www.soltimes.com
SOLTIMES MAY 2013
15
THE SPAINIAC | The Beach of Silence | Candice Parsons
The greenery of Asturias is the most distinctive trait to initially stand out within the province, especially in comparison to the desolate plains of southern Spain. But when looking deeper into its surroundings, as Guardian writer Paul Richardson puts it; “... the region is a microcosm of Spain as a whole, cramming into its borders everything from snowy mountains to sandy beaches, humble tapas bars to avant-garde restaurants, and from raucous local fiestas to silent valleys where bears and wolves still roam.” In simple, Asturias summarizes Spain’s natural beauty, along with its unique culture, all in one region; and surprisingly, its cities don’t receive near as much promotion as cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville, to name a few. A prime statement of this region’s beauty and rarity, and also a paradigm of its natural preservation, is The Beach of Silence located in the town of Cudillero. Astoundingly formed with cliffs and large rocks protruding out into the ocean like little sea islands,
the beach stretches out 500 metres long in the shape of a shell. The Beach of Silence must be explored by foot, and is entered through its steep staircase that follows down to the sand. It is a completely untouched space of nature, with no restaurants, shops, hotels or tourist propaganda of any sort invading its tranquillity. Amongst the locals of Cudillero, the beach is known as a former whale hunting ground where sailors would once gather and set themselves up. Nowadays, having water levels quite deep, activities such as scuba diving, diving and swimming amongst the small islands are enjoyed at this beach. Although above all, it is the peacefulness suggested in its name, and the escape this beach provides from the modernized world, that is enjoyed and respected most by its visitors. Simple, preserved, natural, and serene... and arguably an underrated hidden treasure of Spain.
Candice Parsons is a writer and avid Spain and Spanish culture lover from Melbourne, Australia. ‘Like’ my Facebook page: www.facebook. com/pandemicrhapsody and follow me on Twitter @MiLlamoCandi
LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR
If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com
Disclosure of assets (720 forms ) A GOOD REASON TO PAY YOUR NON-RESIDENT TAX Due to the new asset disclosure obligation (the infamous 720 form to be presented before the end of April 2013) a lot of property owners are asking the question: Are we tax residents in Spain or not? The way of finding this out is to ask the tax office to certify if they consider you a resident or non-resident. Remember though that if you are indeed a non resident you have the obligation of presenting a a non resident hypothetical income tax return . If you are not paying this tax it is necessary that you take control of the situation by contacting your solicitor or tax advisor. More than ever it is important that if you own a property in Spain and are a nonresident you present the non resident tax return correctly to avoid the Spanish tax authorities claiming that you are in fact a resident and therefore asking you why you have not presented a 720 form. (disclosure of assets forms) If you have doubts regarding if you are already paying this tax it is probably because you are not, as it requires the presentation of a tax form etc. The good news is that by law they cannot demand payment of more than four years back taxes. Our Advice: Start paying the tax because if you do not they will be contacting you with the risk of you not actually being hear to receive their letter etc. Not paying it may also instigate them to start considering you a tax resident. Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Almería since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid and has offices in Mojacar and Almeria High Street.