The Magical Christmas Experience at Marbella

Array ( [category] => 56 [latestCategoryPosts] => Array ( [0] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 392267 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-06-14 09:22:19 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-06-14 07:22:19 [post_content] => Ironman returns to Marbella in October 2024, with the Ironman 70.3. This is a tough, long-distance triathlon over 113 kilometers, or 70.3 miles. Comprising of cycling, swimming and running, this is open to professional and amateur athletes who feel up to the challenge. Even if taking part isn’t for you, it’s a great spectacle, so come on down and cheer on the brave competitors.

Ironman 70.3 in Marbella

Ironman Marbella 2024 takes place on Sunday 27th of October. The course starts from the Levante beach in Puerto Banús, with a 1.9 kilometer swim in the Mediterranean. The maximum time to complete this swim is 1 hour. Participants will then jump on their bikes for a 90 kilometer loop, up to the town of Cártama, returning back to Puerto Banus for the final phase. This is a challenging hill climb which will take participants through Marbella and up past Ojen, Monda and Coín, before arriving at Cártema and turning to make the descent. The maximum time for completing this ride is 5 hours and 30 minutes from when you crossed the swim start timing mat. The final leg is a half marathon – a 21.1 kilometer run, along the seafront promenade from Puerto Banus to Marbella, three times, finishing this grueling race back on the Puerto Banus beach. You must cross the finish line within 8 hours and 30 minutes of starting your swim to be able to qualify for the 2025 World Championship (also held in Marbella). For fans who want to cheer on the participants, we’d recommend this final leg. Why not find a nice table at one of the bars, restaurants or cafes, so you can enjoy a bite to eat, or a cold drink while supporting the brave racers through the final part of their run. Alternatively, you can choose a VIP Experience, where you can watch from a special area for the swim start and the race and take part in the finish line party, with food and beverage included. The timed programme has yet to be released, but last year the pro racers started their swim at 07.40, with the majority of racers taking to the water between 07.45 and 08.05 and the awards ceremony taking place at 18.30.

How to register for the competition

If you feel up to the challenge of participating in Ironman 70.3 Marbella, head over to the website and register for your spot. It’s a very popular event and sells out quickly. Registration for General Entry is €325 and this includes a backpack and t-shirt, on course nutrition and post-race food, timed race results, entry to award ceremony, finisher medal and digital race guide and finisher certificate. There is also an option to enter as a relay team of 2 or 3 members, so that each team member completes one or more legs and the team can play to its strengths and complete the challenge together. Entry fees for a relay are €560 for the team. In addition to the main event, there’s also an IRONKIDS race for children from 3 to 15 years old. Depending on the age of the child, they will run 250, 500m, 750m or 1km. This is all about fun and healthy living and all children will get a medal when they cross the finish line under the finish arch. Find out more and register for Ironman 70.3 Marbella

VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship on 8-9 November 2025 in Marbella

In addition to this year’s event, next year Marbella is hosting the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in November 2025. This is a real honor and we’re the first Spanish city to host it and only the fourth European city to host it. You need to qualify to participate in this event, by taking part in any Ironman events between July 6th 2024 to June 29th 2025. That of course includes this year’s race in Marbella – yet another reason to race!

Why Ironman chooses Marbella?

Ironman first chose Marbella as a race destination back in 2018 and it has proved very popular since then, holding the race every year apart from 2020. This year is its fifth event and thanks to its popularity and many charms, it will be hosting the World Championship in 2025. The organizers explain on their website why the participants love Marbella so much, “a challenging race course, a cultural experience distinct from other World Championship host venues, and a holiday destination providing something for the sun-lover, the gastronome, the sophisticate, the adventurer, amid an immersive and vibrant Andalusian culture.” We couldn’t agree more! Marbella is the perfect holiday destination and a great place to practice sport, especially in the Autumn. Check out our what to do in Marbella section on our website to find out more.

Where to stay in Marbella during the competition?

Puerto Banus is the epicenter of the Ironman Marbella event and the event starts and finishes on the Levante beach. So, if you want to be within easy reach of the start/finish line, as well as great shopping, restaurants, bars and vibrant nightlife, then a holiday rental in Puerto Banus is a great option. If you’re looking for somewhere close, but a bit quieter, then just up the hill from Puerto Banus is the residential area of Nueva Andalucia. This is also known as golf valley, so the perfect place for keen golfers to base themselves. You can browse for holiday rentals in Nueva Andalucia on our website. The final area we’d recommend if you’re coming to Marbella for Ironman, is the Golden Mile. This is the luxurious stretch which links Puerto Banus and Marbella center and is well placed to enable you to be close to the race start and finish, still on the running route, and within easy reach of Marbella’s beautiful Old Town and vibrant restaurant scene. Browse holiday rentals on Marbella’s Golden Mile Athletes and their families are most comfortable in a holiday rental, rather than a hotel, because they can have the freedom and flexibility to best prepare themselves before the race and recover afterwards. You can stock the fridge with everything you need to prepare your body and fuel up for the grueling race, and have the freedom to cook and prepare everything you need. We even offer a grocery shopping service if you’re short of time, so the fridge and cupboards will be fully stocked before you arrive. After the race, it’s the perfect place to rest and recuperate! As part of our VIP Guest Services, we can arrange for a masseuse to come to your holiday rental to ease those aches and pains and a private chef to cook you a celebratory meal, in the comfort of your holiday villa. What better way to enjoy the experience! We have apartments and villas perfect for couples, families, or large groups. If you have any special requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us and ask for our recommendations. Good luck with your training and preparation and we hope to see you in October! [post_title] => Ironman 70.3 in Marbella on October 27, 2024 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => ironman-marbella-70-3 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-06-14 10:57:49 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-06-14 08:57:49 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://vacationmarbella.com/?p=392267 [menu_order] => 19 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 419522 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-05-31 12:34:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-31 10:34:49 [post_content] => This weekend (1st and 2nd of June), Puerto Banus will play host to an exciting weekend of racing, when it welcomes the E1 World Championships. You can expect a real spectacle, when 10 teams of sleek electric power boats take to the water for intense and exciting close-to-shore racing, with the aim of being crowned Champions of the Water. This is set to be a fantastic event and in this article, we’re giving you the lowdown on what it is and what to expect.

What is the E1 Series?

The E1 Series is the very first approved championship for electric powerboat racing. It features futuristic electric powerboats designed for close-up racing, which the ex-managing director of McLaren Motorsport Rodi Basso dreamed up with Formula E Founder Alejandro Agag in 2020. It came from a love for sailing and racing and a realization that the marine industry needed shaking up with a push for electric technology and a bit of glamor and adrenaline too. The stunning boat design was launched with fanfare in Monaco in October 2021 and will fly above the water using hydrofoils, making it quicker and delivering more exciting close quarter racing. The ambitious aims for this series are to bring Formula E to the seas, as well as encourage commercial use of electric marine vehicles, help protect the planet and promote gender equality. It is also set to deliver exciting races and great event experiences for spectators. The first season of the E1 Series launched in 2024 and there are 7 races in the calendar. These races are over two days, with practice sessions and shakedowns on the first day and the knockout heats and the finale taking place on the second day. Spectators will enjoy head-to-head qualifying time trials, followed by 4 quarter final races, where the last place teams will be eliminated. There will then be two knockout semi finals and the top two teams from each semi-final go onto the final, where four teams compete to be crowned champions. It kicked off in Jeddah on the 2nd and 3rd of February, where thousands of fans enjoyed two days of high-octane action. The first win of the series went to American Football star Tom Brady’s team, with pilots Sam Coleman and Emma Kimiläinen taking the trophy for Team Brady. The series moved on to Venice next, for a weekend of racing on the 11th and 12th of May, and Team Brady took the victory once more! The third race of the season is nearly upon us, and will be taking place in Marbella on the 1st and 2nd of June. There will be further races in Geneva, Monaco, Rotterdam and Hong Kong throughout the year. Find out more about the E1 Series Championship on their website.

Which teams compete in the E1 Series?

The championship will feature up to 10 teams, which are headed up by some big celebrity names. These include; DJ Steve Aoki, cricket star Virat Kohli, F1 driver Sergio Pérez, tennis legend Rafa Nadal, musician Marc Anthony, Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady, Entrepreneur Marcelo Claure and footballer Didier Drogba. They are leading teams of two pilots, one male and one female, who will be racing the incredible electric powerboats and competing for victory. Find out more about the E1 Series Teams

Where and when to watch the E1 Series in Marbella?

Marbella’s prestigious Puerto Banus marina has been chosen to host the third race of the championship on the 1st and 2nd of June. It was selected, not just for its spectacular backdrop of bars, restaurants and designer shops, but also for its commitment to sustainable marine practices. Having this fantastic event here really shines the light on the hard work that the port has been putting in to becoming a sustainable marina, which saw it win a Andalucia Environmental Prize for Biodiversity. E1 Marbella includes two days of exciting races and events featuring the iconic RaceBird electric powerboats, plus lots for fans to do on shore. The Acceleration Festival will run from 10am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday and feature lots of wonderful entertainment options and experiences. There will be stands and delicious food on sale, live DJ playing great music, a giant screen where you can watch all the action on the water and a chill-out area. They are also promising a fun program of activities for all the family, including radio-controlled boats you can drive, which are just like miniature versions of the RaceBirds on the water. It’s free to attend, so head on down and check it out this weekend.

Where to stay if you’re watching the E1 Series?

All the action centers around Puerto Banus’ marina for this weekend and so if you want to be within walking distance of the fun, then check out our selection of Puerto Banus vacation rentals. If you want to be within easy reach of the racing and events, but in a more tranquil location, we’d recommend choosing a vacation rental in Nueva Andalucia. This is a predominantly residential area, famous for its fantastic golf courses, which is just up the hill from Puerto Banus. It also has some great bars and restaurants to enjoy during your stay. Finally, a vacation rental on Marbella’s Golden Mile is another excellent option if you want to combine a visit to the E1 Series with enjoying everything Marbella has to offer. The Golden Mile links central Marbella with Puerto Banus, so you’re in the perfect location to easily reach both locations. If you’re planning your visit and want advice on where to stay and things to do during your visit, please contact the Vacation Marbella travel experts and let us help you plan the perfect trip. [post_title] => E1 Series, the Formula 1 of the Sea in Marbella [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => e1-series-marbella [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-31 12:35:23 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-31 10:35:23 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://vacationmarbella.com/inspiration// [menu_order] => 23 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 419075 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-05-17 09:59:52 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-17 07:59:52 [post_content] => The biggest Gay Pride event on the Costa del Sol is held in Torremolinos. It is a vibrant celebration of love, music and life which brings around 40,000 people to the area to party. This year Torremolinos Pride is taking place between May 29th and June 2nd and the themes are embracing cultures, creating bridges and promoting diversity.

Gay Pride in Torremolinos 2024

Events around Pride start on May 17th, with theatre performances, talks, exhibitions and events. However, the event really kicks off in earnest on the 29th of May at 9pm, with the opening speech and the raising of the LGTBIQ+ flag, at the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Centre. If you’re not due to be visiting at this time, don’t worry, there are plenty of Pride events throughout the year in Torremolinos. Plus, on the Western Costa del Sol, you can find Manilva Pride, which is scheduled for the 15th and 16th of June 2024 and features lots of great music, parties and parades. They also hold other smaller Pride events at other times of the year, and there are some great gay bars on the Costa del Sol which run regular events, so look out for what’s happening when you visit.

Activity Program

There’s a packed calendar of activities surrounding the Pride weekend, starting on the 17th of May with a contemporary dance performance. There are smaller activities such as an exhibition on LGTBI rights around the world, talks, film screenings, book presentations and more. However, the majority of these will not be suitable if you don’t speak Spanish. The main activities take place between the 29th of May and the 2nd of June and here are the highlights. Wednesday 29th May 12:00 – Unfurling the flag in the Plaza de la Nogalera 21.00 – Opening speech from journalist Toñi Moreno and the raising of the flag at the Centro Cultural Pablo Ruiz Picasso 21.30 – Musical performances at the Centro Cultural Pablo Ruiz Picasso, including the LGTBI Torremolinos Choir, Suhaula, Steve Drag and Apotheosika. Thursday 30th May 18.30 – Games and activities for families promoting diversity, Plaza Costa del Sol 19.00 – Beach Volleyball Tournament, in the sports area of the Paseo Marítimo de Playamar 20.00 – Musical performances at the Centro Cultural Pablo Ruiz Picasso, including Mario Jefferson, E’femme, Amatria, Trashi and many more. Friday 31st May 18.00 – Pet Pride Competition - Avenida Palma de Mallorca 18.30 – Family Diversity Day, Plaza Costa del Sol 19.30 – High heel Race through the streets, leaving from Avda. Palma de Mallorca to the Plaza Costa del Sol 20.00 - Musical performances at the Centro Cultural Pablo Ruiz Picasso, including Rocío Saiz, Falete, Nebulossa and many more Saturday 1st June 09.00-12.00 – Inclusive sports event – Calisthenics, El Bajondillo Beach From 17.00 – The Pride Parade, leaving from the Torremolinos Town Hall, and going through the streets of Torremolinos, finishing at the Centro Cultural Pablo Ruiz Picasso 20.00 - Musical performances at the Centro Cultural Pablo Ruiz Picasso, including Sharonne, Varry Brava, Chanel and many more. Sunday 2nd June 17.00 - Beach Party – Bajondillo beach, by the Eden Beach Club Download the full event programme from the Torremolinos Pride website (currently only in Spanish).

Torremolinos Pride 2024: Event of Tourist Interest in Andalusia

Torremolinos Pride is one of the youngest Pride events in Spain, but has become a very important event for tourism in the area and positions Torremolinos as one of the top Gay destinations in Spain. It brings together around 40,000 people each year and attracts tourists from all over the world to the town. In fact, it was recently officially named an “Event of Tourist Interest in Andalucia” by the government, thanks to its social impact, promoting inclusivity and having an international impact. It was awarded this distinction as it has transformed and benefited the area and put Torremolinos on the map as an inclusive and diverse place, where tolerance and equality are paramount. At the presentation of the programme, the Mayor commented that, “in this Pride event, we don’t only celebrate sexual diversity, but also cultural and social diversity, understanding that everything that we do that is different, is an opportunity to learn, connect and exchange ideas.” She added, “Diversity is in the DNA of Torremolinos.”

Road to Europride 2027

This year is a particularly important year for Torremolinos Pride, as it’s a crucial step in their application to host EuroPride 2027. Torremolinos is a Candidate City for this event, which is the most important in the Gay calendar in Europe. Letters of intent to host this event were submitted by five cities in total, including Torremolinos, and the full bids are being prepared for presentation in September. We wish Torremolinos lots of luck in their bid and hope they can bring it home!

Where to stay near Torremolinos?

Torremolinos Pride is one of the highlights of the gay calendar on the Costa del Sol and it’s a great idea to time your visit to coincide with this amazing event. If you are visiting from abroad and looking where to stay to be in the centre of all the action, then the areas of Punto Blanco and La Nogalera are the main gay districts in the town. The beaches of Playamar and Bajondillo are also excellent locations to base yourself in. Torremolinos is also on the train network which runs between Malaga and Fuengirola, so you can easily stay in one of the nearby towns, and escape the madness and noise and then take the train or bus in, or use the local taxi service. We’d recommend booking a holiday rental in Benalmadena, as you can actually walk between the two towns along the seafront promenade in an hour, they are both on the trainline and Benalmadena offers lots to do and see. This includes a stunning and buzzing marina, beautiful park, cable car to the top of the mountain, great shopping, nightlife and restaurants. Malaga and Fuengirola are also good options, slightly further from Torremolinos, but within easy reach via public transport. Wherever you stay, we hope you have an amazing time! Let us know if we can help find you a holiday rental property near Torremolinos. [post_title] => Gay Pride Torremolinos 2024 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => gay-pride-torremolinos [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-31 12:19:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-31 10:19:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://vacationmarbella.com/inspiration// [menu_order] => 27 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) )

The time of the year where all families gather together for decorating the tree and meeting Santa is here! You and your closest ones are ready to start holidays by buying gifts, singing carols, eating a lot while on vacations until Christmas Eve arrives. Here in Marbella, the Christmas season goes, from the last week of November through January 6th, with its perfect climate all year round, and great coastal location, full of great activities that you will find entertaining and fun to share with the people you are traveling with.

If you are a little one, Marbella has great places for you to enjoy this end of 2016. Can you imagine that every year Santa arrives at the Marbella Port by boat and parades around the town on the evening of the 25^th December. Santa Claus will be so busy this Christmas but you will have several places to meet him. You have the Aloha College Christmas Bazaar on December 3 -9, held in Urbanización El Ángel, Nueva Andalucía (next to Aloha Golf), where the community celebrates the magic and beauty of Christmas and you will taste a wide selection of cakes and food prepared by international participants. Everyone is invited here, kids will have face-painting activities and bouncy castles and for the older ones there will be baskets of chocolates and wine, bookstands, music, dance interludes and other incredible activities you cannot miss.

Remember that if someone in your family has not bought gifts for the ones you left at home, there are several flea markets through the week but the most important one is the Puerto Banús Street Market every Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm at Boulevard de La Fama, parking at Centro Plaza Mall. There you will find leather accessories and clothing, woodcrafts and artisanal soap, among other gifts.

You can finish your shopping experience of the day by hanging at the fancy restaurant of La Sala which is located at Calle de Juan Belmonte, 29660, Puerto Banús. Since 2010, La Sala has become the place to eat, drink and reconnect with friends. Their rear terrace enjoys stunning views of La Concha and is the ideal place for a leisurely coffee and the a la carte restaurant offers that unforgettable dining experience with a varied menu including Spanish and International favorites.

For the couples that are planning a really relaxing retreat we recommend a beautiful place to enjoy the 24th Christmas Dinner. The Casanis, which is located at Calle Ancha, 8, 29601 Marbella, knows for offering a great Christmas menu and a quiet environment for celebrating this time of the year. It specializes on French cuisine and is known for its fresh ingredients purchased the same day of preparation by the chef Tulio Zampieri.

For young people that wish to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Marbella we recommend to hit the floor with the Great Gatsby themed party. It will be held on Saturday, Dec 31 at 8:00 PM until Sunday January 1 at 3:00 AM. The location is secret but is expected to be at Puerto Banús, Calle Puerto Banús Casa J. This party is the most spectacular and exclusive New Year’s Event in Marbella, giving a line-up of full live Gatsby entertainment. The ticket will be around 100€ and 150€ if VIP sounds better for you; if you buy now you might be one of the lucky first 100 tickets of 60€ each.

Christmas arrived to Marbella this 2016 in style! There are wonderful things to do with your kids, your parents, your siblings or your significant other. Don’t let people tell you the Christmas story of wonderful Marbella, come and live it yourself with us!

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