relatively common problem for people swimming, wading or diving in seawaters. The long tentacles trailing from the jellyfish body can inject you with venom from thousands of microscopic barbed stingers.

Jellyfish stings vary greatly in severity. Most often they result in immediate pain and red, irritated marks on the skin. Some jellyfish stings may cause more whole-body (systemic) illness. And in very rare cases jellyfish stings are life-threatening.



Common signs and symptoms of jellyfish stings include:

• Burning, prickling, stinging pain
• Red, brown or purplish tracks on the skin — a "print" of the tentacles' contact with your skin
• Itching
• Swelling
• Tingling and numbness
• Throbbing pain that radiates up a leg or an arm.

Severe jellyfish stings can affect multiple body systems. These reactions may appear rapidly or several hours after the stings. Signs and symptoms of severe jellyfish stings include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Muscle and joint problems
• Weakness and dizziness
• Fever
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart problems


The severity of your reaction depends on:

• The type and size of the jellyfish
• Your age, size and health, with severe reactions more likely in children and people in poor health
• How long you were exposed to the stingers
• How much of your skin is affected

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency treatment if:

• Stings cover large areas of skin
• You have severe symptoms or a serious allergic reaction
• A rash or other skin reaction due to delayed hypersensitivity may be treated with oral antihistamines or corticosteroids.
• A jellyfish sting occurring on or near an eye requires immediate medical care for pain control and a good eye flushing. You will likely be seen by a doctor specializing in eye care (ophthalmologist).


Most stings can be treated with these simple remedies:

• Remove stingers. 
• Remove any pieces of jellyfish tentacle in your skin by rinsing the wound with seawater. 
• You can also try gently scraping off the stingers with the edge of an ID card or a credit card. 
• Avoid getting sand on the wound. 
• And don't rinse with fresh water or rub the area with a towel, as these actions may activate more stingers.
• Rinse with vinegar or apply a baking soda paste. Rinse the affected area with vinegar for about 30 seconds. Or apply a paste of baking soda and seawater. Each method may deactivate the stingers of some types of jellyfish.
• Take a hot shower or apply ice packs. Hot water — as hot as you can tolerate but not above 45ºC  (113 F) — and ice packs may help ease pain.
• Take a pain reliever and apply lotions. Apply calamine lotion or lidocaine to help relieve itching and discomfort.


Remedies to avoid
These remedies are unhelpful or unproved:

• NEVER USE TAP WATER (this will increase the pain)
• Human urine
• Meat tenderizer
• Solvents, such as formalin, ethanol and gasoline
• Pressure bandages

If you see a Jellyfish always remember to leave the water calmly. If you're stung, get out of the water without splashing much. This helps prevent more stingers from releasing venom. 

All the lifeguards at Estepona have remedies to calm down the pain and in case you have an allergic reaction they can call immediately to the ambulance, so be sure you locate the lifeguard before you go to swim. 

If you have an Android or Apple phone you can download the free App “infomedusa” that will provide you information of the jellyfish sighting in the beaches of Malaga province. 

It appears that this year we will have jellyfishes on our beaches. So you can enjoy but stay alert. If the Spanish people are not swimming and it’s a nice day, it probably means they have heard that jellyfish are nearby!!

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Viva la Virgen del Carmen!!!!

This Thursday (16th of July), Estepona will be celebrating  the Virgen del Carmen, the Patron Saint of fishermen and sailors and the main Patron Saint of the city. 

The procession is one of the most important traditions in Estepona. Will start at the Church of  "Nuestra Sra. Del Carmen" (1) around 19:30hs and continues along the promenade, where two large groups, one of tourists and devotees of Estepona on the seashore, and the other in boats of all sizes decorated for the occasion, follow it in an atmosphere of joy and festivity. 

Once they reach "Correos", the beach near the post office, (2) the Virgin is put into the water (if the weather and sea conditions allow it), while the devote bearers sing "La Salve Marinera". Then, they raise the Virgin and put it on a boat. The Lady of Carmen continues its procession by sea, followed by all the boats crowded with people cheering, using the boat's sirens and  throwing fireworks. 

It was once believed, that the Virgin cleared up the waters with her presence and that only after July 16 would the sea be fit for swimming in. We can clearly confirm that it was the Virgin that kicked off the swimsuit season!!.


It is also an evening where all the restaurants in the city centre get packed, so if you are planning to go out to have dinner (on the Spanish dinner time, after 22:00), booking a table is recommendable. 

Keep in mind that Thursday is bank holiday in Estepona. Supermarkets, banks and shops are close.  


Viva la Virgen del Carmen!!


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Old town treasures

Explore the old town and you will always find new treasures.

Plaza Manuel Alcántara

Estepona beautification drive began back in 2012 and dozens of streets have not only been given a facelift, thanks to pedestrianized roads and squares, new pavements, and the now-famous plants pots chosen by local residents.

Plaza Blas Infante

Calle Figueroa

So far, you probably have been at Plaza Las Flores a hundred times. It is the central square in the heart of Estepona old town, where you can smell the orange trees that surround the square. All year round the central fountain is surrounded by terraces, with people enjoying some tapas, lunch, coffee or a good glass of wine. 

Plaza de las flores

From Plaza las Flores many narrow streets lead into new squares and many more terraces, restaurants and (tapas) bars. You can start from there to visit some of the most beautiful spots.

Plaza Begines

Calle Murillo

The Old Town is really coming in to its own. Gorgeous floral displays, lovely mosaics dotted around the town, the cool plazas, fountains and artwork, a few hours walking around and taking in the sights is well rewarded.

Pasaje María Cintrano

Calle Aurora

The Old Town is so well-maintained that you experience beauty at every turn and the well-managed flora not only brings an abundance of colour to the area but it also makes the back streets smell glorious!

Plaza Juan Bazan

Welcome to the not-so-secret garden of the Costa del Sol.

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Estepona Fair and Major Festivals 2015

If you are going to be in Estepona between the 7 and the 12 of July, you cannot miss its famous "Feria Grande" (Fair and Major Festivals).

During this week, working life in Estepona is completely stopped as a high percentage of the population throws himself to celebrate his Fair. During the day there are numerous open bars, there are lots of colour on the streets where residents and visitors gather to enjoy manzanilla wine, music and dancing.

But the main attractions will be located at the recinto ferial (on the outskirts of the town). There is a traditional amusement park with lots of rides, things to win and music all day for all ages to enjoy. 

This year stands out installation of a wheel that exceed 30 meters, and it will become one of the most interesting for the public.

Sociocultural Councilman area, Blas Ruzafa, explained that the event will start on Tuesday, at 21.00, with the opening speech of the painter from Malaga Antonio Montiel, renowned for the portraits he has done of such outstanding figures as Queen Sofia, Fidel Castro or the Queen of England.


Here you can find this year highlights:

Tuesday, July 7

19:00: A Parade of Giants in the city center will announce the start of the Fair and Major Festivals of Estepona, departing from the College Victor Serna.

A fireworks show will announce the beginning of the Fair and Major Festivals of Estepona.

00:00: Opening of the Real de la Feria and Amusement Park, with the traditional ribbon cutting by authorities, raising of flags and opening of the Caseta Municipal, accompanied by the Municipal Band of Estepona.

00:30: CRUISE Orchestra perform every night at the Caseta Municipal.

Wednesday, July 8

12:30: Opening of the "Feria de dia" at the fairgrounds. (Every day from 12:30 till 18:00 aprox.) dance, party, drinks and more party.  

NOTE: This day will be dedicated to children, and all the attractions will have a 50% discount. (attractions normally start circa 19:00hs)

Thursday, July 9

21:30: Performance Group "Ballroom Dancing, Cabaret and Eastern Dance" of the Department of Culture, led by Mariví Rodriguez, and the Group of "Modern and Contemporary Dance" Claudia Ramirez Rodriguez.

Friday, July 10


21:30: Performance Group "Classic-Spanish Dance and Flamenco" of the Department of Culture, directed by Lourdes Barrientos.

00:30: Great festival of Sevillanas with "CANTORES of HISPALIS". Free entrance.

Saturday, July 11 

20:30: GRAND PARADE at the fairgrounds. A procession of carriages will carry the Queens and Ladies of the Fair. 

00:30: Concert by MELODY. Free entrance.


Sunday, July 12

19:30: Bullfight for the Fair and Major Festivals 2015 at the bullring. The bullfighters Francisco Rivera "PAQUIRRI", Cayetano Rivera and Javier Jiménez will cope 6 Bulls of the MURUBE lifestock.

Visitors are always welcome!!

How to get to the Feria: The "recinto ferial" is at the end of Juan Carlos I avenue. There is a big parking area near the theatre.  

GPS: 36.431478, -5.159535



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