Bioparc Fuengirola, Spain revisited (video)

After months of wintry weather, spring has arrived on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. The spring weather tempted the writer to take a stroll to the Bioparc Fuengirola to catch up with the residents there.

As spring gradually creeps in, along with quite a few tourists, and with Semana Santa (Saint Week) holidays leading up to the Easter weekend, the writer decided to sneak out of the office today.

Bioparc Fuengirola is literally just around the corner, and it has been a while since the last visit to the former Fuengirola Zoo.
The first thing this writer noticed was that expansion work is going on with some of the animal enclosures, and it was quite strange to actually see the surrounding apartment blocks from within the Bioparc. 

These are normally hidden by walls and trees to keep the feeling of being in a jungle environment. Apparently the construction work will be concluded soon however.

Besides the work going on, the animals appear to be happy and healthy. A visit to the chimpanzees caused much amusement, as this fellow sat on a rock and blew "raspberries" at the surrounding audience, interspersed with huge toothy grins.

A visit to the orangutans from Borneo was surprising. Dad wasn't there. It seems the father orangutan has moved along to another Bioparc in the country, and a youngster has turned up in his place.

Mother and daughter are still doing fine, and it looks like the new addition is a young male. Possibly the Bioparc is thinking ahead to breeding with the young female who is a couple of years old now.

There was an addition of a rope climbing set up in the orangutans' enclosure, and as can be seen in the photo and video above, they were taking full advantage of it, swinging and climbing around.

These Northern Talapoin monkeys appeared to be a new addition, shown here with a baby Colobus monkey in the background:

The buff-cheeked gibbons were a little more outgoing - they have always been very shy, but last year had a baby, who is now an adult:

If you are planning a spring or early summer trip to southern Spain, Fuengirola and its lovely Bioparc are well worth the visit. However, if you prefer not to stay over in this seaside city, there are many lovely villages in the surrounding countryside where you could spend the night in a charming bed & breakfast.

Bear in mind that the weather will be pleasant for the next two to three months before the crazy summer heat sets in.

Read more and see more photos at: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/346037

Spring is the time to visit the south of Spain!

After what feels like an endless winter, spring is finally creeping up on us, with some gorgeous warm, sunny days on the way!

As we know, southern Spain can be incredibly hot in the summer months, especially July and August, so springtime is probably the very best time for a relaxing holiday in the warm sunshine.

Had enough of the coastal towns, crowded beaches and English pubs?  Maybe take a different route this spring and visit the more rural areas.  Sheer beauty, incredible views, and yet still within easy reach of the major attractions.

The hillsides are gradually covering with their spring plumage, making it a pleasure to drive along, visiting the many small villages inland from the Costa del Sol.

All Spain Rural Accommodation has recently added some wonderful new charming and rural bed & breakfast options in the countryside:

1.  In Axarquia - mountainous land of white villages, olive and almond trees and wonderful country views, lies Casa Colina, a beautifully renovated farmhouse, run by Paul and Niki.


A great place to stay if you are looking to explore the sites of Andalucia or just relax by the pool in beautiful surroundings.

Lunches and dinners are prepared daily from locally sourced produce, including fresh eggs from their 12 hens and home-reared chickens. All meats used at Casa Colina are free range and where possible organic.

Guests can choose from 4 individually styled suites, all of which have a drinks fridge and tea/coffee making facilities.  And just look at the view!

2.  Near the historic and fascinating mountaintop town of Ronda, we can find Montejaque, an intriguing and typical Andalucian village in the mountains, surrounded by wonderful views.

If you would love to visit Ronda, but prefer to stay somewhere a little quieter, the perfect bed & breakfast option is Casa el Corchito:


Located in the village of Montejaque, near Ronda, Andalucia, Spain, enjoy a relaxing stay in a friendly and smokefree environment. Clean, comfortable and affordable.

Casa El Corchito is located in the Andalucian mountains on the edge of Grazalema Natural Park, only 15 km from the historic town Ronda.

The surrounding area will attract you to experience a mixture of a relaxing, a sportive and cultural holiday.  You can enjoy a good climate, all year round, many interesting sites (historical, cultural and natural, easy travelling distance to the beaches and cities and many sports opportunities, including climbing cycling and walking, especially with 3 natural parks close by.

Of Dutch origin, the owners, Rob and Coby will ensure a pleasant stay and will assist with all your touring, walking, and watersports needs.

So consider southern Spain for a warm break in springtime.  You will not regret it!

Spain is officially healthiest country to live in Europe

Despite its economic problems, Spain is still the healthiest place to live in Europe, and possibly the world, according to the medical journal Lancet, with an average of 70.9 years of healthy living, and a life expectancy of 81.4 years.

The medical journal, Lancet, states that according to the European League Table, which is comprised of data collected over a 20 year period, the healthiest place to live in Europe is Spain, which also beats many other countries in the world.

The country ranks number one for life expectancy with an average of 81.4 years, which is two years longer than people living in the UK. Spaniards' years in good health are also higher at 70.9 compared to 68.6 years in Britain. In fact the UK is way down the list in 12th place, behind Greece, Ireland and Germany.

The BBC quotes Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer of Public Health England, as saying, "Despite some enviable recent success, for example on smoking, we in the UK need to take a hard look at what can be done to help people in the UK achieve the levels of health already enjoyed by other some countries. Central and local government, charities, employers and retail businesses all have a part to play."

The US isn't doing too well either, and is listed at number 17, with on average 67.9 healthy years and a life expectancy of 78.2 years.

Lancet has attributed a combination of factors to Spain leading in the results, including healthy eating (with the Mediterranean diet), the warmer climate and more walking.

The Guardian also said that the fact that Spanish families still care for ailing relatives is probably a major factor, with relatives taking daily meals to those in hospital. They say that premature deaths from falls are also low.

The BBC lists the full table of countries in order of healthy years and life expectancy at the end of their article. However, taking the top six healthiest countries we can see:

1. Spain: average healthy years - 70.9; life expectancy - 81.4

2. Italy: average healthy years - 70.2; life expectancy - 81.5

3. Australia: average healthy years - 70.1; life expectancy - 81.5

4. Sweden: average healthy years - 69.6; life expectancy - 81.4

5. Canada: average healthy years - 69.6; life expectancy - 80.6

6. France: average healthy years - 69.5; life expectancy - 80.9

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/345370