Costa del Sol 30 May – 5 June 2024 Issue 2030

Hiking for charity

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Make dreams come true

MANILVA Council has organised a hiking trail for Sunday June 2 to benefit cancer charity, the Association of Volunteers of Children’s Oncology (AVOI). AVOI has as its main objective to improve the quality of life of children admitted to the oncology plant of

the Maternal and Child Hospital of Malaga, hence Manilva’s involvement in this noble cause.

The objective is to take a group of children to enjoy the Camino de Santiago. For a donation of just €5 you can take part in this hike through the Ecological Reserve Playas de Manilva.

For your donation you will receive a backpack with supplies and an aluminium watertight bottle. All the proceeds will go to the charitable cause so join in to help make the children’s dreams come true.

Meet at 9am for a 10am start, full details are on the website: caminaconavoi. org.

Smoke free walk

AT opposite ends of the Costa del Sol but united by the same idea; Estepona and Torremolinos are commemorating ‘World No Tobacco Day’ with a healthy walk through the towns on Friday May 31.

In Estepona, the walk called, ‘Life without tobacco is better lived’, will start from Calle Terraza and will go through the pedestrian streets of the town centre to Calle Real where there will be an information stand so that everyone who wishes to do so will be able to find out about the different methods for giving up smoking.

Those interested in taking part should wear a white t-shirt and cap to the meeting point in Plaza Antonia Guerrero at 9.30am.

The walk in Torremolinos is now in its 11th year and is a four-kilometre walk starting and finishing in the Plaza Costa del Sol where participants will gather at 9am for the start.

As in Estepona, everyone is asked to wear a white t-shirt, there will be a final stretching session at around 11.30am and an information table on healthy lifestyle habits, physical exercise and diet, which can help prevent diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity will be set up.

Once again this year the organisers of both events have set themselves the challenge, ‘One Million Steps’, aiming to reach this total by adding up the steps of all the people taking part in this walk.

TORREMOLINOS: The walk is now in its 11th year.

Photo: Torremolinos Town Hall

Police raid

WHAT started as a relaxing day at the Ocean Club in Puerto Banus turned into a nightmare for guests when National Police stormed the venue on May 25 watched on by a police helicopter. The raid was part of Plan Marbella to combat organised crime in the area.

Sky high

ESTEPONA is the Spanish town with the highest increase in rents. Prices increased by 190 per cent, according to a study by Fotocasa. The monthly price for renting an 80 sqm property has gone from €446 in 2014 to €1,297 in 2024.

Coast shaken

AN earthquake of 4.2 magnitude shook the Costa del Sol in the early hours of Monday May 27. The epicentre was off the coast of Melilla at a depth of 19 kms and was felt with varying degrees of intensity on the coast.

Election help

MARBELLA is offering a free assisted voting service for people with reduced mobility in the elections to be held on June 9 for the European Parliament. The service will run from 9am to 2pm. For info call 951 703 608.

Fencers on top NIBS EXTRA

San Pedro Alcantara

AT 1,400 metres long and 35 metres wide on average, the beach at San Pedro Alcantara is located between Marbella and Estepona and has been ying the Blue Flag for more than 20 years. Its wide promenade features large palm trees and countless beach bars.

A town centre, part of Marbella municipality, whose origins lie in the settlement built by the Marquis of Duero who created the Agricultural Colony of San Pedro de Alcantara in 1860 to house the settlers who worked on the sugar cane and cotton plantations and in the sugar mill, which the town was noted for.

Today it has become a rst-class tourist centre, with numerous luxury housing developments, golf courses and magni cent beaches, although it still retains traces of its colonial past. The original sugar cane mill building still remains today in the town.

There are historical remains from a more distant past, including Las Bóvedas, a Roman building from the third century, in ruins; the Paleo-Christian Basilica of Vega del Mar, from the fourth century and the Watchtower, from the 16th century.

THE closing ceremony on Saturday May 25 of the Inclusive League of the Royal Andalucian Football Federation brought together 200 children and a dozen teams from the province of Malaga at the Antonio Naranjo Municipal Stadium in San Pedro Alcantara.

Marbella’s mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, said that, “it

Visiting the town, be sure to head for the Plaza de la Iglesia with its gracious parish church and surrounding narrow streets which are packed with small shops, pavement cafes and bars. Dividing the town from the beach and sitting on top of the main coast road (in a 3km underpass) is the Boulevard park.

Football for Everyone

is a source of pride for the city to host a competition that we are very excited to welcome because it gives many families the opportunity to enjoy a very special day in which children play sport, socialise and have a good time.”

The Inclusive League,

ON May 19, three fencers from the San Pedro Alcantara Fencing Club competed in the Andalucia Championship in Granada. This event is a big deal, and getting there wasn’t easy. To qualify, participants had to compete in one of the season’s top competitions and representing San Pedro were Adrian, Jonas, and Andrei.

All three fencers did a fantastic job, making it through the group rounds and into the direct play-o s. Their hard work

sometimes called ‘Football for Everyone’ is about making sure everyone has a chance to be involved in football, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability.

Coach and trainer of the

Sampedreño team, Juan José Almagro, explained that, “it’s an event which started with a dozen players and today there are around 50,” and added, “the positive e ect has improved the mobility of many children by leaps and bounds.”

SAN Pedro Alcantara Town Council is carrying out work to bring more than 6,400 tonnes of sand to the beaches in preparation for the start of the summer season.

The deputy mayor, Javier García, who visited the works together with the councillor, Diego López, said, “the aim is to have the coastline in perfect condition with the arrival of good weather and the expected in ux of residents and tourists” and said the work will continue at night to avoid inconvenience.

García explained, “to carry out the work, six lorries with a capacity to load 22 cubic metres of sand have been used” and López, added that, “around 30 trips a day are being made, each day moving some 660 cubic metres of sand, almost 925 tonnes, which means the weekly total exceeds 6,400 tonnes.”

Both councillors expressed regret that, “yet another year we have to invest a signi cant amount of money in work which should be carried out by the Coastal Authority and which would be largely avoided if the stabilisation of the beaches of Sampedra were already a reality.”

and dedication really showed. The standout performer was Jonas, who fought his way through all the playo s and brought home a silver medal. His determination and skill on the piste were truly inspiring.

Adrian also had an impressive run, managing to excel despite treating training like an optional suggestion, and made it to the top 16. His performance demonstrated his exceptional skill and competitive spirit, marking him as a rising star in the fencing community.

The San Pedro Alcantara Fencing Club is celebrating their success and looking forward to even more great achievements in the future.

Photo:

Standout performer, Jonas.

Photo:

WHEN we worked or brought up a family we had a clear purpose. To earn money, or build a career and bring up the kids to be the best they could be. We all did it and were doubtless proud of both our success at work and the way the kids turned out But with retirement our attitudes change. When asked how we spend our time the answer often is “doing whatever I want.” Which usually means sunbathing, travel,

meals out etc. Great for a while but the truth is we’ve lost our purpose. Where is the personal sense of achievement now?

We can help. You’ll still do all the above and regain your sense of purpose by helping the older community to “live their best lives.” Minimum time required but maximum reward guaranteed. And you’ll have a new purpose, one you can really be proud of.

To find out how to get your ‘purpose in life’ back contact Age Concern Marbella-San Pedro any weekday from 10-6pm on 689 355 198 or drop us a line at info@ageconcernmarbe lla.com.

Get ready to race

Brian Bamford REGISTRATION is now open for the 26th ‘Villa de Estepona’ Triathlon, in which around 300 athletes are expected to compete.

The race, which is one of the oldest in Andalucia, and which counts towards the Provincial Triathlon Circuit, has become a classic of local sport and a must for professional and amateur athletes and will be held on Sunday June 16.

Registration can be made online through the website www.triatlonanda lucia.org. Registration will

part.

remain open until Monday June 10 and the fee is €30 for members and €37 for non-members.

ON Saturday May 25, volunteers for charity AGYA raised €187.50 and a massive 400 kilos (with a value of approximately €1,200) of animal food at the collection point at Carrefour in Estepona.

The explosion in the birthrate of cats is being contained by the Animal Rescue Charity AGYA in Manilva, Casares and Estepona. This voluntary organisation is using the CER/TNR (Trap, Neuter, Re-

Cat collection

lease) method, assisting the town halls to solve the problem without killing the animals, AGYA has been carrying out this task since 2013, and up to now the organisation has been self funding.

If you can help please get in touch via https://www.gatosyamigos.com.

Participants will have to swim a distance of 750 metres, which will take place on the beach of La Rada and will start from Plaza del Diario ABC. This will be followed by a 20-kilometre urban circuit by bicycle and, to finish, the athletes will run a five-kilometre foot race through the town centre of Estepona.

For more information, please call 639 616 571 or email inscripciones@triat lonandalucia.org. Around

Photo: Facebook / Club Triatlon Tiburones de Estepona

Finland flies Forest fire drill

THE town council organised an urban forest fire drill in San Pedro Alcantara with the aim of improving the response to emergencies and keeping residents safe.

The councillor for Public Safety, José Eduardo Díaz, said that, “few towns can organise an exercise of this magnitude, in which Fire Brigade, Local Police, National Police, Civil Protection and Red Cross personnel have taken part, and which allows us to coordinate better and in the

event of a real fire prevent a major crisis from happening.”

He added that these manoeuvres also serve to, “raise public awareness in view of the most extreme risk period for fires, which begins on June 1, and for which the town hall has planned to offer support to the Fire Brigade and emergency services.”

Deputy mayor of San Pedro Alcantara, Javier García, said that, “we have taken the opportunity to carry out the drill

next to one of the most important multi-purpose venues in the town, which hosts large events every year.” He added that this preparation, “is now even more necessary because of the drought we are suffering.”

At the end of the exercise, the head of Emergencies, Jesús Eguía, concluded that the drill, “has been very satisfactory, with response times and a very rapid mobilisation of personnel.”

FINNAIR is increasing its commitment to Malaga and has made it the destination with the most flights in Spain, with 11 a week.

The Finnish airline has increased its capacity by 17 per cent for summer 2024, a year when it celebrates 60 years connecting Finland with the Costa del Sol.

Finnair’s Director for Europe, Javier Roig, said that the connections with Malaga are “better” than those offered by the company with Madrid and Barcelona - a daily flight in winter and summer - and added that Malaga airport is the “milestone in capacity” in Spain this year.

The increase in seats on the route to Malaga compared to 2019, considered a benchmark year in the airline industry, is due to the use of larger aircraft, Airbus A321 with 200 seats, and the

increase in weekly frequencies.

Among the reasons for the company’s commitment to Malaga is the existence of the large Finnish population - around 8,000 residents - in Fuengirola. “In Finland there is a demand for sun and Finns adore Spain, except for the strange late meal times,” said Roig.

In addition to summer season from April to October, in winter the company will connect Malaga with Helsinki with 10 weekly flights, and is working to reschedule flight times so that customers do not have to travel at night.

The airline first landed in Malaga in 1964, on a flight that also made stops in Frankfurt, Copenhagen and Barcelona, and since then has maintained the route as one of the key hubs in the Spanish market.

FINNISH AIRLINE: Celebrating 60 years connection with the Costa del Sol.

FIRE DRILL: Even more necessary because of the current drought.

Photo: San Pedro Town Hall

Photo: Wikimedia CC / Raimond Spekking

Star Padel Slam

THE Star Padel Slam is coming to Marbella, and it’s not just another tournament, it’s a unique fusion of sport, elegance and fun.

The event will take place at the prestigious Nueva Alcántara Club Marbella which has been voted the number one Padel club in the world, one of Marbella’s most historic and iconic sporting and social clubs with international significance.

This extraordinary event will run throughout the weekend of July 5 to 7, culminating in a grand finale that promises to captivate players and spectators alike. Eva Longoria is sponsoring the tournament which will undoubtedly showcase the skill and passion of padel enthusiasts, but what really sets this event apart is the celebrity exhibition match scheduled for the final day, Sunday July 7.

Known for her dedication to various charitable causes, actress, director and entrepreneur Eva Longoria has a true passion for sport and has been instrumental in growing her presence in the United States. In addition to Longoria’s participation, the event will feature professional padel players, promising exciting matches and unforgettable moments for all.

Star Padel Slam is also dedicated to supporting local charity initiatives and

this tournament will allocate a percentage of the proceeds to support Casa Angeles, a multi-functional centre in Marbella for children with rare and chronic diseases. Casa Angeles aims to provide state-of-the-art therapies and treatments in a nurturing environment, ensuring that children feel at home while receiving care.

No plastic pollution

THE Dunas de Artola will be the setting for a charity event organised by ProDunas Marbella to commemorate World Environment Day, in line with the United Nations slogan for the year 2024: ‘No plastic pollution’. This slogan highlights the urgent need to address the growing plastic pollution crisis affecting our oceans, their marine life and the environment in general. Through actions like this, cleaning up plastics and microplastics left on the beach

at Cabopino, the aim is to raise awareness about the devastating impact of these materials and promote positive changes.

Every piece of plastic collected during the event is a step towards a cleaner and healthier planet. Every bag full of waste is a reminder of our commitment to protecting our natural environment. And every participant is an environmental hero making a difference.

Everyone who can, is asked to head to the Dunas de

Artola on Saturday June 1 from 10am to 12.30pm. ProDunas Marbella will provide gloves, pickers and other materials necessary for the collection of waste, plastics and other debris. After, a small snack will be offered as a token of appreciation for the effort and dedication of all participants.

To join in the protection of the natural environment and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future email: eventos@produnas. org.

EVA LONGORIA: Sponsoring the event.

CABOPINO: Raising awareness of the impact of plastic pollution.

Photo: Marbella Town Hall

Photo: Facebook / Eva Longoria

IN a campaign running until Sunday June 9, police in Malaga Province are on the hunt for electric scooters that violate road safety regulations.

The council will set up two mo bile radars in the five black spots it has located and hopes to ex tend the campaign for longer and in other areas. In 2023, accidents related to this type of vehicle have increased by 30 per cent, from 210 to 280.

Scooters caught speeding will be fined €200 by the Local Police. In addition, the vehicle may be seized if the speed detected exceeds 25 kilometres per hour, as it does not comply with the regulations set out in the new law introduced at the beginning of 2024. Scooters may also be confiscated if they are being

Speeding scooters Charity drop-off

David Hart

ridden by anyone under 16 years

Based on state regulations, the speed limits for electric scooters are: 25 kilometres per hour in segregated and delimited cycle lanes; 15 kilometres per hour in delimited cycle lanes in pedestrian zones; 20 in residential streets and single carriageway

Police are clamping down.

In addition, the operation will correct other types of offences that may occur, such as driving with several occupants, driving in a pedestrian zone or using a mobile phone, among others.

Fines will be imposed on the rider, regardless of whether the scooter is rented or owned.

THE charity ACE Shin is currently using 300 kilos of food each day to look after the hundreds of animals in their care, this is a huge amount, so once again they are asking for your support.

The Far Post Calahonda (above Mercadona) and Snack Attack in La Cala have very kindly offered to be drop-off points for the collection of supplies to keep the charity going. If you are passing and would like to donate a can or bag of food it will be collected and taken to the shelter where it will be very gratefully received.

ACE fights against the mistreatment and killing of dogs in southern Spain. Their shelter houses 500 dogs and cats

FOOD SUPPLIES: Everything is gratefully received.

each month who receive the care they need, including food and medical care, day in and day out.

Your donation will help ACE continue their work, taking care of stray, abandoned and mistreated animals. Every dog, whether sick, old or with a disability, gets a fair chance with your help.

More car parks

THE mayor of Manilva, José Manuel Fernández, and the councillor for Infrastructure and Works, Agustín Vargas, have visited plots located in Avenida Miraflores and Duquesa de Arcos, next to the Sabinillas school, to re-enable them as car parks.

The municipal workers are already working hard so that they will soon be fully prepared, after clearing, repairing and installing entrance gates.

These three car parks will genera -

te around 100 parking spaces, which will initially be open on an ad hoc basis for events, as well as in the summer season so, before San Juan they will be operational.

The council is aware of the problem of parking, and for this reason, the Infrastructure and Town Planning Department is working to initiate the necessary surveys in search of a suitable location to build one or more underground car parks.

Photo:

Photo: ACE

Crocheted film stars

INTERNATIONAL film stars including Tom Cruise, Marilyn Monroe, Leonardo DiCaprio, Antonio Banderas and John Travolta are part of this beautiful work: a crochet awning de dicated to the world of cinema by the ‘ganchi lleras’ (women who crochet) of Alhaurin de la Torre.

The ‘ganchilleras’ have returned to work for yet another summer and Alhaurin de la Torre is already showing of their new work, crocheted from recycled material. On this occasion, their now classic awning to cool the temperature in the main street is dedicated to the world of cinema.

International film stars and singers: Whoopi Goldberg,SylvesterStallone,thestarsofGrease, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Charles Chaplin, Audrey Hepburn and Elvis Pres-

among others, are part of the awning in Calle Malaga, which is already arousing interest among the villagers and visitors who come to photograph them.

The ‘ganchilleras’ are women from the town who are enrolled in the crochet workshop and who prepare these awnings throughout the year. As they have more and more experience, they start to improve their skills and, like this year, they even crochet the faces of well-known artists. They are all directed by their teacher Eva Pacheco.

Urban trails

FUENGIROLA Town Council has created a network of Urban Trails to promote healthy habits and knowledge of the town. Five routes have been planned throughout the municipality, all with different levels of difficulty and length.

“Fuengirola is a mostly flat municipality and accessible to be able to walk from one end to the other. Therefore, we think that a good way to get to know it, and at the same time do physical exercise, are these routes. It is an initiative aimed at the people of Fuengirola, but also at the many visitors who come to our town,” said the mayor of Fuengirola, Ana Mula.

The first of the routes, called Sohail, is a circular route starting and ending in the Plaza de España, which runs about five kilometres to the Sohail Castle, and takes approximately two hours.

FIVE ROUTES: To promote healthy habits.

The others will be: Sendero Centro, about four kilometres, with the Plaza de la Constitución as the starting point; Sendero Bulevar de La Loma, six kilometres starting and finishing in the Recinto Ferial; Sendero Toro de Torreblanca, starting from the Plaza Pedro Cuevas to cover almost five kilometres in one hour; and

Sendero del Mar, the most difficult and longest of all, which also starts in Plaza Bolichera and consists of eight kilometres that can take about two hours. All the routes will be signposted and run through 21 points of interest. All the information can be consulted on the website senderosurbanosfuengirola. es.

Women crochet this year’s awning.

Photo: Alhaurín de la Torre Town Hall

Photo:

Fuengirola Town Hall

Coffee club Terrace squabble

David Hart

PUERTO BANUS businesses have rejected the creation of more openair terraces in car parking spaces.

The Association of traders, businessmen and professionals of Puerto Banus (Acobanús), sees as “seriously detrimental” the modification of uses of the area that the concessionaire plans to undertake in the marina. They say that the commercial use of the car parks as terraces could harm business.

The Public Ports Agency of Andalucia (APPA), approved in 2020, “the temporary change of use of parking areas for vehicles to commercial terrace uses by reason of the Covid measures.”

The association said that, “the ‘temporary’ change has lasted four years, during which the concessionaire Puerto José Banús S.A. has been

making money at the expense of our work, business effort and the profitability of our businesses and activities,” criticising that now, “they want to make it definitive.”

According to Acobanús, “the uncovered terraces could be closed with removable constructions or huts, as they did in the past,” so they fear that, “they end up being rented, thus harming the existing com-

mercial premises with unfair competition and lead to a reduction in the value of our premises and businesses.”

For its part, the concessionaire has indicated that, “the open-air terraces in Puerto Banus has been requested by premises in the Port,” adding that, “the claims of Acobanús are inconsistent with the proposal to rent these same spaces by its own members.”

Kevin Fraser Park

ON Friday May 24, the La Cala Lions visited the gardens of ADIMI in La Cala Hills where they were welcomed by Laura Villiers who is the Secretary/Administrator of ADIMI, an association for people with intellectual disabilities.

The morning was arranged to thank the Lions for their donation of €1,980 which has helped the remodelling of the garden and the installation of a coffee bar which is manned by some of the residents. Other residents came out to meet the Lions and to present them with a gift that the residents had made from wood in their workshop.

Before the Lions donated the money, the garden was just soil and dead flowers near the car park. It has now been grassed, with walkways, a little café with tables and parasols, a basketball hoop and a swing ball game.

The Lions have pledged another €2,000 to the centre which will be used to further develop the garden so residents can enjoy the joys of the great outdoors in a safe environment.

The La Cala de Mijas Lions raise money at many events throughout the year. The next event is a Summer Fair and Pre-Loved Fashion Show in Butibamba Park in La Cala on Sunday June 2 from 11am. Bring the whole family and enjoy.

Photo: Lions

The Lions received a gift.

PUERTO BANUS: More terraces have been rejected.

Olivia’s hosts a different party FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIVES

WHEN the Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses (ARCH) took in four starving mares back in April it was evident one of them was heavily pregnant.

Curra, the mother, was in such a weak state it was thought unlikely she could nourish her baby or have a live birth. But five weeks ago volunteers arrived to find a tiny black colt staggering around the paddock. The following few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. Initially it was doubtful whether the mare had sufficient milk to feed her baby or that the baby would be strong enough to survive.

Then, after things had appea red to have settled down, Curra had se vere colic and had to be rushed to the ve terinary hospital in Cordoba, together with her tiny son. Gradually the mare recuperated and ama

zingly continued to feed her baby who refused any other form of food.

Both are now back at the Rescue Centre after con-

stronger, and her long-legged son is growing like a weed and is into everything. He has now been given a name - Leo - by a long-time ARCH supporter who made a generous donation towards his ongoing care. ARCH is open to the on the first Sunday of the month (or by private arrangement).

For further information go to the website www.hor serescuespain.org or look at Facebook Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos.

WITH the European Elections due to take place in Spain on Sunday June 9, the Costa del Sol has become a target for the Partido Popular (PP).

A special event at Olivia’s Restaurant in La Cala De Mijas which took place on Tuesday May 28 saw a large number of people turn out to show their support.

There were three main speakers, Dolors Montserrat, previous Minister of Health in the Rajoy Administration who is currently a Member of the European Parliament and Vice President of the Group of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament is standing for re-election.

Patricia Navarro, President of the Malaga Partido Popular as well as being a member of the Junta de Andalucia and the third speaker was Mijas mayor, Ana

Mata, the first female mayor of the municipality who wrested control from the PSOE following a vote of no confidence in 2023.

Speaking to Euro Weekly News the following day, owner of Olivia’s Elliott Wright said “I am absolutely delighted that Olivia’s was chosen to host such an important event with high profile politicians visiting us.

“I really appreciate the fact that our mayor, Ana Mata chose us for this event and it was great to see so many Spanish people visiting Olivia’s for possibly the first time.

“Listening to Dolors Montserrat speaking, it was really important to hear her party’s views on the need to promote business and tourism which is so close to my heart.”

Image: Facebook/ Mari Carmen Aragon Lopez

The three speakers at Olivia’s La Cala.

Swimmer found dead

A BODY, believed to be that of a 73-year old foreign man who died of a heart attack while swimming was recovered from the beach in front of La Sala by the Sea near Puerto Banus on the afternoon of Tuesday May 28.

The body apparently washed up on the beach in front of the popular Marbella beach club and was discovered at around 4pm. Once the alarm was raised personnel from La Sala by the Sea were asked for help, several of whom were trained in CPR and resucitation.

They rushed to the scene with a defibrillator and were able to keep the injured man’s pulse going while waiting for the emergency services. Once Local Police officers and medical personnel arrived at the scene the man

was sadly pronounced dead.

112 Emergencias Andalucia confirmed that the age of the deceased was 73 and that he was of “foreign origin”.

Photographs and a video of the attempts to revive the man appeared on social media later that day.

According to local

sources, the man had been at Pedro’s Beach for lunch and had gone swimming afterwards. Some experts say that it is best to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before swimming as it can be dangerous, although there is disagreement about this among the medical profession.

A new heavyweight arrival

FOUR-HUNDRED kilos and almost two metres in length: the giant tortoises of the Galapagos. Currently, 15 different subspecies survive, one of them is the chelonoidis niger, extinct in the wild. BIOPARC Fuengi-

rola has been working on its conservation since 2013 and a few weeks ago it received a new male from the Barcelona Zoo, which will live with two young females.

Hermes, as this young

male is called, is 20 years old (their life expectancy far exceeds 100 years) and, at the moment, he “only” weighs 150 kilos. “We are still in the process of adaptation and observing the behaviour with the females,” explained Milagros Robledo, head of Herpetology.

All giant tortoises are threatened, but some of them, such as this species is already extinct in the wild, they were the subspecies of Floreana Island, in the Galapagos Islands.

For this reason, the work carried out by conservation centres like BIOPARC Fuengirola is essential with the mission of reproducing and possibly reintroducing them into their natural environment.

They are 100 per cent vegetarian and very easy to handle and train, something that their caregivers work on every day to guarantee their well-being and which allows the veterinary team to carry out checkups.

Photo: Marbella Se Queja

The body washed up in front of the beach club.

Little golfers Promenade progress

The coastal path is under construction.

WORK has begun on a new section of the coastal path in the Benamara area of Estepona.

This is the path that will connect the beachfront promenades planned in El Saladillo, which is also under construction, and in the eastern area, in the vicinity of the Dos Hermanas urbanisation.

The works include the creation of a concrete pedestrian path

along its entire length of 839 metres, with a width of three metres, in line with the rest of the path, suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists.

The work is estimated to take six months. With this new section, the coastal path project in Estepona continues to take shape, with almost 95 per cent of the planned route already completed.

Following the work carried out in recent months, the town hall has now built more than 21 kilometres of coastal corridor, and is very close to reaching the end of this sustainable project with a great impact on the area.

The town hall’s forecast is that the remaining sections will be completed before the end of the year.

LAURO GOLF, the spectacular resort of Alhaurin de la Torre, was the scene on Sunday May 26 of a new round of the famous Pequecircuito, the tour devised by the Royal Andalucian Golf Federation for the youngest players that gains followers year after year and allows children to enjoy golf and competition.

In addition to the usual age categories, a special category has been played in which Dylan Dedaj, player of the Escuela Internacional Golf de la Costa del Sol, and Martina Parra, player of the Club de Golf Benahavís, won. In addition, and starting with the youngest, in Category 1 (golfers aged eight and under), Martín Quirós from

Club de Golf La Cañada, and his clubmate Noa García, won ahead of Álvaro Quirós and Marta Gil.

In Category 2 (male and female players aged nine and 10) the victory went to Elena Holgado from Real Club de Golf Guadalmina, and her partner Sergio Rubiales. While in Category 3 (11 and 12-year-old golfers) it was Gonzalo Martínez, playing at home at Lauro Golf, and Elena Martín, also a player of the host club, who won.

Undoubtedly, a sensational Sunday of competition on a fantastic course where the young talents of Andalucian golf demonstrated their progress with fantastic results and maximum competitiveness.

Children enjoy golf and competition.

Photo: Estepona Town Hall

Photo: Real

Universal charger

Anna Akopyan

NO more hassle; starting from 2025, all electronic devices will have the same charger.

The Spanish Council of Ministers approved the change in the sale of electronic gadgets. The Spanish market is now transforming with the introduction of the universal charger; adapted to every device.

The Spanish government will apply the EU directive to provide a universal USB Type C charger in 2025. Spain’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Jose Luis Escriva, revealed that from next year, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in Spain will have the same USB type C charging port.

The change will have to be followed by all manufacturers, including the production of video game consoles, speakers, navigating systems and laptops; for the latter, the enforcement will begin in April 2026.

With this ground-breaking development, there will be no need to carry a set of chargers or worry about not being able to find a

Different phones, different chargers.

charger that matches your phone; the universal USB type C port will allow us to always stay connected.

The European Commission shared that the new obligation will

lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers “save up to €250 million a year on unnecessary charger purchases,” marking a breakthrough in the world of technology.

Almeria Aventura Expo & Caravaning

HELD annually in the rst weekend of June, with two editions, ‘Almeria Aventura Expo & Caravaning’ Fair is establishing itself as the leading event in Andalucia for Adventure Sports and Caravanning.

It appeals to a wide audience by bringing the best brands in new and used motorhomes, campers, 4x4 SUVs, boats, water sports, motorcycles, ATVs, accessories and food and drink.

In the camping and caravanning segment, exhibitors showcase the latest trends and models - from caravans and motorhomes to camper vans. The fair serves as a platform where visitors can explore new products and innovations from various brands and learn about industry advancements.

Beyond the prodiversity, the Fair o ers an extensive programme that includes workshops for children and entertainment options such as free skating classes for all ages and giveaways.

In summary, the ‘Almeria Aventura Expo & Caravaning’ fair is an indispensable event for outdoor enthusiasts, providing

an excellent opportunity to dis- cover the latest products and services, gain information, and make on-site purchases

The fair takes place at Palacio de Congresos de Aguadulce in Roquetas de Mar (Almeria) with 15.000 m2 on two oors, over three days from Friday May 31 to Sunday June 2. From 11.00am till 8.00pm. Online tickets €3 at www.feriasalmeria.com Children up to 10 years old and elderly over 65 years old, free entrance.

Not-so-level crossing Baguette bonanza

FRANCE has reclaimed the record for the longest baguette by baking an impressive bread measuring 140.53 metres (461.05 feet).

To help you picture the size, the baguette is longer than an American football field, which measures 109.7 metres (360 feet).

The record-breaking event was organised by the Municipality of Suresnes, the Confédération National de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Française, and Nutella.

This new record beats the previous one of 132.62 metres (435 feet 1 inch) set by Croce Rossa Italiana - Comitato della Provincia di Como in Como, Italy, on June 16, 2019.

Determined to break the record, 18 bakers from Suresnes and across Fran ce started baking the baguette at 3.00am.

Thanks to the construc tion of a custom-built mo ving oven, the baguette was shaped and baked continuously for over 11 hours.

and yeast.

The most challenging part of baking the baguette was ensuring it didn’t break and held together in one piece, as any cracks or breakage would have disqualified the attempt.

Throughout the day, spectators were entertained by local performances and a bread-making workshop for children.

Final inspections of the baguette were undertaken by Official Adjudicator Joanne Brent at 4.15pm, who confirmed the attempt was successful.

After the event, parts of the baguette were donated to the Celije Association for distribution to people in need, and the rest was spread with Nutella and shared with the public.

THE Oslo gover nment’s stricter controls over its border with Rus sia has generally been welcomed by Norway’s po pulation.

In contrast, Russia maintai ned that tighte ning up the bor der crossing for all those lacking “a necessary or important” motive for entering Norway was “discrimina tory.”

Although the stringent rules are not directed specifically at them, they will have most impact on Russian tourists who enter Norway via the border east of Kirkenes, from where they usually travel to other European destinations.

been infiltrating Norway’s businesses, universities and civic organisations “for

Berg, who admitted acting as a courier for Norway’s military intelligence, was arrested when visiting Moscow in 2017 and released after spending 23 months in prison. He has now returned to

He fully supported closing Norway’s borders to Russian tourists, Berg said: “It’s about time the Norwegian government tightened border controls.”

NORWEGIAN BORDER: Russia isn’t so far away.

In fact the authorities wish to prevent potential spies from entering and collecting information about Norwegian infrastructure.

Frode Berg, a former border official who was imprisoned in Russia for spying, told the Aftenposten newspaper that he believed Russian agents have

In the past residents on both sides of the border could move freely between both countries, but friction with Russia has increased since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022. Meanwhile, entry will still be allowed for those with residence permits on both sides of the border as well as Russian citizens who study or work in Norway or Schengen countries which allow free movement over borders.

HITTING 11,200,000 views on Netflix between May 13 - May 19, ‘The Courier’ provides an intense look into Spain’s financial turbulence from 1992 to 2011.

Based on true events, real news footage is weaved into the narrative, underscoring the authenticity of its wild crime saga. For fans of Spanish cinema and TV, the film is a trove of familiar faces. Aron Piper, known for his roles in ‘Muted’, ‘Elite’ and ‘The Mess You Leave Behind’ leads the cast.

Although a Spanish production, ‘The Courier’ unfolds across several European cities including Brussels, Geneva, Madrid, and Marbella.

The narrative begins in 1992, a pivotal year for Spain with the Olympics and the Expo in Barcelona. Ivan (Piper) experiences first-hand the stark impact of financial collapse on his family, moving from prosperi -

The Courier reaches No.1 on Netflix Top 10

Non-English films are becoming increasingly popular on Netflix.

ty to hardship within a short space of time. The story then leaps to 2002, capturing Spain’s entry

into the Euro. Opportunities abound in this era of economic upheaval, particularly

for those unscrupulous enough to exploit the vulnerable. As a young man disillusioned by his

country’s government, Ivan is determined to transcend his humble beginnings. Working as a valet at a luxurious golf club in Madrid, he seizes the chance to infiltrate the world of powerful elites, becoming a Belgian courier for an international money laundering organisation, transporting suitcases to Brussels and Geneva. Ivan is not content to remain a mere courier. He sets his sights on the Costa del Sol, a region teeming with dirty money, aiming to capitalise on the corrupt dealings of property developers, politicians, bankers, and athletes. Ivan’s am -

bition knows no bounds; he is willing to harm anyone in his quest for wealth.

At its core, ‘The Courier’ is a tale of crime and its eventual consequences. It portrays the allure of a lavish lifestyle and the inevitable downfall that follows. Overall, the film is a riveting crime thriller that provides a stark reminder of the destructive power of greed.

The success of ‘The Courier’ demonstrates the enthusiasm for non-English stories, which now generate 30 per cent of all Netflix viewing, according to a recent report by the streaming channel.

National Service

IF Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives are re-elected, teenagers will be at the forefront of policy decisions as they won’t be allowed to smoke, but could fight for King and Country.

The plan is to offer 18-year-olds two options, firstly to become a member of the Armed Forces for a year and be paid or become an unpaid volunteer with community services such as the police of fire brigade one weekend a month.

Clearly, this is aimed to appeal to the Tory heartlands as so often, whenever youth misbehaves, the voices of many are raised saying “they wouldn’t behave like that if they had seen National Service!”

In fact National Service in the UK was scrapped in 1960, so any male who was born prior to 1942 would have experien-

ced it but today would be over 80, so the majority of those calling for it to come back would never have experienced it!

The Prime Minister explained on Saturday May 25 “I will bring in a new model of national service to create a shared sense of purpose among our young people and a renewed sense of pride in our country.”

He added the move would help young people learn “real world skills, do new things and contribute to their community and our country.”

Although supposedly a mandatory requirement, talking to Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, the next day, Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “There’s going to be no criminal sanctions, nobody’s going to jail over this” if they refuse to take part.

Coffee lovers

WHILE finding a decent cup of tea outside the UK may be challenging, the same cannot be said for coffee.

As the world coffee consumption rises by 2-2.5 per cent each year, this is good news for cafes everywhere. Here in Spain, drinking coffee is seen as a way of life. According to the Spanish Coffee Association (AECafe), 65.5 million cups of coffee are drunk every day!

Not all coffees are created equal and neither are they priced that way. For example, buying a cup of coffee in the UK typically costs £3.70 (€4.30). Likewise, you can expect to pay a similar sum in Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, Finland and Sweden. Thankfully, here in Spain, the cost is a more reasonable average price of €1.50.

While there is a whole variety of coffees to choose from, there are typically two types of coffee drinker.

There are a whole variety of coffees to choose from.

The first places value not on the coffee itself but the entire ‘coffee experience’. They will select places based on the setting and ambience. This could be somewhere to enjoy reading a book, socialising with friends or finding some much-needed solitude.

The other is more interested in the barista types,

where the attraction is the variety of beans on offer and the preparation techniques. Most likely, they are looking for their ‘fix’ on the go or to consume at a desk.

One thing’s for sure, with so many cafés to choose from in Spain, you are sure to find the perfect place to satisfy your coffee desires to your heart’s content.

Credit: Amenic181, Shutterstock

Rishi Sunak wants to see the return of National Service.

Credit Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street flickr

Summer opening

Photo credit: CC/Nicolo Caranti

SUMMER will quickly be upon us, meaning an important change in the locations designated as Areas of High Tourist In ux. These are the municipalities or parts thereof where the weighted average population is expected to be signi cantly higher than the number of residents. As a result, shops and supermarkets in these areas will be permitted to change their summer opening times and days to include Sundays and public holidays.

The dates that are considered the ‘summer period’ vary by region as follows:

Valencian Community - Saturday June 15 until Sunday September 15

Costa del Sol, Costa de Almeria, Axar-

quia - Saturday June 1 until Monday September 30

Murcia - Thursday June 20 until Friday September 20

Balearics – Friday March 15 until Wednesday October 30

Furthermore, Cartagena has been declared an Area of Great Tourist In ux by Order of January 14, 2013, of the Ministries of Universities, Business, and Research. It has been split into two zones, with Zone 1 free to open throughout the year and Zone 2 the same between Friday, March 22 and Monday September 30. Zone 2 covers the Commercial area of the Cabezo Beaza Industrial Estate and is limited to the area of Parque y Espacio Mediterraneo.

Wolf packs

THERE could be as many as 56 packs of wolves in the Netherlands in the near future, say local authorities.

Nine wolf packs currently inhabit the country and can increase by 23-56 per cent in the future, according to the WUR (Wageningen University and Research).

The research evaluated the types of landscapes which the wolves tend to choose, focusing on population density and climate. It is estimated that if signicantly selective, the animals are likely to overtake the Veluwe region and southeastern Flevoland.

The ecologist at the WUR, Dennis Lammertsma, explained that their choice “depends on all kinds of factors,” including the amount of children born. In their nature, the animals adapt easily, hence the di culty to predict their future habitats.

Today, there are seven packs in the Veluwe, one in central Drenthe, and one in the border area of Friesland, Drenthe and Overjissel.

While in 2020, the majority of Dutch residents were stated to welcome the packs, 42 per cent of the citizens are now concerned

about their rapid expansion. The European Commission is currently investigating whether the wolf’s protected status should be reconsidered, as the Ministry of Agriculture communicates with the local government about the associated risks.

Longer charity hours

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN are extending the operational hours of their service on a three-month trial basis.

From Saturday June 1, callers will be able to contact them via their FREEPHONE number 900 525 100 up to midni-

ght every day.

Samaritans in Spain’s objective is to enable people of any age who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who may be at risk of suicide, to receive con dential emotional support. Their service is available to all English speakers, irrespective of nationality who reside in mainland Spain and the Islands. Further information can be found at www.samaritan sinspain.com.

A lone wolf.

Summer is here.

Yes or no to electric VOX Pop

THE Spanish electric vehicle (EV) market is less advanced than some of its European neighbours. We asked our readers their thoughts on purchasing one:

Paulo Silva from Portugal, now living in Polop would never consider buying an electric car because of the cost and lack of convenience. He went on to explain, “I like to drive to Portugal to visit my family, and this typically takes 12 hours. When one of my friends did the same thing in an electric car, it took them more than a day because of all the stopping… why would I do that?”

Gabriela Marian , who moved to Spain from Romania, had this to say, “I would not buy an electric car because I would be worried about running out of charge if I went on a long journey. I also do not think electric cars are better than what we have now because there is more risk of accidents, such as fires. The world wants to evolve, but I see that it is getting worse.”

Raquel Mulet Hernandez , a Cuban living in Spain for more than a decade, was very vocal in her enthusiasm for owning an electric car. She told us, “I would spend less money on maintenance, they make less noise and are much easier to park because it is free, there are zero restrictions on entering big cities, and the cost of recharging is much cheaper than gasoline.” She continued “Above all, the great environmental impact because they pollute zero, so you get to help the planet by driving one.”

Linda Bohn da Silva originally from Norway, responded with a definite ‘no’ as she does not see that they are any good for longer journeys. She explained, “The biggest issue is the lack of electric points. I would be very nervous that the car would stop and I would be stuck.”

Andrew Clarke from England, living in Cambrils said “From looking at it here in Spain, it seems that it’s not worth it. The costs are higher and the positive impact on the environment is questionable since these cars require a lot to produce. I love my old car from 1993 and want to pass it onto my grandchildren; why spend more money and energy?”

GABRIELA MARIAN RAQUEL MULET HERNANDEZ

PAULO SILVA

IRELAND

In a fix

A UNITED AIRLINES Zurich-Chicago flight was diverted to Shannon after a passenger’s laptop became wedged in their seat when the aircraft was over the Atlantic. Engineers freed the laptop within minutes of landing but passengers had to spend the night in Ireland as the crew had by then flown maximum hours.

Dance off

THE Irish Dancing Commission (CLRG) confirmed in Dublin on May 22 that it would not be taking further disciplinary action against 44 teachers and judges accused of rigging the results of Irish Dancing competitions for several years. According to the BBC, there had been “an issue” with finding a suitable witness for the process.

Royal visit

THE two-day visit to Norway by the UK’s Princess Anne included a visit to the Resistance Museum accompanied by her godson, Crown Prince Haakon. Located in Oslo’s Akershus Fortress, the museum features equipment, photos and documents from the 1940-1945 Nazi occupation during the Second World War.

Pass mark

JUST over 91 per cent of 5,333 immigrants eligible for Norwegian citizenship passed tests last year that were introduced in 2017 to measure their knowledge of Norwegian life and society. “We can only congratulate them,” said a satisfied Tonje Brenna, the minister responsible for Labour and Social Inclusion

EURO PRESS

Big cats

SWEDEN

Less hassle

PORTUGAL BELGIUM

THE World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said that Belgium and areas in adjoining countries could provide a viable habitat for around 75 lynxes in the wild. The last wild lynx was seen in Belgium a century ago, but wildlife cameras have intermittently spotted one animal in the Semois Valley since August 2020.

FRANCE

Tuna time

BLUEFIN tuna fishing began off Tavira Island in the Algarve with a catch of 100 fish, the largest of which weighed in at 330 kilos. Fishermen used the Mediterranean’s traditional and sustainable “almadraba” method where boats set up a huge structure of nets between them, instead of trawling, which damages the seabed.

Playing safe

PRIME MINISTER Luis Montenegro declared that despite the presence of “certain crimes,” Portugal was one of the safest countries in Europe, although the Annual Security Report (RASI) registered an overall rise in the crime rate. It also revealed that violent crime had increased throughout mainland Portugal.

Me too

APPLICANTS for a Swedish work or student’s permit will now be able to verify their passports by using an online app instead of having to visit a Swedish embassy. The scheme will benefit 19,000 workers and 5,000 students living in one of 23 countries which include the UK, the US, Australia and Canada.

Not listed

AHN-ZA HAGSTROM, head of the Terrorist Threat Assessment Centre (NCT), said Sweden was no longer a priority for terror propagandists. The threat level was raised in August 2023 following the Koran burnings, but Isis and Al Qaeda were now focusing on this summer’s big sporting events, Hagstrom said.

FINLAND NORWAY

AS women in France’s armed forces reveal more details of the abuse and violence they experience, the military authorities are increasingly inundated with complaints, Le Monde newspaper said. An investigation also found that women were routinely penalised for reporting abuse, while attackers remained in their posts.

Trump card

FILM director Ali Abbasi made light of threatened legal action following the premiere of his Donald Trump biopic, The Apprentice, at the Cannes Film Festival. Abbasi said he was not bothered by the Trump camp’s reaction but admitted that the film was unlikely to be released before the US elections on November 5.

ITALY

Past events

MARIO MOTI, an 85-year-old former Carabinieri brigadier-general acquitted of state-Mafia negotiation in 2023, is under investigation again. The Florence Public Prosecutor will now question Mori under caution about the Mafia bombings that killed 10 people and injured 40 in Rome, Florence and Milan in 1993.

Orange alert

LAST GENERATION activists sprayed the entrance to the Health ministry in Rome with orange paint in protest at the “deaths and conditions” caused by global warming. The same group targeted Florence’s Uffizi Museum last February by pasting photographs of flooding on the glass over Botticelli’s Venus.

DENMARK

Varied VAT

THE government could adopt Europe’s practice of varying VAT rates for different products instead of Denmark’s present 25 per cent on all items. “There is potential for differentiating VAT on goods we would like people to buy, like fruit and vegetables,” Taxation minister Jeppe Bruus told a newspaper interviewer.

Mammoth find

WHEN an Aarhus gravel pit worker found part of a tusk in an excavator scoop, he guessed it was linked to the mammoth’s cheekbone discovered at the site some years before. Aarhus Natural History Museum experts will restore the tusk, which has a fresh crack probably caused during excavation, before putting it on show.

Good faith

FINLAND’S latest Youth Barometer survey found that most young people were not interested in religion. Approximately 20 per cent of the 15-29 age group described themselves as believers, while 60 per cent said they were “not at all religious” although 6 per cent explained they were non-religious “but spiritual”.

Helping hand

SOCIAL SECURITY institution Kela’s annual report and financial statement for 2023 showed that it paid a total of €16.6 billion in benefits and emphasised how challenges like inflation and the energy crisis had impacted its operations. “Exceptional times highlight Kela’s vital role,” director general Outi Antila said.

Electric storm

A LIGHTNING strike during a storm on the evening of May 20 injured a group of 10 people in Dresden, seriously harming four of them, the dpa news agency said. Two men aged 27 and 30 who suffered cardiac arrest were successfully resuscitated and later admitted to hospital after receiving emergency treatment.

Booker Prize

JENNY ERPENBECK and translator Michael Hofmann won the International Booker Prize for her novel, Kairos, set in East Berlin where the author was born and raised. The book was selected from 149 submissions for the UK award, and Erpenbeck and Hofmann will now share the prize money of £50,000 (€59,000).

Other habits

POLICE detected and dismantled 1,230 clandestine marihuana plantations in 2023, considerably down on their 2022 haul of 1,604. In contrast, they raided and destroyed 151 laboratories specialising in synthetic drugs as well as heroin and cocaine in 2023, a 50 per cent increase on the 100 they detected in 2022.

On foot

PEOPLE are visiting shopping streets more often this year, with levels that are equal to those prior to the pandemic, according to retail research service Locatus. This recovery was more noticeable in big cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht and Maastricht than in smaller cities, where Locatus noticed fewer crowds.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Citi flaws

THE UK’S Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority have between them fined Citigroup £61.7 million (€72.5 million) for flaws in the company’s trading systems and controls. These failures led to a trader incorrectly selling around $1.4 billion (€1.3 billion) of equities.

Iberdrola plan

IBERDROLA hopes to thrash out an agreement enabling it to pay $35.75 (€32.91) per share for the remainder of its Connecticut-based US subsidiary Avangrid, in which it currently holds an 81.6 per cent stake. The total operation, if it goes ahead, will cost the energy company $2.551 billion (€2.348 billion).

No dice

FINANCIAL services company

Hargreaves Lansdown has twice rejected a £4.6 billion (€5.4 billion) takeover from a consortium headed by CVC Capital and Abu Dhabi’s wealth fund. The group said it was considering making a third approach for the Bristolbased company and had until June 19 to make a firm bid.

Gas licences

NATURGY hopes to renew its natural gas distribution licences in Argentina for 20 years, although the present diplomatic standoff between President Milei and the Spanish government could complicate renewal. At present Naturgy provides gas in parts of Buenos Aires province and four other provinces.

Looking ahead

ASTRAZENECA, Britain’s largest pharmaceutical company, announced revenues of $45.8 billion (€42.4 billion) in 2023, with an $80 billion (approximately €74 billion) target for 2030. The company said this could be achieved with rising demand for its biopharmaceuticals, oncology, and diabetes treatments.

STAT OF WEEK

€76.121 billion

is the current market value of Santander Bank, which has put it ahead of all other European banks after overtaking BNP Paribas’ capitalisation of €76.013 billion.

Plain sailing for M&S

MARKS & SPENCER is in its best financial shape since 1997, the company announced.

Total revenues for the financial year ending March 30 rose by more than £1 billion (€1.17 billion) to £13.04 billion (€15.3 billion).

Food sales rose by 13 per cent over the retailer’s last financial year, while clothing and homeware revenue increased by 5.3 per cent, with a 10 per cent market share, compared with 9.6 per cent in 2022.

“Both have now delivered 12 consecutive quarters of sales growth, and this gives us wind in our sails and confidence that our plan is working,” M&S chief executive Stuart Ma-

chin said.

Profits before tax and adjusting items reached £716.4 million (€840.97 million), 58 per cent above the predicted £684 million (€802.98 million) and shares at £30.02 (€35.24) reached their highest level

AMAZON’S cloud computing unit Amazon Web Services (AWS) is spending €15.7 billion on its data centres in the Aragon region.

Three AWS installations that already exist in Huesca, El Burgo de Ebro and Villanueva de Gallego will be expanded, eventually making the region one of the most important technology hubs in Europe.

These began operations in 2022 following AWS’s three-year, €2.5 billion investment, which foresaw the creation of 1,300 full-time work contracts over the following 10 years. This has now grown to 17,500 jobs, of which 6,800 will re-

Last-ditch

CANARY WHARF MANAGEMENT received a winding up petition after a retailer who closed last year left behind an unpaid energy bill.

The Npower bill ran into thousands, according to reports in the UK media, and after pursuing the debt for some time without success, the company filed the petition on May 17 “as a last resort.”

A Canary Wharf spokesman said on May 20 that the bill had been settled.

since 2017.

Nevertheless, there was “disappointment” with Ocado, which sells M&S food online and was responsible for a £37.3 million (€43.79 million) loss in 2024 compared with £29.5 million (€34.63 million) in

2022.

Sales at M&S’s international stores also dipped by 1 per cent to £719 million (€844.36 million) and Machin revealed that the company now “resetting priorities” abroad.

Without taking lease liabilities into account, the company had net funds of £45.7 million (€53.65 million) by late March, compared with a net debt of £355.6 million (€414.46 million) 12 months previously.

Meanwhile, the company will open nine new food stores over the coming year, plus four clothing and home stores despite closing 12 outdated or badly-sited stores in 2023.

Silver-lined cloud

BHP’s third try

MULTINATIONAL mining company

Anglo American turned down another approach from Australian rival, Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP).

The London-based group rejected an all-share £29.34 (€34.45) offer following earlier £27.53 (€32.32) and £25.08 (€29.46) bids.

This latest attempt would value Anglo American at £38.6 billion (€45.33 billion), but acceptance would involve splitting off its Amplats and Kumba platinum and iron ore subsidiaries in South Africa.

Anglo said the 18-month deadline for selling the units prior to the BHP takeover was “too risky and complex” but requested a one-week extension to negotiate a simpler deal.

If no agreement is reached, BHP will have to walk away for six months under City rules.

VIRGIN MONEY shareholders voted in favour of Nationwide Building Society’s proposed £2.9 billion (€3.4 billion) takeover.

The deal, which required backing from 75 per cent of shareholders, was approved by 89 per cent at a General Meeting on May 22, thanks mainly to Virgin Money’s biggest investor, Sir Richard Branson.

From the outset, Branson’s Virgin Group has supported the takeover which will earn the billionaire businessman £724 million (€850.7 million) although the transaction still needs approval from the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority.

main inside Aragon.

Amazon’s investment would have an impact of €21.6 billion on Spain’s gross domestic product (GDP), with a “colossal” €12.9 billion of that sum swelling Aragon’s own GDP, regional president Jorge Azcon said.

This was the equivalent of more than 30 per cent of Aragon’s GDP which in late 2022 - the last year with available figures - stood at €41.76 billion.

Flying

AIR EUROPA posted revenues of

€2.756 billion and a €165 million net profit for 2023.

This soared above 2022’s €470,000 profit and outstripped the €28.6 million corresponding to 2019 before the pandemic plunged the aviation industry into crisis.

These figures will also help Air Europa finish repaying a €141 million loan which was guaranteed by Spain’s Official Credit Institute (ICO) in 2020 and is due in August.

“These excellent results further reinforce the viability of Air Europa,” said chief executive Juan José Hidalgo, as the company, which belongs to the Globalia group, prepares for a €500 million takeover by IAG.

THE Madrid High Court cancelled three fines totalling €118 million imposed by Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) on railway infrastructure companies.

Former ACS company Cobra, which now belongs to French company Vinci, and Sacyr were accused of belonging to a cartel in which 15 companies shared out 200 railway infrastructure projects worth €1.055bn over 14 years.

Cobra’s two fines totalling €27.2 million were lifted, as was Sacyr’s €762,363 although the court rejected an appeal from Siemens, which must still pay €16.8 million.

BBVA employees will soon be using artificial intelligence, the bank announced after signing an agreement with ChatGPT’s creator, OpenAI. It would explore “in a safe and responsible manner” the use of generative AI to accelerate procedures, improve productivity and increase innovation when creating texts and images or processing information, the bank said. It has now begun distributing 3,000 ChatGPT licences to its employees, and will be the first European bank to form this type of alliance.

STUART MACHIN: M&S ‘confident’ chief executive said.

Photo credit: M&S/Stuart Machin

JORGE AZCON: Aragon president announces Amazon investment.

LONDON - FTSE 100

3I Group 2.919,00 2.919,00 2.895,00 48,32K Admiral Group 2.684,0 2.689,0 2.671,0 7,73K

Airtel Africa 119,20 119,65 117,00 172,58K

Anglo American 2.627,5 2.649,5 2.617,0 131,19K

Antofagasta 2.236,00 2.249,00 2.231,00 55,04K

Ashtead Group 5.684,0 5.706,0 5.662,0 21,30K

Associated British Foods 2.708,0 2.708,0 2.690,0 26,77K AstraZeneca 12.306,0 12.362,0 12.288,0 65,95K

Auto Trader Group Plc 742,80 744,80 740,40 54,62K

Aviva 478,55 479,80 475,40 715,84K

B&M European Value Retail SA 550,12 551,60 546,80 78,28K

BAE Systems 1.388,00 1.396,50 1.382,00 166,31K Barclays 211,95 212,55 210,75 3,14M

Barratt Developments 503,14 504,40 495,90 60,97K

Beazley 662,50 662,50 656,00 54,46K

Berkeley 5.190,0 5.200,0 5.140,0 6,13K

BP 478,85 479,90 477,30 1,89M

British American Tobacco 2.399,0 2.414,0 2.391,0 275,88K

BT Group 127,95 128,30 126,05 2,33M Bunzl 2.996,0 3.014,0 2.986,0 18,51K Burberry Group 1.041,0 1.044,5 1.038,0 117,40K

141,99 143,05 141,40 838,92K Coca Cola HBC AG 2.758,0 2.762,0 2.744,0 25,90K

Media deal

SQUIRREL MEDIA has acquired IKI Group, one of Spain’s leading advertising agencies, which will now be integratedintothemedia, advertising, audiovisual and technological services company.

The amount involved was not revealed “to avoid influencing” other operations currently in the pipeline, Squirrel said.

Charge-free

DIPLOMATS based in the capital owe Transport for London (TFL) around £143 million (€167.84 million) in unpaid congestion charges.

The US Embassy’s accumulation has reached £14 million (€16.43 million), followed by Japan’s with more than £10.1 million (€11.85 million).

Nearly there

INFLATION fell to 2.3 per cent in April, down from 3.2 per cent in March and the UK’s lowest since July 2021.

“It is a major moment for the economy with inflation back to normal,” PM Rishi Sunak declared on May 22 although the April figure was above the City’s predicted 2.1 per cent.

Gas and electricity prices, respectively 38 per cent and 21 per cent lower in April, were mainly responsible for the dip in inflation, owing to

Telefonica manoeuvres

CRITERIACAIXA hopes to double its 5.007 per cent Telefonica holding.

This would put Criteria, Caixabank’s largest shareholder with a 30 per cent stake, on level pegging with the Spanish government which now owns 10 per cent of Telefonica.

Criteria declined to comment on the report based on unnamed sources quoted by the El Confidencial website on

May 21, although there was less reticence on the part of the state holding company SEPI.

The publicly owned company announced on May 20 that it had now acquired a 10 per cent Telefonica stake worth €2.28 billion in a move that was initiated to offset Saudi Arabian STC’s 10 per cent holding in the Spanish telecommunications company.

the lower price cap fixing the maximum price charged for each unit.

Falling fertiliser prices and competition between supermarkets on ownbrand items, meant milk, butter, poultry and fish were cheaper in April 2024 than they were a year earlier and helped to chip away at inflation.

In contrast, mobile phone bills and rents continued to rise and April’s figure has topped the Bank of England’s 2 per cent target.

Meanwhile, some City sources were “pessimistic” about a cut, but others did not rule out a reduction in August.

The Bank’s governor Andrew Bailey pointed out that the inflation crisis was at an end while the deputy governor Ben Broadbent, has also hinted at “possible” bank rate cut later this summer.

Madrid plans

ATLETICO DE MADRID has applied to Madrid City Hall for planning permission for its €350 million future sports centre which will cover five plots of land surrounding the club’s existing football stadium. The complex, which will cost more than €350 million instead of the €200 million originally announced, is expected to be completed and in use by late 2026.

Playing safe

ROLLS-ROYCE will supply the engines for the latest version of the US military aircraft called the Doomsday planes due to their capacity for surviving a nuclear blast as well as electromagnetic pulses. The British manufacturer will join other aerospace companies working on the aircraft that can accommodate 111 people and include work, conference and briefing rooms.

Photo credit: 10 Downing Street/Simon Walker

RISHI SUNAK: Hailed lower inflation as a ‘major moment’.

Changes to Meta

CHARITY fundraising in Spain will no longer include features provided by Meta, effective Monday July 1.

It has been announced that, from this date, all fundraising features accessible via Facebook and Instagram will be withdrawn in the European Economic Area (EEC). The full list of affected countries includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

Any charity that uses the ‘Donate’ button at the top of its Facebook page is advised to redirect it to its website. Meta has confirmed that all affected organisations will be emailed explaining what changes they must make.

Once received, they advise that action be

Credit: Shutterstock: pixelliebe

taken as quickly as possible to avoid any loss of funds. They have also confirmed that if you donate to a charity via Meta, the last donation accepted will be June 30. This means the end of being able to select a charity to support in honour of a celebration such as a birthday. This offered a very easy way for charities to gain additional funding from third parties passively. This was also an excellent

Online donate key on keyboard.

opportunity for many to unite friends and family behind a cause they felt passionate about. There are several alternative crowdfunding platforms that charities might consider using. The challenge is finding one that does not charge too much in administration or commission fees. Perhaps this change will force the crowdfunding industry to re-engineer and improve its current products.

How quickly can a hacker crack your passwords?

TECH company Hive Systems has just updated its password table for 2024. So how easy is it for hackers to crack your passwords? Unfortunately, this won’t make for easy reading!

When did you last update the passwords you use to access websites? Your email? Banking apps? Hive Systems first published its table in 2020 showing how long it would take a hacker to crack passwords from a simple four-character number code to a 16-character password made up of letters, numbers and symbols. They used hardware and software freely available to buy on the internet.

Here are the findings and hopefully nobody reading this uses a password made up of six numbers because any half-competent hacker can bypass that instantly. That’s not 10 seconds or two minutes but ‘instantly’. Mix it up a little and put together a combination of eight lower-case and capital letters and it takes a little longer: one minute! Add in numbers to the mix and it takes all of five minutes and if you chuck in a symbol or two then we’re up to 12 minutes. Still not very secure and now AI is making the hackers job even easier as ChatGPT has many tools hackers can exploit.

The Hive Systems research focuses on the idea that the hacker is working in isolation

and is having to start from scratch to crack your password to show the maximum time required. However, if your password was part of another breach or uses dictionary words then your password will be found instantly.

The good news is a 16-character password made up of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols would take 119 years to crack. So next time you’re prompted to strengthen your password it might be worth taking notice.

Is it time to change your password?

Eurostar expansion

EUROSTAR’S chief executive has outlined ambitious plans for the future, including the redesign of St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord.

Work is planned on the stations over the next five years in a bid to accommodate more passengers.

The rail service is considering expanding its routes from London and is in talks to purchase 50 new trains to facilitate this growth.

Gwendoline Cazenave, Eurostar’s CEO, emphasised the strong demand for their services and the company’s aspirations for further expansion across Europe.

The potential introduction of new routes will coincide with the acquisition of a new fleet of trains, which will replace older models and increase the size of Eurostar’s fleet from 51 to 67 trains.

Manufacturers are being evaluated based on their ability to deliver the

trains quickly, with expectations of having them in service by the early 2030s.

Eurostar’s expansion plans come on the heels of its record-breaking annual revenue exceeding €2 billion and a significant rise in passenger numbers, reaching nearly 19 million.

With sustainability driving demand for travel, Eurostar anticipates serving approximately 30

million passengers annually by 2030.

To accommodate this anticipated increase, plans are underway to redesign major terminals like St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord to create more space for passengers.

Similarly, expansion projects are ongoing at Eurostar’s terminal in Amsterdam to accommodate more travellers.

Passport and TIE needed

ONE of our readers has just experienced a potential problem when travelling to the UK and has suggested that we share the following advice.

Audrey Pavron explained “I am a British passport holder living in Spain and recently renewed my passport.

“Making my first trip back to England from Malaga Airport, I presented the brand new passport to immigration and was questioned as to why there was no stamp showing my arrival in Spain.

“Naturally as a resident, I didn’t need a stamp but it hadn’t occurred to me that I should have travelled with my residency card (TIE) to prove the fact, but I had left it safely at home!

“Even though I had a copy of the card on my mobile phone, it was very touch and go as to whether I would be allowed to travel but happily they did relent and let me go to the boarding gate.”

Whilst some seasoned travellers would automatically know to take their passport and TIE card with them, others who don’t travel as much may not be aware of this and if you don’t have a TIE card but just the Green Certificate, be advised that the British Embassy in Madrid has recommended that this be swapped as soon as possible.

Also leave plenty of time before the flight is due to take off as there is often a long queue at immigration.

Fast and slow track for passport control Malaga Airport.

EUROSTAR: Ambitious plans for the future.

Democracy is dead

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK

IT

HOMOPHOBIA is now rife. Racism is approaching rampant and with the comments and mail I’ve been receiving public frustration growing by the day. Why? Because these labels have been designed to discourage the frank discussion of either subject.

The conception is subversive but quite brilliant.

One of the most frequent observations I receive from readers is that they peruse this blurb because I discuss opinions they are not allowed to! Not allowed to? How offensive is that? The woke and PC brigade can now do just about anything they choose - and the public are afraid to even talk about it.

Lives and culture are being changed forever by leftie induced minorities that wield such power, it appears they can not only ruin reputations, but also devastate law abiding citizen’s livelihoods with impunity.

It only takes one woke to be at the head of a department or company and

with the threat of dismissal or worse, they can basically control the politics, opinions and even thinking of their subordinates.

All they need to do is report any adverse ‘findings’ to a fellow woker high up in law or politics and the target of their vitriol can suddenly find themselves at best on benefits and at worst in the dock. People are petrified to voice their true opinions in case they lose everything.

I just wish the UK had a Trump among the baby kissing codswallop brigade they have to put up with for another five weeks or so. After listening to his ‘Bronx speech’ a few days ago, I got the impression he’d been perusing my column online.

His references to immigration and the conception that they were all young men, so awash with mobile phones, designer clothes and tents that they were probably ‘raising a secret army’, sounded as though his words stepped right off the ol boy’s column.

Unfortunately for the UK I think it is already too late. The media conspiracy is worse than ever.

I recently read of a decision to re-

think the advertising of certain shampoos because it could be offensive to bald people!

If it wasn’t all so dangerous it would be comical.

Well unfortunately it’s not funny at all. The clear thinking majority are now being manipulated in ways that would have brought a smile to the lips of MaoTse Tung himself.

Any organisation that disagrees with these cancel culturists, or tries to bring their wholly unacceptable advertising practices into the public domain, is immediately vilified and pilloried in concerted attacks from all sides.

This of course means that the public are not even given the opportunity to cast a vote in their direction.

Democracy is dead. Gagging or destroying any opposition is now the order of the day. Nazi Germany, Russia, China and a number of Muslim countries come to mind! Thanks for all your mail. I do peruse every one. Keep ‘em coming.

Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Killer bear to relocate

A FEMALE bear, known as JJ4, that killed a jogger in the Italian Alps last year, will be relocated to a sanctuary in Germany, authorities from the northern Italian province of Trento announced on Tuesday May 21. The relocation comes after a protracted legal battle over the bear’s fate.

JJ4 fatally attacked a 26-year-old man in April 2023, leading Trento administrators to order its capture and execution. However, legal challenges from environmentalists blocked the death sentence.

“JJ4 will be transferred by the autumn,” Trento’s tourism and hunting councillor Roberto Failoni told a local daily newspaper. The bear will find a new home at the Worbis Alternative Bear Park in Germany.

The region around Trento, repopulated with bears from 1999 under an EU-funded programme, has seen several bear attacks in recent years. This has raised questions about how to achieve successful cohabitation with the animals while ensuring public safety.

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A

New Milestone for Barona Services Spain: Celebrating

the launch of the Mijas

BARONA SERVICES SPAIN has marked a significant milestone with the launch of its new Service Centre in Mijas.

This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to Barona’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. The Mijas Service Centre, which spans three levels and houses 200 workstations, is designed to create a vibrant and inspiring environ ment for both employees and guests.

Service Centre

The new centre is more than just a workspace. It features well-being areas, internal and external terraces, and a stunning mural by a local artist, all aimed at fostering creativity and relaxation. In a move towards a greener future, the facility is equipped with solar panels, underscoring Barona’s commitment to achieving 100 per cent sustainable energy consumption.

Barona’s growth trajectory is impressive. With 350 employees currently and plans to hire 60 more, the majority of whom will be Finnish-speaking to support the expanding operations, the company’s future looks bright. Marianne Eliasson, the dynamic Head of Service Centre Spain, co-hosted the launch event. Marianne, who is pursuing her master’s degree at Lapland University of Applied Sciences, brings a unique blend of healthcare expertise and academic prowess to her role. She was joined by Marja Aulas, Head of Human Resources for Europe, whose positive and goal-oriented approach makes her a true people person.

The celebration was a beautiful blend of Finnish and Spanish cultures, creating an atmosphere of international camaraderie. The event featured a captivating performance by Tarja, a talented pianist and vocalist, adding a touch of elegance to the occasion. Guests enjoyed a delightful cocktail reception with exquisite catering, making the event an unforgettable experience.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of notable local and international guests, including Mario Bravo Ramos, a Mijas town councillor, and Markus Oksa, Barona’s visionary founder. Their presence highlighted the importance of the event and underscored Barona’s role in the global community.

Over the years, Barona has evolved from a staffing agency into a comprehensive full-service provider. The com-

pany now offers a wide range of services, including staffing, recruitment, and specialised solutions in customer service, sales, hospitality, healthcare, information technology, human resources, marketing, logistics, and construction. With offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Poland, Slovakia, Eastern Europe, and the Philippines, Barona’s reach is truly global.

Under the leadership of CEO Lassi Määttä, Barona is committed to corporate social responsibility and aims to create a positive work environment for all its employees. The new Mijas Service Centre is a shining example of this commitment, providing a modern, comfortable, and ecologically responsible workspace.

Barona’s expansion into the Costa del Sol is a strategic move that reflects the company’s dedication to growth and innovation. By investing in infrastructure and improving employee conditions, Barona aims to set new standards in the industry. The Mijas Service Centre not only meets the company’s operational needs but also aligns with its broader goals of workplace sustainability and social responsibility.

The unveiling of the Barona Mijas Service Centre is a testament to the company’s ongoing expansion and leadership in the staffing and recruitment industry. It is a significant addition to the vibrant international business community flourishing along the coast. Barona’s continued growth and innovation make it a company to watch in the coming years.

We at Euro Weekly are proud to celebrate this momentous occasion and look forward to seeing the positive impact Barona will undoubtedly have on the community and the industry as a whole.

Barona Mijas Service Centre, Poligono San Rafael, 6, 29651 Las Lagunas de Mijas Barona.fi/en

Which way is best?

DECIDING

between

a 30-minute run and 10,000 steps for weight loss depends on various factors, including fitness level, intensity, and personal preference. Both activities offer significant benefits, but their effectiveness can differ based on individual goals and lifestyle.

A 30-minute run, typically at a moderate to vigorous intensity, can burn more calories in a shorter time compared to walking 10,000 steps. Running elevates the heart rate and boosts metabolism, making it a highly efficient form of cardiovascular exercise. For those seeking to maximise calorie burn and improve cardiovascular fitness quickly, running is often the better

option.

On the other hand, walking 10,000 steps, which is roughly equivalent to five miles, is a more accessible and sustainable activity for many people. It promotes consistent movement throughout the day, which can con tribute to overall calorie expenditure and is less strenuous on the joints.

Walking is also easier to incorporate into daily routines, making it a viable long-term strategy for weight management. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preferences, physical condition, and long-term adherence.

Sun damage to the skin

ced approach to weight loss, ensuring variety

SUN damage to the skin, caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can lead to premature ageing, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots. Additionally, it can cause DNA damage in skin cells, potentially leading to ma lignant melanoma and other skin can cers.

To avoid sun damage, it’s essential to take protective measures. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is crucial. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses, further shields the skin from harmful rays. Seeking shade during peak sun

hours, typically from 10am to 4pm, can significantly reduce exposure. It’s also important to avoid tanning beds, which emit harmful UV radiation. Regular skin checks for new or changing moles and spots can aid in early detection of skin cancer.

By adopting these protective measures, individuals can enjoy the sun safely while minimising the risk of sun damage and maintaining healthier skin.

World Tobacco Day 2024 Quirky quick fix

WORLD TOBACCO

DAY 2024, observed on May 31, continues to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to re duce consumption. This

year’s theme, ‘Tobacco and Lung Health’, highlights the severe impact of tobacco on respiratory health, linking smoking to diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),

lung cancer, and tuberculosis.

Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, responsible for more than eight million deaths annually.

On World Tobacco Day, health organisations and governments globally emphasise the importance of quitting smoking and adopting healthier lifestyles. Various events, educational campaigns, and public health initiatives aim to inform people about the risks associated with tobacco and provide resources for those seeking to quit.

Efforts include promoting smoke-free environments, increasing tobacco taxes, and restricting advertising and sales to minors. Additionally, support for cessation programs and access to alternative therapies are crucial in helping smokers quit.

OLD wives’ tales offer a range of quirky spot treat ments, some surprisingly effective. One classic re medy is applying toothpaste directly to a blemish. The paste’s drying agents can reduce inflammation and redness overnight. Another popular solution is ho ney, renowned for its antibacterial properties. Dab a small amount on the spot and leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Aspirin, crushed into a paste with water, is another old favourite. It contains salicylic acid, which helps to reduce swelling and unclog pores. Tea tree oil, with its natural antiseptic qualities, can be applied sparingly to target acne.

Lastly, an ice cube wrapped in a cloth can redu ce redness and swelling. While these remedies are rooted in folklore, many have stood the test of time, proving to be surprisingly effective.

SOMETIMES we forget to pay the required attention to our health thereby forgetting to perform routine health checks.

In our clinic not only will you find the best health care professionals who can help you with this, but they will also help you obtain results quickly.

You will find the best professionals and the fas test results.

Don’t leave it any longer, if you were thinking about visiting a specialist, call us and let’s schedule an appointment for you!

Avenida de España 20, Local 5, Sitio de Calahonda, Málaga. +34 952 933 377

Health tests

TREATING dark circles under your eyes can significantly improve your appearance and boost your confidence. Begin by ensuring you get adequate sleep, as fatigue often exacerbates dark circles. Incorporate a balanced diet rich in vitamins, particularly Vitamin K and C, which help in reducing discoloration and stren gthening blood vessels.

Topical treatments with ingre dients like retinol, hyaluro nic acid, and caffeine can effectively diminish dark circles by promoting co llagen production and reducing puffiness.

Bright eyes

Cold compresses or chilled cucumber slices can temporarily reduce swelling and lighten dark circles by constricting blood vessels.

Additionally, staying hydrated and using a daily sunscreen can prevent further darkening caused by sun exposure.

Jelly chic

THE latest trend in beauty is jelly make-up, a fresh approach for a dewy look. Jelly make-up products, including foundations, blushes, and highlighters, have a bouncy, gel-like texture that blends seamlessly into the skin. This texture allows for buildable coverage and a lightweight feel, ideal for a natural, glowing finish.

To achieve the jelly make-up look, start with a clean, moisturised face to create a smooth base. Apply a jelly foundation using your fingers or a damp make-up sponge, gently dabbing it onto your skin for even coverage. Follow with a jelly blush on the apples of your cheeks, blending it outwards for a natural flush.

For added radiance, use a jelly highlighter on the high points of your face, like the cheekbones, brow bones, and nose. Finish with a light dusting of translucent powder to set the make-up.

Purple rinse

For persistent dark circles, consider consulting a dermatologist for advanced treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or fillers.

Consistent care and lifestyle adjustments can lead to noticeable improvements over time.

an undesirable purple tint. Overall, purple shampoo is an essential tool for keeping blonde and grey hair looking its best.

Life’s a beach

MARBELLA MOMENTS

BY NICOLE KING

IF you take a stroll along the promenades of Marbella and San Pedro or have recently been down to the beach you will have noticed the mountains of piled up sand and heavy machinery.

This might be a curious sight for tourists who wouldn’t think we’d need to artificially grace our beaches with purchased sand, but this is the case. It’s not just Marbella either that faces this challenge; the ocean washes away many of Spain’s beaches every year, leaving some of them totally devastated.

For those of us who live here therefore it’s no surprise that once again the town hall has had to fork out for over 6,400 tons of sand to improve our beaches in preparation for the summer.

Apparently though a lot of this expenditure could be largely avoided if the relevant Central Government authorities moved forward with plans to build breakwaters to stabilise the beaches as proposed for Marbella’s

Venus beach and Punta El Ancón and for San Pedro between the Guadalmina and Guadaiza rivers.

Whilst we wait for these obviously much needed breakwaters we can be but thankful to our town hall for taking these proactive measures, albeit this year with the oddity perhaps of the colour; it’s rather red. (Perhaps so the burnt British tourist won’t stand out as much?!)

On that note, please respect the sun and realise that even if you’re fully protected with sun creams and aren’t concerned about sunburn, there’s still dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke to consider. Please don’t think this can’t happen to you; it can catch us all unawares, so please keep this in mind and live your best life on our Marbella beaches!

QUIRKY TOWN

Human towers in Tarragona

John Smith

ONE of the better known quirks of Catalonian human nature is that of the building of human towers across the region.

Probably the most famous is that which takes place in Tarragona which claims to be the biggest and best.

The phrase “room for a little one” really rings true as four local teams as well as visiting groups known as Colles compete to see how high and sturdy their tower can be and a lot is down to weight and size.

Every two years Tarragona hosts what it refers to as the world’s biggest human tower (Castellar) building competition which can surpass 15 metres in height.

The towers are made of people standing on each other’s shoulders and usually, a small child climbs last to reach

the tip of the sometimes shaking tower and the tradition in Catalonia goes back to the 18th century.

Covid stopped the 2020 event but it did take place in 2022 and now it returns to Tarragona with practices starting on June 24 around the streets of the city and the grand finale being held in the Tarraco Arena (the old bullfighting ring) on October 6.

Huge numbers of spectators fill the bullring as they watch the different teams compete with the heaviest and strongest forming the base and others who are lighter climbing on top but there are no safety nets and it’s not without danger.

Even the children who wear safety helmets could fall and sometimes it is the dismounting that can be more dangerous than building the tower.

I am not a robot

IN our increasingly AI-driven world, the necessity to prove our human identity is more pervasive than ever. It’s a challenge we encounter almost every time we sign up for a new website or service.

One way to do this is via a CAPTCHA device, which is itself automated. CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart. As its name suggests, this test is designed to determine if the user is a genuine human and not a bot. To do this, the user is presented with a series of jumbled-up

the University of California, AI bots are actually more efficient at solving CAPTCHA’s than humans.

An alternative provided by Google is the reCAPTCHA. The reCAPTCHA’s functionality is more advanced than the CAPTCHA and does not rely on distorted images and numbers. It seems that a human status can be determined simply by clicking a box to confirm ‘I am not a robot’.

However, this simple task does far more than you might perhaps be aware. When you click, Google is permitted to analyse your online behaviour. This can include mouse movements, browsingplete an online form. This,termines the probability

Is the user a human?

Building a successful tower in the final. Credit: Tarragona

Nicole’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Marbella prepares for the summer!

INVESTING in the Costa del Sol offers a promising opportunity for financial stability, driven by several key factors. Firstly, the region’s robust tourism industry is a significant driver of economic growth. With over 12 million visitors annually, the Costa del Sol is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, ensuring a steady demand for rental properties and hospitality services. This demand translates into lucrative rental yields for property investors, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Secondly, the real estate market in the Costa del Sol has shown resilience and growth potential. Property prices, while rising, remain com-

“Investing in the Costa del Sol” finding financial stability

petitive compared to other European coastal regions, offering attractive entry points for investors. Additionally, the region benefits from a well-developed infrastructure, including international airports, modern highways, and excellent healthcare and educational facilities, making it an appealing destination for expatriates and retirees. This diverse demographic ensures a stable demand for real estate beyond just the tourism sector.

The Costa del Sol also enjoys a favourable climate, both literally and economically. The Mediterranean climate ensures year-round attractiveness, which supports a continuous influx of visitors and long-term residents. Eco-

nomically, Spain’s stable political environment and membership in the European Union provide a secure framework for investment. The local government’s support for foreign investment, through incentives and simplified processes, further enhances the region’s appeal.

Moreover, the growth of remote work trends has increased the appeal of the Costa del Sol as a destination for digital nomads and remote workers, expanding the potential rental market.

In summary, the Costa del Sol’s strong tourism sector, resilient real estate market, favourable climate, and supportive economic policies collectively contribute to its financial stability as an investment destination.

Quality

Piso or apartamento?

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Martínez-Echevarría is currently comprised of over 250 professionals and can be considered a modern office, fully adapted and prepared to meet the most demanding needs of national and international companies operating in Spain and Portugal.

In addition, our private client department does not forget those who, despite not being in the corporate world, require quality legal services adapted to their needs for their family and personal matters.

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30% of new Spanish homes bought by foreigners

A RECENT report by Aedas Homes highlights a significant trend, over a third of new properties are now being snapped up by overseas investors.

On the 2023 release of ‘The New Construction Home Buyer Profile’ by Aedas Homes, it was revealed that foreign investors are increasingly setting their sights on Spain.

Indeed, they constitute nearly 37 per cent of the clientele for new builds. This figure marks an 8 per cent rise from the previous year, with more than 600 of the 4,000 new properties sold going to international buyers.

Growing interest from abroad

“This international client represents added value for the Spanish residential sector,” states Pablo Rodriguez Losada, the Commercial and Marketing Director of Aedas Homes.

Losada points out that there’s a marked preference among foreign buyers for regions such as Levante, the Balearic Islands, the Costa del Sol, and the Canary Islands. The company has accordingly increased its presence in these areas to cater to

KNOWING the difference between a ‘piso’ and ‘apartamento’ is crucial when looking for a place to live, which should you choose asked property portal Idealista.

Understanding the difference is critical, as it can have a significant impact on daily lives and housing needs and is essential when making buying decisions, as pisos tend to offer more independence and space, while apartamentos can provide a closer community and access to additional services.

Understanding these

differences will help you choose the best option for your needs and lifestyle. Many people confuse the terms piso and apartamento in Spanish, believing they’re synonymous. However, there are clear differences between the two.

According to the definition of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), a piso is, “A set of rooms that constitute an independent dwelling in a house of various heights.”

On the other hand, the RAE defines apartamento as, “a small flat to live in.” Pisos generally offer

more space than apartamentos, which can be ideal for larger families or people who wish to have additional areas, such as an office or guest room. Apartamentos are generally more affordable and can be easier and cheaper to maintain. It should be noted that piso generally refers to a primary residence, ie the place we call home. Whereas, an apartamento is usually a second residence, intended for temporary use, such as a holiday home in a tourist area. However, this is not a hard and set rule.

the demand. Central and Western Europe are the main regions from which international buyers come from, accounting for 42 per cent of purchases.

Eastern Europe follows with 29 per cent, then America at 13 per cent, British buyers at 7 per cent, Asia at 4 per cent, and the Nordic Countries at 3 per cent.

Poland, Holland, and Belgium are the top three countries of origin, followed by the United Kingdom in fourth place, and Germany in fifth, highlighting a diverse European interest in Spanish real estate.

Market challenges and opportunities

The real estate outlook for 2024 remains uncertain following the market’s post-Covid stabilisation. With the health crisis over, transaction volumes have remained steady. This consistency is crucial for the industry amidst a notable supply-demand mismatch.

Luis Rabassa, Executive Vice President of Petrus Grupo Inmobiliario, voices concerns over delays in government licensing and restricted access to real estate credit for developers. These factors contribute to the consistent rise in housing costs.

Jordi Tomas, CEO at Guinot Prunera, however, is optimistic about improved construction performance due to anticipated lower rates and financing costs.

He also notes that a strong labour market is essential for encouraging purchases, though product shortages may limit price reductions.

Moving to southern Spain

MOVING to the southern coast of Spain promises an idyllic blend of sun, sea, and cultural richness. Nestled along the Mediterranean, this region offers a lifestyle that embodies relaxation and adventure in equal measure. Prepare to awaken each day to the gentle lapping of waves and the golden glow of sunlight filtering through your window. The Mediterranean climate ensures mild winters and scorching summers, inviting you to bask on pristine beaches or explore rugged coastal cliffs year-round.

Embrace a culinary journey that celebrates the bounty of land and sea. Indulge in freshly caught seafood, from succulent gambas al ajillo to grilled sardines straight off the fishing boats. Savuor the vibrant flavours of gazpacho and salmorejo, traditional Andalucian soups perfect for cooling down on hot summer days. And don’t forget to raise a glass of crisp local wine or chilled cava as you toast to another breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean horizon.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry

Property on the Costa del Sol

There are many parts of Spain which are good places to settle or obtain a holiday home, but the Costa del Sol continues to attract overseas buyers in large numbers.

John Smith

THIS is a mature area within Andalucia which has a very good infrastructure not just on the coast but also into the mountains. There is no doubt that the number of British buyers has reduced since Brexit, but they have been readily replaced by new owners from across the European Union. If you are looking to while away your time by a beach with a huge option of eateries, shops, entertainment and properties ranging from a small studio to a huge secluded villa then you will find every option from Malaga City all the way to Sotogrande.

If, however you want a more sedate option, then consider the pretty towns and villages further inland especially as nowadays roads are better, there’s good electric and water connection and WiFi works. Those of a sporting bent are well catered for with a huge number of very popular golf clubs, football clubs and plenty of swimming pools, athletics tracks, boating, tennis and options for cycling.

Living costs have increased but are still generally lower than in much of Europe and the weather is certainly an attraction for those who normally live in the north of the continent. All in all, the Costa del Sol offers everything that any new resident or holidaymaker could want and there are a number of professional and well-connected estate agents offering a stunning range of choice.

Take time to think about all that the Costa del Sol has to offer.

of history that adorns the southern coast. Wander through ancient Phoenician and Roman ruins in sites like Baelo Claudia or explore the Moorish heritage of Al-Andalus in cities such as Malaga and Almeria. Every cobblestone street and whitewashed building whispers tales of civilisations past, inviting you to delve deeper into the region’s captivating past.

Embracing life on the southern coast may require adjusting to the laid-back rhythm known as ‘mañana’ time. Take leisurely strolls along the seaside

promenades, sip café con leche at bustling cafes, and revel in the joy of siesta culture, where afternoons are reserved for rest and relaxation. Prepare to be enchanted by the warmth and hospitality of the locals, whose zest for life is as contagious as the Mediterranean breeze. Whether you’re seeking adventure in water sports, cultural exploration in charming villages, or simply a tranquil escape by the sea, the southern coast of Spain beckons you to embark on a journey of discovery and delight.

Credit: subherwal flickr

ADVERTISING FEATURE

“Experience Luxury Like Never Before”

PRESENTING a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a truly exceptional villa in the prestigious El Paraíso Alto. This private sale, not yet on the open market, offers an exclusive chance to witness and own a masterpiece of modern architecture and design. If you have the privilege of seeing it, consider yourself incredibly fortunate.

Unparalleled Panoramic Views

Prepare to be captivated by absolutely stunning panoramic views that will leave you in awe. This villa is a testament to luxury living, built to the highest standards with impeccable qualities and materials. Furnished and designed by the renowned Roche Bobois, every detail of this home exudes sophistication and elegance.

Prime Location

Nestled close to the esteemed El Paraíso Golf Club, this villa offers not just a home, but a lifestyle of leisure and tranquility. Enjoy the convenience of world-class golfing right at your doorstep.

Exquisite Features and Amenities

- Spacious Living: Featuring four en suite bedrooms,

Discover an astonishing and unique Villa in El Paraíso Alto

each designed for comfort and privacy.

- Convenience: A lift seamlessly connects all four levels of the villa, ensuring easy access.

- Additional Accommodation: Two extra apartments in the basement, perfect for guests or staff.

- Ample Parking: Underground parking for four cars, plus additional space outside to accommodate 10 more vehicles, with the option to cover and close the area.

- Entertainment: Your own private disco and a professional cinema for endless enjoyment.

- Smart Living: A state-of-the-art domotic system throughout the house that controls everything at your fingertips.

- Comfort: Blackout curtains in all rooms for ultimate relaxation.

- Sustainability: Solar panels with 19 kW and a battery capacity of 55 kW, ensuring energy efficiency.

- Innovation: Two exterior platforms for the automatic turning of vehicles, adding a touch of futuristic convenience.

Homes with a sustainable soul

AEDAS Homes has taken a new step in sustainable and environmentally friendly residential construction.

WORKING with Technal, a brand of the multinational group Hydro Building Systems, a leader in aluminium construction systems and after years of using 75 per cent recycled aluminium, the company is now going one step further and is developing the first housing development in Spain with 100 per cent postconsumer recycled aluminium (a material that has already had a previous life and is now being used again).

- Security: A professional alarm and CCTV system for peace of mind.

An Unmatched Offering

This villa is not just another property on the market. It is a must-see, a home built with passion and precision, far surpassing the ordinary villas hastily constructed with mediocre materials. This is your chance to own a residence where luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology come together in perfect harmony.

Schedule Your Private Viewing Today

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. Contact us to arrange a private viewing and experience firsthand the extraordinary lifestyle that awaits you in El Paraíso Alto. This is not just a villa; it’s a statement of elegance and a testament to the art of fine living.

Av. Luis Braille, 31, 29680 Estepona 952 802 912 | 667 337 330 www.melrose-properties.com

AEDAS Homes will incorporate this sustainable material, which comes from the circular economy, in the Soul Marbella Sunshine development, consisting of 50 homes of two, three and four bedrooms. One hundred per cent recycled aluminium will be used in the profiles of all the façades.

“With this innovative initiative, AEDAS Homes is taking another step towards its ambitious objective to neutralise 50 per cent of the carbon footprint of its developments by 2030, promoting, in this case, the use of environmentally friendly materials,” said Luis García Malo de Molina, Operations Director of AEDAS Homes.

Technal’s aluminium, called CIRCAL, is the world’s first certified 100 per cent recycled aluminium and represents a completely new manufacturing process in Spain. It is estimated that its implementation in Soul Marbella Sunshine alone is equivalent in CO2 reduction to taking 30 cars off the road for their entire lifetime (100,000 km with an average emission of 10,300 tonnes of CO2, according to the European Environment Agency).

Photo, Soul Marbella: Aedas Homes

Experience exceptional Danish design with Carl Hansen & Søn

FOUNDED in Denmark in 1908, Carl Hansen & Søn is renowned for its outstanding furniture craftsmanship that brings visionary design to life. Our legacy is built on creating timeless pieces by renowned Danish mid-century masters such as Hans J Wegner, Kaare Klint, Børge Mogensen, Nanna Ditzel, Vilhelm Lauritzen, and Bodil Kjær. Today, we continue this tradition by collaborating with contemporary designers like Rikke Frost and EOOS, blending aesthetics and functionality to introduce fresh, innovative designs to our collection.

We are proud to have 23 flagship stores globally. Our Barcelona Flagship Store offering a unique local experience under the grand mission and values of Carl Hansen & Søn. Our store provides a variety of exclusive services to enhance your journey into the world of Danish design. Enjoy premium white

glove delivery throughout Spain and Portugal, complimentary interior design consultations and sample loans, and discover anniversary editions and exclusive items from our FSS collection.

Choose from sustainable accessories crafted from remaining wood and leather, explore food-safe accessories, and benefit from our specialised rewaving and repair services to restore your cherished items. Additionally, we offer tax-free shopping to make your experience even more rewarding.

Visit our Barcelona Flagship Store to explore our exquisite collection and experience the unparalleled craftsmanship of Carl Hansen & Søn.

Embrace the timeless elegance of Danish design and let Carl Hansen & Søn transform your space.

Flagship Store Barcelona | Carrer del Rosselló 222 | 08008 Barcelona | 0034 931 929 845 | barcelona@carlhansen.com

Branded residences

THE Costa del Sol’s historical distinction as a benchmark for the most luxurious residential developments is being maintained and strengthened. In addition to the million-dollar mansions and highend developments that continue to proliferate, it now includes Europe’s highest concentration of socalled ‘branded residences’.

The provinces of Malaga and Cadiz are home to nine branded developments including: Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi Casa, Four Seasons, Karl Lagerfeld

and Lamborghini. Residential property that, in addition to the premium nature of its construction and services, adds the value that comes from being linked to renowned brands in the luxury sector. And this means that there are properties with a price tag to match; up to €20 million.

Projects are already taking shape in Marbella and Benahavis and, according to information from Savills Global Residential Development Consultancy, the Costa del Sol is the region in Europe, “with the

highest number of branded residence projects.” All of these are linked to top level brands and the first development to be completed is expected to be EPIC by Fendi Casa. “Worldwide, this type of property has experienced a growth of more than 160 per cent over the last decade, with a turnover of more than €30 billion,” say Savills and pointed to Spain as one of the countries with the greatest potential for the development of this type of project in Europe, mainly in the Costa del Sol.

Photo: EPIC Marbella

ADVERTISING FEATURE

WELCOME to Jensen Store, where we proudly showcase the exquisite Danish premium furniture brand, Bolia. Bolia’s collection of indoor and outdoor furniture, office pieces, sofas, tables, and chairs complements our product range perfectly, embodying the essence of contemporary Scandinavian design.

At Jensen Store, we believe in offering our customers more than just beds. We offer a lifestyle defined by sophistication, elegance, and functionality. Bolia’s collection is designed to inspire and elevate your spaces, creating environments that are not only beautiful but also cohesive and inviting.

One of the hallmarks of Bolia’s furniture is its premium quality. Every piece is crafted using the finest materials, sourced sustainably whenever possible, to ensure both durability and visual appeal. Whether it’s the richness of solid wood, the luxurious feel of leather upholstery, or the sleekness of metal accents, each component is chosen with utmost care to deliver exceptional quality and comfort.

From the moment of creating the design of the furnitures, to the final product, Bolia’s commitment to quality and longevity is evident in every detail. Each design is crafted to withstand the test of time, ensuring that your investment not only enhances your living spaces but also endures for generations. The design is characterised by a timeless appeal, emphasising the natural materials and a calming colour palette that effortlessly blends into any environment.

To further underscore our confidence in Bolia’s craftsmanship, we provide a generous 10-year warranty on all our products. This warranty reflects our commitment to standing behind the quality and durability of Bolia’s furniture.

In addition to our commitment to quality, we understand the importance of convenience. That’s why we offer free home delivery and assembly services across Spain and Portugal. We want to make the experience of furnishing your home or office as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Step into our world of design at Jensen Store and discover the furnitures of Bolia. Whether you’re looking for a statement sofa, a dining table that anchors your space, or some outdoor furnitures, Bolia’s collection offers a wealth of options to suit your needs and preferences.

Experience the artistry of Scandinavian design firsthand and see how Bolia’s furniture can elevate your lifestyle. At Jensen Store, we’re not just selling furniture - we’re offering you the opportunity to create inspiring and enduring spaces that resonate with beauty and functionality. Join us in celebrating the timeless allure of Bolia’s premium Danish furniture, designed for decades of life and generations to come. For more information on Bolias product range, visit Bolia.com.

Jensen Store Marbella Polígono Nueva Campana 23 29660 Nueva Andalucia, T: +34 952 908 855 marbella@jensenstore.com

Home

Staging

Staging your home for sale is a crucial step in ensuring a swift and profitable transaction

THE process begins with decluttering, which involves removing personal items, excess furniture, and any unnecessary objects that could distract potential buyers. This creates a clean, open space that allows buyers to envision their own belongings in the home. Thorough cleaning is essential, as a spotless home suggests it has been well-maintained.

Strategic furniture arrangement can also make a significant impact. Position furniture to highlight the home’s best features, such as a fireplace or a beautiful view. Ensure that each room has a clear purpose to avoid any confusion about the space’s functionality. Adding small touches like fresh flowers, tasteful artwork, and new, coordinating linens can create a welcoming ambiance.

40 years of experience in Personalised Interior Design

IN a world saturated with options and fierce competition, finding a company that stands out for its experience and dedication is an invaluable treasure. In the field of interior design, where creativity and attention to detail are paramount, the firm Casasola Decor shines with its own light, accumulating 40 years of experience in creating unique and bespoke spaces worldwide.

Since its foundation, Casasola Decor has been known for its practical approach and customercentric focus. Instead of getting lost among thousands of catalogues and options, the company has opted to simplify the process for its clients, carefully grouping all its products and services into specific rooms.

The result? A seamless and uncomplicated interior design experience, where every element needed to transform a space is within easy reach.

Imagine refurbishing your home and finding everything you need for the living room, kitchen, dining room, or bedroom in its designated place.

WHETHER you are searching for a sun-kissed villa or a quaint Mediterranean apartment, navigating the vibrant real estate market in Spain, can be equally thrilling and daunting.

While the search for your dream Spanish property can be a lot of fun, the actual purchasing process can be a nightmare of admin and additional costs.

Property transactions in Spain often entail cumbersome processes, including the use of bankers’ drafts, which can lead to delays and hefty fees, in addition to multiple in-person

This is the promise of Casasola Decor: to make the design and decoration process as enjoyable as the final result.

The key to Casasola Decor’s success lies in its commitment to quality and innovation. Each project is approached with meticulousness and attention to detail, from selecting top-quality materials to creating designs that reflect the personality and style of each client. This dedication to excellence has led the company to work on renowned projects worldwide, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field of interior design.

Located at KM. 184.5 of the Cadiz-Malaga road in Marbella, Casasola Decor prides itself on offering a personalised service to its clients, backed by a team of passionate and experienced professionals. Whether you are looking to transform your home, office, or commercial space, Casasola Decor is ready to turn your dreams into reality.

Discover the difference that 40 years of experience can make in your next interior design project.

Simplify your property journey with PropertyPay

trips to the bank.

Currencies Direct understands the challenges that come with purchasing a property overseas, especially in a market as dynamic as Spain’s. That’s why we’ve introduced our game-changing new PropertyPay service, tailored to make the process smoother and more efficient for anyone buying or selling property in Spain.

With PropertyPay there is now a way to streamline the end-to-end payments process, eliminating the need for traditional methods and their associated hassles.

At its core, PropertyPay is a free, secure, and 100 per cent digital service that offers instant fund guarantees and disbursements between buyers and sellers. Unlike conventional methods that can take days to process, PropertyPay ensures that transactions are executed swiftly and efficiently, saving both time and money for all parties involved.

Imagine being able to bid adieu to the days of waiting anxiously for funds

to clear or worrying about fluctuating exchange rates. With PropertyPay, buyers and sellers can rest easy, knowing that their transactions are in safe hands.

Plus, with instant fund transfers* and disbursements, there’s no need to endure the usual wait times - your property dreams can become a reality faster than you ever imagined.

But it’s not just about speed and efficiency - it’s also about saving money. Property transactions can be costly affairs, with hidden fees and unfavourable exchange rates eating into your budget.

Whether you’re purchasing a picturesque villa in Marbella or selling a charming apartment in Barcelona, with PropertyPay, you can say goodbye to those unnecessary expenses and keep more money in your pocket where it belongs.

After all, every euro saved is a step closer to turning your Spanish property dreams into a reality.

Pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or contact propertypay@

currenciesdirect.com to find out more about PropertyPay and how it could help save make significant savings whether buying or selling a property in Spain.

*The transfer of funds between buyer and seller can be instant if both have an account with Currencies Direct Spain, E.D.E., S.L

Visit us at our Spanish offices in Costa del Sol, Costa Almeria, North Costa Blanca and South Costa Blanca.

Telephone UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 Spain +34 950 478 914

euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com www.currenciesdirect.com

Grand Vividus: luxury, beauty and comfort in a dream bed

THIS unique bed, the result of the collaboration of Hästens and the interior designer Ferris Rafauli, is built by hand in an artisanal manner and costs just over €500,000. Sleep is a fundamental element for health. Sleep gives the body and brain time to recover from the stress of the day, helps people feel more alert, optimistic, and have a better relationship with others. It also contributes to strengthening the immune system and is an ally in fighting diseases.

That’s why waking up feeling prepared for all the things life has to offer is priceless, is it? If it is Grand Vividus, the Hästens bed considered the most luxurious, beautiful and comfortable, around €500,000. A figure in keeping with its status as a marvel of science behind which there are more than 10 years of research and an authentic work of art. The result of collaboration with interior designer Ferris Rafauli, each bed is entirely handbuilt by Hästens’ most respected artisans in the factory in Köping, Sweden, using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation to give it a soul and character of its own. Each Grand Vividus contains Hästens’ most luxurious horsehair, wool, cotton, linen, and slowgrowing Swedish pine, giving it an impressive mass of 530 kilograms. Unlike most beds currently

on the market, the Grand Vividus, with its fine leather, polished wood, suede and brass trim, along with its elegant architectural lines, functions as a work of art and a statement piece. A majestic centrepiece for the bedroom.

It is also beautifully upholstered in four colours: Black Shadow, Phantom Charcoal, Natural Shale and Traditional Blue. Each possible colour is combined with polished leather appliquésvegetable tanned, molding reinforced with gold brass rivets and mirror-finished wooden edges.

Likewise, it is available with several types of mattress supports, soft, medium and firm, and, being completely handcrafted, the Grand Vividus can be manufactured in any size. A quality from 170 years of history that is also felt in the rest of the firm’s beds, such as Drēmar, which combines the best materials and six generations of craftsmanship, and which has positioned Hästens as an official supplier to the Royal Court of Sweden.

These brands are available at bdhome, the temple of rest in Marbella, which offers the most exclusive products with professional and personalised advice.

Outside

LIVING on the Costa del Sol means embracing a lifestyle where the terrace becomes an integral part of daily living, enjoyed throughout the year. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate boasting mild winters and sun-soaked summers, residents relish over 300 days of sunshine annually, making terrace living a joyous experience. The terrace transitions seamlessly from a cosy retreat in the cooler months to a vibrant social hub during the warmer seasons. With stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, majestic mountains, or charming coastal towns, the

terrace offers a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and social gatherings. Whether hosting barbecues with friends or unwinding with a book, residents immerse themselves in the natural beauty of their surroundings. Personalised touches, such as lush greenery or comfortable seating, enhance the ambiance, creating a tranquil oasis for moments of serenity. Terrace living on the Costa del Sol isn’t just about enjoying the outdoors - it’s about embracing a lifestyle of leisure, luxury, and connection with nature. From sunrise to sunset, residents savour every

moment on their terrace, making cherished memories against the backdrop of scenic splendour. With a myriad of outdoor activities at their fingertips, residents can indulge in adventures year-round. From water sports and hiking to golfing and exploring historic sites, the Costa del Sol offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. In essence, being able to enjoy the terrace all year long on the Costa del Sol embodies a lifestyle of leisure, luxury, and connection with nature, where every day feels like a blissful escape

Selling your home is a difficult process. But you are not alone, we are with you on this new journey...

IN the heart of every home lies a story. At S4les Management Real Estate, we understand that behind every property is a unique journey, a collection of memories waiting to be passed on.

Our tale begins with you, the homeowner, and your aspirations for the future.

Imagine standing in the doorway of your beloved home, filled with a lifetime of memories and dreams for the future. Selling a home is not merely a transaction; it’s a deeply personal experience, and we understand the significance of every detail.

With a blend of empathy and expertise, we delve into your world, unravelling the intricacies of your property and crafting a personalised strategy tailored to your needs. With a team of seasoned professionals, our expertise in real estate is unmatched.

Our commercial team brings years of industry experience, ensuring that your property receives the attention and care it deserves. From the initial consultation to the final sale, we are by your side, guiding you through each stage of the process. Begin a journey with us whe-

re every detail of your home is meticulously highlighted. With our complimentary property valuation and a comprehensive suite of marketing tools at your disposal, including prominent listings on top property portals, strategic social media and print advertising and our exclusive real estate magazine, your property will shine in its truest light.

Communication is key, and we prioritise keeping you informed every step of the way. Through clear and open dialogue, we ensure that you are well-informed and confident in every decision made. Whether it’s discussing marketing strategies or negotiating offers, you can trust that we have your best interests at heart.

But our support doesn’t end with the sale. We understand that the post-sale process can be tough, which is why we accompany you every step of the way, assisting with all post-sale paperwork and ensuring a smooth transition for both you and the buyer.

Step into a world of possibilities with S4les Management Real Estate. Let us craft a successful sale, marking a new beginning for you and your family. Make the good choic e.

A house for under €200,000

de la

Marina Real – Local 1, 29692 – Manilva 660 603 602 | info@s4les.es | s4les.es

CASARES is a charming village, marked by the characteristic colour of its whitewashed walls and which was the the birthplace of the father of Andalucian nationalism, Blas Infante, the region’s most important historic figure.

The ‘Pueblo Blanco’ (white town) is one of the municipalities in the province of Malaga that year after year is recognised as one of the most beautiful in the country. And, in addition to its beauty, it is a place where it is possible to find houses and apartments at a reasonable price.

A search through both Resales Online and Idealista shows a total of 891 properties for sale. And although not all of them are within the reach of all potential buyers, there are properties that are more than appealing including an apartment with two bedrooms for just €89,000 and a three-bed townhouse for €106,000.

But be quick as prices are on the rise. In March 2024 residential property for sale had an average price of over €3,000 per square metre, an increase of nearly 20 per cent compared to 2023.

Casares offers a high quality of life and a beautiful setting for those looking to settle down or enjoy an unforgettable holiday. It is surrounded by world class golf courses, there are schools, supermarket, pharmacy as well as numerous bars and restaurants. And, it is only a 20-minute drive to the beach and all the towns of the Costa del Sol.

Puerto

Duquesa

Photos: Shutterstock

ADVERTISING FEATURE

CREATING a zen space on your terrace involves blending the .natural beauty of the region with elements that promote relaxation and tranquility. Start by envisioning a minimalist design, emphasising simplicity and calm

Begin with the flooring. Consider using natural materials like wooden decking or stone tiles, which harmonise with the surrounding environment. Incorporate a few strategically placed outdoor rugs in neutral tones to define different areas and add a touch of softness.

Furniture selection is crucial. Opt for low-profile, comfortable seating such as cushioned rattan chairs or a hammock. A small, low table made from natural materials like bamboo or teak can serve as a focal point and practical space for tea or a book Integrate greenery to enhance the serene ambiance.

Use a variety of potted plants, bonsai trees, and succulents, which thrive in Costa del Sol’s climate. Arrange them thoughtfully to create a natural, layered look.

Creating a zen space

Your Englishspeaking agency on the Costa Del Sol

CASA COSTA PROPERTY is based in the centre of Fuengirola, minutes from the train and bus station and Church Square.

Owner, Stefan Mitchell explains “we are a full-service agency, a one-stop shop from start to finish. We guide you through the buying and selling process but we also provide other services including legal advice, tax advice, keyholding, interior decoration, holiday rental services, maintenance and repairs, cleaning and general inspections.

Lisa Burgess, Agent at Casa Costa Property, adds that “it is key to know the right trusted professionals on the coast working as a team to make the process as smooth as possible for our valued clients.” She says “Stefan and I have both lived on

ADVERTISING FEATURE

the Costa del Sol for a considerable time and we now have an excellent team in place to offer a high level of service.”

Casa Costa Property is, in the main, an English-speaking agency but works with diverse nationalities.

Stefan says that “the coast has many international buyers seeking their ideal place in the sun, but our clients can be safe in the knowledge they will be looked after properly and with due diligence.”

Please contact

Stefan Mitchell - 666 448 456 or Lisa Burgess - 634 090 951 info@casacostaproperty.com casacostaproperty.com

Parking an investment

OFFICES are the most profitable bricks and mortar investment for the small saver in Spain with returns of 12 per cent, double that of housing. Rents are between €8 and €22 per square metre, so the owner of a 300 square metre property can pocket up to €6,600 per month.

The real estate sector is one of the most profitable in the Spanish market, in which offices have now gained prominence after collapsing during the pandemic. Acquiring one to rent offers a profitability of 11.8 per cent, higher than that of residential property and other types of commercial premises according to data from idealista.

For those wanting to enter the market with a smaller investment, the profitability of garages in Spain closed 2023 at

over 7 per cent according to the study of, ‘The profitability of garages in Spain in 2023’, based on an analysis by the real estate portal Fotocasa.

“We have noticed that more and more individual savers are choosing this option, which requires a very low initial investment and the yield obtained is still the highest in real estate.

Also, because a garage space increases the value of an apartment, it is logical that demand is increasing as house buying remains intense. In addition, this type of investment tends to focus on periods of economic uncertainty like we have now, as it is perceived as low risk and gives the investor security,” explained María Matos, Director of Studies and spokesperson for Fotocasa.

Photo: Flickr CC

00,000 homes shortfall

THE Bank of Spain has reported that 600,000 homes are needed by 2025 to make up for the current shortfall in the supply of real estate in the country, according to a preview of its ‘Annual Report 2023’.

The study, which looks at the difference between the net creation of homes and new homes completed, points to Malaga as one of the places with the highest demand and shortterm growth expectations.

The organisation chaired by Pablo Hernández de Cos points out that, in comparison with the robustness of

demand, there is “little dynamism” in the supply of housing, especially in the area of new housing, which has led to the growth of purchase and sale prices and rental prices.

“The contribution of new housing to the aggregate supply has been limited, due, among other factors, to the shortage of land and labour for construction, the increase in production costs, and the scarcity of investment for the acquisition and development of new urban land,” the report explains.

The Bank of Spain also blames the “rigidity” of the supply of residential housing in the short term, the lack of adaptation of vacant housing to the current preferences of households, regulatory uncertainty and the rise of alternative uses of housing, including holiday rentals.

WELCOME to Martin Real Estate, where founder Paul Martin and his dedicated team have expanded their services with a new office in Calahonda. Conveniently located on Calle Mérida de Jarales, just down the street from Mercadona, the new office underscores their commitment to serving homeowners in Spain.

With many years of success on the Costa Del Sol, Paul’s background in sales and customer service ensures a trusted experience. Martin Real Estate prioritises professionalism, transparency, and dependability with the team focusing on matching buyer and seller needs for optimal outcomes and fostering long-term client relationships.

Their commitment to quality service, local market expertise, and client satisfaction sets them apart in

Calahonda, Mijas Costa, and beyond. Whether buying or selling, clients can trust Martin Real Estate for a friendly and reliable approach to real estate.

Paul emphasises, “At Martin Real Estate, we pride ourselves on our ability to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients. We strive to exceed expectations and build longterm relationships that last a lifetime.”

From Paul’s dedication to quality service to the team’s unwavering passion for client satisfaction, Martin Real Estate stands out as a trusted name in the real estate industry across the Costa del Sol.

Experience the difference with Martin Real Estate - a company dedicated to exceeding clients’ expectations and delivering exceptional results.

Calle Mérida de Jarales, Calahonda 951 431 815

www.martin-realestate.com

IN the picturesque setting of Marbella’s Golden Mile, Key Real Estate stands out as a premier agency specialising in the sales and rentals of luxury properties. Founded in 2017, this modern agency has swiftly grown from a humble two-person team to a reputable name synonymous with confidence, expertise, and reliability in the luxury real estate market.

Located at Avda. Bulevar Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, Residencial Casablanca, in Golden Mile, Key Real Estate offers an extensive portfolio of high-end villas and penthouses. With properties starting from a million euros, their offerings cater to the discerning tastes of a luxury clientele.

Whether you are seeking a shortterm rental for a summer getaway or a long-term residence to call home, Key Real Estate has the expertise and access to meet your needs. What truly sets Key Real Estate

LUXURY MARBELLA PROPERTIES

apart is their comprehensive market access and dedicated client service.

They pride themselves on finding exactly what each client desires, navigating the complexities of the luxury market with unparalleled precision. Their service extends across Marbella’s prime areas, including the Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, Cascada de Camojan, Nueva Andalucia, some areas of Estepona, and the exclusive locales of Benahavis such as La Zagaleta and El Madronal.

With over a decade of experience in luxury real estate, the team at Key Real Estate brings a wealth of knowledge and a track record of success. Their latest venture, The Seven, is a testament to their forward-thinking approach. This new development in Estepona presents an exciting opportunity: a project of key-ready houses with construction licences already approved. Situated

in a gated community, this development is located in a rapidly growing area with numerous amenities.

For those looking to invest or settle in Marbella’s luxury segment, Key Real Estate promises not just a property, but a tailored experience that embodies the essence of luxury living. Their commitment to excellence ensures that every client finds a home that perfectly suits their aspirations.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Avd. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe s/n Residencial Casablanca, Oficina 7, Golden Mile, 29602 Marbella, 952 919 992 info@keyrealestates.com keyrealestates.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

DC Ventanas: Your local experts

DC VENTANAS is a small, family-run business based in Mijas Costa, specialising in the manufacturing, supply, and installation of high-quality VEKA UPVC products. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and superior craftsmanship.

Our Services: We offer a comprehensive range of products, including UPVC windows, doors, terrace enclosures, and bespoke designs tailored to meet your specific needs. Every product is meticulously crafted from start to finish in our factory/showroom in Mijas, ensuring the highest standards of quality.

What Sets Us Apart? At DC Ventanas, our commitment to excellence is backed by a 10-year guarantee on all frames and glass installed by our skilled team. This ensures peace of mind for our customers, knowing they are

investing in durable and reliable products.

Service Area: We proudly serve the region from Malaga to Gibraltar, providing top-notch products and services to a wide range of clients. Whether you are looking to enhance your home or business, our expert team is ready to assist.

Special Offers: We invite you to ask about our special offers and promotions at the time of your enquiry. Our team is always ready to provide detailed information and help you find the best solutions for your project.

Contact us today to learn more about our product and services, or visit our factory/showroom in Mijas, or email us at dcventanas@hotmail.com, or call our office on 952 667 761. We are open from 9.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Nave 1, Camino Selene, Camino Coin KM 1.9, Mijas Costa 29651 www.dc-ventanas@hotmail.com

At DC Ventanas, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, customised UPVC solutions.

Don’t do it - it’s rude!

IUSE WhatsApp as my main messaging tool on my phone mainly because it’s free to use with other folks that have it. One of the little things which most people have is the two blue ticks to say the message has been sent, received and read - unless you are one of those people that don’t want you to know when they were last online.

Anyway, for absolutely no reason whatsoever, they have changed the tick to the right of the message to green. Why? What difference does it make to my messaging experience? It just pees me off to think that some techy department has sat down, had several meetings and votes and spent thousands of dollars no doubt, to come up with this startling bit of - what’s the word I’m searching for? I know, bullcrap.

I mean what was wrong with blue? And whilst on the subject of this app, the message about encryption isn’t strictly true is it? I think law enforcement can demand access to monitor it. To be honest that doesn’t concern me as much as the people that send

me a message asking me something specific and me answering immediately, seeing it’s been delivered and read, and then they don’t answer for two hours. That’s the equivalent of talking to someone face to face, them getting up, walking away and coming back and wanting to carry on the conversation where we left off. Don’t do it - it’s rude!

Whilst on the subject of phone apps I also use X or Twitter or whatever it’s called now. I only follow 100 people maximum and like to keep up with their nonsense but sometimes, especially overnight, I don’t check it so in the morning I might have 15 or 16 hours of catching up to do, which is pretty simple, all you do is scroll up.

But in the bottom left hand corner of the screen is a little house shaped button and if you accidently touch it the app scrolls all the way to the most current post and I have now missed all the posts I wanted to see, which is very annoying. I have a very simple fix for that Mr Musk as I know you read my column every week - just make it that you have to tap it twice to make it go there. Easy fix and will keep this grumpy old man happy for at least another week.

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

Mike’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

INTERVIEW

Spain’s rich cultural heritage

WITH origins shrouded in mystery and a history stretching back to medieval times, the festivities of La Maya offer a unique spectacle heralding spring’s arrival. In early May around Madrid, families gather to select the girls aged between seven and 11 who will become this year’s ‘Mayas’.

Abundant in symbolism, this tradition is all about themes of fertility, prosperity and blessing the upcoming agricultural season. Families meticulously craft elaborate altars adorned with flowers and herbs from the surrounding countryside, fashioning a wreath the girl wears like a crown.

A lush carpet of freshly picked plants adorns the altars, flanked by vases overflowing with flowers. With no written guidelines, everything is passed down orally for generations.

On festival day, wearing petticoats, white shirts and Manila shawls, the Mayas perch on the altars, accompanied by attendants who offer to brush your clothes in ex-

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

change for donations to cover the family’s outgoings! After two hours of absolute stillness, they proceed to the church for a service, a tradition now firmly embraced by churches despite its pagan origins.

The festival’s name originates in Greco-Roman myth, where Maia, a companion of Artemis, symbolised the fertility of spring, ultimately giving the month of May its name as it marks - curtain up, drum roll - the height of spring!

And once again, many thanks for all your welcome emails to my website!

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Couple across the Street’ (www.no ra-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca can -

Nora’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Speaking European –

Jan Törstedt

The first thought Jan had after he had finished his national duty in the Swedish military, was “I’ve got to go to Spain.” He was in his 20s and was the first Swedish ERASMUS student to come to Spain, moving to study at the University of Barcelona in 1995.

ALMOST 30 years later, he resides in Barcelona with his Spani sh family and shares his love of Spain and “its way of living.”

Even back in 1995, when there were much fewer expatriates than today, Jan remembers how welcomed he felt: “Spain is the most welcoming country in the world because they are so used to visi tors.”

Jan believes in a strong expatriate community: “Foreigners in Spain have the most in common with each other, no

matter where they come from. Out of the entire planet, they choose to come here and that shows the kind of values that they have and the lifestyle they desire.”

One of Jan’s favourite things about Spain is its diversity and uniqueness from region to region. He also loves the climate but with the country’s rich culture, unmatchable scenery and welcoming people, he has learnt that “Spain is so much more than just the sun.”

Jan Törstedt in Spain

LOCATED in the dynamic Max Beach complex, Mao has re-emerged from its traditional roots, presenting a fresh, contemporary face as Mao Street Food. This revamp introduces a thrilling array of Asian street food, capturing the bustling essen-

ce and flavours of Asia right in the heart of Mijas Costa.

Asian street food goes beyond mere sustenance; it’s a vibrant expression of culture and community. From the sizzling stir-fries of Shanghai to the delicate sushi of Osaka, these dishes reflect the energy and diversity of urban life across Asia. Mao Street Food embraces this eclectic tradition, serving up its diverse fare against the serene backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. The setting at Mao is truly a spectacle, where the expansive sea horizon meets gastronomic finesse. Summer evenings elevate the ambiance, as guests on the terrace enjoy not only their meals but also vibrant poolside shows, making for memorable nights under the stars. Our menu is thoughtfully

Bossa Nova charity concert

‘ONE WORLD’ is Pawel Rosak’s latest solo album and is scheduled for release later in 2024 and its title is a call for more empathy and calm in our turbulent times. The debut live performance of ‘One World’ will take place at the Centro Cultural Trapiche de Guadaiza in San Pedro de Alcantara on Saturday June 8 at 7.30pm.

Polish-born, British-educated singer, songwriter and keyboard artist, Pawel Rosak, was the music partner of Gerry Rafferty of ‘Baker Street’ fame. Pawel worked alongside Gerry and his long-time friend and producer Hugh Murphy, in the Rafferty studio at Tye Farm estate near Sevenoaks in Kent during the 1990s. He is the sole survivor of the legendary creative trio responsible for several of Gerry’s best-selling albums. Over the years Pawel has recorded and performed with many other renowned international artists like his mentor and soul, R&B icon Ben E. King, Van Morrison, Chris Farlowe, David Soul and Bossa Nova legend Oscar Castro Neves amongst others.

which means ‘new wave’, was a fusion of Samba and Jazz that originally evolved in 1956 in a guitar school in the Copacabana area of Rio de Janeiro.

designed to foster togetherness through the art of sharing. Small plates of dim sum invite diners to sample a variety of flavours together, while innovative sushi rolls surprise and delight with each bite. Not to be overlooked, our bang bang shrimp offers a crispy, spicy kick, and our deeply flavourful ramen dishes promise to satisfy those seeking warmth and comfort.

At Mao Street Food, the atmosphere crackles with excitement, creating an environment where meals are lively and communal. Here, dining is an interactive experience - a place to engage with friends and family in a joyous celebration of food.

This season, we invite you to discover the new Mao Street Food. It’s more than just dining; it’s a vibrant celebration of Asian street culture, right here in Mijas Costa. Join us for an unforgettable meal where each dish tells a story and every gathering turns into a celebration.

Urb Riviera del Sol , 29649 Mijas 951 891 505 email info@maorestaurante.es maorestaurante.es

The word ‘bossa’ is Brazilian slang for something carried out with charm and natural flair and was used in Samba music as far back as 1932. Bossa Nova,

While some of the songs on ‘One World’ rely on the distinctive Bossa Nova beat, they also have a Spanish Latin twist that highlights Pawel’s evolutionary journey towards the Brazilian fusion of Samba and Jazz. Tickets for this one-off concert are available from the Rotary Club of Marbella-Guadalmina, the minimum donation is €35 per person with proceeds going to the charities: Collective Calling, Hogar Betania and ‘Economato de la Agrupación de Cofradias’. For tickets and registration please email: treasurer@marbella-gua dalmina-rotary.club.

Photo: Facebook / Pawel Rosak

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Divot’s Culinary Journey....

DIVOT GASTRO BAR offers a dining experience like no other, combining exquisite cuisine with an enchanting atmosphere. Situated off a country road on the outskirts of Puerto Banus, this gem boasts an amazing outdoor dining area that overlooks serene waters, creating a picturesque setting perfect for any occasion. From Monday to Friday, between 1.00pm and 4.00pm, Divot presents its irresistible Lunch Menu Special. For just €29.50, guests can indulge in a three-course meal that showcases the finest ingredients and culinary expertise. This exceptional value is just one of the many reasons to visit Divot during the week.

Entertainment at Divot is unparalleled, with live performances every day of the week. Patrons can enjoy music from some of the coast’s finest talents, including Johnny Baker, Nathan Dean, and Mark Connor. The vibrant entertainment perfectly complements the culinary delights, making each visit a memorable

experience. Divot’s a la carte menu features an array of dishes crafted from the highest quality meats and freshest fish, all served with locally sourced vegetables. The menu is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to excellence, highlighted by their selection of home-made desserts that provide a perfect ending to any meal. Enhancing the dining experience further is Divot’s impressive wine cellar, stocked with carefully chosen wines that perfectly pair with their delectable dishes. The warmth and hospitality at Divot are palpable from the moment you arrive. The staff, who feel more like family, ensure that every guest feels welcome and well taken care of. Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended to secure your place at this sought-after establishment.

The restaurant’s open-plan layout, with large glass windows overlooking Banus executive golf course and the stunning Marbella mountain range, allows guests to bask in breathtaking

views while dining. The open-plan kitchen adds an interactive element, offering a glimpse into the meticulous cooking process and enhancing the overall dining experience.

Divot also hosts popular events, including the Costa Women event, which is a favourite among the community. The next event is scheduled for Tuesday June 4 at 1.00pm. For more information, attendees can contact @ costawomen@divotgastrogrill. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for networking and enjoying the delightful ambiance of Divot.

Open daily from 1.00pm to 11.30pm, Divot Gastro Bar is conveniently located off the A7 with ample parking. For those planning to visit, early reservations are advisable. For more information or to make a reservation, email info@divot.es or call +34 951 566 172.

Exciting news is on the horizon as Divot announces the upcoming opening

of a new restaurant in San Pedro - Chef by Divot. This new venture will bring the beloved qualities of Divot, with an added fusion twist, promising to be an exciting addition to the culinary scene. Owners who hail from Latvia and Morocco respectively, have been working together as head chef and maître for 18 years. Their vision of creating a retreat-like atmosphere where customers can relax and enjoy has been the driving force behind Divot’s success.

Divot Gastro Bar truly offers a unique dining experience where excellent food, breathtaking views, and exceptional entertainment come together to create unforgettable moments. Perfect for family occasions, pre wedding dinners, Birthdays, Anniversaries Divot will ensure a very special dining experience.

Banus Executive Golf, Cam del Angel s/n Neuva Andalucia 29660 Marbella 951 566 172 | email info@divot.es

COYA

WELCOME to Coya, a renowned restaurant located at Puente Romano Beach Resort in Marbella. With its exquisite Peruvian cuisine, vibrant ambiance, and exceptional facilities, Coya has become a favourite among locals and tourists alike. From ceviche to tiraditos, anticuchos to grilled meats, and sushi to vegetarian options, Coya’s menu is sure to please even the most discerning palates. With a beautiful terrace for al fresco dining, a fully stocked bar, and a cosy lounge area, Coya offers a memorable dining experience in a stunning location. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Coya is worth a visit for an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Situated on the beautiful grounds of Puente Romano Beach Resort, Coya is a renowned restaurant located between Marbella and Puerto Banús. Offering a unique dining experience, Coya has gained a reputation for its exquisite cuisine, vibrant ambiance, and exceptional facilities.

About the restaurant

Coya is a modern and chic restaurant that specialises in Peruvian cuisine with Japanese, Chinese and Spanish cooking techniques. The restaurant boasts an extensive menu that features a wide range of flavoursome dishes crafted by expert chefs using the freshest ingredients. From ceviche to tiraditos, anticuchos to grilled meats, and sushi to vegetarian options, Coya offers an array of culinary delights that are sure to please even the most discerning palates. The restaurant also offers a thoughtfully curated selection of cocktails and an extensive wine list, making it a perfect destination for a complete dining experience.

Situated in the illustrious heart of the Golden Mile in Puente Romano, Coya Marbella emerges as a beacon of culinary brilliance, effortlessly blending Peruvian authenticity with contemporary European flair, and

elegant haven. Every dish, from the zest-filled ceviche to tantalising tiraditos, echoes the dedication of their expert chefs, ensuring that patrons embark on an unforgettable culinary voyage.

The meticulous presentation, combined with the use of only the freshest ingredients, ensures that every mouthful is a burst of exotic flavours. While one might regard Coya Marbella as a high-end establishment, the diverse menu options, especially the set lunch offering, ensure that the unparalleled dining experience remains accessible to many. Complementing the gustatory delights is the restaurant’s ambiance. With an interior adorned with exquisite art and textiles that undergo a refreshing transformation every three months, it exudes an air of luxury while still resonating with Peruvian warmth. And for those who cherish dining under the open sky, the outdoor terrace provides the perfect setting with its breathtaking views.

Ambiance of the restaurant

The ambiance of Coya is one of its main highlights. The restaurant is designed with a vibrant and lively atmosphere, with a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The colourful décor, dim lighting, and cosy seating arrangements create an inviting and warm ambiance, perfect for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal with friends and family. The restaurant also features a beautiful terrace, providing a serene and picturesque setting for al fresco dining.

Coya Marbella stands as a testament to the art of fine dining. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience, where every detail, from food to ambiance, culminates in a harmonious symphony of luxury and taste. It’s an indulgence that, while on the pricier side, guarantees value in every sense of the word.

Elrow Town

Michael Carrington MARBELLA is getting ready to host the biggest electronic music event in ‘Elrow Town’ with six stages, 30,000 people, more than 50 DJs, more than 300 performers and 12 hours of music starting at 2pm on Saturday August 24. Elrow, the renowned entertainment and festival brand, is pleased to announce that its acclaimed Elrow Town format will land for the first time in Marbella as part of the OMA FEST line-up. This debut in Marbella marks an important milestone in the history of Elrow, as it will be the first time the festival will be held on the southern coast of Spain.

of the brand.” After years of continuous growth, the Elrow brand has established itself as one of the mainstays of the entertainment industry and electronic music worldwide. Elrow organised more than 130 shows in 2023 with a presence in more than 33 countries, 65 cities and on five continents.

The event in Marbella is expected to attract a considerable number of foreign visitors, accounting for 20 per cent of total ticket sales. The festival will be held at the Recinto Ferial San Pedro Alcantara, which offers the perfect space to host Elrow events.

“For the first time, we have decided to hold ‘Elrow Town’, our largest and most immersive format, as we have finally found the perfect place creatively to hold it”, said Juan and Cruz Arnau, founders of Elrow. “Marbella, as a world-renowned resort with a large international audience, offers the ideal backdrop for our expansion and internationalisation

So, get ready to immerse yourself in the biggest and most vibrant festival in Andalucia’s history. With 12 hours of pure excitement and entertainment, Elrow Town Marbella promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone. More information is available at the elrow website: elrow.com.

Sip & Paint

AT Flamenco Rosa Café on Friday May 31 from 5pm to 7pm step into a world of breathtaking hues and picturesque scenes at a ‘Colourful Landscapes’ painting class! Join tutor Kasia at the Artful Creative Classes to explore the beauty of nature through a kaleidoscope of colours all while enjoying drinks and nibbles. In this inspiring session, Kasia will guide you in creating stunning landscapes that burst with life and energy. Whether you’re drawn to rolling hills, serene lakes, majestic mountains, or vibrant cityscapes, this class is your canvas to express the beauty of the world around us.

No matter your skill level, from novice to seasoned artist, the friendly instructions will provide expert guidance to help you bring your vision to life. Discover the joy of playing with bold colours, experimenting with textures, and capturing the essence of a scene in your unique style. Immerse yourself in the creative process, and let the landscapes on your canvas transport you to places of wonder and tranquillity. Whether you’re seeking a solo artistic adventure or a fun outing with a friend, this class offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, explore, and create. Reserve your spot today via the website kakeart.com, get ready to paint your very own masterpiece and embark on a vibrant journey with ‘Colourful Landscapes’.

Photo: Elrow Madrid

Photo: Wikimedia CC / Ileslyyy

Celebrate San Juan at Bono Beach

BONO BEACH, a stunning beach club known for its beautiful location and vibrant ambiance, is gearing up for an unforgettable San Juan celebration on Sunday June 23.

This magical evening promises a perfect blend of tradition, entertainment, and culinary delights, making it an ideal event for friends and family.

Embracing the spirit of ‘Sharing is Caring’, Bono Beach has created a delectable sharing menu priced at €90.00 per person.

The evening begins with a starter sharing board featuring a delightful assortment of Crispy Squid, BBQ Chicken Wings, Thai Beef Salad, and Sushi. For the main course, guests can indulge in a sumptuous selection including Surf N Turf, Grilled Tiger Prawns, Marinated Lamb Chops, and Nebraska Beef Entrecote.

The culinary journey concludes with a sharing platter of desserts, offering a sweet ending to a memorable meal. In addition to the exceptional food, the night will

be filled with live entertainment, starting with a captivating fire show and continuing with a DJ spinning tracks until late. The highlight of the evening will undoubtedly be the magnificent firework display, lighting up the night sky and adding a touch of magic to the celebration.

Bono Beach, with its picturesque setting and exceptional service, provides the perfect backdrop for the San Juan festivities.

Guests can relax on the beach, enjoy the lively entertainment,

and partake in the traditional celebrations that make San Juan such a special night.

Don’t miss out on this enchanting evening at Bono Beach. Make your reservations early to ensure you and your loved ones can enjoy an unforgettable San Juan celebration by the sea.

Urb. Costa Bella, Playa Arenal Elviria, Marbella Calle Cervantes, s/n. 952 839 236 info@bonobeachmarbella.com

Ssshhh! Silent Disco

A UNIQUE silent disco event where you’ll be walking and dancing with headphones on, immersed in the music and the stunning coastal scenery of the Paseo Maritimo in San Pedro Alcantara, Marbella.

Put on your headphones, feel your favourite groove, and show off your best dance moves while enjoying breathtaking views of the beautiful beach. So grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and join in for a crazy fun event. Everybody is welcome and no dance experience is required, it’s just about having fun. It’s on Saturday June 8 with two time slots11am and 7pm.

“Dancing in public sounds terrifying, right? Well, that’s exactly how I felt before my first Silent Disco experience in London! But guess what? The freedom of letting loose under the open sky turned out to be one of the most liberating experiences of my life. Now, I’m bringing that same magic to Marbella,” said the organiser of the event. Silent Disco Marbella isn’t just about dancing (although there will be plenty of that!). It’s about breaking out of your shell, feeling the sun on your face, and enjoying the stunning beachfront scenery of San Pedro - all while grooving to your own beat.

Tickets costing €15 are available through the Eventbrite website.

Let the sunshine in

THE American tribal love rock musical Hair celebrates the 60s counterculture in all its barefoot, long-haired, bell-bottomed, beded and fringed glory.To an infectiously energetic rock beat, the show wows audiences with songs including ‘Aquarius’, ‘Good Morning, Starshine’ and ‘Let The Sunshine In’. Exploring ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace, Hair remains relevant as ever as it examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world. Hair debuted off-Broadway in 1967 and was an instant sensation, moving to a second venue and playing 144 performances. On April 29, 1968, Hair opened on Broadway at the Biltmore Theatre. Breaking all theatre conventions, the show’s nudity made it a first for a Broadway

musical, it made national headlines and played for 1,750 performances.

Hair tells the story of a tribe of hippies around the time of the Vietnam war and addresses the sexual revolution, spiritual enlightenment, recreational drug use and deals head on with the outdated, conservative views about homosexuality, race, emerging capitalism and war.

The show now comes to Fuengirola at the Salón Varietés Theatre from Wednesday June 5 until Sunday June 9 nightly at 9pm (due to the summer heat this performance starts later than usual). For tickets go to the theatre’s website: www.salonva rietestheatre.com or email: boxoffi ce @salonvarietestheatre.com.

Kevin Fraser Park

Photo: Shutterstock / NicoleeeeeKM

Photo: Flickr CC / MGEARTWORKS

Marbella’s biggest shopping event

Brian Bamford

THE shopping you’ve been waiting for with discounts of up to 80 per cent on top brands are back at Feria Outlet in Marbella. On the weekend of June 7, 8 and 9 you have an appointment at the Palacio de Congresos de Marbella for the best prices in fashion, footwear, accessories, home and leisure, food and much more. Buy more while paying much less so don’t miss it.

home - everything.

Feria Outlet is where you can find the best brands to renew your wardrobe at the best price. Trousers, shirts, tops, warm clothes, all from top brands: Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, The North Face to name but a few.

At Feria Outlet Marbella you always have thousands of products waiting for you at the best prices. Fashion, accessories, footwear, urban, cosmetics,

There will also be thousands of accessories that complements perfectly your new outfit: sunglasses, jewellery, bags and backpacks, jewe -

llery, and much more. And then there’s cosmetics and make-up at outlet prices, great brands at prices for everyone.

Urban brands are there too, you can always find your favourites at prices that will blow your mind: Vans, DC Shoes, Dickies, Fila, Adidas, Nike and Ellesse.

Mark it in your diary and head to Marbella for a new wardrobe at bargain prices.

A stroll for charity

THERE are a few places left for June’s Mijas Walking Tours For Charity: Wednesday 19, Saturday 22, Monday 24 and Thursday 27. Mijas Walking Tours For Charity are a three-hour stroll through the streets of Mijas, a beautiful white walled village nestled above the Spanish Mediterranean Sea.

There are many lovely things to see here, but the aim is to go beyond the obvious and take you into the real Mijas. Your host, Alan Boardman who has lived and worked in Mijas for 19 years, will explain, in a fun way, the his-

News from Simply Thriving

JUNE is proving to be a very busy month for the Simply Thriving Group who look forward to their Thursday monthly lunch meeting at El Golf on June 6. The list had to be closed at 65. It is the day of

tory and development of the village and the wider Costa del Sol. The tours are weekly, in English only and there’s a maximum group size of 12 people. You meet at 11am right outside the town hall in Mijas village.There is a suggested minimum donation of just €5, payable at the end of the tour.

All money is donated to a nominated charity and, so far over €18,000 has been raised in this way.

If you’d like to join a tour please WhatsApp on +34 610 522 605.

Ray Hood’s birthday, well-known to many as the treasurer of Friends of the Theatre Association. Brian Piccolo and Nathan Dean will be there to sing him A Happy Birthday. On June 12 the group are sharing the cost of a coach and it will be taking them to Saydo Park, the home of the Bargain Brits celebrities and then on to Rio Frio, the trout farm. Many of the group have booked for the fabulous Curtain Up show at La Sierra on June 15. To finish the month 56 have booked a two-hour catamaran trip on June 27. It’s all go for the group before the respite in July and August and then they return to the first event in September, Last of the Summer Wine.

As well as all this activity the group are also looking forward to a cruise in December. Anyone is welcome to join the group free and all activities are non profit making and for the benefit of anyone feeling lonely on this coast. See Simply Thriving Group on Facebook.

Photo: Facebook / Alan Boardman

Photo: Feria Outlet

MARC ANTHONY

will open the season of the Oasis Marbella Fest on Friday May 31 at the multi-purpose venue in San Pedro Alcantara.

The deputy mayor of Sampedra, Javier García; the Youth councillor, Alejandro González, and the promoter, Tone Guimaraens, launched the concert, which will be the inaugural event of the E1 competition in Puerto Banus and which will be joined by four more festivals during the summer: I Love Reggaeton on July 26, I Love the 90s July 27, the Bella Festival on August 3 and ElRow Town on August 24.

nicipality.

García said that, “this is great news for Marbella and San Pedro Alcantara, especially for young people and for the commercial sector, due to its economic impact. We want to respond to our neighbours in terms of music, with affordable prices and in a quality venue,” said the mayor, who thanked the promoters and the sponsor, Hard Rock Hotel Marbella, “for supporting the celebration of this type of event in the mu-

Manilva Pride returns

SAVE the dates: a new edition of Manilva Pride is coming this summer. The event will be held on the weekend of Saturday June 15 and Sunday June 16 in different parts of the municipality. The councillor for Foreign Residents, Dean Shelton, is finalising the details for this event and the programme will feature numerous performances and activities which will soon be announced by the Manilva Town Hall. What is known so far is that Kelly Roller will be appearing for the third year running. Kelly has been

For his part, Gonzalez said that residents registered in Marbella will have an additional discount on the price of tickets for all events. The festival’s website www. omafest.es, will provide a link for the purchase of passes and has also set up a section for hiring personnel for the concerts. As for the musical events themselves, in addition to the Latin star, the festival will feature singers and groups including Viva Suecia, Ivan Ferreiro, Iñigo Quintero, Cali & Dandee and 2 Unlimited, among others. ElRow, an internationally renowned electronic music event, will also be present in the city for the first time with more than 50 artists and 300 performers who will entertain the audience on six stages.

Finally, the commercial director of Hard Rock Hotel, Nico Timmermans, thanked the organisers and the city council for, “making this project possible, of which we are part and in which we feel committed because we love music.”

entertaining the masses for years and has starred in the TV franchise Drag Race España. The timetables and locations are as follows: Saturday June 15, from 2pm to 6pm, in the Plaza de Los Naranjos in Sabinillas. Again on Saturday from 7pm to 3pm there will be a big party at the Monument in homage to the Fisherman, on the beach of Sabinillas. And on Sunday from 2.30pm to 11pm, there is a beach party at Sabinillas. In the meantime you can already book a table to fully immerse yourself in the ultimate Pride experience at the

Manilva Pride Rainbow Bar. Treat yourself to an evening of comfort and convenience with a dedicated seating area and table service. Avoid the hassle of queues and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the event but, with limited spaces available, you’d be wise to secure your spot now to indulge in two complimentary drinks and two delectable tapas, all included for a donation of €45. Don’t miss your chance to elevate your Pride experience, to reserve your table please email: team@manilva pride.com or Whatsapp 689 861 647.

David Hart

Photo: Facebook / Manilva Pride

Oasis Fest kicks off

Photo: Facebook / Marc Anthony

Elegance and Excitement:

OLIVIA’S La Cala kicked off the summer season with a dazzling White Ice Party, where guests, dressed in their best white attire, enjoyed an evening full of elegance and excitement. The atmosphere was vibrant, with Champagne flowing freely, and the gracious Iranian hostesses, Zohre and Fereshet, adding a touch of warmth and charm to the celebration.

The night was alive with energy, thanks in part to Tony Roberts’ electrifying performance. The crowd was thrilled to see celebrities like James Argent and Albee Davies joining in the fun. A breathtaking acrobatic display by the Duo Nika left everyone in awe. The food being served was exquisite and in total keeping with the evening - it was all expertly prepared by Chef Paolo Ristori and his team.

The magic of Olivia’s La Cala wouldn’t be possible without its amazing team of over 65 international staff members. Under the expert leadership of Operation Director Michelle Ross and the creative touch of Event Coordinator Jessica Hayes from Bristol, England, the event was nothing short of spectacular. Jessica’s passion for decoration was evident in

every detail and Michelle’s passion for Olivia’s just shone through - further evidence that there is a massive team of experts at the venue ensuring your visit is nothing short of remarkable. The White Ice Party, hosted by the charming vicious dynamic Elliott Wright along with his lovely wife Sadie Stuart and his super friendly mother Debora, will now be a monthly tradition, taking place on the last Thursday of each month. These events will feature dance performances, live music, DJs, and so much more - the weekend starts off in style at Olivia’s - but please make sure you reserve well in advance.

Elliott Wright isn’t just a successful real estate entrepreneur; he’s also a passionate and dedicated host. His love for hospitality sparkles through every aspect of Olivia’s La Cala, making it a favourite spot on the Costa del Sol. Elliott’s heartfelt appreciation for his staff, whom he considers the finest team, speaks volumes about his commitment to excellence. On the night he also expressed gratitude to the

mayor of Mijas and the town hall for their ongoing support and community enhancements.

Olivia’s La Cala is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where elegance meets excitement. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing lunch with loved ones or planning a special occasion, Olivia’s promises an unforgettable experience. Guests can unwind at the Sky Bar, soaking in the stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Open six days a week, Olivia’s La Cala is perfect for private events like weddings and anniversaries, offering a serene ambiance and exceptional service. Come and experience the magic of Olivia’s La Cala, where every visit promises unforgettable moments and exquisite memories.

13 Calle Terreón, La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa 952 494 935 / 608 784 367 oliviaslacala.com

Closed Tuesdays

Kempinski summer programme

AS the summer season approaches, Kempinski Hotel Bahía is pleased to announce a number of fun events and exciting offers that suit every occasion.

The Spiler Beach Club becomes the heart of the hotel during the spring and summer season and, to celebrate the best time of year, every Saturday and Sunday the Resident DJ will be there to play the best beach vibes all afternoon.

Making macaroons in Marbella

Brian Bamford

For breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Kempinski’s beachside restaurant is open to the public every day.

With live music, free flow cava and children’s entertainment, a superb menu, including live carving stations, salads, cheese selections, super bagels, incredible desserts and so much more, there is something for all the family at the monthly Sunday Brunch, making it the perfect Sunday day out.

Fancy something ‘just for grown-

ups’? How about a post-work evening of sushi and cocktails set to the best beats by the hotel’s resident DJ every Friday night in the Black Rose Bar from 6pm until 11pm. Enjoy a ‘happy hour’ on selected cocktails from 7pm to 8pm, and make sure you start the weekend in style.

And who doesn’t love a bit of jazz? The second Thursday of every month is Jazz Night at Kempinski Hotel Bahía, so go and enjoy the ambience for yourself. The next event is on June 13 from 9pm until 11pm.

From family brunches, to sushi and cocktail nights, jazz sessions or pool passes, one thing is for sure... the summer season is here!

ON Saturday June 1, join an exclusive French macaroon baking class at Art Bakery & Gourmet in Calle Leon, Marbella. Are you ready to dive into the art of making the perfect French macaroon?

Art Bakery & Gourmet, the crown jewel of Costa del Sol known for its exquisite pastries, sourdough bread, and gourmet breakfast menu, invites you to a handson baking experience like no other! Tanya, the acclaimed head chef of Art Bakery & Gourmet, will be your guide on

this culinary adventure. With a classic French education in cuisine and pastry, and a seasoned background in a Michelin star restaurant, she’s the perfect mentor to lead you through the delicate process of macaroon making. Step into the professional kitchen, a culinary haven located right in the city centre of Marbella. Equipped with top-notch facilities, it’s the ideal setting for crafting these sweet confections. What You’ll Experience: craft 30 macaroons from scratch under expert guidance; take home your deli-

cious creations to share; enjoy a selection of fine French pastries and refreshing drinks as you bake; connect with fellow pastry enthusiasts in a cosy group of just six people. It’s a fulfilling four-hour session that’s both educational and fun for only €120 per person for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to master the art of French macaroons in a friendly and professional environment. Spots are limited, so secure yours today. Call: 711 015 651 or email: office@art bakery.es.

Photo: Kempinski Hotel Bahía

Photo: Art Bakery&Gourmet

IKIGAI: Welcome to the Tribe on Estepona’s Beachfront

LOCATED on the beautiful beachfront of Estepona, IKIGAI is more than just a restaurant; it’s a journey of passion, dreams, and determination. The story of IKIGAI began in Romania, where founders Erica and Alex, originally from Romania, started their business in their kitchen with a simple concept: offering healthy takeaway options. Their culinary journey first took them to Sweden, where Erica continued to pursue her dream of serving healthy, tasty food. Eventually, their vision led them to the sunny shores of Costa del Sol, where they moved with their children to start a new chapter with IKIGAI.

Erica had a vision, and she followed her dreams with unwavering determination, much to the delight of Estepona’s residents and visitors. IKIGAI brings something unique to the area with its focus on healthy, delicious cuisine made from fresh, local produce. The restaurant is open daily, with new summertime hours starting June 1: from 9.00am to 3.30pm, and then reopening from 7.00pm till late. Although they don’t take reservations,

the place is so beloved that patrons don’t mind waiting for a table. A standout feature of IKIGAI is the dedication to quality and variety in their menu. With options ranging from poke bowls and salads to dishes catering to vegetarians, meat lovers, fish lovers, and those with coeliac disease, there truly is something for everyone.

Breakfast at IKIGAI offers numerous healthy and hearty options, complemented by a fantastic selection of coffees, including nut milk, lactose-free choices, and chai lattes. Fresh juices and smoothies are also available, perfect for a refreshing start to the day.

As the day progresses and the sun sets, patrons can enjoy one of IKIGAI’s delightful cocktails on the terrace, which offers stunning ocean views. For those who prefer dining by the beach, IKIGAI offers a convenient takeaway service, allowing customers to enjoy their favourite dishes right on the sand.

Erica’s commitment to her customers extends beyond the kitchen. Every Tuesday at 9.00am, she introduces a high-intensity workout class,

adding a fitness dimension to the IKIGAI experience. Additionally, this season will see the introduction of her naturally designed fashion line, further enhancing the unique IKIGAI vibe.

The staff at IKIGAI play a crucial role in its success. With chefs from Venezuela and Clara from Australia, the team brings a wealth of international experience and flavour to Estepona. Erica’s warm and welcoming nature makes every customer feel valued, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere that keeps people coming back.

IKIGAI is not just a place to eat but a community hub where good vibes and high tides converge. Erica and Alex’s journey from Romania to Estepona is a testament to the power of following one’s dreams, bringing a fresh and exciting culinary experience to the beautiful beachfront of Estepona. Come and enjoy the unique offerings of IKIGAI, where every dish is made with love and care, reflecting the spirit of its founders.

Av. España, 3, 29680 Estepona, 657 780 254

Keep on truckin’

Carrington

THE first Mijas Truck Rally and Transport Fair will run from 5pm on Friday May 31 until Sunday June 2 at the Las Lagunas fairgrounds.

Nearly 200 lorries from different parts of Europe will come together in Mijas in an event in which the best vehicles will be awarded in different categories including: best restored classic, best decorated American vehicles, lighting and interiors, among others.

On Sunday June 2 at 3pm, the prize-giving ceremony will take place.

There will also be a parade of participating lorries through the town centre of Las Lagunas on Saturday June 1 at 8pm.

The main companies in the transport sector will take part in this event for motor enthusiasts and, in addition, an agenda of parallel activities has been planned to make it attractive, not only for fans, but also for residents and visitors to Mijas.

In addition, the event has a charitable character, as the bar service will be managed by Adimi and the Association of Charity Food for Autism.

Date night

PARENTS, it’s time to reclaim your date nights and make them truly unforgettable, picture a night where your kids learn and play while you get a three-hour break. Leave your worries behind and enjoy a well-deserved evening together while your kids have an amazing time. The next ‘Noche de Bloques’ event is happening on Saturday June 1 from 7pm to 10pm at Bloqueria in

Estepona. This kids-only evening is packed with imaginative LEGO games and activities, sparking creativity and building lasting memories.

They are also serving fresh pizza and juice, so you don’t need to worry about dinner and they also offer vegetarian, gluten-free or vegan options. Let your children’s creativity soar as they construct their own masterpieces

using a vibrant and diverse selection of LEGO bricks. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will be there to provide guidance and support throughout their building adventures.

The age range is five to 12 years and the cost is €30 per child or €25 each for siblings. Don’t miss out on the ultimate LEGO night, reserve your spots now, email: contact@bloqueria.com or call +34 634 415 823.

Michael

Photo: Flickr CC / Benjamin Dherin

Photo: Facebook / Bloqueria

WHAT is it like running a restaurant on Costa del Sol on a daily basis? Jeti’s Kebab turned two years old at the beginning of 2024.

During our operation we have gotten to know thousands of customers and also encountered numerous ups and downs during these two and a half years. Now we would like to open up a little about our daily activities as well as to touch little bit on our future ideas and plans.

Who are we?

Jeti’s Kebab is a restaurant that is located in the Los Boliches area of Fuengirola at Plaza Pedro Cuevas. We, at Jeti’s Kebab pride ourselves in creating delicious and high-quality Kebabs. We offer a wide range of products from pita-Kebabs to Kebab with fries/rice and salads, without forgetting our vegan options.

Our most popular products include the Jeti Plate (Kebab, French fries or rice, salad and home-made

sauce) and the Mayor (Our very own take on Kebabburrito). At the core of what we do is the high-quality and tasty Kebab-meat that is produced in Finland and transported frozen to Spain. Our veggies come from local producers and our delicious chicken option as well as our falafel (or as we call them Jetifels) are also produced here in Spain.

What we do?

It may come as a surprise the work involved in creating a relatively simple thing like a kebab for a customer. In our case, it of course starts with the kebab-meat which is transported via freezer lorry across Europe from Finland all the way to Spain.

We could not do what we do without our amazing partners. The transport is handled by a Finnish company, which also regularly brings loads for other businesses operating on the Costa del Sol.

Thanks to the precise refrigerated transport regulation, we can count on a reliable cold chain throughout the journey. The next crucial partners for us are of course the local producers. The vegetables are always brought to our restaurant fresh in the morning and we get other ingredients such as our pita bread from a nearby bakery at regular intervals.

A day in a life:

Jeti’s Kebab ADVERTISING

FEATURE

Everything else like drinks, cutlery and spices are obtained from a local wholesaler and last, but not least, our delicious sauces are all hand made with love from high end ingredients.

Our customers

Established in the heart of Fuengirola’s Finnish community, the restaurant initially attracted a huge number of Finnish locals and kebab lovers who were on vacation to come and taste our products.

Today, we can happily say that many Spanish customers as well as visitors from all over the world have fallen in love with our products.

Our future?

Although running a restaurant in Los Boliches has been extremely rewarding, Jeti’s Kebab has a far more ambitious goal so that in the future our restaurants will also be found in nearby municipalities and who knows maybe even further away.

Remember: Why have abs, when you can have kebabs?

Jeti’s Kebabs, Plaza Pedro Cuevas 8 (Plaza San Rafael) 29640, Fuengirola www.jetiskebab.com / email info@jetiskebab.com or call 633 969 649

Casares celebrates Pride

CASARES is preparing to celebrate Pride Day on Friday June 7 in the Jardines del Rosario. The event, which champions diversity, will include the presentation of the Casares Diverso Award and a gala with a performance by Jota Carajota, a renowned Spanish drag queen.

which has recently been awarded the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity prize in the bronze cate gory for cities with less than 50,000 inhabi tants,

reaffirms its commitment to creating a fairer and more diverse society. This recognition adds to the various measures that Casares has implemented to promote inclusion and diversity.

For the past four years, Casares has been cele -

Marbella’s BIG week

THE programme for Marbella’s San Bernabé Fair, which will run from Wednesday June 5 to Tuesday June 11, has been confirmed with more than 50 activities and concerts.

Photo: Jota Carajota

with a festival that highlights the importance of the LGTBI movement. This year, the Casares Diverso Award will once again be presented, which recognises the work of people in the municipality who have stood out for their work in promoting a fairer and more diverse society.

The event, which this year has moved to Casares Costa, will continue in the auditorium of Los Jardines del Rosario with music by DJ Mister Gody and a drinks bar, offering attendees a celebration full of colour and diversity.

Marbella’s mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, presented the calendar of events in the Plaza del Santo Sepulcro and said that, “Marbella will once again experience its Semana Grande with festive days that are eagerly awaited by locals and visitors alike and which will include activities for all audiences.”

On June 5, the lighting of the Arco del Recinto at night will take place and, after the crowning of the Queens, King, Miss Congeniality and Ladies, the evening will end with a fireworks display.

The Day Fair will be inaugurated on June 6, at 1pm and on Monday June 10 at 12.00 midday, there is the parade of Giants. On Tuesday June 11, the big day and feast of the Patron Saint, the procession in honour of San Bernabé will take place.

The programme includes the Children’s Day, which will take place on Thursday June 6 from 7pm and will have special prices on the rides, and the ‘Noise Free Days’, which will take place on Friday June 7 and Sunday June 9, for the enjoyment of people who are extremely sensitive to loud sounds.

In addition, on Monday June 10, at

8pm, there will be a children’s party in the auditorium of the Recinto Ferial at night, Luis Teruel football pitch, featuring a magical evening full of entertainment, bouncy castles and numerous surprises.

Various musical performances feature national and local bands: on Tuesday June 11, the group Camela will give a concert, starting at 9pm, on Avenida Ricardo Soriano on the corner of Calle Huerta Chica. In addition, dance academies will perform every day on the stage of the Represa park, opposite Millán shoes, and will hold their competition on Friday June 7, at 9pm, in the Plaza de la Iglesia.

The complete programme can be consulted at: https://www.marbella.es/ima ges/jevents/programa_sbm24.pdf

Photo:

Jota

Carajota

Costa Blanca North Global appeal

GENERALITAT is allocating €875,000 to promoting the Valencian Community and enhancing Costa Blanca’s global tourist appeal.

The Counsell authorised the signing of a collaboration agreement between Turisme Comunitat Valenciana and Hosbec (The Hospitality and Tourism Business Association of the Valencian Community), placing the Valencian region at the top of the tourist market in 2024.

With the Valencian Community’s recent achievement of becoming a destination with the most Blue Flags in the world; a large amount of which are in Costa Blanca, the regional efforts to foster and preserve nature, aim to position the coast at the top of sustainable tourism.

The project will also promote summer surveillance on the beaches, including the service of safeguards and drones.

Axarquia Tourist tax

ANDALUCIA will not be implementing a tourist tax at this time, as officials consider it ‘premature.’ The decision came after a meeting in Malaga between the Junta, representatives of Andalucian municipalities, and business leaders. Instead, they agreed to establish an ‘observatory for local tourism sustainability under the Andalucian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FAMP).’

Tourism has both positive and negative impacts on Andalucian society. While it generates significant economic benefits, such as 415,000 jobs and infrastructure improvements, it also brings challenges like gentrification, increased tourist housing, and disruptive behaviours like ‘drunk tourism’. The new research group aims to gather data and insights to ensure tourism growth is socially sustainable. The goal is to balance the industry’s development with the well-being of local residents, ensuring that the benefits of tourism do not come at the expense of community harmony.

Mallorca

Mallorca meets Cannes

THE Mallorcan film industry gathered at the Cannes Film Festival to celebrate its contribution to the international film scene. The event showcased the upcoming Atlantida Mallorca Film Fest (July 20-28) and the Evolution Film Festival (October 30 - November 5). Organised by Screen International in collaboration with the Mallorca Film Commission (MFC), the event highlighted Mallorca’s growing influence in filmmaking and its vibrant festival culture.

During the event, the MFC reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable filmmaking with the introduction of the Green Film Forum. The forum is set to take place on the island in autumn and aims to position Mallorca as a leader in eco-friendly production, reflecting the commission’s dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation.

Tickets are now available for the Atlantida Mallorca Film Fest. Culture lovers will be treated to a feast of film, music, and workshops.

Costa Blanca South Orihuela Pride

GET ready for a one-of-a-kind experience at the inaugural Orihuela Pride Festival, set to paint the town in vibrant hues on Saturday June 1.

Those supporting this event will be treated to a full parade, live performances, and a disco with DJ Angelia Ukraines spinning the tunes.

The Parade will commence at 11am and leave via the Emerald Isle car park. It will then go around the block on Calle Marte before heading down Calle Mercurio, crossing the junction, and continuing down Calle Escorpio, past the Abbey to the bottom of the road. From here, it will come back up Calle Escorpio, past Ariana’s bar and Valdimars, and then continue up Calle Osa Menor.

Then the entertainment really begins with DJ Soraya and a fantastic line-up of live entertainers. The whole extravaganza is being brought to a close with fireworks and a disco.

Almeria Mojacar keeps winning

NOT only was Mojacar chosen to be the host for the presentation of this year’s SICTED seals of approval, but it was also the recipient for four for its beaches.

The SICTED seal is a project to improve the quality of tourist destinations promoted by the Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism and is valid for two years attesting to the quality of the tourism product offered by a number of municipalities in Almeria.

It’s not just about beaches but the entire range of tourist support which includes accommodation, tourist guides, museums, boat tours, golf courses, hotels, restaurants and much more.

In the case of Mojacar, the four quality seals for the beaches of El Cantal, Lance Nuevo, Marina de la Torre, Venta del Bancal and Ventanicas complements the Blue Flags granted earlier this year.

Costa Calida Local impact

PHASE TWO is a close-knit group with a shared passion for making a difference and supporting local charities. This dynamic team, driven by a shared commitment to social good aims to raise funds for various causes close to their hearts.

Through their dedicated efforts, Phase Two has already achieved significant milestones, including a remarkable fundraising feat for Samaritans Spain. Despite limited promotion time, their relentless drive saw them raise an impressive sum within just one week, underscoring the power of collective action and compassion. They raised €1,600 for Samaritans in Spain. Samaritans in Spain support anyone who is struggling to cope no matter what is worrying them. They offer support to people who may be having suicidal thoughts. Their hotline available from 10am to 10pm every day invites English speakers to reach out.

PETS

Fresh feast

FEEDING your cat or dog a raw diet has gained popularity among pet owners seeking natural, health-focused options.

A raw diet typically includes uncooked meats, bones, organs, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. Proponents argue that this diet mirrors what animals would eat in the wild, potentially offering benefits such as improved coat quality, increased energy, and better dental health.For cats, a raw diet often

consists of poultry, rabbit, and fish, while dogs might enjoy beef, lamb, and chicken. It’s crucial to ensure that the diet is balanced, providing all necessary nutrients like calcium, vitamins, and fatty acids. However, there are risks, including bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances.

Consulting a veterinarian is essential before switching to a raw diet to ensure it’s safe and suitable for your pet’s specific health needs.

Trelawney Bresic PETRADAR, a new platform dedicated to reuniting missing pets with their owners, has launched in Spain.

Since its inception in Amsterdam in 2021, PetRadar’s innovative approach has achieved remarkable success. The platform has already assisted 70 Spanish pet owners in their search, successfully locating 54 of the missing pets.

PetRadar in Spain

PetRadar works by leveraging the power of social media to spread the word about missing pets. Based on information provided by the owners, the platform uses targeted advertisements on Facebook and Instagram to alert over 4,000 neighbours within a 1km radius of where the pet was last seen.

David Olthaar, the founder of PetRadar, expressed his enthusiasm for the platform’s achievements and its new expansion into Spain - “We can’t believe we’ve already found more than 12,000 missing pets. For a team of animal lovers, it’s truly heart-war-

Find animal loving pet-sitters for your pets

LEAVING pets anywhere when you travel on holiday can be stressful. And many believe it is always best to keep them at home in their own surroundings, if at all possible, ideally with a caring pet lover who’ll watch over them. By joining a house-sitting platform like HouseSitMatch we can help you meet checked house and pet-sitters who will travel to your home and care for your pets for free!

Plus HouseSitMatch Saves Money because the Pet-sitting is Free!

If you use HouseSitMatch.com you find free checked pet-sitters who pay their way to stay in your home caring for your pets in your absence. It’s an arrangement facilitated by a managed online system. Our house and pet- sitting works as an exchange of services - free accommodation for free pet care!

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked All members are checked for

Our pet-sitters are animal lovers and will take time to get to know your pets.

safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence. Your pets stay at homeSafe and Undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose House sitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets. If you’re travelling in 2024 join now and get organised today:

1. Register as a homeow-

ner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Premium account (£89 pa) to ensure you get help online

3. Create a profile with photos of your pets and home

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work? Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials – 4.9 / 5 Excellent

Sherel and John looked after Harry… Sherel and John looked after Harry early April. They sent photos and mails to inform us how he was getting on. My neighbours tell us Harry had plenty of walks. Sherel and John are very nice people, and we highly recommend them as excellent sitters.

Tom Curry, pet owner, Spain

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com

Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation! Reader exclusive offer - 20% Off Any New Membership Register as either house-sitter or homeowner. Get a 20% discount - Use coupon code PERFECT20.

ming. Branching out is a new and exciting challenge, and we’re thrilled to be able to help the pet parents of Spain!”

Looking ahead, PetRadar aims to foster a strong community of pet owners in Spain. By collaborating with local veterinarians and shelters, such as Protectora de Animales, the platform hopes to create a safer environment for pets across the country. With its innovative use of digital tools and a passionate team, Pet Radar is set to make a significant impact on the lives of pets and their owners in Spain.

ACE OF SHADES

WINDOWS

CLASSIFIEDS

AIR CONDITIONING

AIR CONDITIONING by Cool and Cosy. The family company that cares. Installation and repairs. Quality machines. Ecosense movement sensors supplied and fitted from 100 Euros. For other energy-saving products visit www. coolandcosy.es. 952 935 513. We are Junta de Andalucia authorised installers as the new law states (real decreto 115/2017). On the Costa del Sol since 1993 (305311)

Quality Air Conditioning Installations.  Economical heating, & silent in operation. 28 Years installation history in Spain.  EnviroCare. All Areas Covered.   952 663 141/670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (305304)

MR COOL – Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Heating Systems, Sales & Service –Call Christian +34 629 527 587 or Nick +34 618 678 853 – www.mrcool.es (305704)

AIR-CONDITIONING

installations. Service & Repair to any make or model, commercial air conditioning, as well as Bar

bottle coolers. Suppliers of catering equipment. All work guaranteed. All areas covered including campo. Contact Williams Refrigeration 952 596 404 / 679 284 959. (305317) AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING

28 Years Servicing & Installing in Spain.  EnviroCare. All Areas Covered.   952 663 141/670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (305304)

AWNINGS

ACE OF SHADES – All colours available. Urbanisations catered for, electric and manual operation; also recovery service available, largest selection of colours and designs on the coast. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design T1(101730)

SUNSHINE AWNINGS/BLINDS

Awnings, Persiana, Shutter & Rejas Specialist. New & Repairs. 25yrs on the coast. 680 323 969 / 952 199 640 (305113)

BLINDS

ACE OF SHADES - Vertical, Venetian, Roman, Roller, Wooden blinds, various

colours available, also black-out blinds. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@ aceofshades.design (101730)

BLINDS, awnings, mosquito screens, curtains, vast choice. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (303730)

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (304439)

SOLAR BLINDS

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@ solarshadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (305399)

BUILDERS

BUILDING SERVICES

JIM’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS. Bathrooms/kitchen reforms, repairs, plumbing, carpentry, painting, tiling, maintenance. Give us a call no job too small. 692 207 799 / 645 559 423 (305682)

GENERAL BUILDER, Tiling, plastering, painting, electrician, plumber, carpentry. Reasonable prices. 635 913 885 (References available) (305708)

SWINGLES CASAS SL. For all your building needs. Visit www. swinglescasas.com for more details or call 635 999 765 / 666 960 262 (303441)

PLUMBING & GENERAL BUILDING All your plumbing needs. Bathroom, kitchens, tiling & painting. Benalmadena based, travel no problem. Glen 669 073 773 or Paul 642 098 115 (305519)

QUALITY renovation: Kitchens, bathrooms, tiling, windows, doors, plastering, Total property renovations  info@ masterbuildspain.com 952663141 /670409759 Over 28 years renovating history in Spain (302479)

METALWORK

NEW REJAS, GATES, Carports & Fencing, repairs & alterations. Work Guaranteed. Reliable. 19yrs on Coast. Steve the Welder. Call/WhatsApp 655 040 648 (305688)

BUY & SELL

HOUSE CLEARANCE

SPECIALISTS, FULL OR PART CLEARANCE. ALL FURNITURE WANTED, WE PAY MORE. TEL 634 324 914 OR EMAIL houseclearanceman@hotmail. com (305116)

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

ALHAURIN FURNITURE

EMPORIUM Buyers & Sellers of quality furniture. Top prices paid. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (305114)

FOR SALE 4 sets of gold clubs, 2 ladies & 2 gents. Various makes of clubs. VGC. €500 for all. +353 851 060876. Carihuela (300288)

CAR HIRE

ALH RENT A CAR – SHORT & LONG-TERM RENTALS FROM

€15 A DAY. INSURANCE INCLUDED IN OUR PRICES.TLF: 638 846 909 or reser vasalhrentacar@gmail.com (303303)

CHARITY

COLLECTIVE CALLING are urgently requesting donations of clothing, homeware & furniture, so if you are having a House Clearance, Please call us for FREE COLLECTION. We sell good quality items, which then supports low-income families and the homeless in the community. These items can be dropped directly to our charity shop Tienda Solidaria: Av. Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 4, San Pedro de Alcantara, alternatively, call us to arrange collection on +34 711 006 961 (295137)

CHIMNEY SERVICES APEX CHIMNEY SERVICES, professional chimney sweeping and smoke testing. NACS Qualified. Clean and efficient Tel: Bob 696 320 202 (304443)

CHURCH SERVICES

BENALMADENA Elim Family Fellowship. Elimfamilyfellow ship.com or call 951 912 525

or 952 446 627. (10011)

LA CALA – Encounter Church (Elim). Family friendly church with kids activities. 11 am Sundays at the Cazbah Live Lounge, Av de Jerez, La Cala 29649. Rev Dave Hodgson 695 115 496 (10012)

THE Ark Christian Church. We meet at The Ark Christian School, Calle Río Darro 2 y Plaza Juncal, 29651, Mijas Costa (the road behind the Mijas Aquapark) on Sundays at 11.00am. Pastor, Andrew Seale Tlf 682 713 491 www. thearkspain.com (293850)

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet, upholstery cleaning, 27 years experience, wet/dry clean.  Honest, reliable service 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 or email  acservs@ outlook.com (290189)

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290189)

STARLIGHT Property Cleaning & Maintenance. All types of cleaning. Any size of property. All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. 682 636451 www. starlight-spain.com (304520)

DECORATORS

RAINBOW PINTURAS. Spray painting, professional finish of kitchens, doors and furniture. All aspects of interior/ exterior paint and decorating under taken. Call/Whatsapp: 628066308  www. rainbowpinturas.com Facebook. Instagram: rainbowpinturasmalaga (304244)

DRAINAGE

BLOCKED DRAINS? Leak detection, CCTV survey, root removal, Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain.com (1296197)

ELECTRICIAN ALL TYPES OF ELECTRICAL work, re-wiring, fault finding. Certified, Reliable & Guarantee. Frank Tel or Whatsapp 650 561 629 (305657)

FLOOR POLISHING

MARBLE FLOOR (2.50€/m2) WHY PAY MORE. WE CLEAN, CRYSTALLISE, SEAL THEN POLISH YOUR MARBLE TO

HIGH GLOSS, NON-SLIP. PROFESSIONAL GUARANTEED, FAST SERVICE. 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. ALSO REPAIRS DAMAGES TO MARBLE, CLEAN AND SEAL TERRACOTTA TERRACES, COVERS ALL COSTA DEL SOL. TEL: 671 244 683 (305397)

MARBLE FLOORS polished high shine non-slip. Fast Service Reliable, family-run business. TERRACOTTA CLEANED and sealed. No job too small. Cleansol 10am – 10pm 7 days all areas. 952 930 861 / 607 610 578 Discount code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

MARBLE POLISHING, CRYSTALLISING, LASTING, HIGH SHINE. REGRINDING, RESTORATION OF SALTY, DEAD FLOORS. 27YRS EXPERIENCE. RELIABLE. REFS AVAILABLE. CYRIL. 645 840 199 (305107)

FOR SALE / WANTED

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel678 716 693 (288662)

FURNITURE

FURNITURE wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (305114)

GARDENING

IRRIGATION

IRIS-IRRIGATION and landscapes. TRENCHLESS NO DIG Irrigation installation, Cables, Fibre Optic, Electric & Lighting Cables. New Installations & problem-solving. Turf (supply and laying). Garden constructions. Tree surgeon. Clearing. Astro Turf (Free Quotation) 676 747 521 (305649)

GATE REPAIRS

ELECTRIC GATE/GARAGE DOOR automation repaired. Free, no obligation quotation. Call Colin - 636 394 641 (304223)

GATES

ELECTRIC GATES/Garage Doors. Intercoms/access control systems and replacement remotes. New installs and repairs. For all your electric gate and garage door

requirements call us on 605 356 469/952 786 178. The Garage Door Co & 2 Way Gates. tgdc@hotmail.co.uk www.2waygates.com (303198)

GLASS CURTAINS

GLASS CURTAIN repairs, specialist in replacement of discoloured plastic strips that act as a seal between the glass panels. Call Julian 655 825 931 (303730)

HANDYMAN

HANDYMAN: General Building work, painting, wall/roof waterproofing & other jobs. Call Michael 622 755 666 (300004)

HEATING

Fires:  Electric, Gas.  Quality guaranteed.  EnviroCare.  All areas covered.  952 663 141 / 670 409759.  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (305304)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

VINYL WRAP

VINYL SOLUTIONS WHY REPLACE WHEN YOU CAN RENOVATE? Modern adhesive vinyl coverings in hundreds of styles and designs can renovate a tired kitchen, bathroom, wall panels, bedroom wardrobes, fridge doors. Turn a tired looking wood designed kitchen into a modern solid colour or metallic look without painting or replacing. Work carried out on site with 10 year warranties Contact Ian 644 546 176 for design brochure and samples. (305399)

HOT TUBS AND SPAS

HOT TUBS new used, bought, sold, hired. Also move & repairs. Used good Hot Tubs for sale. 691 973 131 / +44 7836 379122 (304541)

HOUSE CLEARANCES

ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM furniture wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (305114)

INSURANCE

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate

Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www. abbeygateinsure.com (305719)

LOCKSMITHS

ENGLISH LOCKSMITHS,  SECURITY & SHADE EXPERTS. FREE HOME SECURITY SURVEY. 636 770 865 / 952 660 233 WWW. SECURITYOFSPAIN.COM

CONTACT DAREN (303056) T1 ENGLISH LOCKSMITH emergency & appointment, locks changed, patio doors & windows secured. All locks supplied insurance approved. Fast & reliable service. No hidden extras or nasty surprises. 657 466 803 www. mrlocksmith.es (305380)

MASSAGE

RELAXING Massage for Men & Couples. Feel free from tension & stress Call Dany 603 202 758 (305703)

SAN PEDRO. Sandra. Professional relaxing, tantric massage. Young, slim, work alone, unforgettable moments. Nueva Andalucia. 641 346 278

PURE RELAXATION in Nueva Andalucia with attractive independent masseuse. Tantric and other special massages in private apartment. For

gentlemen and couples, with no rush attention to your needs 656 350 401

ENGLISH ELEGANT independent & affectionate lady in late 40s, gives a sensual golfers massage to relieve tension in her discreet private apartment. Satisfaction guaranteed. Call 680 177 569 (303249)

MARBELLA CENTRE - the ideal place for relaxing massage in the city centre. Available 24h and prices from €50. For reservations and information

INSURANCE

call 620 366 817. (302600)

PROFESSIONAL MALE muscled masseur. Full-body relaxing, deep tissue and therapeutic massage. In/ outcalls. WhatsApp me 607 595 906 (304067)

BENALMADENA lovely lady, offering you a very relaxing body massage. Call for an appointment 634 209 427 (300305)

FUENGIROLA. Japanese Shiatsu & Zen Ki relaxing and therapeutic massage.

Excellent service guaranteed. Home Visits. WhatsApp for appointment 693 988 340 (305599)

AT MY Wellness Massage

Studio your first visit will be the first of many. Tel: +34 623 492 262 (304620)

JAPANESE massage. Marbella. Relaxing, less stress. 664 177 216 (MI 559)

CALAHONDA. Want to try something different and very relaxing?. Mery young masseur, slim awaits for you to offer a moment of total relax and floating on a cloud. Believe me, I am spectacular. Let me show you hidden pleasures. By appointment: 641 540 154 (300319)

MARBELLA Tantric ritual massage with aromatherapy to leave completely renewed. 642 751 070 (2907)

NEW IN FUENGIROLA. Carla beautiful mulatto 19 years old relaxing massage 672 055 839 (FU 3267)

SARA Venezuelan, professional relaxing therapeutic & sensitive massage. I can visit you. For more information contact me 632 770 051 (303021)

NEW IN FUENGIROLA. 4 friends, private villa, massage and relax 672 055 839 (FU 3267)

FILIPINA/Thai, exclusive prostatic, deep, hard, soft massage pleasure to body mind therapy, exotic proffessional relaxation, clean, good atmosphere. Elviria. Marbella. 604 457 672 (MI 584)

NEW IN FUENGIROLA. Sara, 19 years old Colombian, massage and relax, total discretion. 672 055 839 (FU 3267)

BOLICHES: Celina Https:// celina-16.jimdosite.com.

Elegant loving kind lovely delightful lady for educated very discreet, respectable gentleman. Unique relaxing moments, hot sensual massages, private quite place. Enjoy full deep complete, excellent treatment, special attention of your needs and total satisfaction. Demanding impeccable hygiene. Previous appointment 11am/6pm. 622 210 797 (FU 3241)

RIVIERA DEL SOL. Carol, mulatto, slim and funny. Looking for a tantric massage? Call me and you will live a unique experience. Tel: 641 539 181 (300319)

ASIAN lady tantric sensory generate self esteem body technique, fantastic relaxation massage Marbella. 671 442 664 (MI 584)

VANESSA Benalmadena excellent massage services. Relaxing & therapeutic. Home premises. Call me 624 811 098 (300001)

ASIAN Touch Oriental European massage, prostatic, tantric, very relaxing relief pain stress, private luxury. Elviria. Marbella. 604 473 831 (MI 584)

ASIAN MASSUER offers

relaxing full body massage. Home Visits. WhatsApp 641 980 066 for details (304011)

OLGA Mature Masseure relaxing & sensitive. Outcalls & Incalls. 24 hrs. Marbella – Tel: 632 467 580 (304040)

ORIENTAL ladyboy pretty professional traditional, tantric massage relieving. Marbella. 604 428 812 (MI 584)

ASIAN PROFESSIONAL Massage, sensual, relaxing & therapeutic, to release tension & stress. Fuengirola. Call 613 592 062 (304091)

CALA DE MIJAS . Leila, blond and expert on tantric massage. Real masseur who can transmit emotional and relaxing pleasure in all your senses. Tantric massage and body 2 body to perfection. Ask for your appointment. I do outcalls. Tel. 641 540 154 (300319)

ASIAN ladyboy and gay, authentic professional/ traditional massage therapy unique treatment, clean atmosphere. Marbella. 603 257 690 (MI 584)

outcall / incall - visa & amex - Tel. 680 55 614 (304861)

FILIPINO MASSAGE CENTRE , where hearts of Asian proffessional massage daily. 604 421 973 (MI 584)

BARBARA mature masseur educated 42yrs, private, 24hrs, Marbella. Tel 613 213 030 (304740)

CRISTINA and MIA - duo masseurs on holiday in Marbella - infall & outcalls 24hrs - visa & amex - Tel. 680 55 614 (304861)

THAI Benalmádena Costa. Body-body full massages. Visits, hotels. Whatsapp 689 387 448 (MI 585)

FUENGIROLA. Marisa, 38

GENESIS blonde explosive masseur, men and women, from Venezuela. 24 hours -

years old, mature, all kinds of massages. Only WhatsApp. 631 659 408 (FU 3225)

WWW.CASAKINKSPAIN. COM. Heated pool, Jacuzzi and private bar. Inland private retreat with a full massage service. 662 913 428 (FU 3247)

EVA, JAMAICAN full body professional massage, discreet, San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella 613 211 041 (305894)

SAN PEDRO BEACH. RELAXING AND SENSITIVE MASSEUSES WELCOME YOU IN A PRIVATE AND DISCREET PLACE. YOUNG, PLEASANT. WITH APPOINTMENT. EASY, PRIVATE PARKING. 666 194 079 - 674 679 757. (305694)

BENALMÁDENA. FRIENDLY attractive masseuse, relieve muscle tension. From 50€. 613 106 153 (FU 3269)

FUENGIROLA. Beautiful Venezuelan Ladyboy massage and relax Violeta. 660 867 374 (FU 3270)

FUENGIROLA. Excellent company, massage and more... Blond, tall, pretty lady. In/ outcalls 657 697 397 (FU 3268)

SPANISH Masseur offers sensual massage outcalls only Benalmadena-Marbella 100€/h 603844254 (305556)

MARBELLA, SOTOGRANDE, ESTEPONA, MANILVA. OUTCALL, INCALL, HOTEL, HOME. BLONDY POLISH. MASSAGE FOR GOLFERS. 642 935 441 (305997)

FUENGIROLA Paseo Maritimo, full relaxing massages. Camilla 60€ hour. All services. Appointment: 658 145 296 (305949)

BARBARA Mature Slim Maseure. Prostatic & Relaxing Massage. Private. Estepona. Call 613 213 030 (300271)

VICTORIA Slim Brunete – all massages in Estepona and Sotogrande. Call 627 112 036 (300271)

MASSAGE and fun!!! Genuine trained exotic Male tantric masseur. 602 098 606 (FU 3271)

FUENGIROLA. Gisel attractive exuberant blonde masseuse, 38 years old, pleasant Latina, WhatsApp 631 087 168 (FU 3265)

MISCELLANEOUS

GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

MOSQUITO SCREENS

ACE OF SHADES - Don’t let the bugs get you! Available in enrollable, slider and pleated. Large choice of colours including wood effect. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730)

MOSQUITO Screens for windows, doors and a high-quality sliding patio door screen. All finishes available. Quick service. All areas covered. Call Julian 655 825 931 (303730)

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours, call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (305832)

MOTORING

CAMPER VANS, CARAVANS, MOBILE HOMES, BOATS AND ALL PLANT, DIGGERS, DUMPERS, MOTORBIKES, CARS AND COMMERCIALS WANTED. BEST PRICE PAID, CASH TODAY, ANY REGISTRATION WITH OR WITHOUT PAPERS. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 (290189)

CARS, VANS, ANY RESGISTRATION, INSTANT CASH, FINANCE / EMBARGO UK OR SPANISH 685 524 921 (290189)

CARS, VANS UK OR SPANISH BOUGHT FOR CASH. FREE COLLECTION IN SPAIN / UK. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 OR 952 669 701 (290189)

WANTED, wanted, wanted!! All cars, all years, all models… from exotic to classic. Spanish,

English, Dutch plated. Call us on 951 977 329 or 606 647 597. (304490)

FOR SALE

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

CAR SERVICES

ENGLISH bodyshop, fully equipped, Mijas Costa. No Job Too Small. 952 667 074 (305106)

IMPORT/TRANSFER

CARS TRANSFERRED, history checks, Imports and Embargo problems. Change of use and lost papers. Change your car to Spanish plates, simple efficient service. Cars bought and sold. Please call 678808837 or email  carsinspain@live. co.uk (290189)

WANTED

CARS, Vans, Bikes wanted. Any Reg, Anything Considered Call or Whatsapp 687 049 592 (305284)

WANTED CARS AND VANS, FREE COLLECTION, SAME DAY 685 524 921 (290189)

CARS, VANS BOUGHT WITH / WITHOUT PAPERS. CASH WAITING 678 808 837 (303115)

EURO CAR Established since 1998. All Cars / Commercials wanted, runners or no-runners. Cash. Buyer Collects. Transfer included. 605 109 796 (304099)

OTHERS

EDS?  We have the solution, Ka magra pills & jells, Cialis, Side nafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs. Free delivery throughout Costa del Sol. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PASSPORT RENEWALS

UK & IRISH Passport renewals including photos. Complete Service. Cath’s Cards. 952 885 759. www.cathscards.es (305529)

PEST CONTROL

COCKROACHES, ants, wasps, rats.  Sanitary department officially registered certificates. Serving the coast since 1985. Only legal English owned pest control company on the coast. If you want the best, call NPS. PAUL 676 700 370(303636)

PETS LAGUNAPETHOTEL.COM

Loving care for cats and dogs TEL 646 066 351 (302996)

KENNELS

CAT & DOG World Kennels and Cattery. 952 112 978 / 630 197 435. www.catanddogworld. com (300036)

PET CHARITY

ACE CHARITY ‘El Refugio’ in La Cala de Mijas is a registered charity. We have on average 275 dogs in our care and we receive no help from the town hall or the Andalucian government. We desperately need foster homes and adoptants for our many dogs, especially the small ones and puppies who do not do well in a big shelter. We are grateful for any help offered, including donations of food and blankets. Visiting times are from 13.00 to 15.00 and you can always turn up or make an appointment by calling Denise on 669 018 736. Our website is www. ace-charity.org where you can view all the dogs in our care. (93320)

ADANA THE ANIMAL SHELTER IN ESTEPONA. We always need volunteers to walk and socialise with our dogs and help with cleaning. We also need good homes for our animals that you can see on www.adana.es. Kennels open every day 10-1.30, Camino de Casares, near Parque de los Pedregales, Estepona. (5 minutes from the Poligono) For more information call 952 113 467, available from 10.00am until 2.00pm. (93319)

ANIMEX Foundation offers free will upgrading when leaving something for abandoned animals. Contact animexfoundation@gmail. com or call 692 166 434 now for this absolutely free service (288287)

ARCH - The Andalusian Rescue Centre for Horses, registered charity 8448, is open to visitors on the first Sunday of each month from 10 am until 2pm. Working closely with the Spanish authorities, we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused and abandoned horses and donkeys. Come and meet our current rescues, learn about our work and how you may be able to help. Run solely by a small team of dedicated volunteers, the Centre is located between Alhaurin el Grande and Coin in Comm. de Viña Borrego behind Venta Miralmonte. For more information and directions see our website www.horserescuespain.org, our Facebook page Centro

Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos or tel. 711070099 (93322)

SEPE the horse and donkey charity is open to the public at weekends from 10.00 to 5.00. Volunteers are much needed in all departments and are welcome at any time. For our riding for the disabled classes, we are also in need of extra helpers. We are nationally registered by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (164640) but only with your support can we give the equine a voice. If you can just commit to 2 or 3 euros a month it will really help make a difference. You can find us at Lauro Golf Equestrian Centre, Alqueria, Alhaurin de la Torre. Tel. 608 258 950 info@sepeonline.net www.sepeonline.net (93321)

SOS ANIMAL REFUGE we have dogs, young and old looking for homes. Some of our dogs have been with us for some time and would love to find a cosy spot to curl up in and a knee on which to rest their heads. If you have room in your heart and home we would love to hear from you. We do not put our dogs to sleep - no matter how old, they are safe with us. For day to day needs and to pay for veterinary care, we much appreciate the support we receive. We desperately need items to sell on our market stall to help raise funds and are happy to come and collect. So, if you are having a clear-out, please contact us on 605 227 155. If you would like to know more about rehoming, please call 653 257 875. Visit our website www.sos-animals.org or please phone Sandy on 952 385 923 or 666 814 056 if you would like to make a donation or help in any way. (93317)

PLUMBING

PLUMBING. Leak detection & blocked drains. Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain. com (1296197)

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.COM

Costa del Sol Property Sales & Long term rentals wanted. All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@intermarbella.com (305258)

Thinking of selling your property or interested in a current valuation? We have clients actively looking for properties from Torremolinos to Calahonda. List with us and let us sell your property.  Call Joe 626 864 683 (305376) PROPERTY FOR SALE

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.COM

Costa del Sol Property for sale. All areas / all budgets / all types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008 Email info@intermarbella.com (305258)

SELLING UP?? Why not give us a call and let us give you an honest and realistic valuation of your property. List with us and let us take the stress out of selling your home. No sale no fee!! English agent on the ball with clients waiting. Please call 685 524 921. (290189)

DIRECT SALE from owner. Property with 374sq.m. built in total including a 39sq.m. garage, a 38 sq.m. office, and three 99 sq.m. apartments . All together in one four story block in Calle Madre Teresa de Calcuta, 8 - Business Park El Pinillo (Torremolinos). Fully furnished and ready to move in. Private lift. Photos and full description available on request. Euros 645,000. Contact : Jose - (+34) 661 341 568 - Email: ensena@gmail. com (305929) PROP MAINTENANCE STARLIGHT Property Cleaning & Maintenance All Areas.

Residential & Holiday Lets. Persiana repairs, Decorating, Electrial & Plumbing repairs. 682 636451 www. starlight-spain.com(304520

PROPERTY TO LET

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.COM

Costa del Sol Property Long Term Rentals All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34

951 708 422 UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@ intermarbella.com (305258)

PROPERTY WANTED REMOVALS/STORAGE

15 CUBIC metre van returning to the UK 14TH June 2024. Space available each way. Tel. 639 928 090 (305057)

MAN AND VAN

MAN & VAN, 20€ ph. Removals, Rubbish & House Clearances. Paul 634 112 677 (294214)

effect, we also offer a repair service. Make your home more secure! Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades. design (101730)

ROLLER shutter repairs, 7 days a week, conversion from manual to motorised, new installations. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (303730)

Free Estimates, Can Collect. John 952 491 723 or 600 706 201. (300297)

UPHOLSTERY

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, 28 years experience, wet/dry clean.  Honest, reliable.  678 808 837 / 952 669 701  acservs@ outlook.com (290189)

SOLAR

2 MEN, Van €30 p hour. House Clearances & Storage. 651 081 610 (304603)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301418)

STORAGE, Storage, Storage. Man & Van Services. Call/ Whatsapp 690 155 340 (304667)

MAN AND VAN removals / storage service. House clearances Collections and deliveries Waste removal NO

JOB TOO SMALL Call Mike on 604 380 570 (304093)

NATIONAL /

INTERNATIONAL

SOLAR Hot Water heating: FREE HOT WATER.  28 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality guaranteed. 952 663 141/ 670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.comwww. envirocarespain.com (305304)

SOFT FURNISHING

CURTAINS, blinds, cushions and much more. Free estimates and home visits. Tel 657 369 343 or rosannacarmella8@ gmail.com (304143)

SPECIALTY SERVICES

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290189)

CARPETS AND SOFAS cleaned. Reliable, fast service. Family run. Cleansol 952 930 861 / 607 610 578. 10am - 10pm 7 days, all areas Discount Code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

WATER HEATERS

ELECTRIC & Gas Water

Heaters.  Quality Installations.  28 years installation history in Spain.  EnviroCare.  All Areas Covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.comwww. envirocarespain.com (305304)

WINDOWS TINITNG

3 IN 1. Nurse 17 years experience, Cleaner, Home help. English / Dutch speaking. Limited slots available €30 per hour. WhatsApp or Call 690 849 277, 24 hours (304638)

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL REMOVALS AT AFFORDABLE RATES. 1/2 DAY FROM €90. FULL DAY FROM €175. WE ALSO PROVIDE A FORTNIGHTLY DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE TO UK AND EUROPE (INCL SCOTLAND). WORLDWIDE SHIPPING TO USA, AUSTRALIA, ETC AND FULL STORAGE FACILITIES. TEL (0034) 952 578 507 OR (0034) 637 892 278 / EMAIL garymoveit@yahoo.co.uk (304252)

JDS EURO TRANSPORT & REMOVALS - Regular trips throughout Europe. Call or WhatsApp Julian 0044 7884 908 929. See Facebook Page for recommendations (304139)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301129)

STORAGE

Moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301129)

ROLLER SHUTTER

ACE OF SHADES - PERSIANA (security shutter) electric and manual, various colours available including wood

SWIMMING POOLS

POOL MAINTENANCE, & Repairs, including heaters & regrouts. Friendly & reliable service. Malaga to Estepona & inland areas. 678 791 495 / 951 536 389 www. sparklenripple.net (304345)

SWIMMING Pool Heating Pumps, Pool Covers, Rollers, Filtration Systems.  28 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare.  All areas covered.  Quality Guaranteed. 95266 3141/670409759 info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (305304)

TRANSLATORS

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS All Languages. 952 789 204 Mobile 654 613 094 sanpedrotranslations@gmail. com (305305)

TV / SATELLITE

REPAIRS to TV’s, LCD, LED, -Videos, Hi-Fi, & Microwaves, Mag Boxes, UK channels installed. 35 years experience.

Toyota GR86 - the ultimate experience

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Toyota GR86

• Engine: 2.4-litre, 16-valve, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder petrol developing 234PS/231 bhp

• Gears: 6-speed manual

• Price: €38,170/£32,500

• Performance: 0 – 100kph/62mph 6.3 seconds Max’ speed 225kph/140mph

• Economy: Combined 8.8 l/per 100km/32 mpg

• Emissions: 200g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets

Classic & Sportscar Club activity grows!

THE Classic & Sportscar Club of Andalucia is still very busy and enjoying things as usual. For their June car run on Saturday, June 8, they will set off from Venta Perejil at 11.00am to take in a beautiful route that will see Casares, skirt the Sierras de Bermeja and head through Gaucin to finish in Jimena de la Frontera.

Here the club will join the Jimena Car Show which promises to be a lively affair with some 60 vehicles participating. A rock band will play music throughout the day and

hungry ones!

The Show will commence around midday with CSCCA members and their cars arriving around 12.30 for a livening glass of cava before the action starts!

The Club’s May Run was a huge success, starting and finishing at the beautiful Marbella Golf and Country Club. Following breakfast and traditional ‘Bacon Sarnies’, the route included Ojen, Alora, Carratraca with a coffee stop in Ardales before heading over the Sierra de Aguas and the Sierra Prieta

sarabonela. They were rewarded with beautiful weather, perfect driving conditions and, returning through Monda and Guaro, the Club had a cava halt near Ojen before the last dash to Marbella Golf for an excellent lunch.

Organisers, Ian and Carol Giles were delighted with the day and look forward to welcoming members old and new to their monthly lunch get-together at La Sierra restaurante in Cerros del Aguila on Tuesday, June 4 at 2.00pm.

Interested parties can contact the Club at csccspain@gmail.com.

ANDALUCIA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE

A busy time for Real Calahonda!

AWFL Over 50s

Nerja Utd 0 v 4 Real Calahonda

Nerja began on the front foot but the match soon swung the other way with Real creating a number of scoring opportunities and going in 0-3 up at the break with goals from Andrew, Glen and Trevor, despite several near misses for Nerja. Both keepers performed splendidly in the second half, although it was a goalkeeping error which gave Real’s Glen their fourth goal and secured all three points for the visitors.

AWFL Over 60s

Nerja Utd 3 v 1 Real Calahonda

first half before Carlos Jimenez gave them the lead with a true striker’s goal, with no reply from the hosts. Indeed, with such tight man-to-man marking from Real, Competa found it difficult to mount many meaningful attacks. At the same time, Real were able to pass the ball around effectively and, in the second half, wracked up five more goals from Carlos, Dai, Bob and Dave with an unfortunate own goal by the home side. Competa held their heads high and fought throughout the match but this was definitely Real’s day!

Para rowing

UP to 104 para-athletes will race for speed across 2,000 metres by boat, competing in the Paris Paralympic 2024. Paralympics introduced para-rowing in 2008, with more than 90 incredible athletes who took part in four medal events. This year, five medal events will take place, including men with PR1M1x, women: PR1W1x and mixed: with PR2Mix2x, PR3Mix2x and PR3Mix4+.

Boca Seniors Competa 0 v 6 Real

Calahonda

Although the visitors created many of the early chances, it took most of the

Both defences remained solid for the first half until a Real missplaced back pass allowed Nerja to take the lead in an even game. After the break, Nerja made it 2-0, pouncing on a rebounding save from Tony in the Real goal. Malcolm then pulled one back for Nerja following a corner but, although under some pressure, it was left to Nerja to score their third in a similar manner to the visitors’ goal to win the game.

Axarfusion Over 50s Cup Semi-Final Internacionales Mollina 0 v 3 Marbella Marbesula

The three sports classes, PR1-PR3, reflect the impact of the athletes’ disability on their physical performance. PR1 single-scull events are for rowers without trunk or leg function, in which the athletes strap their bodies for support and use two oars.

Mixed double scull races are for PR2 and PR3 rowers, who use two oars and may use legs to slide. In coxed four races, a team of four rowers and a coxswain compete with different types of disabilities, each using one oar.

Despite a place in the Axarfusion Cup Final being at stake, this match was played in the friendliest of spirits, which made refereeing extremely easy! Having struggled in the League as this season’s newbies, Mollina showed how far they have come by putting up a creditable resistance against a powerful Marbella side, who have become reknowned for their slick passing and quick movement. In the end, goals from Osorio, Salido and Pepe Luque put Marbella into the Final against Malaga on June 22 in Mollina.

And elsewhere in Andalucia......

The 2024 Paris Paralympics competition will take place at the Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, located near Disneyland, which can hold up to 14,000 people.

With para-rowing champions from across the globe, the competition expects to raise the standards.