Sierra Nevada

My first trip to Sierra Nevada was a great success. I know I have been living in Spain for over a decade but having come from the UK driving for 2 hours to see snow just didn't appeal. however, now that I have children it is a different matter. My son is 10 this year and had never seen snow. so off we went.

Sierra Nevada was beautiful and the journey up the mountain has incredible views.
When you enter the "village" the atmosphere is electrifying and to a new comer quite over whelming.

Firstly we went on the Russian train which was a park attraction and quite within my "adventure" limits ( I am not a fan of rides but this was fun and I had full control over the speed). Then we took my youngest to the ice rink which was a bit of a disappointment as it was a fibreglass fabric and it was quite hard to skate on it, however, my 5 year old loved it.
My eldest went on the the ski bicycles, snow tabogan and sledges which was great fun.

Alternatively on the otherside of the activities was play area where people could just enjoy the snow and walk up to the view point.

There are ski lifts to various slopes and the nearest and cheapest ski lift takes you to the ski school and two nice restaurants. This was not included in our trip so we have this for another day.

On the way back down the hill we stopped at the nature reserve which offered a video about the wild life and water supply along the rang, a variety of exhibits, a huge warm fire place and a gift shop where you could by amongst other things jars of pollen, honey, and home-made soap.

All in all a great day but very tiring.

We joined a package tour for this as it was our first time and we didn't know what to expect. Although we were organised to their schedule  it was the best way to do it. Sierra Nevada is VERY expensive and you need to know your way around. For example packing in the village appeared to be 5€ an hour. Obviously the season is relatively short so the businesses need to make their money 5 months. There is parking further down the hill and a restaurant/hotel where you can a various times get board for 25€ a night which is very reasonable for this time of the year.
I would suggest a little planning needs to go into a trip to  Sierra Nevada  and maybe checking Lux Mundi in Fuengirola or the The Mijas or Fuengirola foreigners department who, at times, offer trips to this area.

Bioparc Fuengirola ( Fuengirola Zoo)

Just after Christmas we noticed that they were advertising a special exhibition in the centre of Fuengirola and that the children who attened would receive a special present from "The Three Kings". I took my two and they were given a year's free entrace to the zoo in Fuengirola which has been re-named the Bio park.

Today we were able to use those passes for the first time this year. As per usual parking was a nighmare and after half and hour I gave up and parked in the parking next door- a very expensive option and next time I will park further away or get a lift in.

Once in the park I was delighted with the efficiency and friendlyness of the park officials and the animals ( as far as one can tell) appeared to be very relaxed in thier surroundings. Last year they aquired aquired white tigers which are beautiful

.

We attended the tour through "The big Baobab tree" which takes place every half an hour and the main show where the animals walk right past you or fly directly over your head. The children loved it. It was very well organised and the information given  in two languages.

There was a play area and two cafe/restaurants.

All in all a very enjoyable morning with the children and recomended. In July and August they have night time visits and the parc closes at midnight so we will be trying to do that this year as well.

For more information see www.bioparcfuengirola.es