Looking around Almunecar and La Herradura in August one might think that there was really no signs of the credit crunch… beaches are full, hotels are busy  (if not fully occupied) and the supermarkets are filled to bursting.  Yet if you look below the surface the signs are there that generally the visitors this summer are much more cautious.

Hotels are busy thanks to promotional all inclusive packages but report up to a 15% fall in occupancy compared to last year. Apartment and villa bookings are reported to be filling but with more than 50% being last-minute at reduced price. The bars and restaurants too complain that this is the worst trading summer they can remember. Just walking about the town at the moment it is clear that there are fewer foreign holidaymakers around; and many of the apartments seem to be filled with Spanish families either visiting relations or staying in their relatives holiday home.  At weekends the number of visitors doubles as those living in Jaen and Granada come to the coast for a break. But even with such increased occupancy it is clear that from the sheer number of ice boxes being carried to the beach – the people are very careful how they spend.  In addition the townsfolk are up in arms with their town council - who have extended the pay to park "blue zone" scheme along the promenades and now separately charge residents for their rubbish collection.

Yet, despite the KRISIS the town prepares for its annual fair (feria) which literally kicks off this weekend.  You can see the full programme of events here . From Saturday August 9 until Friday 15 (a local holiday) there are a range of activities, events, concerts and shows that not only take place around the town and beaches but at night centres in the main Feria ground where the Friday market is usually held. This year many of the events are free to enter, and if you have never been it is well worth the experience. Not only is there all the fun of traditional fairground attractions but there are various casetas to see, eat and drink in! Often until the very early hours of the next morning.  The fair culminates with the procession of the Virgin del Antigua (Almuñecar town’s patron saint) that leaves the church in the late afternoon, is carried to the sea at Playa San Cristobal and then transported around to Puerta del Mar. By 23.30 the Virgin returns from the sea to the town and in celebration a spectacular firework display is launched – a real must see for any visitor to Spain’s Costa Tropical.

Don’t forget too that with the local fiestas then many banks and administrative offices will close by 12 noon this week.