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Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Halloween

This probably seems like a rather mundane experience to be recounting but last week Villa Marbella Now had the pleasure of enjoying our first journey on Málaga’s Metro. The occasion was the International Superior White and Rosé Wines and Gourmet Products Meeting Point organised by Sol Wines and, as we and other journalists had been invited to the official presentation of the event followed by a wine and Iberian ham tasting, we decided it was prudent to leave the car at home. We were able to confirm first-hand why the Metro (and the Coast’s Renfe rail system in general) is universally praised as an efficient and spick and span public transport service, although it still only covers limited areas of the city. Obviously anyone living west of Fuengirola town centre will not be able to base their whole travel plans around the train service, but at this time of the year parking is handy and abundant for anyone coming from Marbella, Mijas or further afield. If drinking hadn’t been involved, we would have driven into Fuengirola to catch the train. In the event, we took a direct bus from Marbella’s main station – both comfortable and convenient. As we have noted before, plans have finally been initiated to study options for extending the local train service to Marbella, Estepona and maybe eventually as far as Algeciras (serving nearby Gibraltar) so anyone buying a new home now in any of those areas will hopefully not have to wait too long to be connected to Málaga city. In the meantime, one conveniently central stop on the Fuengirola-Málaga line is Arroyo de la Miel, and the fully-renovated villa featured here is a comfortable 10-15 minute walk to the train station. It is also close to other key amenities and services including the international Xanit hospital, and has quick access to the main highway for those travelling by car. It is priced at an excellent-value €849,000. Returning to Málaga… it’s been hard not to notice in recent days that Halloween is just about upon us (the proliferation of pumpkins is a dead give away), coinciding in Spain with a public holiday next Monday, carried forward from All Saints Day on Sunday 1 November. So time to enjoy the atmosphere in the Soho arts area (at the last train stop in Málaga city centre), with workshops in the late afternoon and a rock concert, or the Pechá Zombies Party from 6pm at Muelle Uno in the port. La Concepción on the outskirts of Málaga city is also getting in on the act, with a Halloween-inspired ambience and guided tours into some of the botanical-historical gardens’ darkest and most mysterious corners. On the eastern part of the Coast, on Saturday and Sunday night visitors will be able to enjoy “Night of the Ghosts” tours of the streets of Vélez-Málaga with guides recounting horror stories related to the town’s historic sites and characters. [caption id="attachment_3889" align="alignright" width="150"] Spooky console from Bitangra decorated for Halloween[/caption] Further along the coast, from Saturday to Sunday Maro village combines Anglo-Saxon and Spanish traditions with its annual Maroween, including a chestnut and sweet potato fiesta and other culinary activities, and exclusive excursions into the depths of Nerja’s famous cave, only equipped with a small lantern. In Marbella, the Ambrosia Gourmet Market is holding a “Night of Terror” party throughout Saturday 31 October and into the evening with music, special dishes, a children’s club (with trick and treat activities), a fancy dress competition and a Halloween-themed performance by three actors from 10pm to midnight. In Estepona municipality, Selwo Adventure park has been preparing for Halloween all month with free entry (until 2 November) for children aged between three and nine who come “dressed in your best and most terrifying outfit” (accompanied by a paying adult), and activities including face-painting and animal tattoos. [caption id="attachment_3891" align="alignright" width="150"] Selwo Adventure Park[/caption] Special Selections We appreciate your taking the time to read about this outstanding property, but perhaps it is not exactly right for you? If not, we invite you to have a look at our other special selections for: La Zagaleta, Luxury Villas, Golf Properties, Seafront Properties, Apartments and Special Offers. Click on the category of your choice and follow the link. Also please feel free to roam around our website: www.villamarbellanow.com.