We aim to bring you the local news and reviews from around the region covering all manner of topics relevant to life here in this beautiful corner of Andalucia.

In addition we will also bring you details of new properties and special offers from our business partners.

Autumn Highlights

One of the nicest things about being here in the Axarquia is that the local calendar still revolves around seasonal produce. At the moment we are well into the swing of the autumn harvest of chestnuts - castañas and sweet potatoes - boniatos. The latter are also known by their original South American name of batatas. They are cheap and freely available in the local shops and markets at the moment and best of all they are also on sale ready-roasted at many roadside stalls. There was even a festival to mark the importance of these 2 local products held at Maro on 31st October.

National News

Recent reform in the drink/drug/drive laws in Spain have introduced for the first time the possibility of a custodial sentence of 3-6 months for those found over the limit, which is 0.25mg/l of alcohol in breath expelled. Previous penalties will also continue to be imposed which include suspension of license for between 1-4 years, community service between 31-90 days and fines from €550-€11000.

Around the Axarquia

The residents of Torre del Mar have been organising a campaign for independance from Velez-Malaga. They want the size and importance of their town to be acknowledged with their own Town Hall - Ayuntamiento. I'm sure that the success of the popular campaign to stop the rubbish strike earlier this year which was centred in Torre del Mar has galvanised the residents into believing that their voices can make a difference.

In Nerja the Cultural Centre in c/Diputación is due to be demolished in January to make way for a replacement. In the meantime most of its present functions will be moved to the Ayuntamiento with the exception of Adult Education which will take place in the town's schools.

The Nerja townhall have recently approved a plan to plant gardens around the base of the Balcón de Europa which will include special plants to cope with being so close to the sea.

In Velez-Malaga work has begun on the extension to the present sports complex and indoor pool which will create an additional indoor pool along with more courts as well as underground parking and space for some commercial ventures such as cafes etc.

Competa will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Parish of the Ascension on 25th May 2005 and to mark this prestigious event there will be a year of festivities which will include a visit by the Prince of Asturias on an as yet un-named date.

Forthcoming Events

17th-25th November - Malaga. The 19th International Jazz Festival of Malaga takes place at the Cervantes Theatre.

19th November - Rincon de la Victoria. The 4th annual Mini-Paraolympiad will be held on the Paseo Maritimo by the library starting at 10am.

6th December - Constitution Day. A national public holiday.

8th December - Feast of the Immaculate Conception. A national public holiday.

21st December - Torrox. The annual Migas Festival held around the Plaza de la Constitución starts at 12 noon. Music, local wine and of course plenty of Migas to sample. You can find more info on this festival on our Fiestas page.

If you fancy taking part in any of the autumn festivals taking place here in the Axarquia or just fancy a sunny week away from the cold then check out details of all the accommodation we offer on our accommodation page Most of our properties offer excellent low season prices with special offers for longer lets during the winter months.

Special Offers

Easyjet have just released their summer seats to Malaga from the following UK airports: Belfast, Bristol, Newcastle and Nottingham and the other routes will go on sale over the next couple of weeks. So if you are planning a trip to the Axarquia next year now would be a great time to click on the Openjet banner on our Travel Links page and check out the rock bottom flight prices which will only be available for a short time.

Remember - as the flights get booked up the prices rise so to get the best value get in early!

Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter and we look forward to bringing you more news and offers next month.

¡Hasta luego!