What ever came over me to take the 05.45 hours Easyjet flight to Malaga for our Advantage Conference? Well - after 3 hours sleep, I set off for the airport (bonus being the roads were clear and it took just over an hour to the airport from Emsworth). Parked up at the official North Terminal long stay parking and was in the airport within 15 minutes of parking. While Easyjet have the unlimited weight restriction, decided to take the largest case I could within the limit and, having checked in online and printed my boarding passes, just walked straight to security - effortless! Security was a bit slow but the flight left on time and we arrived at Malaga airport approximately 2 hrs 30 mins later. Temperature at 9.30 am was 23c sunny - lovely! Transferred to the Ibis Hotel which is where I stay for the conference.
At 13.55 hours on the day of arrival, we left for a sightseeing tour to Mijas. This beautiful moutain village with whitewashed buildings is well worth a visit and has spectacular views towards the sea, Fuengirola, Torremolinos and surrounding area. The village is also renowned for their donkey taxis which began in 1960s when a group of workers were returning home on their donkeys and were stopped by a group of visitors to take photos and have a ride. It has become an institution since the tips were greater than a days wage - there are now over 60 donkey taxis. Had a lovely wine tasting session and a walking tour of Mijas and after 2 hours returning to our hotel.
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| This was the place we sampled lovely spanish wines leading up to the church |
The first evening we had our welcome dinner at El Realengo and drinks reception. This is a botanical gardens with exotic surroundings.
Our conference with 400 delegates was held at the Palace Conference Centre, a massive conference centre which dwarfed our group.
Friday 10th May
The programme included a talk from Daniel Moylan, Aviation Advisor to the Mayor of London and business sessions with other tour operators, A great talk from a very interesting man with a dry sense of humour.
We also had an excellent talk from Simon Reeve, TV Presenter of BBC TV series Indian Ocean, and Equator, Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn, author and Adventurer - a fascinating talk about taking you outside your comfort zone and the excitement of living with danger, sharing feelings and emotions on his travels.
Our evening included drinks reception and dinner at the Muelle Uno, Port of Malaga. Welcome drinks were held in a fabulous spot overlooking the port. A superb spot with wonderful views. We were hosted by Azamara Cruises and had a lovely meal at the Plaza Restaurant with several Mezes and a great evening including Flamenco. A very enjoyable evening.
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| Seabourn Classic was in the harbour - a 5 star elegant small cruise ship |
Sat 11 May
The programme on this day included business sessions and the highlight was a talk from the actress Joanna Lumley. What an amazing woman.
Our dinner was held at the Auto Museum (largest in the world) An extensive array of old cars including the Aston Martin used in the film Goldfinger.
Today was a fiesta so the centre of Malaga was filled with entertainment, museums were open, and an array of music being played in the streets throughout the night.
Overall I was impressed with Malaga as a city destination. There is a lovely pedestrianised area with nice restaurants and shops, a beautiful port with mountain backdrop and only 30-45 minutes by train to the resort areas of Fuengirola and Torremolinos. There is also a small beach area in Malaga which is man-made and there are several trips out from here with a good train service.
Sun 12 May
My flight back was at 10.10 hours. There is a good choice of restaurants and shops at Malaga airport to while away your time.
For more information or details of the operators and packages available to Malaga, contact Sue at Emsworth Travel on 01243377211
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