THE MAYOR
Bienvenida a todos los escandinavos … ..
Welcome all Scandinavians to us down here in the sunny south. My name is Trinidad Herrera Lorente and I am mayor of Almuñécar municipality with 30,000 inhabitants, of which about 80 different nationalities and all are welcome.
I know that most tourists who come here, they come back year after year, because they enjoy it so well. More and more people are discovering our wonderful climate with 320 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 20 degrees, choosing to stay with us for weeks, and even months during the winter. Several of you Scandinavians have told us that it is so easy to stay down here during winter. You do not have to shovel snow, scrape the car windows and above all, you do not run the risk of slipping accidents with damage as a result. Every day you can go out and walk. Both Almuñécar and La Herradura have long fine walks with several gymnastic gear, which many use to keep their muscles in shape.
The warm winds from the Sahara and the protective Sierra Nevada mountains in the background make the climate subtropical, and only here on the Costa Tropical, the fruit Chirimoya grows. We also have the Almuñécar banana, Mango de Almuñécar and many kinds of avocado. Here is an Eldorado for anyone who enjoys fruits and vegetables. For example, some have said that it feels very comfortable to be able to sit on a balcony in the sun and eat fresh strawberries in the middle of winter.
It is so positive that more and more Scandinavians are coming here to Almuñécar, both for us and for those who come. Many also say that they feel so much better down here. Everyone is outdoors much more down here, than in the cold north, and then gets sunlight and thus the important vitamin D. The summers are not too hot, and the winters are pleasant with their plus degrees. There has never been frost or snow here.
Many of you also appreciate the great cultural offer we offer. There are concerts every week, flamenco at many bars and restaurants, music and entertainment as well as festivals of all kinds all year round. There are always art exhibitions going on. Friday market and flea market. We are often told by grateful tourists that they appreciate all the cultural offerings. You can read about all events at: www.almunecar.se so you don’t miss anything. There is even bullfighting in La Herradura at Fiestan San Juan in March. For those who want to participate or just be a spectator, there are an incredible amount of sporting events of all kinds.
What I know that you Scandinavians really appreciate, is that you get a tapas when you sit at a bar or restaurant and order a glass of wine or beer. It is a decision that was made in the province of Granada a long time ago.
Many of you also think it’s so easy to come here. Fly in about 4 hours, bus or taxi in one hour and here you are. During the winter there is a lot of spare capacity at the hotel and apartments. Prices are still lower here than in Scandinavia and the exchange rate is favorable for a long holiday in the sun with us, so I can only wish you welcome here and see how we are doing. You will probably enjoy it….
Saludos cordiales
Trinidad Herrera Lorente
Almuñécar, Granada Marzo 2013
