Fuengirola is to present a captivating exhibition of realist paintings by local Malaga artist Simón Pizarro, titled “Sueños y Caminos” (Dreams and Paths). The show opens to the public on Friday, January 23, at 8pm, at the Casa de la Cultura Manuel Delgado Perea and will stay on display free of charge until February 20.

Pizarro’s seascapes particularly stand out, drawing viewers in with a masterful command of blues and emerald tones that vividly evoke the shimmering light of the Mediterranean. The works invite quiet reflection and immersion in the scene. Influenced by the German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich, Pizarro often includes figures in his landscapes, typically viewed from behind, who serve as symbolic bridges, guiding the observer toward horizons rich with meaning and emotion.

Art that records meticulous records of reality, built on balanced compositions

His still lifes are meticulous records of reality, built on balanced compositions that encourage a slow, deliberate appreciation of mundane everyday objects and settings. Over the years, Pizarro has held numerous exhibitions in galleries across Spain, designed posters for various institutional celebrations, and even contributed paintings used as set decorations in television series.

Born Jesús Simón Pizarro in Monroy, Cáceres, the artist now resides in Alhaurín de la Torre. His passion for painting ignited unexpectedly in 1994, when he left a successful career in the automotive sales sector. What began as a sudden “love at first sight”—sparked by encouragement from his wife and inspiration from Friedrich’s romantic works—led him to study under the renowned painter Robles Muñoz. From that point onwards, he committed himself to perfecting his technique and forging a distinctive personal style.

Artist travelled world for inspiration

Pizarro’s artistic training has been broad and international. He pursued studies in Madrid, Cheste (Valencia), Seville, and Malaga, where he earned a Diploma in Teaching and a Degree in Biology from the University of Malaga. He further expanded his horizons with courses in Limerick, Ireland, and in Southampton and Cambridge, England, learning alongside instructors from dozens of countries. These experiences, he says, have made him more tolerant, open-minded, and creatively enriched.

At the heart of Pizarro’s art is an intimate connection to his immediate environment. His paintings explore landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, flowers, and portraits of the people closest to him—those who have shared his journey. He delights in discovering beauty in the familiar, savouring the unique perspective each observation brings. In many of his landscape pieces, solitary figures appear within the scene, beckoning viewers to walk alongside them or sit and share in the surrounding splendour.

Details

The exhibition at the Casa de la Cultura Manuel Delgado Perea will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm and from 4pm to 10pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend the opening on Friday evening or stop by during the run to experience firsthand the evocative, technically accomplished realism of Simón Pizarro. Casa de la Cultura is on Avenida Juan Gómez Juanito, Fuengirola.

Costa del Sol has been named one of the 12 finalists for National Destination of the Year in the prestigious Premios Condé Nast Traveler España 2026, putting it in direct competition with top Spanish spots including Mallorca, Sevilla, Madrid, Tenerife, and others.

The announcement, made by the most highly-respected travel and lifestyle magazine Condé Nast Traveler to coincide with FITUR week, highlights the Costa del Sol as one of the favourites to win. Organisers praise the Malaga coastline for being “one of the few places” that successfully combines a lively cultural pulse, thriving gastronomy, and an increasingly serene and sophisticated form of luxury.

Creative capital of southern Spain

Far from outdated stereotypes, the Costa del Sol has refined its identity, the publication says. Malaga has has developed into the creative capital of southern Spain, boasting a dynamic calendar of exhibitions, festivals, and new openings along with a culinary scene in full swing. Meanwhile, Marbella continues to set the pace for Mediterranean glamour, now with a more contemporary and relaxed perspective.

Embracing a modern approach to travel, they say the Costa del Sol includes hotels designed for longer stays, beach clubs where design harmonises with the natural surroundings, restaurants that reinterpret local recipes while preserving authenticity, and nearby white villages inland that encourage visitors to slow down and lower the pace.

The great Costa del Sol transformation

“The Costa del Sol no longer defines itself solely by what it once was but by everything it is becoming: a destination in constant evolution, capable of offering distinct experiences to every type of traveller,” the magazine states.

Other finalists for National Destination of the Year include A Coruña, Caceres, Girona, Huesca, Madrid, Mallorca, Navarra, Santander, Sevilla, Tenerife, and Valladolid. These awards, among the most influential in the global travel industry, recognise excellence based on votes from Condé Nast Traveler‘s readers. Voting for categories, including hotels, resorts, and destinations, is expected to open in March, with winners announced during a grand gala in June.

The recognition shows the Costa del Sol’s ongoing transformation into a multifaceted, high-end yet approachable destination, boosted by new luxury developments and a focus on culture, cuisine, and calming luxury.

Lobres village, part of the inland municipality of Salobreña, is preparing to host its sixth year of the popular Noche de las Candelas (Night of Candles) on January 29. This enchanting evening event transforms the community into a magical, candlelit wonderland by completely switching off all public street lighting, allowing thousands of candles to illuminate streets, squares, and corners.

Those visiting to witness the magical scene will experience a sensory journey under a canopy of stars, accompanied by live music echoing through the narrow lanes. The programme of events features a diverse lineup of performances designed to create intimate and atmospheric moments. 

In Plaza de la Libertad, a piano duo will couple with a saxophonist will take centre stage. The serene setting of the church will be enhanced by a chapel trio, while a guitarist will provide a cosy ambiance at the hermitage. A solo saxophonist will perform at the former medical clinic, adding melodic highlights to the romantic evening.

The councilor for Lobres, described the event as “a truly magical experience” and called for community involvement. He encouraged neighbourhood groups and local associations—which have long played a key role in decorating plazas and public spaces—to adorn their streets creatively. The council is also welcoming additional musicians who wish to contribute their talents and help expand the musical selection across new areas of the village.

One new feature for this year’s edition is the distribution of a specially prepared map highlighting key points of interest, including the Puente de Hierro roundabout, Calle Ingenio, Plaza de la Candelaria, the Senior Citizens’ Centre, and the church. Despite this guide, the council have stressed that much of the charm lies in wandering spontaneously through Lobres‘ maze-like streets, stumbling upon the unique decorations and thoughtful details lovingly prepared by the village’s residents.

The Noche de las Candelas has become a much-loved tradition, drawing people to celebrate community spirit, artistry, and the simple beauty of candlelight replacing electric illumination. This year’s event promises to once again turn the village into an unforgettable, glowing stage that celebrates both heritage and neighbourly creativity.