Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 295 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Vol. 12 Issue 295

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July 4th - July 17th 2018

Why the Costa de la Luz is the perfect summer escape, see special supplement inside

Ponzi king

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Police probe launched after expats claim €6 million scammed in dodgy investment scheme A GROUP of British expats have called in police after losing more than €6 million to an alleged Costa del Sol fraudster. The unsuspecting Brits invested up to €1.64 million each into the alleged ponzi scheme operating out of Marbella, Dubai and India. Welsh expat Rhys Williams, 36, is accused of snaring various local expats, including wealthy parents at his children's €10,000-a-year private school in Marbella. The victims insist the businessman, who was declared bankrupt in the UK, persuaded them to invest huge sums into a paper recycling and printing business, as well as trading platforms in Dubai, 'guaranteeing them a 2% monthly return'. One British pensioner, Brian Livesey, 84, invested €1.64 million in late 2014. The former soldier, who has lived in Marbella for decades, has yet to see any return. "It has destroyed him," his son Paul told the Olive Press this week. "He had a stroke earlier this year from the stress of it, we are barely keeping our heads above water paying off debts." Livesey, who once ran a successful UK construction company, was introduced to Williams by a director at one of Gibraltar's cryptocur-

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rency companies. "They hooked him in with trips to Wimbledon for the tennis, Sweden and to fancy meals out, which was nothing compared to what they got off him," explained son Paul. "They need to be stopped." Another victim, Adrian Parsons, 53, from Birmingham, invested €500,000 into the Dubai-based recycling company. "He was very convincing," Parsons told the Olive Press, "He and his partner were living in a €10,000 per month villa in Marbella and were dressed head to toe in design-

ACCUSED: Rhys Williams has vacated villa

er clothes and Rolexes. "They live the high life out here with all the apparent credentials to prove they are successful and making money." Not initially convinced, Parsons flew out to Dubai where he was shown around various facilities that apparently backed up the claims. “He reinforced all this with detailed bank statements and lots of official paperwork, which we now think was fake,” he continued. Initially, the investment seemed to be genuine and for the first six months he was paid back the promised 2% agreed per month. “But then the money suddenly

LIFE OF LUXURY: Rhys had Rolex and fancy cars

stopped coming in,” he said. “I’m sure this was some sort of Ponzi scheme. Clearly they ran out of investors.” For two years, Williams kept promising the money would be returned, claiming his company Impact General Trading, based in Dubai, had been embargoed and had accounts frozen after 'illegally dealing with Iran'. Parsons has since asked for his €500,000 investment back to care for his sick father, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Cancer

"Williams promised me I would get my money back, telling me how his mother had also had cancer and that he wouldn't let us down," added Parsons. But the money never materialised. Another alleged victim, Michael McVicar, claims to have lost €1.5 million, while up to a dozen other expats have apparently lost between €100,000 and €1 million each. Collectively the group claim they are owed €6.28 million. The Olive Press has discovered that Williams left Llys Meddyg Llangristiolus, in North Wales almost a decade ago after being

declared bankrupt and having his care home company investigated for fraud. Despite this, he has been able to help set up several companies, including Impact General Trading, in Dubai, and others in Panama. According to the victims, Williams and his family have recently vacated their exclusive rented villa in Marbella. “We understand they have now, rather rapidly left the coast and returned to Wales,” added Parsons. "Until last month, they had three kids at private school, were still going to all the top restaurants just like nothing had happened. "At the same time he has left a trail of destruction behind him and many lives in tatters." This week, the UK's Serious Fraud Office confirmed to the Olive Press that it is looking into the Williams, but could not comment any further. Following various denuncias, the Guardia Civil, in Estepona, is also investigating Williams. After numerous attempts to contact Williams by phone, he finally replied by email to insist his innocence. "I totally and utterly deny any allegations,” he wrote, but did not reply to any further questions.

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www.theolivepress.es NEWS IN BRIEF

Busted LA LINEA narco kingpin, Samuel Crespo, from the notorious Los Castañas gang, has been captured by the police in Jimena de la Frontera.

Tax return MALAGA town hall has been ruled to return more than €2 million for 20 cases of wrongful tax collection.

Sentenced KINAHAN member James Quinn has been sentenced to 22 years for his involvement in the murder of Gary Hutch in 2015 on the Costa del Sol.

Teen rape THREE teenagers will stand trial for gang raping a woman after breaking into the caravan where she was living in Pizarra.

Alleged expat fraudster can’t stop scamming tourists - even under police watch A SERIAL expat fraudster exposed many times by the Olive Press is incredibly STILL making thousands from scamming holidaymakers in Spain. Paula Neale is apparently conning countless ourists a month from rental scams, despite being arrested in May, in an ongoing police investigation. The Olive Press can reveal the British mother-of-two is continuing to snare victims while out on bail, after her arrest in Burgos. As well as new victims coming forward, we have been contacted by an old friend of Neale, 44, in the UK, who unwittingly allowed her to use her email and her PayPal account.

July 4th - July 17th 2018

Still at it

Ignored

In an extraordinary three month period up to early June the friend claims she raked in a staggering €18,000 from apparent holiday rental deposits. In a damning breakdown of the account, which the Olive Press has a copy of, there is a total of at least €17,830 taken via PayPal. One of the victims Alex McIntyre, who is listed on the payments, said he was scheduled to stay at a villa arranged by Neale - who uses the aliases Paula Kari and Gabriel Good-

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

man - this week in Mijas. McIntyre paid €700 for the villa near Mijas, where his aunt lives. But when he showed his aunt the pictures of the villa, she couldn’t recognise the area and when she went to look for it couldn’t find it. McIntyre tried to contact Paula - who was using her Gabriel alias - but she ignored him until he tried to cancel his PayPal payment. “She got very angry and demanded I close the PayPal dispute,” McIntyre told the Olive Press, “she blocked me on social media after telling me I would be getting no refund.” This week her long time friend in the UK, who asked to remain anonymous, told us: “She has to be stopped. It is completely wrong what she is doing.” The mother-of-two, based in Edinburgh, said she had been contacted at the beginning of the year by Neale, who she had met five years ago when she lived in Kent. “She said she had had all her belongings stolen and had no money to pay for petrol or feed her children. “She told me she was in trouble and had to keep changing her name and location due to a

flagged up a payment and I did my research and found all your articles and reported her to the UK and Spanish police,” she said. “It is amazing what she has got up to and I just feel really sad for those kids, who have not had a stable life since they were young. “They must be teenagers now and I dread to think what effect it has had on them.” The Olive Press has printed nearly a dozen stories over the past FOUR years detailing how the British fraudster was cheating holidaymakers out of thousands. Thanks to our tip-offs, ACCUSED: Neale the Spanish authorities eventustalker and I felt sorry for her,” ally launched Operation Neale earlier this year in a bid to track she continued. “She said she was getting work her down. She was eventuwriting scripts ally picked up in but she needed Burgos in May a friend to help as she was gether collect the Gone fishin’ ting into a stolen payments and car. I stupidly beShe had manlieved her.” aged to evade Over the next police for a four months number of she agreed months by hidto send her ing in Girona Thomas Cook where?? and even in cash passport ANTHONY’S France, where payments, as PAULA: A previous 2 for 1 issue from 59€ she set up a new the money came in via her PayPal ac- Tinder profile, describing herself as ‘not your typical English count. “But that was until a bank woman abroad’. Voted BEST

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Sabinillas

Manilva’s laidback vibe is founded on fish and wine and that authentic flavour is still something to savour, writes Jed Neill

Born to be wild

TS rock pools full of tiny darting fish recall British seaside holidays of old while fishing boats still compete with sunloungers for space on the beach. Manilva is quite unlike your average Costa resort. Even in swanky Duquesa marina, you sense the history of a town whose first health tourist was Julius Caesar. And when you tuck into the shellfish - Duquesa’s speciality - you realise the locals know something about fish. In Roman times, Manilva was

to garum (a paste, like Gentleman’s Relish, that was all on one of the many rocky coves Jerez drying squids, while (inset) kids play you can practiAugust, rage inofRome) July andwhat theoutside beaches include a shopping line of Indeed on many weekendsto NATURAL WONDERS: Sights on Manilva’s sherry.and a good number have great to yourself… cally have the beaches is town’s roots in fish saltwild grasses and flowers owe TS hidden craggy coves fringed with chiringuitos to eat on. The still runfind you to explore - and place the perfect Spain’s Costa del Sol. Chullera, you deep more to Cornwall’s rugged coastline than On one beach at Punta ing of of tourists remains a handful another seeatthe natural beaches of Manilva, a stillwhile the sea, But these are the attractive protectedaway from the heavily commerrock pools and dive into can line. next to a group of squids drying on a on Page true haven for nature lovers. Worlds 16 which is that lie below the main N340 sunbathe four kilometres of golden draws of Manilva, Continues to the half dozen of unspoilt beaches, But the beaches are just one of the natural cialised sands of nearby Mijas or Fuengirola, port-side Duquesa reserve. ecological rocky Manilva shallows coastal road. as anAn wildDAY: eel in the being kept split into three areas; beach-front Sabinillas, playas areCATCH OF THE on the Costa del Sol and some broadly chameleons and rare species of Endangered western snowy plovers, fauna in renaissance here since “These are some of the best beaches Continues on next page owner of local Castles of the least known,” explains Bish Witkowski, dune plants are among the flora and 2011. the conservation zone was created in also beginning to be drawn estate agency. eagle-eyed tourists are BRUNOS Unsurprisingly,

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Page 36

EXCLUSIVE By Jed Neill

POLICE are in pursuit of seasoned expat fraudster Paula Neale who has fled to France following an Olive Press probe. Detectives contacted us following a tip off that the mother-of-two was staying in a hotel in Catalunya and preparing to cross the border this week. She had been staying at Hotel Figueres, near Girona, and asked to pay for the room using her ‘husband’s’ credit card.

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It comes after four years of investigation by the Olive Press has uncovered more than 30 victims of her rental scams undertaken in various false names.

Ransacked

Neale, 43, took rental deposits for properties she didn’t own and allegedly ransacked properties she had rented before selling the stolen goods online. However, despite four stories and at least eight denuncias ON THE RUN: Paula and (above) Spain-France border and against her, she has yet to be her hotel picked up by police. They’re singling He refused to leave his hoThis is looking increasingly me out! hire car. NEWS tel room or open the door to unlikely after a receptionist They claimed she had a long at Freeze on her, setting off alarm bells for the hotel confirmedplastic that Paula chequered track record of Neale, who packed up and left had checked out on Tuesday scams and problems, and had after repeatedly trying to raise morning. a third son, who was taken him. She had been planning to into care. Neale’s speedy departure cross into France with her two The friend described her as an came as the Olive Press was children, Nina, 12, and Oscar, ‘unfit mother who long dishanding over details of vari14 and live in Bordeaux. played erratic behaviour’. Balcon wins big ous denuncias and victims to Staff at the hotel saidAllthe aboard! room On one occasion she even prewas left in a ‘complete mess’ PROBE: Previous story in the Guardia Civil in Malaga. tended to be her daughter to A detective confirmed they after she left in a hurry, with try and strike up a connection the Olive Press CHANGING FACES: Paula were ‘in a race against time’ police arriving within an hour. with her long-lost son. to get an arrest warrant with Her plan to escape to France Neale fled to France LIBERTYHOME ducer’. Catalan police. was rumbled by her own pal, But after meeting her at the One of her victims, Sara Belactor Anthony Webster, who RRP 3,000€ hotel and agreeing to drive mont, says Interpol has been ratted on Neale when he found her to Bordeaux, he said he notified but because the out her real identity. felt ‘something wasn’t right’ crimes were committed in Webster told the Olive Press you when she claimed have her mother Spain, she must be charged this week that he had recently got that had suddenly died and that there. she befriended Neale online. Liberty needed to leave immediately. Family and friends back in He said she had promised to feeLing? He researched her online and the UK meanwhile, confirmed help his acting career and Seguros makes Liberty that OUR PRICE stumbled upon our catalogue insurance a better that she had made it across she knew people in the film of stories. the border industry, claiming to beexperience. € on Tuesday in a ‘a pro10

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Ashya thanks

BRITISH ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, has thanked the Hospital Materno Infantil in Malaga for its treatment of Ashya King, on behalf of the British government.

www.theolivepress.es

IN DENIAL: Guerrero

Wasn’t me

THE alleged lynchpin in Spain’s biggest ever political fraud claims he made SIX previous confessions up. Former Junta employment boss Francisco Guerrero insists he did not personally gain from the ERE scandal, that saw up to a billion euros embezzled over a decade. He claims he only gave details of the so-called ‘reptile fund’ that he allegedly oversaw, after police put considerable pressure on him. Guerrero is facing eight years in prison for embezzling €65 million of money from the €647 million emergency public fund that he managed between 1999 and 2008.

Struggling

The money had been set aside to support struggling Andalucian businesses. Instead, Guerrero allegedly awarded fake grants to companies registered in the names of more than 100 of his family members, friends and fellow PSOE politicians. His driver, Juan Francisco Trujillo - nicknamed the ‘co-

ICELAND is the first supermarket in the world to remove plastic packaging from its own-label products. Customers of Overseas, which stocks Iceland products in 20 shops across Spain and Portugal, will benefit from the five-year plan to reduce plastics in 1,400 products. Calling plastics a ‘scourge’ on the world, Iceland managing director Richard Walker said: “A truckload is entering our oceans every minute, causing untold damage to our marine environment and ultimately humanity – since we all depend on the oceans for our survival.” Plastic ready meal trays will be removed first, followed by frozen vegetable bags changing to a paper based material.

Top stamps

SPECIAL edition stamps of King Felipe and Queen Letizia have been launched by postal service Correos. Showing official photographs of the Royal duo, they can be bought for €1.

Pensioner, 70, complains of discrimination after being ordered to take down extension, despite neighbours all having the same

January 17th - January 30th 2018 EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan

year legal battle with the town hall after they served her with a demolition order and fined her €24,300 in 2008 for building a loft extension

without the correct planning permission. Several other properties in the Seghers community have similar extensions without planning licences - including Balson's next door Spanish neighbour - but Balson is the

Boozy trips

ONE in seven youngsters coming to Spain on holiday have admitted that they are drunk on the plane, according to a survey by website Jetcost. com.

Big Willy

MANCHESTER City goalkeeper Willy Caballero has told La Liga officials that he was approached by a match-fixing syndicate when playing for Malaga last year.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Terttu’s ‘illegal’ extension and adjoining

neighbour’s (right)

only resident facing court action. "It is completely discriminatory, I cannot help but think that it is not a coincidence that I have been chosen when I am the only foreigner living here," she told the Olive Press. Balson believed she had received planning permission when she contracted a Spanish architect Mario Jones in 2005. Now however, she feels that he did not do his job properly despite being paid €2,500 to take over the project and sort out the building licence. Jones, however, said he feels 'no guilt or responsibility and that Balson is to blame for the situation. He said: "I told her from the beginning that she wasn't allowed to build. Most people get away with it but she DESPERATE: Balson hasn't. "She is definitely being un- and dogs fairly treated and I am not with so many foreigners livsure why. I hope that the ing on the coast I don't think town hall is not targeting her it happens now." because she is foreign. Despite numerous attempts "Maybe that sort of thing Estepona Town Hall did not happened in the old days, but answer any of our questions.

Still on-the-run

EXCLUSIVE By Jed Neill

A SEASONED British fraudster has struck again. Paula Neale - exposed in the Olive Press four times in two years - has brought her dirty tricks to the Costa del Sol again. The rentals conwoman has snared a series of unsuspecting foreigners through her well oiled ruse of sub-letting properties. A number of victims have lost thousands in lost deposits, after she took over a two-bedroom apartment in Mijas. Using the alias ‘Sharon Tate’ she rented the Riviera apartment for three months, before

A FINNISH grandmother ordered to demolish a nineyear-old extension has accused Estepona Town Hall of being 'racially motivated' and 'singling' her out. Terttu Balson, 70, has been involved in an ongoing six-

Strike four!

Seasoned conwoman Paula Neale caught by the Olive Press a fourth time

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A WANTED property fraudster has been tracked down to a luxury home in Benahavis, after an exclusive Olive Press investigation this month. According to neighbours in kids barely went to school upmarket La Heredia urbanand rarely even came out to isation, Rebecca Wells, 37, play. has fled owing money to sev“She never mixed with the loeral businesses. cal community here and one Keen horserider Wells - who day she was gone leaving an spent eight years posing as unpaid electricity bill.” an estate agent - is now being The Olive Press has still been sought by police, as reported unable to contact Wells, over in the Olive Press last issue, her defrauding of expats who after four denuncias were paid rent on properties she posted against her. did not own. “She owes money to the Wells, aka Prior, allegedly DISAPPEARED: Wells and La Heredia, where she rented a butcher, restaurant and the took a series of deposits for home baker, as well as for repairs to homes which she did not own. reported concern for her four If you have any information her car,” said one neighbour. former neighbour Frank Cochildren. An expat couple living oppo- myn, president of the Palmabout Rebecca Wells, please Comyn, who lived opposite contact newsdesk@theolivesite Wells’ house in the ur- eras del Golf urbanisation her for two years said: “The press.es banisation reported that they in Benalmadena Costa, has saw her packing all the family’s possessions into a rental car on October 1 the day our expose came out. When the Olive Press visited a few days later, the house had clearly been abandoned and the family car - a black Fabulous food and entertainment including a 5* Christmas Chrysler - was apparently or New Years Eve Gala Dinner with fine wine dumped outside. Meanwhile another

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YEar the locks she has preto change Paying €1,700 from November& NEw to February, Paula said she was vented anyone else moving in. Taken her child and However, in just the short with for moving in a ride amount of time she was over black cat. However, after reading our ex- this month, two disappointed pose on Neale in early Decem- couples arrived to stay. ber, Belmont quickly started to “One couple from Russia had investigate and found her prop- paid a two month deposit of erty being advertised to rent €1,400 for a year’s rental. They through a variety of Facebook were gutted,” Belmont told the Olive Press. groups. One had been shared an incred- “Then a few hours later an English couple turned up, also with ible 4,000 times. Fortunately she was able to a year’s lease and having paid move fast and after coming over a deposit.” It is unknown how many people in total fell for the scam, but her property was in a terrible state with a stereo and a toolkit also stolen. It took three days to clean. “It has got to stop,” added Belmont. “When is this going to end?” So far she has been unable to track down Neale, but has put up reward notices in various vets around Calahonda. In 2017, the Olive Press twice exposed Neale’s antics. But it has also emerged that we exposed her using the name ‘Sharon Tate’ in 2016 in inland Malaga. A new UK number Paula had been using did not answer our calls. Christmas

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Police probe alleged expat property fraudster who ‘took homes shedeposits for didn’t own’

HUNTED: Rebecca Wells on her horse

EXCLUSIVE

Maddie: New sighting claim

VICTIMS are erty fraudster hunting an alleged propCosta del Sol who has vanished from owing tens euros. of thousandsthe EXCLUSIVE of The Guardia By Imogen days as a holiday Civil confirmed Calderwood rental, but is investigating me around she horse-owninglast night it posits becca Wells an 11-monthit and convinced me showed to rent properties expat Reto sign contract. cias against after receiving four claim “I want that she has denun- One to. no clared. her caught and punished,” Page 11 Briton Wells,her. victim, British 37, also known he deexpat Raymond accused of told the Olive Wells, a mother-of-two as Prior, duping people Press: “I Iost Paul, into paying is posit on renting a €1,000 de- hampton, appears from Wolverde- “She to same trick had actuallya home she didn’t own. at different have repeated the only rented properties it for four the region over the last eight years.around A Facebook campaign launched by has now been ing to gather the group, aimas possible. as many victims In the case Yorkshire, of Paul, 60, from as a deposithe put down €500 first month’sand €500 for the erty in La rent at the propCala de Mijas August. in But after just asked Paul three days Wells clear out ‘so and his wife to certificate an urgent energy dealt with’. matter could be AN embattled “We were left two days, and in the dark for centre owner animal rescue upon returning the discovered place is ‘out has admitted of control’. staying there,another couple Kim Halliwell (above) our possessionswith many of now agreed to allow an has still inside,” 15 dogs he said. initial and “We still haven’t her Mijas many cats to leave kennels, following get some things managed to an Olive Press investigation. back, absolutely furious andwe are It comes after police filed a denuncia.” also inhave spected the site, following When Paul various denuncias set up an urgent mer from formeeting with Wells to dis- Afterstaff. cuss what BLAZE: F1 we told of had legend Gachot the ‘terrible failed to show. happened, she conditions’ (inset) loses at Kim’s Animal However another Rescue, friends yacht in fire and supportcouple in ers rallied their early 20s also turned around with aim of cutting up telling him the numberthe similar amountthey had lost a animals by of of money. The Olive half. “Lots of her Press attended victims are worse situation emergency meeting, in an than us, anda various who knows other centresspoke with are still to how many more found new and has woodwork,” come out of the We have volunteers. he added. Another victim appeal to now launched an is Stuart Hall, who lost out animals. find homes for the 44, and his Continues

It’s the pits! EXCLUSIVE

A LUXURY nus is ownedyacht that burst into flames in Puerto by ex-Formula Bertrand Gachot, BaOne The 51-year-old it can be revealed.racing driver Frenchman, dan between who €2 million 1989 and 1995, is theraced for Jormorning. yacht Gilliana that blew owner of the up on Sunday Two crew members were rushed with serious woman, 34, burns to his hands to hospital, one and another, was treated The 23-metre for smoke a €42,000-a-weekPrincess yacht inhalation. Gilliana costs to rent, via Rentals. Diamovit Exclusive A source said: “Gachot is The driver very upset.” Grand Prix was famously thrown team for spraying out of the the roundabout Jordan at Hyde Park CS gas at a taxi driver ceived a two-month Corner, for on prison stint. which he reHis race seat acher, makingwas temporarily filled by his Formula One debut. Michael Schum-

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ALL CHANGE: Passport names and (right) 2016 story the owner, mother-of-three, the authorities in Gibraltar, Sara Belmont, rumbled the where she believes Paula keeps her money. scam. The 41-year-old owner, a fire- She told the Olive Press how she fighter from London, has now was contacted by Neale through brought in police and contacted an online rental website.

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IT has the best caves in Andalucia and some of the best beaches in Malaga province. Known as ‘Balcon de Europa’ it is somewhat fitting that Nerja has been chosen as one of the must visit destinations this year. Travel site Tripadvisor has listed the resort among its top 10 emerging worldwide destinations. It is the only destination in Spain to be tipped, with Gdansk, in Poland, Riga, in Latvia and Rovinj, in Croatia.

THE first ever ferry link between Ireland and Spain has been announced by Brittany Ferries. The company presented its new route from Cork to northern Spain today. It will begin at the end of April and will link Cork and Santander, with two return trips per week. It is the first ever link between the two countries.

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Chicken killer A SPANISH pensioner has been arrested for animal abuse after allegedly poisoning half a dozen chickens in Marbella. The 77-year-old is accused of using rodenticide poison - rat poison - to kill the birds which reportedly kept interrupting his sleep. According to court documents, the disgruntled neighbour threw corn, lentils and rice laced with the poison into the pen next to his home in San Pedro de Alcantara. The accused was arrested following a complaint from the chickens' owner on June 20. He has been released pending an appearance before a judge.

Dirty cops FOUR policeman have been convicted after stealing more than 97.6 kilos of hashish. The Guardia Civil officers received between seven and 10 years each for planning to sell the €600,000 haul in Marbella. With the help of three others, the group had arranged to buy the load from Moroccan dealers, but nabbed the drug haul in an armed raid.

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BEAUTY: Angela Ponce

AN Andalucian model has become the first ever transgender woman to be crowned Spain’s Miss Universe. Angela Ponce, 26, will represent her country at the Miss Universe finals later this year. Former Miss Cadiz Ponce, who lives in Sevilla, stunned judges at 1.77m tall with light brown hair and blue eyes. “I’m very happy with the significance of this win,” she said. “I want to be a lesson to the world for tolerance and respect towards ourselves and others. “Bringing the name and colours of Spain

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Full of pride before the universe is my great dream. “My goal is to be a spokesperson for a message of inclusion, respect and diversity not only for the LGBTQ+ community, but also for the entire world.” The historic win came just as international pride month came to a close. Ponce previously entered Miss World Spain, but missed out on the crown, after becoming Miss Cadiz in 2015.

Rocketing in Host of Hollywood stars attend wedding of space tech giant Elon Musk’s brother in Spain HOLLYWOOD legends Will Smith, Salma Hayek and former US president Barack Obama were rumoured to be attending Spain’s celebrity wedding of the year. The trio were on the guest list to the nuptials of US tech giant Elon Musk’s brother in Catalunya. The top secret wedding in Girona was attended by 300 friends and family of Kimbal, who runs a string of green

HAPPY COUPLE: Kimbal and Christiana

Lady in red QUEEN Letizia was forced to whip out a huge umbrella as she arrived to a glitzy award ceremony in Girona. The royal didn’t let the rain ruin her parade, stunning in a a red gown by her favourite designer Carolina Herrera. The former journalist was attending the 2018 Prince of Girona Awards.

Catch of the day HE’S known for his hard tackle in the centre of the park. But Man City midfielder Phil Foden used a different sort of tackle to hook this beast on a fishing trip to Spain. The 18-year-old ace took to Instagram to show off pictures of the huge catfish he snared during a pre-season break on the Rio Ebro, in Aragon.

businesses in America. Salma Hayek, 51, in particular stole the show in a full length white dress and was pictured with her billionaire French husband FrancoisHenri Pinault, 56. The lavish wedding, held in the village of Sant Marti d’Empuries, saw Kimbal marry his sweetheart Christiana Wyly. His brother Elon, the founder of Tesla and Space X, is understood to be spending a week holidaying around the nearby Costa Brava. One of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, South African-born Musk founded X.com - which later became PayPal - before selling it for €1.3 billion in 2002. His brother Kimbal - who is an avid supporter of Catalan

ELEGANT: Salma and hubby independence - was a major investor in the company. Access to the Greco-Roman ruins in Sant Marti were controversially closed off for the reception, which was held in the historical centre. Locals protested that the ruins being rented out, but town hall officials said it had been done before, adding that the money raised would be invested back into the area. Local restaurant El Moli de l'Escala prepared the dinner, while several nearby luxury hotels were filled with attending celebs. Former president Barack Obama arrived in Spain with his wife Michelle. He is set to attend an economic forum in Madrid this week, before heading to Porto, where he will be a keynote speaker at the Climate Change Leadership summit organised by Marbella expat Pancho Campo.

Fighting fit GARBINE Muguruza was full of fighting talk ahead of her first Wimbledon match against Briton Naomi Broady. The Spaniard - who won the Grand Slam last year posed for pics in a white power suit during an interview. “You know she is a very good tennis player but I’m a very good player, too,” she said of Broady ahead of their meeting on centre court. “I understand the noises and the intimidation, but the racket has to speak. The intimidation is a part of it, every player knows, but you have to perform yourself and you have to believe in your talent.”

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4 Holidaymaker swings out after monkey bit him at costa zoo EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

A BRITISH tourist has gone ape after a monkey attacked him at a Spanish zoo. Glenn Hackles, 38, from Swansea, swung out after his holiday was ruined when he was rushed to hospital following the attack. He slammed Selwo Marina, in Benalmadena, after the primate swooped down from a tree during a tour through a squirrel monkey enclosure and bit him. “It had teeth like Stanley blades,” he told the Olive Press. “There was blood everywhere,” added his partner, Danielle Ward, 28, who was furious that the guide simply got on with the tour. “That was despite Glenn and our three-year-old daughter screaming,” she said. The family, who have been coming on holiday to the Costa del Sol for 20 years, are now demanding answers from the zoo. “We were walking along a path when I saw it flying down from a tree on the right, I moved my daughter just in the nick of time,” added Ward. “I dread to think what would have happened if I hadn’t moved my daughter.” The pair are angry that the tour guide failed to give him assistance, despite the wound being

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Gone ape ATTACKED: Glenn with daughter and (right) bite while (inset) monkey so deep you could see the bone. “The tour guide only opened the gate when we shouted at her for first aid, then she turned her back and carried on,” Ward continued. The group were merely pointed to an information desk where they were handed a first aid kit and had to dress the wound themselves. Hackles has now flown back to Wales, where he is set to get further treatment on the badly infected finger. The telecoms engineer was even unable to start a new job

on his return home. Although they received a full ticket refund and the taxi fare to the hospital - the family was left to pay for yet another taxi to take them to a different hospital for further treatment. They have since been to the police station but were told they could not report the incident, as they were awaiting a hospital report to send to Selwo Marina. “They really need to deal with this matter. It could be a child next time,” added Ward. Selwo Marina failed to comment in time for press.

He’s coming home FEDERICO Garcia Lorca’s legacy has returned home to Andalucia after 78 years. Some 5,000 documents, including original manuscripts, letters, drawings and photographs have been transferred from Madrid to Granada’s Garcia Lorca Foundation. Foundation president Laura Garcia-Lorca said it was a ‘very exciting moment that brings a lot of responsibility and excitement’. The haul, which also includes the war time poet’s personal library of 445 books, is expected to attract tourists from around the world. The writer of celebrated books, poems and plays, including Blood Wedding, was executed by Dictator Franco’s forces for being gay and expressing socialist views.

Dance off MALAGA has broken the world record for the largest communal Flamenco dance. Some 3,290 people took to the streets last Sunday and within eight minutes organisers were informed that they had broken the Guinness World Record. The previous record was held by Madrid, when 3,665 people took part in one of Spain’s most famous cultural exports.

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Funders of death SPAIN has been named a ‘key’ importer of illegal species and receives almost a third of the world’s illegally trafficked reptile skins. According to The Business of Extinction in Spain, a study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the species trafficking trade rakes in up to €20 billion per year and is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss in the world. The WWF have called on the Spanish government to prioritise the issue and has launched the campaign ‘Stop Species Trafficking’, along with a 56,000-strong petition. It comes after officials recently revealed 104 people were arrested in Spain for trafficking 13,000 protected species, including monkeys, exotic birds, reptiles, as well as ivory, animal skins and hunting trophies. Spain is reportedly at the forefront of the illegal trade, as it is a gateway for numerous mafias, and is a key importer of animals.

Kuwaiti connection MALAGA airport has been added to Kuwait’s Wataniya Airways growing list of getaway destinations. The twice weekly flights are among a total of 16 different new tourist destinations.

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CALLS FOR CHANGE: Glass wall and (right) dead birds

Flying into trouble

By Laurence Dollimore

A TOWN hall has been forced to step in after dozens of birds died after flying into glass panels installed to cut out motorway noise. It comes after an angry cyclist took to social media to report a ‘massacre of birds’ by the recently built sound barrier on the road to Ojen from Marbella. In a shocking five-minute clip the expat cyclist is seen picking up a dozen birds which appeared to have flown into the panels installed by a

Glass wall to keep out noise for residents ends up killing birds nearby urbanisation. “This, ladies and gentlemen, is a real shame. Look at the poor birds. How barbaric,” he tells viewers. “This one had its babies by its side, my god.” He then calls on the mayor of Ojen to step in and tackle what he described as ‘the assassination of birds’. Within days numerous people filed denuncias with Seprona – the animal welfare arm of the Guardia Civil, while the clip was shared al-

most 8,000 times. It led to the mayor of Ojen Jose Antonio Gomez Sanchez to step in and tackle the problem. He confirmed: “When we realised this could be a problem we asked the developers to install bird protection. They agreed without problems. “It seems that there has been a delay in installing these, but they have told me that they will begin installing these tomorrow.”

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Shopped! The latest Melania Trump outrage is not the first time Spanish brand Zara has courted controversy, writes Laurence Dollimore

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OPINION

WHAT was she thinking?’ That was the universal reaction to America’s First Lady turning up at a migrant holding centre wearing a jacket emblazoned with the words, ‘I don’t really care, do you?’ Considering she comes from the fashion world, it looked like a conscious choice that delivered a slap in the face to the thousands of migrant children separated from their families thanks to her husband’s cruel ‘zero tolerance’ policy. The jacket by Spanish brand Zara caused a news firestorm, with the Slovenian underwear model branded as ‘ignorant’ and ‘heartless’. And it’s not the first time Zara, one of Spain’s most successful exports, has been at the centre of controversy. Below we have rounded up the company’s most notorious fashion faux pas.

When will it end? HOW is it that even under police watch, expat scammer Paula Neale, is managing to get up to her usual tricks and brazenly con innocent holidaymakers? After closely following her movements for the last four years, the Olive Press remain astounded at how the fraudster gets away with it time and time again. Neale has managed to evade police custody a number of times but was finally snared in Burgos in May. One would think Neale’s criminal days would surely be over but the expert fraudster continues to defy all odds by conning yet more people out of holiday rentals despite being under investigation. If anything, the Spanish authorities should reimburse victims as she is still committing a crime while on bail. Let’s hope for everyone’s sakes that officials finally crack her obvious, yet foolproof business plan, before more innocent people are conned out of thousands.

Swastika handbag Zara was forced to pull handbags from its stores in 2007 after shoppers realised they were emblazoned with the symbol of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. The company claimed the swastika logo wasn’t featured in the original design and had been added at a factory in India.

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Celiac crisis

Sufferers of celiac disease were so offended by a Tshirt printed with the slogan ‘Are you gluten free?’ that an online petition to have it pulled garnered more than 50,000 signatures. Zara bowed to the pressure and parent company Inditex even issued an apology, stating: “We sincerely regret that this case might be interpreted as a trivialisation of coeliac disease, the absolute opposite of our intentions”.

What curves? The ‘Body Curve Jeans’ line hit a bump in the road when an ad campaign featured models with ... well ... no bumps at all. The image of two size zero models with the words ‘Love Your Curves’ written across them went viral for all the wrong reasons. The campaign triggered a tidal backlash against the brand for choosing to feature body positivity as skinny rather than curvy.

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Holocaust T-shirt

What the frog? Zara was yet again forced to pull a product in 2017 after its denim mini skirt featured versions of Pepe the Frog - memes which had become a symbol of the alt-right movement in the US and were also linked to anti-Semitism and racism. Pepe was designated as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League. The skirt was on sale as part of Zara’s ‘oil on denim’ spring artist partnership.

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The multi billion-euro company found itself fighting off more anti-semitism claims in 2014 after its ‘striped sheriff’ T-shirt for kids seemed to resemble the yellow star-studded uniforms jews were forced to wear during the Holocaust. Zara pulled the product but maintained western films had inspired the design.

White is right?

Some shoppers were less than impressed by what they saw as racist undertones in Zara’s ‘White is the new black’ T-shirt, released in 2014. It may have been referencing the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black, or even a genuine fashion trend. But the message was lost in the political climate of the day and Zara was forced to pull the product from its website.

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www.theolivepress.es The so-called ‘la Manada’ (wolf pack) rape case has opened old wounds in a country struggling to shake off its macho image, writes Laurence Dollimore

REVELLERS: At Pamplona

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its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated daily with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

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CONVICTED: The Wolf Pack, accused of rape, were sent down on a lesser charge of ‘sexual abuse’

T was the trial that became a flashpoint for Spain’s genderviolence crisis. Five men, including a police officer, stood accused of raping an 18-year-old girl at the Pamplona bull running festival. But despite what many saw as solid evidence, the men, all from Sevilla, were convicted on a lesser charge of sexual abuse. The verdict in the case dubbed ‘la Manada’ (or wolf pack in English) sent shockwaves through feminist groups in a country where gender violence has increased at alarming rates - with last year being the most violent on record. A total of 158,217 women were subjected to violence by men in 2017, an alarming 17.7% rise on the year before, albeit much of this due to an increase of reporting of HAD ENOUGH: Women marched across the country throughout the trial and after such crimes. murdered in the first two months “I just closed my eyes, I was in a More worryingly, the number of tempting to get a new passport. minors brought before the courts It came after he and his friends of last year alone, and where state of shock.” for violence against women also were found guilty of ‘sexual abuse’ women are still paid 16% less than She said the men only talked to each other while they took turns increased from 179, in 2016, to of a teenage girl on April 26, de- men. spite the victim insisting the men The trial itself was heavily criti- raping her. 266, in 2017. Just last week, a boy was among a took turns to rape her in a seclud- cised after the judge allowed the “I could not even look at their facdefence to introduce photos taken es, I only remember seeing their group of five males arrested for as- ed building entrance. by the victim in the days after the tattoos. The group, Jose Prenda, Alfonso saulting an underage girl in Gran Cabezuelo, Antonio Guerrero, Je- attack. “I remember them laughing and Canaria. Dubbed ‘the new wolf pack’ - the sus Escudero and Angel Boza were The snaps - taken by a private one of them saying, ‘hey man, it’s name they gave themselves in a sentenced to nine years’ imprison- detective - showed her laughing my turn!’” ment, five years’ and smiling with friends, suggest- She has suffered nightmares and Whatsapp group probation and ing she shouldn’t have been in a insomnia and had periods of deep they were released ordered to pay ‘happy mood’ after such an attack. depression ever since and this on bail last week, Women’s groups €10,000 each to Women’s groups blasted the trial week - for the first time - wrote to to much uproar. for being a cross-examination of a Spanish TV network pouring out blasted the trial the victim. What shocked Guerrero, a Guar- the victim and kickstarted Spain’s her heart. most is how much for being a cross dia Civil officer, very own Me Too movement. “Tell a friend, a relative, the police, the original wolf was also given Thousands of women shared their in a tweet, do it as you wish, but tell pack case seemed examination of a €900 fine for heartbreaking personal experienc- it,” she said. to inspire the latstealing the wom- es by using the hashtag #Cuéntalo “Do not stay silent, because if you the victim est assault, with an’s phone after (Tell it) showing solidarity with the do, you are letting them win. at least one of the the brutal attack young victim. “Nobody has to go through this. No alleged abusers reThe victim, 18 at the time, had willat the Pamplona one has to regret drinking, talking cording the attack on their phone. ingly kissed one of the defendants to people at a party, going home The original wolf pack were also festival. released on bail last month in a After the verdict was known, pro- and was walking towards his car alone or wearing a miniskirt.” testers in Pamplona shouted: when the other four men joined It is a heart-wrenching appeal to a shock decision by Navarra judges. them and took her to the secluded society that needs to listen. They defended the move by saying “This justice is bullshit!”, What the trial, verdict and heated the risk of them trying to flee would “It’s not abuse, it’s rape!” and “If spot. be limited by several conditions, they touch one of us, they touch all “When we arrived to the building debate has made painfully clear, is entrance I became so scared,” she that the fight for women’s rights in including reporting to police three of us!”. told the court. “They took off my Spain is far from over. Her lawyer and the Navarra govtimes a week and relinquishing ernment have now appealed, bra and started unbuttoning my A spokeswoman for the Navarra their passports. regional government said it would But Guerrero, the police officer while demonstrations took place top, then they grabbed my jaw.” among the accused, was sent across the country, forcing a fierce She said she became frozen with also appeal after not agreeing with back to prison last week after at- debate about gender inequality in fear and didn’t know what else to the verdict. a country where 17 women were do but submit.

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High speed fail

EU powerless to act after Spain plunders billions on ‘useless’ rail lines and upgrades

AN alarming €23.7 billion has ‘been poorly spent’ on Spain’s high-speed rail network, the European Court Auditors has ruled. Since 2000, the EU has been funding various high-speed railways across the bloc. But a recent report by the European Court Auditors found that ‘effectiveness of the investments is lacking and EU added value is at risk’. The report adds that ‘low passenger numbers have led to a high risk of ineffective spending of €2.7 billion EU co-funding.

Scrapped

Potential routes under consideration were connecting Lisbon and Madrid by the Extremadura line but the plans were later scrapped. According to Luc T’jeon, who oversaw the report, the issues are being ‘based on political considerations.’ He added: “The money is there, it's on the tracks. “However, tracks are either being constructed with big delays or they have had huge cost overruns or when they

WASTE: Railway losses were completed, they were late to be put in use." Vast amounts of money have been wasted on ‘high-speed lines that were not needed,’ according to T’jeon who also added ‘trains were only running at 45% of the speed lines had the capacity for.’ He concluded: "The EU is aware of the situation but it had no le-

gal tools to push member states to do something about it." The countries with the highest investment included France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal and Austria. It comes after it was revealed last week that Spain has squandered up to €100 billion on ‘unnecessary’ infrastructure projects.

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Fire ball THIS is the moment part of a comet blasted over Malaga at 118,000 km/hr. The meteor was captured over the skies of Malaga, Sevilla and Cordoba in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The rock burnt out at around 33km above ground level.

Fight for right to die SPANISH Congress has agreed to consider a draft bill that could legalise euthanasia. The proposal, put forward by the PSOE, aims to make euthanasia a right available through both public and private services in Spain. 208 MPs voted in favour, 133 against and one abstention.

The PP was the only party to oppose the bill, which is the second proposal of its kind to be considered in just over a month. If the proposal is passed as a law, adults with terminal illnesses and chronic, severe disabilities could seek help for assisted death if they are a Spanish national or legal resident.

Gotcha! Long time most wanted conman exposed by the Olive Press snared at last

By Laurence Dollimore

THE UK’s most wanted conman has been arrested in a dramatic raid after being on the run for two years. Mark Acklom, 45, was busted at his hideout in an apartment in Switzerland which he was sharing with his Spanish wife and two children. Acklom is wanted for allegedly defrauding a British woman of £850,000 after posing as an MI6 agent and promising to marry her.

Hiding

Detectives thought he might have still been hiding out in Spain – where he had many links, including a Marbella resident he had conned. An Olive Press investigation revealed he also had several ties to the Murcia region. Following a tip-off that

CAGED: Acklom with wife Maria at the races

he was still involved with his Spanish wife Maria Yolanda Ros Rodriguez, we linked her to a new real estate company in the centre of Murcia last year. Registered under the name of Yolanda Ros – adopting her hubby’s trick of mixing up her name – Ross Luxury Estate Agents was set up in April 2017. Witnesses said they were staying at a rented property in the La Manga around September of last year before vanishing. Acklom was arrested in

the lakeside Swiss town of Wadenswil, a 20-minute drive from Zurich. Reports say he tried to jump off the balcony as police stormed in. He had changed his look again, opting for a beard and long hair. The European Arrest Warrant does not apply in non-EU Switzerland so Acklom will be dealt with under an existing extradition treaty. He is expected in court this week where he can fight a return to the UK.

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Feeling blue REBRANDING: Juzcar is looking for a future after losing the rights to its Smurf identity

Harassment halt A SPANISH reporter has called out sexual harassment against female reporters during the World Cup. It comes after Mediaset Espana TV presenter, Maria Gomez, was grabbed and kissed on the cheek by a fan. The journalist was live on air reporting from Moscow ahead of Spain’s shocking defeat against Russia when the incident occurred.

Despite Andalucia’s ‘blue village’ is having a Smurf crisis it refuses to revert to its old colour ANDALUCIA’S ‘Smurf Village’ has called an emergency meeting to tackle its growing image crisis. Juzcar, near Ronda, was painted blue in 2011 after The Smurfs film used it as a marketing tool to promote the movie. Since then, the village enjoyed a surge in tourism - around 50,000 visitors per year - bringing jobs and prosperity. But since the heirs to the Smurf franchise took away Juzcar’s rights to associate with the characters, visitor numbers have fallen. The mountain village of 200 residents was forced to rebrand as the ‘Blue Village’ last year, and introduced zip lines and hiking routes in an attempt to keep tourism numbers up.

Untrue

REPORTER: Maria Gomez and (below) shocking incident

July 4th - July 17th 2018

However, rumours that it is to be painted white again are untrue, confirmed local hotel owner Ivan Sastre Pascual. “Every day people call to ask if the town isn’t blue anymore,” he said, “There are many rumours that are not true.” On the boost that The Smurfs association brought the town, he added: “It's a gravy train that happens once in a lifetime, and since we have got on board, we have to do everything possible to keep us there.”

2 for 1 glasses

Gag law on ropes NEW Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, is to start work on repealing Spain's controversial Citizen Safety Law also known as the ‘gag law.’ The law, which came into effect in 2015, prohibited demonstrating near congress and the Senate, taking photographs of police officers, stopping home evictions, peaceful

resistance and sit-ins. Cross party talks have been taking place on repealing the law with two options currently on the table. Spain's Socialist Party (PSOE) proposes pulling the law altogether and the Basque National Party (PNV) recommending that the law should be tweaked pulling its most controversial aspects.

SANCHEZ: Repealing

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Get your guns out!

THE US has urged Spain to urgently increase its defence spending. In a firm letter to Spanish leader Pedro Sanchez, President Trump reminded him of his predecessor Mariano Rajoy’s pledge to invest 2% of GDP in military spending per year. The letters, which were sent to allies ahead of a crucial NATO meeting in Brussels, threaten to alter the US global military presence if demands are not met.

During a meeting between Trump and Rajoy in 2017, a promise was made to ‘devote more resources to Spain’s defense.’ But Trump is not convinced telling a convention last week: “We’re a piggy bank that everybody likes to steal from.” He continued: “In Europe many still do not meet the 2% of GDP target set by NATO.” According to data released by NATO in 2017, Spain spent just 0.92% of its GDP on defence.

July 4th - July 17th 2018

Dozens of crooked politicians face trial in Estepona ALMOST 100 politicians and business leaders have been fingered in an Estepona corruption scandal. The Anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office has accused 51 people, including former PSOE mayor Antonio Barrientos, of being involved in the so-called Astapa corruption case. It is seeking a 10-year sentence each for Barrientos, his chief of staff Jose Flores and former finance boss for the town Francisco Zamorano. It is also seeking damages of €28 million, which is how much public money is believed to have been squandered, and has requested the sacking of a further 39 people who still work at the town hall. It comes after a ten-year probe into the case ended in May last year, when an Estepona court agreed to open proceedings against 95 people - although one has died and four have launched appeals. In a 162-page indictment prosecutors allege the town hall

Dirty 100

PROBED: Former Estepona mayor Barrientos

had a backhander system that would see officials rewarded with gifts and kickbacks mostly from real estate companies - in return for awarding contracts mostly in urban development. The gifts included plasma TVs,

We will be free

ON a tour of the United States, Quim Torra, regional premier of Catalunya, further reiterated his desire for the region to be a free nation. During his visit, the hard-line separatist said: “The Catalan people have the right and the will to create our independent state. “The Catalan government is fighting against the sinister effects of the state of emergency and condemning the injustice suffered by our leader Puigdemont, who now lives in forced exile.”

trips, luxury watches, drinks at brothels and wire transfers either directly to officials or their family members. Former mayor Barrientos, who has always maintained his innocence, is accused of bribery, influence peddling, money laundering and more. Astapa was first uncovered in June 2008 as a result of a complaint filed by Socialist councilors David Valadez and Cristina Rodríguez. Barrientos demanded that his right to the presumption of innocence be respected. "I am convinced that I will not disappoint all those who know me and have trusted in my performance," he said.

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World ref

Historic Andalucian city to get special recognition from the Download our app now and United Nations begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.

THE remains of an ancient Arab city in Andalucia has been added to the list of CHANGE: For Pamplona UNESCO World Heritage sites last weekend. Settled on the outskirts of Cordoba, 10th century Medina Azahara meaning ‘the shining city’ in Arabic, was once the de facto capital of al-Andalus, The Olive Press also known as Muslim Spain, and was built as an imposing, TOP for news in Spain! luxurious symbol of power. THE Mayor of Pamplona has called for a radical over- The incredibly well-preserved haul of bullfighting at the settlement, built between 936 city’s legendary summer - 940, had been buried for around 1,000 years until it festival.

Cut out the bull

Joseba Arison suggested the famous Running of the Bulls could take place without the bullfights that traditionally follow. He said ‘nobody can imagine a form of entertainment based on animal cruelty’ when pressured over the future of the San Fermin festival.

Breeders

But his words have met with strong opposition from bullfighters and breeders. They said: “The possibility of celebrating the Running of the Bulls without the subsequent fight could simply not exist in Pamplona.” The Mayor called the breeders’ opinion ‘very respectable’ but stated that the times are changing with regard to the sport. Other similar festivals in the Navarre region have now adopted bull-running with no bullfighting.

MOORISH: Architecture

stepona July 3-8

Fair,

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FREE event offers Flamenco dancing starting at 9.30pm. 4-5 July will be held at Edgar Neville Theatre and San Augustin de Coin Park will host July 6

W 4-7

ON THE MAP: Arab ruins given protected status Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba - a state in Islamic Iberia ruled by the Umayyad dynasty hailing from Mecca - the opulent city was designed to intimidate enemies and rival the caliphates of Baghdad in Asia and Ifriqiya in North Africa. Legend has it the spectacular city and its palace were built as a tribute for Caliph Abd-arRahman III’s favourite wife,

Azahara. During the 10th century, Cordoba and its palatial Medina Azahara were recognised as privileged locations. Scientists, astronomers, philosophers, musicians and mathematicians, hired by the Caliph, produced work which was key to the appearance of the Renaissance era five centuries later.

Faking Florida

Film frenzy

BEACHES, supercars and tanned millionaires… Marbella and Florida may be hundreds of miles apart geographically but they’re not all that different. And that’s why the Costa del Sol resort has been chosen to stand in for the US state for the filming of British TV show ‘Living the Dream’. Producers of the Sky One comedy said they chose Marbella due to the similar landscapes and cheaper filming costs. Filming took place over a 12-week period with locations including San Pedro de Alcantara’s beach, Puente Romano, El Pinillo and the Bellamar school. Another star of the show is a luxury €8m villa in Guadalmina Baja, which has a pool, six bedrooms and nine bathrooms.

MALAGA Film Festival will have two new movie theatres by 2020. Thanks to the Neoalbeniz project, two warehouses on the Alcazaba slope will be converted into cinemas. The €2.5 million investment will also create a new headquarters for the Malaga Film Office.

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Fuego Festival, July 15

uben Blades Concert, July 8

A Fuego Festival is bringing Trap / Latin and Urban music to Fuengirola, with the hottest artists on the national and international music scene. More info @afuegofestival

Panamanian singer Ruben Blades is to bring his latin-pop style of music for a concert in Teatro Cervantes de Malaga. For more information visit www.rubenblades.com

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was re-discovered at the beginning of the 20th century. According to the Unesco's World Heritage Committee, the site is a ‘complete urban ensemble’ that offers ‘indepth knowledge of the now vanished Western Islamic civilisation of Al-Andalus, at the height of its splendour.’ Experts say the medieval Moorish city is a perfect example of the advanced urban architecture of the Umayyad culture, which had at the time an aqueduct that supplied running water to buildings and its 25,000 inhabitants, along with bridges, roads and decorative ornaments. After prospering for several years, the opulent city was ‘laid to waste during the civil war that put an end to the Caliphate in 1009-10,’ added UNESCO. Recognised as the first

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F you’ve spent some time here, you probably know that Spanish people use lot of strange expressions that cannot be translated literally. Known as refranes, there’s one for almost every situation in life. Yes, you probably know about ‘de perdidos al río’ (nearest English equivalent – out of the frying pan into the fire) but there are plenty more, some of them are fairly eyebrow-raising. Here’s our selection. Me importa un pimiento I don’t give a pepper: The closest equivalent is ‘I don’t give a sh**’. Why the pepper is singled out to show indifference we don’t know. Poor pepper. Estás empanao

LA LACULTURA CULTURA

July 4th - July 17th 2018 July 4th - July 17th 2018

Mind your slanguage

10 Spanish expressions you might not know, writes Pablo Balbontin

You are breaded: Spaced out, being there in body but not in mind, not paying attention or daydreaming.

Estoy flipando en colores I’m flipping in colours: Although this expression sounds like you’re trying to explain the effects of LSD, it’s used when something massively impresses you and leaves you stunned.

Voy a mi bola I’m going to my own ball: When someone does just what they want, their own way, without taking anyone else into account. Monta un circo y te crecen los enanos Set up a circus and the dwarfs will grow:

The pinnacle of bad luck, it makes reference to something impossible. It’s used when something unexpectedly bad happens, but good comes from it.

Me cago en la leche

El p**o amo

I shit in the milk:

The f****ng master:

Milk was a precious commodity so doing this would be an abomination. When everything goes wrong and you are angry and can’t do anything to change it, you can just yell this.

When someone is the best at something. It can be used by someone about themselves in an arrogant way, or by another as a compliment: ‘Eres el puto amo’ (you are the fu***** master).

Tiran más dos tetas que dos carretas

Tiene la inteligencia justa para no cagarse encima

Two boobs carry more weight than two wagons:

He doesn’t even have the intelligence to s*** himself:

It means that we men would do anything for the girl we like. Anything, no matter how reckless and stupid … just to get the girl.

An insult, and quite creative. You say it when someone is so incredibly stupid that you even doubt he can deal with his own bowel movements.

Con paciencia y saliva, el elefante se la metió a la hormiga With patience and saliva, the elephant f****d the ant: Although we know that this is literally impossible, the expression suggests that with hard work and perseverance the impossible can be achieved, no matter how depraved it may sound.

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www.theolivepress.es Spain’s air pollution blasted as ‘unacceptable’ by WHO

BLAZE: Wilfires in Spain

Worst fires in history WILDFIRES wreaked more devastation on the Iberian Peninsula last summer than at any time during recent history, according to the World Wildlife Fund. In fact, the number of fires that blazed a trail of destruction through the region in 2017 was a massive 200% increase on the average for the last 10 years. The toll of tragedy totted up to 500,000 hectares of scorched earth, untold damage to wildlife and ‘some of the worst disasters ever remembered, leaving more than 100 people dead,’ says the report. Galicia, Asturias and León, along with north and western Portugal, were worst affected with multiples fires across their regions. Among the causes of the devastation, the WWF cites climate change, rural depopulation, a chaotic urban model as well as human carelessness.

ONLY 3% of the entire Spanish nation enjoy air quality that meets World Health Organisation standards. And according to the WHO’s latest shocking report, the ‘majority’ of Andalucians live in places where the pollution is higher than recommended, while 10% (850,000) are breathing air so toxic it crosses the red line into illegality. A staggering 97% of the population and 88% of the country was exposed

green

July 4th - July 17th July2018 4th - July 17th 2018

TOXIC Prepared for Spain’s Ecologistas en Accion group, data was collected from analy-

Thousands die from killer air POLLUTION has prematurely killed 93,000 people in Spain over the last decade, shocking new figures reveal. It is much higher than the number of people killed on the roads in car accidents. from Researchers the National Health School in Madrid have now called for traffic restrictions to cut down air pollution. Biologist Cristina Linares said: “There has been a trend toward diesel in

Spanish vehicles, and diesel motors are the largest source of nitrogen dioxide.” It comes as a recent study by International Environment revealed nitrogen dioxide is the cause of some 6,085 deaths every year. According to the World Organisation Health the common chemical poses serious health risks and is released every day by engines and heating machines.

SPAIN’S Podemos and Equo parties have called on the government to protect refugees fleeing climate change, now becoming a more significant migration trigger than war. Climate change affects 64 million people currently, and could increase to 250 million in 2050, according to United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The left-wing political groups want an official government body set up to monitor the problem.

Vulnerable

BAD AIR: Spaniards in danger

to unacceptable levels of pollution during 2017, according to the report.

Climate refugees

sis stations all over the country. In Andalucia, almost all the 111 stations where air quality was monitored surpassed acceptable contamination levels.

Fumes

Worst offenders were the industrial zones of Carboneras (Almeria), Algeciras Bay (Cadiz), Puente Nuevo (Cordoba) and Huelva, along with the city centres of Cordoba, Granada, Malaga and Sevilla. The high pollution count was due to the presence of carbon factories in industrial zones and traffic fumes in cities.

Equo spokesman Juantxo López de Uralde added that women are specially more vulnerable, and need special protection. “Climate change is becoming a greater cause of deplacements than conflict, that’s why we can’t look the other way,” he said. “We have to face the problem and take legal measurements that acknowledge this reality”.

FLEEING: Migrants

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WARNING: Four new tourist signs being used in Calvia’s new ‘have fun with respect’ campaign

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POLICE handed out nearly 200 fines in a two-day crackdown in Playa de Palma. An incredible 40 officers roamed the streets handing out penalties, the majority of whom were tourists. In total, 90 people were fined for drinking in the streets - each facing fines of up to €1,500. Meanwhile, 40 people were sanctioned for walking on the road rather than the pavement, while 34 prostitutes were fined, one of whom had an active arrest warrant for trafficking women. In addition, dozens of illegal street vendors were snared, while their goods were seized.

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Vol. 2 Issue 31

THEY’VE DONE IT AGAIN: The seven Spanish whizzes in the global top 50 Best Restaurant awards SEE PAGE 3

Corruption and bad planning has seen €100 billion squandered on ‘unnecessary’ projects around Spain By Laurence Dollimore

CYCLISTS: Into the light

Wheely generous A GENEROUS expat has offered to pay half the bill to light the dangerous Formentor tunnel. The Swiss tycoon wants to see the only tunnel without lighting on the island finally lit up in a bid to help cyclists. Max Hurzeler made the generous offer, after living nearby for years. “It will not be more than €20,000,” he said. “Cycling through it by bicycle is very dangerous because it is very dark and when you are in the centre you do not see the exit.” The tunnel is especially dangerous for tourists unaware of the situation and quickly try to get through the 300 metres of darkness, causing many accidents. The government has yet to reUntitled-1.pdf 1 16/06/2017 spond to the offer.

SPAIN has squandered around €97 billion on ‘unnecessary’ infrastructure projects, a damning new study has found. Unused airports, vanity museums, defunct desalination plants and deserted toll roads are just some of the wasteful projects undertaken. The fast-track AVE railway network - including various lines now shut - accounts for €26.2 billion of bad investment alone. Amid the schemes criticised are Mallorca’s Manacor highway, which will end up costing €500m more than originally planned; as well as the Palma Arena project, which went up from €45m on planned budget, to €110m. The Desalination Plant of Ciutadella, in Menorca, is also slammed for its inefficient use. The staggering statistics have been published in a comprehensive joint report undertaken by nine leading universities around the country. In total, Spain spent over €81 billion on infrastructure that was ‘unnecessary, abandoned, underutilised or poorly planned’ between 1995 and 2016. A further €16 billion will have 15:36

June 21st - July 4th 2018

BLACK HOLE DISGRACE: Billions wasted on toll roads and projects like Palma Arena been wasted once the amounts already pledged are taken into account. Regional authority squandering amounted to €34.6 billion of the total, much of it spent on parks, hospitals, cultural centres and events. The list of big spenders is headed by the regional governments of Catalonia (€9.1 billion), Madrid (€7.7 billion), Valencia (€5.9 billion) and

Andalucia (€2.7 billion). In the comprehensive national study of wasteful spending, undertaken by universities including Barcelona, Sevilla and Madrid’s Complutense, much of the problem was blamed on corruption. While Spanish governments misspent the equivalent of 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) between 1985 and 1995, this figure soared to 20% of GDP

from 1996 to 2007. From the beginning of the economic crisis until 2016, it has come down to around 3%. Among the projects singled out for criticism are the airport in Castellon, tram lines in Andalucia and the Pedrizas toll motorway, north of Malaga.Nearly €5 billion was sunk into nearly deserted toll roads outside Madrid, which had to be bailed out by the state.

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Numerous desalination plants, particularly around Alicante, represented over €2.3 billion in ‘cost overruns, inefficiencies or mismanagement’ alone. The City of the Environment in Soria, the City of Light in Alicante, the City of Justice in Madrid, the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, and the Alicante theme park Terra Mítica, were all labelled as ‘unnecessary projects’. While a third of the country’s airports are unnecessary - and many were ‘built to attract votes’ - the biggest waste by far though went on AVE railway projects that did not produce the kind of social benefits expected. There were ‘too many multimillion-euro train stations, closed lines, stretches that were dropped halfway through construction, unnecessary lines, and cost overruns’, the report stated. “It was done without a proper cost/benefit analysis, and often on the basis of estimates of future users or earnings supported by a scenario of economic euphoria that was as evident as it was fleeting,” adds the report. Researchers underscored the cost overruns on the AVE lines connecting Madrid, Barcelona and the French border (over €8.9 billion) and on the Pajares Tunnel (€3.5 billion).

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June 20th - July 3rd 2018

International flavour at this year’s Calentita

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death crash probe PolICE are appealing for witnesses to a fatal traffic accident between two female cyclists at the weekend. In particular they want to talk to a driver who may have been overtaken just seconds before the accident that killed Fatima Venegas, 50, from Sevilla. The crash happened when one of the riders lost control of her vehicle and the other attempted to avoid her. Both women were rushed to Saint Bernard’s Hospital, with the other also suffering serious injuries.

Accident

Police wish to speak to anyone who may have been in the vicinity and may have witnessed the accident, stating: "We are particularly interested in speaking with the driver of a locally-registered vehicle, possibly red or burgundy in colour that may have been overtaken by one of the motorcycles either immediately before or at the time of the accident." Anyone with information is asked to contact the Duty Officer at New Mole House on +350 20072500.

Hear us roar ANTI-tourism protesters have chained themselves to Gaudi’s iconic dragon in Barcelona while calling for a ban on new hotels to deter holidaymakers.

TUNNEL VISION: A trio of fabulous murals are set to adorn the Rock

Rocked!

Gibraltarbased company linked to alleged Russian interference probe that could have ‘bought Brexit’ By Laurence dollimore

CoMPAnIES House in london has insisted the ‘man who bought Brexit’ reveal how he was able to fund his campaign to pull the UK out of Europe. The finances of Aaron Banks’ Gibraltar-based companies are set for heavy scrutiny, over concerns about his alleged links with Russia in connection to the referendum result.

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BREXIT CASH PROBE: (left) Aaron Banks, US President Trump, Nigel Farage MPs are calling for police and parliament to continue investigating the alleged connection between the millionaire Brexit donor and Russia, after it emerged he met the Kremlin’s ambassador to the UK on various occasions. Home secretary Sajid Ja-

vid confirmed last week that Banks’ Russian connections are being examined ‘very seriously’ by two ministers in two departments who want to establish if there was an attempt to undermine parliamentary democracy during the Brexit campaign. Banks, a former Ukip donor and an associate of ex-Ukip leader nigel Farage, gave £8m to the leave.EU and Grassroots out campaigns. The money came from offshore firms, a number of which are based in Gibraltar, where 96% of voters ironically wanted to remain in the EU. leave.EU focused relentlessly on immigration in the run up to the EU referendum and much of its populist strategy was taken from the US presidential campaign of Donald Trump, a man with whom Banks feels a close affinity having met him immediately after his victory in new york. Banks is also still under investigation by the Electoral Commission, which is trying to establish if he was the ‘true source of loans’ to leave.EU, and whether Better for the Country ltd, a company he controlled, was the source

of donations made to Brexit campaigners. Banks has allegedly also been told by Companies House to publish the accounts of his offshore holding company ICS Risk Solutions, which he uses to finance his activities. The Isle of Man-registered company is reported to be the ‘heart of Banks’s finances’. It is the holding company for Eldon Insurance, the insurer behind Go Skippy, and has paid over £77m since 2015 to prop up Banks’ Southern Rock underwriting arm, based in Gibraltar, after regulators on the Rock found the business was trading without adequate provisions. Banks said he would comply with any direction from Companies House, according to the Guardian. Banks had resigned his directorship with Southern Rock in 2014 over regulation issues. The move came after an investigation by the Financial Services Commission (FSC), found the directors to have made ‘inadequate’ provisions for future claims. Banks said the decision to accept the regulatory outcome was to avoid the need for

costly legal proceedings. “We decided to take the slap on the wrists to avoid the court action,” Banks said at the time. But now the pressure is building on Banks, after labour MP Stephen Doughty, a member of the home affairs select committee, said it should investigate the links between Banks and Russia. “These are incredibly serious and growing allegations about the connections between Banks and the Russians, and their ability to potentially compromise the integrity of the referendum and British democracy,” the labour MP said. “A number of committees in parliament, including my own, will want to [take a] closer look at this.” Asked whether there should be a police investigation, he said: “Some of the allegations are particularly serious and will no doubt need to be investigated by other authorities as well”. labour’s front bench also weighed in with Tom Watson saying: “Try as he might, Mr Banks can’t just bluster his way out of these serious allegations. Democratic integrity is too important.” During a UK select committee investigating fake news last week, Banks defended his movement of funds to Southern Rock insisting he was simply shuffling money between two companies that he owns, before accusing MPs of trying to create some ‘shadiness around my business’.

July 4th - July 17th 2018

Heads up

Migrant debate

I just wish to update you this man is still operating on the coast (Snapped!, issue 294). He stopped by my partner and I at Calahonda Playas bus stop on June 22 at 11am and said the bus was off due to a protest. He took us to Marbella and charged us €37 after becoming really aggressive. Keep up the good work.

Readers react to the recent spate of migrants arriving on Spain’s shores

Mark Morrison, Fuengirola 8

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Deliver-boo

Opened the door Spain unlocked the door accepting the boat load which Italy rejected - the word is out and now there will be thousands heading to Spain, even more given it’s summer and the waters are calmer. Is the Spanish PM going to allow them all in? Sam Clarke, Malaga

No right to judge It’s unbelievable that a lot of the xenophobia comes from the same people in Spain who speak to others in English, who watch English TV, who only eat English food and who don’t integrate into their new country. I don’t know where the British have this ideology that we’re better than anyone else but we’re not. These immigrants deserve the right to a peaceful life, just like you! Now you’re an immigrant you don’t have any right to cast your views it’s not your land, it’s nothing to do with you. Carley Hudson, UK

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A JUDGE in Spain has ordered takeaway firm Deliveroo to pay a fine over labour rights it should have granted a for-

EXCLUSIVE mer worker. By Laurence Dollimore On the up

SPAIN’S service sector has grown at its fastest pace in three months, according to euro zone bond market surveys.

Expat claims at least one 4x4 is stolen by drug gangs every day EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

CRIME

Cleaning up

June 6th - June 19th 2018

Narcos nicked my car

Get Corner back inside!

This is the brown fake taxi that has scammed dozens of victimes on the Costa del Sol this year AT least one 4x4 car gets stolen by drug traffickers every DAY in the Campo de Gibraltar, police have revealed. It comes after British expat Andy Mills, 60, had his Nissan Patrol stolen from outside his home in Los Barrios last weekend. The semi-retired Brit called the Guardia Civil immediately after releasing his car had vanished.

STOLEN: 4x4 and Andy with girlfriend

THE father of missing expat Lisa Brown’s son has appealed a judge’s shock ruling to release the main suspect Simon Corner. Her former partner Tony Tomillero, father to son Marco, is fighting Judge Garcia Ramila’s decision made in San Roque last month. It comes after the judge shelved the two-and-a-half year investigation into the prime suspect and Lisa’s boyfriend, Corner, despite the expat becoming a fugitive and absconding twice. Tomillero who is now the sole carer of their 11-year-old son has requested that his lawyer appeal the ruling. He wants Liverpool-born Corner back inside as well as five others arrested for their alleged involvement in the case. Spanish police are still investigating the case regardless of the outcome of the appeal.

A FAKE taxi which has been robbing people on the Police found the vehicle villa. the Olive abandoned and stuffed full “It was used for a drug run examined Press. “It’s being Costa del Sol for months by forensic invesBoost of drugs days later in Se- from La Linea,” Mills told tigators before they bring it back to me.” THE European has been pictured for the ComOdd-job man Mills said he mission has an‘couldn’t believe’ the difEXCLUSIVE: Fake taxi alert ference nounced plans to ANOTHER first time. in culture between boost spending in Los Barrios and the Spanish Spain, while the It comes after our exclusive villageCONMAN: of Sedella in inland country still faces Malaga, where he used to double-digit unemlive. ployment. last issue - which warned “The White people here hardly look or talk to you and of the scam - spurred literBets on there’sCitroen been a noticeableand increase in crime since we SPAIN has moved here,” he added. ally dozens of expats27% to year-on-year getseen a our “Police(left) told me a 4x4 gets increase in online stolen by drug traffickers in touch to say they hadrevenue gambling everyday in Los Barrios, for the first quarI will original definitely look into ter, after revenue hit also been tricked. €163.3m. moving.” Police story confirmed that the last vehicle had been found According to our readers filled with drugs but declined issue to comment further. the Brown Fiat driver, who took €77 off tourist John Parker last month, has been operating since at and his wife were waiting driver pulled up saying he least last October. for a bus from Fuengirola was working with the bus One victim, Robert Taylor to Benalmadena when the company and the police. IRISH holidaymakers have warned of a taxi con artist operating on the Costa del Sol. John Parker, 73, was ‘forced’ to pay €77 by a fake taxi driver who had previously offered the trip for €6. Parker was approached while standing at the Miraflores bus stop with his wife in Mijas Costa, waiting to go to La Cañada shopping centre, near Marbella. A Spanish man purporting to be sent from the bus company pulled up in a brown Fiat and told the couple - who were celebrating their 50th anniversary - that all buses had been cancelled. He said he was happy to take them to the shopping centre for the same price as the bus.

“The guy had a badge and seemed pretty official so we agreed,” Parker told the Olive Press. But when they arrived and Parker’s wife first left the car, the driver locked the doors and parallel parked next to another car so Parker couldn’t get out. “He just kept demanding €77 and became very aggressive,” he added. “We thought best to just pay him as we were only here for a week and didn’t want it to ruin our holiday. “We now just want to warn expats and other holidaymakers to avoid scams like these.” Parker, who is disabled, reported the incident to staff at his hotel, who have now informed police.

Hope for animal charity IT has been a tumultuous couple of years for Triple A. But now Marbella’s longest-running animal charity has been thrown a lifeline. The town hall has agreed to donate €30,000 a year to help with the vital work it does to take care of abandoned animals. It comes after a controversial raid by the Guardia Civil’s environmental

arm SEPRONA last year put its future in jeopardy. “There are 43,000 registered dogs in Marbella, so Triple A’s work with abandoned animals is essential,” said Marbella mayor Mari Angeles Munoz. The town is now planning a series of awareness campaigns, especially targeting families about the issue of abandoned animals at the end of the summer.

“He said the bus was four hours late and that he had been sent to take us for a similar price,” Taylor told the Olive Press. “He was driving extremely fast and his meter wasn’t working, so we asked him how much it would be. “He wrote €79 on a piece of paper, at which point we asked to be dropped off at a police station. “He became very aggressive and began lowering the cost before screaming at me to give him €20 and he would let us off there and then.” Fortunately he pulled over

after receiving the money, but not before Taylor was able to snap a picture of the car on his mobile, as it sped off. Another holidaymaker Victor Marshall said: “I would have thought this fraud would have been stopped by now as this man conned me last October while waiting at a Mijas Costa bus stop. “He tried to extract €78 and after a lot of violent intimidation I gave him €40....but I should have shouted for the police!” Another victim reported on a white Citroen that took over €50 euros from him and his wife ealier this year. Police failed to comment on the scam in time for press.

A GERMAN cleaner has scooped the largest jackpot in online gaming history. The lucky lady from Berlin, whose name was given as Christina, won €90 million in the Gibraltar-based Lottoland draw. She had put the bet on the EuroJackpot jackpot via her mobile, choosing the five lucky numbers and the two Euro numbers that bagged her record breaking win. The Berliner found out she had won while working on her late cleaning shift. She plans to quit her job, allow her mother to retire, and hire a motorhome to drive from the East to West coast of America, culminating in a Backstreet Boys concert. Gibraltar-based Lottoland CEO Nigel Birrell, said: "This record €90 million win is a breakthrough moment both for our business and the industry as a whole, as it is the largest jackpot payout ever across the online gaming and lotto industry. We look forward to breaking more records in the future."

Hypocrites Must stop It’s hilarious and sad that most of the people here complaining about other migrants and refugees coming to Spain are in fact themselves not native to Spain, and in fact migrants themselves. Hello? How damn hypocritical and nasty can you get? Kerstin Inga, Madrid

Wait a minute... You Brits can come here and start a new life in Spain, so why can’t they? You will find that they send their menfolk first to secure a job and to live with the intention of bringing their families over when they have that. Roweena Reeday, Malaga

It has to stop, Spain has taken more than their share, even when Italy and Malta refused them they were taken in by Spain, this will continue to happen and Spain will look like a soft touch.

Stay away Oh God no! (Trump promises to visit Spain during visit from Spain’s royal family, online) Please don't come here. I left the USA to get away from him!

Lilian Mowbray, Fuengirola

Send them away

Christine Van Baten, Madrid

Ghosts of Spain

I’m sorry but the Africans on the boats don’t have jobs in Spain and have nowhere to live. They will just beg and be a nuisance wielding their fake bags and sunglasses all around towns. They contribute nothing so send them to Iceland. It’s not like they are escaping any sort of war zone it’s just Africa is poor and they think Spain is rich.

Be prepared, it won’t just be Franco they’ll be digging up (Dig him up, issue 294). This was something Spain would inevitably have to confront. The disastrous civil war years were laid to rest, but they haven’t rested easily, just buried and not really dealt with, until now. Michael Bath, London

Richard Upton, Marbella 10

Letter

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P O L I T I CS/ NEWS

June 20th - July 3rd 2018

DUNKIRK HOLOCAUST HERO DIES

of the

week

ONE of Spain’s last brave soldiers who survived the holocaust having fought Hitler has died. Malaga-born Jose Marfil Peralta who fought at Dunkirk alongside

British troops - later survived years at the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria. The Rincon de la Victoria native, born in 1921, fought alongside his

DIG HIM UP!

Dictator Franco to be finally exhumed to create huge memorial against fascism

Dear Olive Press, I am writing as a person concerned for the well-being of animals and the absolutely horrific suffering they are currently undergoing in Spain, it has to stop! The horse and cart should be banned everywhere in the world especially in hot countries. I lived in Mallorca last year and the abuse I witnessed was indescribable. My friend is currently living in Alcudia, where she witnessed a horse collapse to the ground in 27C heat before its owner beat it until it got up. I am absolutely sick to my stomach that this kind of abuse is still happening on a daily basis, and on such a small island. It needs to stop and it needs to stop now! Nicole Flynn, Mallorca Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@theolivepress.es or alternatively message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress

father against the Germans, before being captured. After surviving the war, Peralta wrote a book, Yo Sobrevivi al Infierno Nazi (I Survived Nazi Hell).

PEDRO Sanchez has vowed to move the remains of dictator Franco from the Valley of the Fallen and turn the site into a monument of reconciliation. Spain’s new prime minister revealed plans to turn the Madrid mausoleum into a ‘memorial about the fight against fascism’ during his first TV interview. The controversial site has faced huge criticism for being the only remaining

By Elisa Menendez

monument dedicated to a fascist leader in Europe, where Franco’s body was buried some 40 years ago. "We don't have a date yet, but the government will do it," said Sanchez.

Prisoners

Largely built by Republican political prisoners under Franco’s regime between 1940 to 1958, the Valley of the Fallen (Valle

de los Caidos) holds the remains of over 33,000 people from both sides of the civil war. It comes after Rajoy’s PP government had blocked previous attempts to exhume the dictator, stating that digging up mass graves of lost loved ones will reopen a painful part of Spain’s history. However, Sanchez argued on Monday: “It’s not about opening wounds, it’s about closing them.”

CULTURE OF CORRUPTION

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A MEMBER of Spain’s new government has had to resign just a week after joining over corruption claims. It comes after it emerged that culture and sports minister Màxim Huerta had withheld taxes in the early 2000s. The former journalist and TV commentator was also recently forced to pay €365,000 in back taxes, late fees and fines. It emerged he had used a company to deduct expenses on earnings from his work, which included the pur-

Thanks!

w Ne lla rbe t Ma o tsp ho

chase of a second home on the coast in Alicante. His replacement in Pablo Sanchez’s new PSOE government is José Guirao, who was director of the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid between 1994 and 2001. Huerta’s resignation was unavoidable given a statement made by Sanchez in 2015, when he declared that any politician who creates a company in order to pay half his taxes would be ejected from his own government the next day.

No snap election SPAIN’S new prime minister will serve out the rest of the current term until elections in June 2020. Pedro Sanchez, who ousted conservative leader Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote this month, said he will not call for a snap election in a bid to ‘normalise’ the country’s political climate. “I plan to call elections in 2020, when the term of office ends,” he stated this week. It comes after the PSOE leader had hinted that he would call an election immediately after replacing Rajoy as PM. Despite repeated calls from opposition parties for an election, PSOE’s ministers have said they need time to enact their policies.

Video rap HE’S popped up again… but this time in a special video message to fans. In a passionate missive fugitive rapper Valtonyc insisted ‘essential rights are not being respected’ in Spain… adding that he would ‘keep fighting today and tomorrow’. He had recorded the video from his hideout, believed to be in Belgium, for a special concert for Freedom of Speech in Palma. During the event at Palma Arena, another artist Pablo Hasel, burned a photograph of the king on the stage.

I got the exact same letter you are referring to in your article (Scam letter warning, issue 293). It came from the same law firm and was also posted in Portugal. Thank you for the advice!

www.cascadamarbella.com | +34 951567849 Urb Montua, 39, 29602 Marbella

Magda Ocampo, Malaga

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Photos by: Jon Clarke and Atlas Beach

GUIDE: Roman statue stands guard at the entrance to Tarifa

July 4th - July 17th 2018

For relief from the hot and busy summer, switch to the Costa de la Luz (or Coast of Light). It’s a complete breath of fresh air, writes Laurence Dollimore

FLUORESCENT kites accentuate its bright blue skies, Caribbean-style beaches bring the wow factor, while the stiff Atlantic breezes will hopefully not sweep you off your feet. Welcome to Tarifa, the wind and kite surfers’ paradise that is unique in Andalucia (and pretty much Spain) for its hip, international vibe and deep layers of history. The star of the Costa de la Luz - or Coast of Light - that stretches from here to Cadiz (and technically all the way through Huelva to Portugal), Tarifa is unrivalled for its kilometres of

sweeping white sandy beaches, which seem a million miles away from its easterly Costa del Sol neighbour. It’s no surprise that those-in-the-know from around Spain flock to the hotspot as soon as the summer season begins. But there’s more to this ancient Moorish town than surfing and beaches and its old quarter is truly a treat. Entering via a medieval archway, its cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings are overlaid with a tangible north-African vibe that

could easily pass for Chefchaouen or Essaouira. Handbags and hippy scarves hang in the doorways of fashion boutiques while the trendy bars and quality restaurants will engage you for hours. Having everything a town could want paired with glorious beaches, it’s no wonder Tarifa has been constantly fought over. Romans first settled near the town (you can Continues on Page 20

In the heart of the old city, ready to steal your heart!

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WIND CAPITAL: Kitesurf is big business in Tarifa From Page 19

still visit the Roman ruins in nearby Bolonia) before it was taken over in an attack by the Moors, led by Berber military commander Tarif ibn Malik in 710. After the Islamic conquest of Spain, the city became increasingly more fortified before becoming part of the Kingdom of Granada. In 1292 it was conquered back by the Christians in the shape and form of Sancho IV of Castile before resisting several sieges and invasion attempts over the centuries. The Peninsular War saw Tar-

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IDYLLIC: Stunning El Palmar beach overlooked by a watch tower

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ifa besieged again, this time Three Kings night (January by French troops in 1810, and 5) the French realised their again in Depowder was cember 1811 wet and their when General guns were Laval demandbogged down A wonderfully ed surrender in mud, and atmospheric after bomretreated. barding it over Since then, location which Christmas. the town has Both the Brit- comes into its own managed to ish and Spanhold onto its after dark ish commandArabic and ers refused Spanish oriand their degins to create fiance was rewarded by tor- a wonderfully atmospheric rential rain the next day. By location which really comes

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into its own after dark. We were there for this year’s San Juan celebrations and Tarifa’s can rival rival any on Spain’s southern coast, not to mention somewhere like Ibiza. In the black of night, dancers celebrated around huge beach bonfires and ferocious fireworks lit up the sky. The cobbled old town was heaving with revellers making the most of drink prices that wouldn’t have been out of place in Magaluf or Benidorm, although here, every-

HISTORIC: Tarifa church

one was a lot better behaved, as two German tourists observed. “It’s my favourite place in Spain,” marketing expert Dominic told me. “It’s superchilled and everyone is really friendly, it’s a genuine place where you can relax and you don’t feel overrun by tourists.” ‘Chilled’ is probably the word that perfectly sums up the Costa de la Luz, which takes in some of Andalucia’s most beautiful towns. Take Vejer de la Frontera, a traditional white hilltop village a half an hour drive from Tarifa. Don’t let the sleepy exterior

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21 21

fool you, it’s packed full of surprises. Not only does it ooze history and views to die for, it also has an amazing mix of stylish boutique hotels and, probably, the highest concentration of top restaurants per capita of anywhere in Andalucia. It is a true foodie capital with hip restaurants like the Hotel Califa’s Moorish walled garden gem to the amazing bistros lining Calle de la Corredera, a balcony jutting out over the countryside with jaw-dropping views to the coast and inland. Its hilltop location made it a popular enclave for Europe's oldest civilisations, with the Romans founding the town of Besipo here, with evidence today seen in the columns of the parish church, the nearby Santa Lucia aqueduct and other archaeological remains scattered about. In later centuries, it became an observation point crucial to the defence of the fishing fleets in nearby El Palmar and Conil. Until almost the middle of the 19th century, all land near the

Photos by: Jon Clarke

July 4th - July 17th 2018

BEACH LIFE: Canos de Meca coast was at the mercy of pillaging raids by Berber pirates who constantly attacked the town. Its shores also witnessed the famous Battle of Trafalgar, where the Franco-Spanish fleet was defeated by the British. Nowadays it still sees plenty of action - not military but culinary. Vejer’s setting within

STURDY: Tarifa’s famous fortress

CASA COLINA BLANCA

the orchard of Andalucia, near the Jerez sherry triangle and the four big almadraba tuna towns who fish for these ocean giants the old ecological way - has inspired an explosion of gastronomic creativity that’s attracting a world-wide audience. Barbate exports its unrivalled tuna as far-wide as Japan, with the choicest cuts selling for up to €90 per kilo (SEE PAGE 28. From Vejer you can follow the sherry trail to its capital, Jerez, via the manzanilla seaside pueblos of Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlucar; an entrance point to the famous Donana National Park, Andalucia’s green lung; or head down the coast to Cadiz to experience the sophistications of the provincial capital. In between, closer by, are a series of stunning white 'cubist' towns bequeathed by the Moors who ruled this land for nearly 800 years, from

DREAMY: Stunning light in the backstreets of Vejer the historic fishing village of Sancti Petri, near Chiclana, to bustling Conil de la Frontera and to quirky Caños de Meca, named for its freshwater springs and Islam’s holy city. On top of that you have El Palmar, famous for its surf breaks and party atmosphere, Zahara de los Atunes, easily one of Spain’s most exclusive resorts, full of superb restaurants and amazing beaches and Bolonia, known for its sand dunes and amazing Roman ruins. If you need to escape the hustle and heat of a sticky Spanish summer, do yourself a favour and switch to the breezy Coast of Light. It’s a breath of chilled fresh air!

LOOKOUT: Trafalgar lighthouse from Canos de Meca

We are looking for holiday rental villas in the Costa de la Luz (preferably close to El Palmar, Roche, Conil or Vejer)

Quiet, courtyard holiday home for rent on the edge of old town Vejer de la Frontera Spacious, sunny roof terrace with wonderful views of Vejer ‘pueblo antiguo’ Sleeps 5, two double & one single bedroom 2 bathrooms with showers Comfortable dining/lounge area Well-equipped kitchen Wi-fi, TV, DVD, Music player, BBQ Perfect location for Vejer’s historic centre, restaurants, shops and parking Costa de la Luz beaches, Cadiz and Jerez nearby For more information, availabilty and booking www.casacolinablanca.co.uk

We are a UK based tour operator looking to expand our rental program in the Costa de la Luz. It is essential they are quality houses with their own private swimming pool. PLEASE CONTACT Nicola Renshaw tel: 666 52 13 80 nicola@vintagetravel.co.uk www.vintagetravel.co.uk

www.theolivepress.es STEVE HARRIS

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Romans and moor!

PRESERVED: A Roman statue stands proud by dozens of pillars at Bolonia, while (right) Tarifa statue

HE pungent scent of tuna is wafting down the street from the salting factory, while toga-clad townsfolk make their way to the forum to shop and socialise. It’s mid morning, and maybe later - in the heat of the day - they will duck for cover and chill out at the town’s spa, punish a few slaves and then treat the wife to a show at the theatre. Picture the scene at Baelo Claudia 1,800 years ago, at that time one of Spain’s most important Roman settlements. The ruined Roman city on the beachfront at Bolonia,

Panoramic Terrace – Open every day from 12 to 12 Plaza de España 16, Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz tel: 956 44 77 30 CalifaVejer.com

Roman ruins and pristine beaches ... Tom Powell is blown away by historic Bolonia a ten minute drive west of Tarifa, had a booming economy back in 2AD, based on its fish salting industry. Today, at this reconstructed living museum, you can walk the cobbled streets, explore old Roman villas or declaim a few stanzas by Seneca from the stage of the ancient amphitheatre. Shut your eyes and you can almost believe you’ve been beamed back a couple of centuries. Stepping through the town gate and exploring this once magnificent Roman city is more than enough to set the imagination racing. The Iberian Peninsula’s biggest Roman city – complete with walls, aqueducts, baths, temples, forums, villas and more – is a rather special place. It is designed to be taken slowly, at a stroll, while breathing in the fresh Atlantic air as the wind wafts you gently through the ruins. Baelo’s main road – decumanus maximus – runs

MUD BATH: At Bolonia’s Cala del Picacho

from east to west, connecting two large town gates. From here a well-signposted route leads you around the Roman settlement, with plenty of information in English to accompany the strikingly well-preserved ruins. The town had really started growing in 2AD, after a product, known as garum,

made in Baelo, took off among the chattering classes of Rome. Made out of fish guts it was a pungent, but allegedly tasty addition to any meal and the whole area became dedicated to its production, with Roman ships arriving and departing on a daily basis for Italy, loaded up with the magic product.

Biggest dune in Europe

Bolonia’s iconic, giant sand dune is the texture of icing sugar, its waters Caribbean blue. The largest on the Continent it dares to be climbed, just to see what lies beyond. While there is no secret cove or crock of gold at the end it is a lovely slow transition into a cool, scented pine forest. And the stunning views from the top are a reminder of how all coastal Andalucia once was. Nearby look for Cala del Picacho, for some therapeutic mud-baking. The mud treatments are popular and you smash up some wet slate stone to create your own mudpack, before letting it dry off.

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July 4th - July 17th 2018

O trip to the Costa de la Luz would be complete without a night or two in the majestic, coastal city of Cadiz. Considered the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, founded by the Phoenicians in around 1100 BC, the ancient city is an enchanting place to get lost, whether it be down the winding alleys of the Old Town or admiring the eroding walls of the many historic plazas. Boasting a number of beautiful beaches, Cadiz is a true sunworshipper’s paradise. Its La Playa de la Caleta and the promenade were even used as a set for Cuban scenes in the James Bond Die Another Day movie, as the area resembles Havana’s famous Malecon. For over 200 years, the city has been known as La Tacita de Plata (The Silver Teacup),

Capital of light

T A R I F A

EVERY HOUR is happy with HAPPY HOUR prices ALL NIGHT 0.5L DANGEROUS Mojitos/Caipirinhas/Cocktails €5 2 NIÑO COCKTAILS for €6 & SURF Cocktail Shooters €2 Imported Beers from UK/Germany/Belgium English/Irish Owned Table Football/Beer Pong/Darts/Live Football/Juke Box OPEN ALL YEAR in the centre of old town TARIFA Free Shots for all our friends*

WATERFRONT: Cadiz city

Voted friendliest bar & best place to get drunk in Tarifa*

as it was once the third most wealthy city in Spain, following Madrid and Barcelona. Meanwhile others say Cadiz’s beauty is enhanced by the glistening sun’s beams bouncing off the water, casting a ‘silver’ reflection on its ancient walls.

Artisan

HISTORIC: Cadiz cathedral

Cadiz’s yellow-domed baroque-neoclassical cathedral is a sight to behold and a walk down the promenade with an artisan ice cream in hand is one of the best ways to admire it. With the smell of fresh fish in the air, the city is famous for its fresh seafood and there are plenty of places to try it in the Barrio de la Vina.

SURF BAR T MATIT

CALLE CERVANTES 4, TARIFA, CADIZ

GRANDEUR: Fountains and statues

Another way to experience Cadiz’s history is with a free trip to the remains of a Roman am-

phitheatre, followed by an intimate flamenco show in the city which helped invent flamenco.

B R E A K FA S T & B R U N C H R E S TA U R A N T · L O U N G E Telephones: 856 093 941 - 627 440 737 - 693 420 343 Ctra. de la Playa s/n, El Palmar, Vejer de la Frontera, Spain 11159 WWW.LATORREDELPALMAR.COM latorre.elpalmar

latorre.elpalmar

*these last 2 points are in no way related to each other

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Underwater world

NDER the sun-kissed sea there lies an alien world, teeming with colourful life that makes the coast’s crowded beaches and bars seem a million miles away.

Yellow Sub Tarifa • Estacion Maritima, Local 1, 11380 Puerto de Tarifa Tel/Fax: +34 956 680 680 Movil: +34 655 813 064 / 655 813 046 www.divingtarifa.com • info@yellowsubtarifa.com •

DIVING CENTER

Scuba diving, a thrilling yet serene sport, abounds all around the Straits, and in particular near Tarifa. Whether you are an experienced diver or a novice, you will be struck by two underwater wow factors: the clarity of the water and the infinite variety of fish. A number of companies operate out of Tarifa harbour taking punters of all experience levels on dives and offer official PADI courses. After a thorough land-based briefing on safety, science and equipment from my dive manager, at Yellow Sub, one of the longest running firms in business, we kitted up and made our way to the boat. Given that my previous introduction to scuba div-

Whale

Flying fish, dolphins and giant turtles pay a visit on a trip into the Straits, writes Jon Clarke

BIG JUMP: A dolphin

E are about equidistance between Spain and Morocco in the deepest part

of the Straits of Gibraltar. Flying fish, turtles and two types of whale are basking around, feeding and luxuriat-

SWISS FOUNDATION daily english spoken excursions to observe free-living

WHALES AND DOLPHINS DISCOVER THE AMAZING WILDLIFE IN THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR Close to Tarifa, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet, there is a high concentration of marine mammals: Pilot whales, Sperm whales, Orcas, Fin whales and 3 species of dolphins. Come and join our biologists on one of our research boats!

GLASS BOTTOM The new boat firmm-Vision offers windows that make an observation of the animals under water possible.

NON INTRUSIVE APPROACH Our skippers are well trained. They follow the code of conduct of firmm, designed to minimize any disturbance to the whales and dolphins.

Pilot whales, Sperm whales, Orcas, Fin whales and 3 species of dolphins.

firmm® España Pedro Cortés 4 11380 Tarifa mail@firmm.org www.firmm.org

Tel.: +34 956 62 70 08 Mobil: +34 619 45 94 41

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Visit www.divingtarifa.com or www.leonmarino.surf

of a time ing in this food-rich marine paradise, some 15 minutes offshore from Tarifa. And that’s not to mention the dolphins, including a pair of Bottlenose, who are shepherding their calf, that is apparently no more than a week old. Soon we have found a school of dolphins swimming around the boat and, being so calm, we can see them clearly under the water. It’s an almost religious experience for the boat-load of tourists, as the stunning mammals clearly swim over to take a closer look at us. “These two are particularly inquisitive,” pipes up a voice from the cockpit above, as one particular pair come sniffing up to the boat, then swim underneath at an amazing speed. The words come from Dr Katharina Heyer, a remarkable woman of 75 years of age, who has become, without a doubt, one of the world’s authorities on sea life off the tip of southern Spain. It’s her 20th year working with her foundation Firmm, which was set up after she was guid-

CLOSE UP: With a pair of orcas

PLAYING: A dolphin comes up for air ed to Tarifa to see whales and dolphins by a ‘spiritual man’ in 1998. Then running her own fashion company in Switzerland, she visited the area to find nobody organising trips to see the mammals and almost no research on them. “I arrived on a really rainy, awful day to find no whale boats, just fishermen, and had to rent a diving boat to take me out,” she explains. It may not have been perfect weather conditions, but what she saw completely changed her for good. While she had long enjoyed diving holidays with her teen-

age sons in the Caribbean and the Maldives, seeing a group of Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins had a strong and immediate impact on her. So moved was she by these large and graceful mammals that she quickly moved out to set up her ‘respectful whale watching’ foundation in Tarifa and has never looked back. Indeed, so respected has been her research into the mammals over the last two decades - in particular her sensitization work for them - that last year she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Basel. There are now a handful of companies taking visitors out to see the mammals from Tarifa, and on most days they can expect to see Sperm whales, Pilot whales and even Orcas, not to mention various types of dolphins and many other fish. It is one of the best places in the world to see them, with the currents bringing a lot of food from both directions, explains Katharina. However, this brings in itself severe risks, as they are entering one of the busiest waterways in the world with more than 300 freighters and other sea traffic passing every day. Indeed, as you look out into the Straits you are witnessing a battle for survival. “The lives of dolphins and whales are at risk from ferries getting faster and faster, the noise from shipping traffic and more,” she explains. “We are trying our best to monitor their numbers and do our best to minimise the issues they face.”

A shore thing

Manuel Caminero was a high-flying art director in Australia his day job to become a fine art photographer of the seas. before he quit Now he spends his mornings chasing sunrises on Tarifa’s famed coast. “One day I went to Tarifa and I fell in love. Since then, I have shot Tarifa from every angle - by helicopter, while swimming in rough waves and battling the strongest wind storms,” he said. His gallery, Atlas Beach, is the only one in Europe which 100% on photography of the sea and beaches, and not just concentrates of far reaching coastlines in remote coasts across the globein Tarifa, but with photos taken during his intrepid travels every year. Photos by: Jon Clarke and Atlas Beach

ing was a university swimming pool, I was blown away by the vivid underwater landscape and clear visibility. The sheer number of aquatic species of all sizes and colours of the spectrum is astounding. We chugged around Tarifa’s mini island, Isla de la Palomas, investigating every nook and cranny,

marvelling at the magnificent orange anemones clinging to the rocks. Sassy sea cucumbers, evil-looking moray eels with their malevolent mouths agape, fish that camouflage themselves in the sand… even Sir David Attenborough would wax lyrical! At one point we came upon a pair of octopuses entwined in a passionate embrace, and, feeling like a third wheel, I edged away, but soon realised they were fighting over the best hiding place under the rocks. It was fascinating to watch and, as the victor took up residence, the loser powered off to regroup. Whether you’re a rookie or an expert seeking fresh challenges, Yellow Sub, or other companies such as León Marino will show you a breathtaking underwater world you’d never imagine existed.

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SUNSHINEGROUP COSTA DE LA LUZ

AA CC

ll July about 4th - July 17th 2018 ll about

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Hooked on Barbate Elisa Menendez has a fin-tastic time learning why Barbate is the world’s tuna capital

WE HAVE GERMAN AND DUTCH CLIENTS SEARCHING FOR PROPERTIES WE ARE LOOKING FOR HOUSES TO SELL PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A GREAT SERVICE!!! Please contact Maya von Witzleben Tel: 956 445 989 Mob: 600 068 426 Email: sales@sunshine-group.net www.sunshine-group.net

Carretera Barrio Nuevo 16, 11149 El Colorado-Conil, Cádiz, Spain

Restaurante Patría c/ Patría 48, La Muela, 11150 Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz

S dawn breaks over a horizon of crashing waves, distant twinkling lights and gigantic fishing nets strewn across the docks, fishermen huddle in groups anxiously awaiting their captain. These are not your ordinary fishermen. They are divers who plunge into the ocean to spear eight-foot tuna head-on in a 3,000-year-old Phoenician trap-fishing technique called La Almadraba. Welcome to Barbate, the gritty Andalucian town which has put the delicacy of wild bluefin tuna on the global culinary map. While surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Spain, this old fishing port won’t win many awards for its appearance. That said, you can’t help but fall for the charm of the locals and the tastiest fish you will ever tuck into. The town isn’t only famous for its tuna. Until FISHERMEN: Jose and (right) Gonzalo the late 90s it was called ‘Barbate de Franco’ after the dictator, who spent many summer Morillo, the top of the head, is almost imposholidays there, adding his name in the 1950s sible to get in Spain, as almost all of it gets in a bid to industrialise the town and create hoovered up by the Japanese. industry and jobs for the area. That said, if you want to try it and just about It only lost its controversial suffix in 1998 af- every cut of the world’s best tuna, head for ter a decree was passed by the Junta. El Campero restaurant, in the town, which is But back to fish. The meat of possibly Spain’s best fish resthe bluefin is known as atun taurant. rojo (red tuna) due to the deep Barbate truly comes alive in The Almadraba crimson-coloured flesh which May as the almadraba season is tender and sweet, but dense system - meaning begins, when the locals spend like steak and melts in your to strike in Arabic the full month paying homage mouth. to their blue-finned fish with Locals usually eat it raw, pre- - is praised for its Barbate Tuna Gastronomy pared as a tartare, as its Week one of the highlights. sustainability unique texture and full flavour Its three sister towns which is best appreciated without also operate Almadraba trap heat. nets - Tarifa, Zahara de los The Japanese, the world’s largest buyers of Atunes and Conil - do likewise. tuna, also go nuts for it. Up to 90% is exported After the first full moon in May, the fishermen to the land of the rising sun - filleted, frozen set up a complicated labyrinth of nets which and air-dried within hours of being caught, catch the tuna as they migrate from the Atlanready to turn into sushi and sashimi. tic to warmer Mediterranean waters to spawn. The most expensive part (the barriga or belly), Their fat reserves keeping them warm through will sell for at least €40 per kilo. Other cuts, the winter mean the fish are succulent and once manufactured, can go for up to €90. full-flavoured.

tel: 687 231 923

www.restaurantepatria.com www.facebook.com/restaurantepatria ANCIENT METHOD: But the Almadraba system of nets has been effective since Phoenician times

27 July 4th - July 17th 2018

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ANCIENT: Technique from the Phoenicians T h e fish swim through different compartments of the nets until they reach the final area, locked in by the fisherman’s boats which form a ring around the net. Next comes the most dramatic and breathtaking part of the process, ‘la levanta’, in which the burly fishermen hoist up the net and select the biggest fish, with some weighing more than 500 kilos. The almadraba system - meaning ‘to strike’ in Arabic - has been praised for its sustainability as there is no overfishing with a strict quota that the fishermen cannot exceed. “There are boats which trap them and fatten them up and don’t care for the fish as much. We fish for a month and whatever we don’t catch is allowed to carry on the migration,” says Jose Maria, a Barbate-born diver and fisherman. The 33-year-old explains it is a more humane way of killing the tuna. “They die quickly from the spear so the fish are not tense or stressed, they don’t swallow water or choke. “They say this is w h a t makes it such a high-quality prod- u c t . It’s regarded as t h e jamon iberico pata negra of the sea,” he tells me as we stand shivering by the port in the cold and clammy 6am darkness. Jose knows a thing or two about the tuna business, as his parents own one of the most well-known fishing companies in the town, Almadraba Cabo Plata. It’s all hands on deck from a young age for the almadraba fishermen as the skills of the ancient tradition are handed down from generation to generation of families, with the boys beginning their training at the age of 14 and starting work at 17. “The majority of the men here have been trained by their fathers and their fathers before them. They have spent all their life at sea, explains Jose. “It’s beautiful work and above all it’s a very respectful type of fishing. It’s a way of life more than a job,” he adds.

However, the job comes with a dangerous price, we learn, as Jose explains how he was once left struggling to swim to the surface after a swing from a tuna tale left him with broken ribs. Later, as we tuck into a lunch of grilled tuna and manteca (melted pig fat) sandwiches - a typical dish in Barbate - Jose’s cousin Gonzalo regales us with the tale of his first tuna dive, aged 17. “I was just thrown into the water and left to find my own way,” he laughs. “I was terrified because you have so many gigantic fish coming towards you and you don’t know which way is up, down, left or right. “But if you show passion and courage the fishermen will give you a chance and give you the job,” he adds. The job is certainly considered an honour in Barbate and it is clear as the fishermen walk through the bustling town that they have earnt the respect of every local who comes to chat to them. Their faces beam as we make our way to the tuna festival, where a huge outdoor screen shows videos of their cousins fishing, as locals dance around it to upbeat reggaeton and salsa music. If you don’t want to fork out a few hundred to get on the tuna boat and watch the fishing in action, it’s worth going to Barbate just for the gastronomy fair to follow the ‘tuna route’, in which each food tent offers a unique tuna tapa and a drink for just €3.50. I never thought I would say this about a tuna festival, but with welcoming locals, a vibrant energy and some of the best food you will ever taste, it is truly an event not to be missed.

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Hurrica

HOT SEAT: At Valdevaqueros with staff pictured (below right)

The coolest hotel group on the Costa de la Luz never sits still. Jon Clarke finds out about the latest changes at the Hurricane group

AKE a slice of Ibiza cool, a dash of London savvy and a gust of Europe’s most wonderful wind and you find the hippest beach club on the Costa de la Luz. Welcome to Valdevaqueros, where the world’s best kitesurfers and windsurfers mix with some of Andalucia’s coolest kids. From the friendly staff to the athletic punters, this is a place to spend the day and best understand what comprises the unique Tarifa vibe. Sit on a beanbag with a cocktail in hand and watch the scene unfold as the kitesurfers kit up and a cornucopia of characters pass on through. In one of the most picturesque

The Coolest spot in Tarifa!

settings imaginable, you will be mesmerised as the dozens of colourful kites bob up and down with a backdrop of green mountains and the massive Punta Paloma sand dune in the distance. Take a stroll down to the white sandy beach and you’ll find everything from trinket salesmen to a rail of bikinis, while the sea is a wonderful clear blue and perfect for a dip. Back up in the protected leafy compound, you can grab a healthy buffet lunch, or a delicious burger, and also shop in the hip clothes shop Graffiti next door. If you feel active you can rent a windsurf board or book a kitesurf lesson, while the vast majority of visitors simply grab a beer or cocktail from the Tumbao bar, whose star boss David Alvarez, a butcher by trade, works hard to run a happy ship, by bringing in a mix of good DJs and flamenco groups. Valdevaqueros, which sits a ten minute drive west of Ta r i f a , i s p a r t of t h e s u c cessful Hurric a n e group, owned by three British brothe r s , Peter, J a m e s and Michael Whaley. Apart from their main Hurricane Hotel, now an institution in Tarifa, the trio own the laid back Punta Sur hotel nearby, as well as a hotel, Hurricane Jeri, in Brazil. “We are always looking for new ideas and improving quality, while not putting prices up for four years,” explains James, who is very much the life and soul of the Hurricane.

A writer and film director/producer - who once managed massive 80s band Adam and the Ants - he has recently overseen the expansion of the gym, introducing mountain and e-bikes to rent, as well as bringing in a new chef, Ivan, a local lad from Tarifa. “He is changing the m e n u daily to ensure guests can stay in as much as possible,” adds James. “He is upgrading traditional Spanish cuisine with modern touches, which is going well.” The hotel has also recently started to develop a Wellness program and contracted the services of a leading psychotherapist, Dr Alejandra Hallin, who has clinics in Marbella, Sotogrande and Gibraltar. Her team of 16 fully-trained

therapists deal with a range of issues, ranging from anxiety to depression and eating disorders to drug and alcohol addiction. They also specialise in family issues, such as school bullying, insecurity and phobias. “She has been really good for me and helped me get over an anxiety problem,” explains James. “I thoroughly recommend her.”

Story so far

The story behind the Hurricane group began over three decades ago when oldest brother Peter made an unscheduled stop off in Tarifa, en route from his home in Ibiza to a holiday in Morocco. A keen windsurfer he unwittingly found himself on the windiest beach in Europe and had the vision to launch a business there. It was 1984 and he had soon found a partner (an Australian BOSSES boardmaker Barry Pussell) to Peter help him open the coast’s first rental business. Named 100% Fun (now a successful nearby hotel) – the shack rented out windsurfs and sold clothes from his wife

Ride free Bar & Grill

Fresh produce, homemade food MADE with LOVE

Nacional 340 sn playa Valdevaqueros, Tarifa, Spain

HORSERIDING along the bright, windswept Costa de la Luz is a wonderful adventure. Hurricane Hipica, in Tarifa, has established itself as an equine epicentre, offering rides that take you over breathtaking beaches and forested mountains. Run by world-class Dutch equestrian Klaartje Muijser, the horses are incredibly well looked after, living shoe-free in open fields. For more information, check out www.tarifahip.com

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ane Force Photos by: Jon Clarke and Atlas Beach

Whether it’s day or night time, the surroundings are magical and the atmosphere is friendly, but best of all is its flavour!!!

Terese’s successful fashion label Graffiti Ibiza. “It was a low key launch and we had no idea how well it was going to go,” Peter explains “What we did have was a great board maker and fantastic, totally Spanishmade clothes.” It was the spark to launch the wind revolution on the Costa de la Luz, an industry that now brings in tens of millions of euros every year.

But, Peter quickly realised that in order to keep the growing number of surfers happy they needed to offer accommodation, so the following year he and his brother Michael, a builder, bought an old ruined 12-room hostel just up the road. His well connected third brother James, who speaks an incredible seven languages, also got involved, helping to make it one

of Andalucia’s hippest places to stay. “It just grew and grew organically,” explains Peter, who still spends half the year in Ibiza, where he has a farmhouse. “But now we think we have just the right ingredients to continue to be successful for years to come.” Their hotel in Jericoacoara, Brazil, meanwhile, continues to go from strength to strength, having opened a new wing last year and a second restaurant this year. “It is coming along really well,” explains James. “It has become a very popular place to stay and is nearly 90% occupancy all year round.”

On the up The Hurricane story would not be complete however, without a mention of Peter’s son Liam Whaley, who is one of the world’s top kitesurfers, winning the world championships a few years ago. Having taken up the fun, high-adrenaline sport from the age of nine, he now travels the world competing, but can often be found hanging out and training at Valdevaqueros, where it is not uncommon to have 40-knot winds. “There is never a shortage of wind here,” he tells the Olive Press. “And it is one of the most fun places to live.”

S: James and (below)

DREAM LOCATION: Dinner at The Hurricane

www.restaurantecastilleria.com Location Pago de Sta Lucía s/n, Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz. Spain Phone +34 956 45 14 97 Opening Hours Open every day of the week for lunch, except from October to March when we are closed due to end of season

Reservation Every day in the morning from 11.30h to 13.30h

+34 956 45 14 97

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osta de la Luz

photo by: bikingtarifa.com

e k i b r u o y On

Weird and wonderful

A SCULPTURE of dictator Franco and his horse half buried in the ground, and a never-ending rollercoaster of wheelbarrows represents the monotony of life, are part of one of Spain’s most unusual outdoor art exhibitions, at NMAC, near Vejer. At the charity space, exhibits suddenly appear along a forest pathway, while in huts there are a further series of sculptures and photography.

TARIFA is a mountain biker’s dream. Great views, a feeling of adventure, varied trails and great descents. It has it all. You can go cross country on full days along stony coastal paths beside the Straits of Gibraltar with amazing views of Morocco and the Atlas Mountains, medieval herding tracks over rolling farmland/wetlands, or winding trails through ancient cork oak forests. All within a lush green landscape with craggy sandstone peaks and mountains that roll into the sea. Rides take from two to seven hours, and most start from the heart of the town. “You can expect to hear the screech of an eagle, see thousands of buzzards crossing the straits and fields of wild flowers,” explains keen cyclist Tony Cassidy. “There are also plenty of Roman ruins and even remains of Prehistoric Man,” he adds. “It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s wonderland.” Bikes can be rented for around €20 a day from a number of places.

It’s a buoyant market in Vejer, explains agent Duncan Hill from De La Luz properties IT’S been 14 years since Duncan Hill first set up his agency on the Costa de la Luz. Aiming to help British buyers locate the perfect holiday homes from Ayamonte to Tarifa, the company took a ‘finders fee’ meaning they could negotiate and work with all the top agents on the coast. Having run a busy agency in London he liked the idea of finding the right home for buyers and things went well. “We had, after all, been through the process of buying a second home here so we were fully aware of the challenges potential buyers faced,” he explains. They mostly met the clients in the UK and after analysing their exact requirements searched for the best properties and then met them to show them the shortlisted ones. “It normally took three days and while time consuming it was very successful,” he continues. Eventually he and his partner Kaly decided to open a permanent office on the coast and chose the wonderful white town of Vejer de la Frontera. While a little slow at first, since 2013 the market in Vejer has recovered from the lean sales market of 2008 to 2012. From 2013 to 2018 there have been small price increases and the market

On the up… at last

Spanish Prope

has stabilized and the town has become increasingly popular. “Prices are now around €2,000 per square metre for a house or apartment in good condition. While in 2007 prices peaked at just under €3,000 per square metre, so there are some great deals out there,” he adds. A 3-bedroom town house of 100 sqm with a garage and garden that was selling at around €200,000, was being sold for €100,000 in 2013. “This year we have sold three of these houses for €135,000 to €138,000. All sold by UK vendors to local young Spanish couples whom local banks are now lending to.” Much of this change has come after a colossal improvement of the infrastructure in the area, particularly in the old town of Vejer, facilitated by the efforts of the town hall and local businesses. “There are now a multitude of very good restaurants and bars and many organized events and being one of the most attractive villages in Spain has also helped and the holiday season now stretches from April to October. “We have also had more visitors from many different countries over the past years,” he adds, explaining that buyers have come from as far and wide

Contact Duncan Hill on 956450889 or visit the office at Plaza de Espana, Vejer - www.vejerproperties.com

De la Luz Properties Plaza de España 23a (+34) 956 450 889 info@vejerproperties.com www.vejerproperties.com

Spanish Property Agents SOLD

SOLD

Casa Callejón

SOLD

as Denmark to the USA and from Poland to Sweden to buy in the town. Last year the agency helped a couple buy and relocate in Vejer after selling up in Mallorca where they had a second home for many years. In general, the Costa de la Luz remainsCasa popular Callejón with huge numbers€360.000 TRADITIONAL PATIO HOUSE, CASCO ANTIGUO, of Spanish tourists visiting each year.VEJER • Well-reformed house of approx. 250m2 We often help buyers from Barcelona, • Close to marketplace, restaurants & bars Madrid and Seville for example buy a • 4 apartments with 8 bedrooms, 4 baths • Rentalhere businesswhere opportunitythey can enjoy bolt hole their summers. Local FOR Spanish buyers tend to look to SALE the new town, where the houses are newer and at least 30% cheaper. “One of our main challenges is to help potential buyers ensure that properties have the correct legal title. This saves time wasting and there is no point in going through the offer and Casa Arran, Vejer de la Frontera negotiation process only to be told by€375.000 FANTASTIC HOUSE IN VEJER OLD TOWN a lawyer that he or she does not rec• Extremely stylish and spacious apartment ommend you • Private patiobuy. or garden area of approx. 25m2 • 2 beds / 2 bathrooms, dressing room with “These areensuite the quirks associated • Designed and finished for year round living traditional properties in Vejer but working with a good bilingual and local lawyer helps.” On top of this, in the surrounding countryside areas there are also many issues with the correct legal title.

€360.000 TRADITIONAL PATIO HOUSE, CASCO ANTIGUO, VEJER

RADIANT AND STYLISH FAMILY HOME

• Well-reformed house of approx. 250m2 • Close to marketplace, restaurants & bars • 4 apartments with 8 bedrooms, 4 baths • Rental business opportunity

• 170 m2 (approx.) over two storeys • 2 + bedrooms with fitted wardrobes (1 en-suite) • Open plan kitchen, dining, lounge approx. 75m2 • Patio space off kitchen, private roof terrace

• 5 double bedrooms / 5 bathrooms / WC • Spacious open-plan living-dining room with fireplace • Fantastic panoramic views, Holiday rental income • 3 terraces, open patio, Independent entrance

FOR SALE

Casa Arran, Vejer de la Frontera FANTASTIC HOUSE IN VEJER OLD TOWN • Extremely stylish and spacious apartment • Private patio or garden area of approx. 25m2 • 2 beds ensuite / 2 bathrooms, dressing room • Designed and finished for year round living

€375.000

Casa Relinque, Vejer Old Town

SOLD

Casa de Pueblo, Casco Antiguo, Vejer TRADITIONAL PATIO HOUSE, OLD TOWN • Fantastic Traditional Patio House • 4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms • Open-plan kitchen-living-dining area • Internal Patio with electric sliding roof

€310.000

€595.000

Casa de Patio, Casco Antiguo, Vejer

€650.000 INDEPENDENT PATIO HOUSE, CLOSE TO CASTLE

Casa Fina, Santa Lucia, near Vejer GORGEOUS COUNTRY VILLA WITH POOL • Approx. 300 m2 including porches & terraces • 2 floors with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms • 1.500 m2 manicured gardens • Pool 10x5 metres, pagoda, vegetable garden

€535.000

•1 •2 •O •P

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The sole is shining

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July 4th - July 17th 2018

Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke reviews stunning Tarifa restaurant Osteria del Sole

AM sucking the brains from half a dozen crimson red ‘carabinero’ king prawns, while sipping on a splendid Rosso di Montalcino. In front of me 100 kites bob up and down, almost in time to the strains of cool Brazilian music, while all around hipsters and hotties chow down and sip on cocktails. Backed by umbrella pines and overlooking miles of stunning sand dunes - not to mention a backdrop to one half of the legendary Pillars of Hercules in Morocco - could anywhere beat Osteria del Sole for lunch? With a splendid list of fresh pasta made every morning, an amazing selection of fish dishes and an Italian wine list to put three quarters of Tuscany’s eateries in the shade, I was in foodie heaven. I would happily have eaten lunch and dinner here, after a tour of the kitchens, where a team of female chefs were beavering away in preparation for lunch service. Everything is made from fresh and the team of trendy waiters, all bearded up in jet black uniforms, were enthusiastic as me. I had been tipped off from my pal James Whaley, owner of the nearby

DREAM LOCATION: Right on the beach

TEAMWORK: The staff at Osteria are knowlegeable about the dishes, including a king prawn tartare (Above)

AS EASY AS ONE, TWO, THREE: Fresh pasta is hand-made each morning at Osteria del Sole, ready for the plate come lunchtime Hurricane hotel, that this was the best new spot to eat and he rarely gets it wrong. Nor did manager Stefano, from Bologna (the Italian one, not the nearby village of Bolonia), who is extremely knowledgeable on the local food scene, and more or less chose my lunch. He guided me first to the wonderful

‘ahumados de Barbate’ starter, which at first didn’t appeal, but on arrival sent shivers of joy up my spine. Beautifully served with crusty bread and three delicious homemade butters of lemon, black garlic and onion, this blackboard-and-slate combo included smoked tuna, cod and sardines. Another starter Crescentine, a fried flat bread, was tasty, while the tartare of carabineros from Galicia, served with capers and a small salad can only be described as ‘de puta madre’, or ‘the bollox’ in English, to coin an appropriate term given the owners (see Hey Papa! below). Each dish is carefully explained and the pasta menu was broken down into sections of spaghetti, passatelli, ravioli and mezze maniche. Again I was led to the Tagliatella del Corsaro which came with Italian speck,

cream and a tabasco sauce, all flambeed with vodka. And again plaudits to Stefano, who got it spot on. There was a decent mix of fresh fish and meat dishes, but I was mostly blown away, being the operative word here in Tarifa, by the amazing wine list, easily one of the most complete in the Tarifa area. In total, there were over 100 wines from Italy alone, including a number from the legendary Antinori stable, coming in at a small fortune, but equally there are some good value chestnuts among the list, as well as a fair few Spanish bottles. I had a splendid Rosso di Montalcino Pian delle Vigne and a Pazo Senorans Albarino, from Galicia, for under 20 euros. Recently set up by the capable Italian/Chilean partners behind Papagayo in central Tarifa, it’s a stylish spot, all wood and clean lines, with plenty of

HELP: Explaining the dishes glass to keep the invasive wind out. With the right music, wine and food, it is bound to succeed. In fact, it’s a no brainer really.

Osteria del Sole, KM 80 (51,31 km) 11380 Tarifa - CONTACT US ON email: osteriadelsoletarifa@gmail.com or call: 687 82 88 69

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There’s bravely no tuna on the menu at 21, but Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke, couldn’t care less

July 4th - July 17th 2018

osta de la Luz

Tune out!

“

TUNA? No way… it’s the last thing I’m going to serve in a town with 120 restaurants serving it,” barks Ali Palmiero. “I only ever put it on the menu if my girlfriend Marina really insists on it.” It’s a brave statement for a restaurateur in Zahara de los Atunes that sets up its stall on having not only the best tuna in the world… but is even named after it. But Ali is anything but your normal chef on the Costa de la Luz. For starters he’s an Aussie, and secondly he produces a menu that would be much more at home in San Sebastian or, indeed, Barcelona, where he worked for many years. One of the genuine up-and-coming stars of the coast, Ali and his girlfriend Marina, a photographer/designer from Madrid, set up their restaurant three years ago, after meeting and falling in

COSY: Inside cool 21 love in London. Combining Marina’s exquisite eye for style with Ali’s skills in the kitchen has created one of the hippest restaurants around. There are few places in Andalucia that have so much panache, combined with delicious and creative food. Full of antique Andalucian furniture, much donated by their families, alongside some bold Jackson Pollock-style paintings, the sense of place is challenged by

creativity. It is perhaps a metaphor for Ali’s cooking skills that were picked up around the world in Australia, London, Spain and Italy, where he studied for four years at cookery school in Modena (he is actually half Italian and his family own a mortadella company there). “I started baking bread at the age of 12 to make some pocket money and my first real job was shucking oysters at the Sydney Opera House,” he tells me, before profering a long list of

places he has worked. But forget the CV, I was literally blown away by the quality of ingredients that Ali puts in his dishes, that are heavy on vegetables and light on calories. The menu gave little away being incredibly simple and short, but soon came out some delicious home-baked bread with salted garlic butter and an amuse bouche of ‘sausage roll on carrot earth’ served on a beach pebble. Now, I was excited. There was little that disappointed over the next hour, from the

chargrilled scallop, served with a wakame salad and trout caviar with diced apple and chilli strips to the signature dish of fresh foie served on a brioche with violet potatoes. And NOTE WELL, this was not your ordinary foie gras, but carefully selected crueltyfree foie from world famous Pateria de Sousa, in Extremadura, where former President Barrack Obama and UK cooking wizard Gordon Ramsay source it. (Want to know more? Visit the Olive Press website, where you will find a feature from four years ago).

DELICIOUS: (Left) cod dish and (right) Ali and Marina I also loved his fish dishes including a smoked sardine creation that was as off the wall as it was delicious, basically slices of the fish, with cherry tomatoes, ‘smoked’ yogurt and radish, all installed into a poppadom, no less. Seeing was believing. And then came out his surf-andturf-style French cod dish, which was like no other fish dish I have ever eaten in Andalucia, served with pork neck on a bed of spinach, artichokes and quinoa. Think north Spain and you get the idea. By the time the panna cotta pudding came out I was in heaven. As happy, in fact, as on my 21st birthday!

21 Restaurante, calle Palacio de las Pilas, 21, Zahara de los Atunes, Cadiz. - CALL US ON 696 462 236

+34 956 457 443 / +34 696 46 22 36 reservas@21restaurante.com Calle Palacio de Las Pilas 21,11393 Zahara de los Atunes

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From Monday July 4th - July 17th 2018 to Sunday: 10.00am-16.00pm 18.30pm-01.00am

Telf.: 673 44 7233 20 Plaza de Oviedo, 1 11380 Tarifa Cadiz

WHERE TO EAT

Geko is in the historic centre of Tarifa to the side of the San Matteo church, it’s a small and homely restaurant with a terrace protected from the wind. Open from 10am for breakfast, till 1am at night for dinner and drinks. Patty and Angi, with their kindness and friendliness offer you a variety of simple, tasty dishes of Andalusian and Italian characteristic cuisine, with daily changes to the menu. The kitchen is always open and you will find a variety of cocktails on the night.

Surf and

LOCATION: Stunning Antonio and (inset) a tuna dish

turf

MEET: Clarke with Melero

The Costa de la Luz has the most exciting mix of restaurants in Andalucia, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

HERE is something about the province of Cadiz that brings out the best in restaurateurs. A combination of style, creativity and, above all, positive vibes has created some of my favourite places to eat in Spain. Much of it to do with the ingredients, there are so many delicacies that can be sourced around the definitive coast with the most. Be it bluefin tuna, retinto steak or incredible seafood, foodies are spoilt for choice in the restaurants dotted along the Costa de la Luz. The one thing you have to try is the tuna, which is caught twice a year via the ancient Almadraba method at half a dozen specific spots, with very strict quotas and, of which, 80-90% is exported. It is like no other tuna you will every have eaten and what is left can be eaten at a handful of fabulous joints, including Antonio, in Zahara and El Campero, in Barbate. This pair have been consistently competing to become the best places to eat Cadiz’s most famous export for the last few decades and both have recently undertaken remarkable transformations in terms of decor and style. Antonio (www.restauranteantoniozahara.com)

WOW: Campero and (inset) a new tuna tapa

has one of the most amazing beach locations in Spain to go alongside its fabulous self-contained tuna menu, which is a stunning trawl of the very best of this wonderful local fish. It also has some great value tapas dishes, such as the amazing tuna tartare on toast at just five euros, or the ‘mollete’ bun of squid with mayonnaise. Up the road in the genuine fishing port town of Barbate you must not miss what is probably Andalucia’s best fish restaurant, El Campero (www.restauranteelcampero.es). Run by the stalwart chef Jose Melero, he stands at the pass with a dozen chefs on one side and a dozen waiters on the other. Directing his team with Zen-like calm, it is perhaps not surprising that this seasoned chef turned down a career in the air force to run his restaurant. And military precision is what he needs with his team serving up to 400 people in a busy summer sitting… and over the three months of summer up to 20,000 meals. In terms of tuna dishes there are around 30 different guises, including tuna lasagna and cuts almost unheard of, such as Facera, Galera and Parpatana. There is also a tapas menu, with such delights as tuna tartare with shavings of truffle on toast and an unusual looking ‘monton crocante’ (above), or mini towers of crunchy maize with spicy tuna inside. In terms of up-and-coming culinary hotspots, Tarifa currently takes the biscuit with around half a dozen new places opening this year alone. Quickly catching up on long-standing leader Vejer, there is a distinct buzz about the style and quality of places to eat here. Much of this is thanks to a group of hip young couples, who have opened their own joints, including chef Hernan at Mic Moc, Patricia and Inaki at Raizes and Inga and Heber, with their trio of eateries. I was particularly taken this year with the food Continues on Page 34

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osta de de la Luz osta la Luz

New kids on block From Page 33

Especialidad en arroces Paellas, caldosos, risoto Atún de Tarifa Lomos de Bacalao Rabo de Toro Speciality in rices Paellas, caldosos, rissotto Tuna fish from Tarifa Cod loin Oxtail

c/Santísima Trinidad No27 (Alameda) tel: +34 956 68 04 17

at Raizes, which was a tour of fresh, creative dishes and an obvious labour of love by the owners, who are uniquely both chefs. And proper chefs they are too, both classically taught, with Patricia Cordon having trained for over a year at one of Spain’s top restaurants Azurmendi and Inaki Garcia, having done his time with famous chefs Martin Berasategui and Sergi Arola in Madrid. Feeling a bit like a pop up, the decor is quirky, while the music is original and leftfield, while the food is distinctly fusion in feel and, best of all, often comes in various half rations. I love the crujiente de carrillera, which won the second prize in this year’s tapas competition, while the smoked squid in tempura and a crust of its ink is not only wonderful-looking but perfectly cooked with a Mexican chipotle sauce. Another really carefully considered dish is the sea anemones with algas and citrus fruit, while a pudding ‘te moruno’ has excellent textures to balance its taste. Another exciting new opening in the town is from the Delgado brothers, behind the Morillo restaurant and hotel La Torre for years. Called Siglo 19, it sits in the heart of the old town in a charming old building, divided into various sections and with a hostel upstairs. Employing the services of talented Sanlucar chef Miguel Mesa Blanco, under the watchful eye of owner Jesus and son Miguel, this is a place to watch over the next year. I was especially taken by the excellent trio of tuna tapas dishes, particularly the ventresca, served in a sesame crust and with a Pedro Ximenez sauce. It also serves fabulous retinto beef steak from the nearby area, while the fresh urta fish in a lobster sauce is richness personified. Another great spot run by expats is El Gecko, where Italians Angi, from Bolonia and Patti, from Milan, knock out some marvellously fresh mediterranean dishes every day. While a simple menu there are six specials of the day, including wonderful dishes like gnocchi, beef tataki, red tuna with quinoa, and langoustines in

TEAM: The Lola Mora gang

CLASSICALLY TRAINED: Inaki and Patricia at Raizes

NICE MENU: At Gecko, while (right) cocktail at Pacha Mama ‘panko’. It is also open for an excellent breakfast. Also still doing great guns nearby on Calle Alameda are Lola Mora and la Ternera Mimosa, run by father and son team of Daniel and Xavier Lasagabaster, a former professional snowboarder. Both have excellent outdoor dining terraces, with Lola Mora (www. lolamoratarifa. wixsite.com) tipping more towards classical food, while La Ternera Mimosa specialises in steaks, with a big bbq section. I particularly liked his amazing tuna burger, while there is also a good choice of salads and starters, including some superb fresh tomatoes. Other well known favourites include Trattoria (www.latrattoriatarifa.com), run by ambitious Italian magnate Luciano Fabricio, 46, from Naples, also on Calle Alameda. With a fondness for his country’s top ingredients - not to mention the excellent Slow Food Movement - his restaurant just gets better and better. After undertaking a course with Spanish masterchef Joan Roca, he has just introduced a ‘bano thermostat’, where he is able to slow cook a leg of lamb or duck breast for up to 24 hours at a low temperature. He has another excellent, simpler spot Pizzeria con Cucina nearby, as well as recently taking over the famous Pacha Mama restaurant and beach club (www.pachamamatarifa. com) on the road out of Tarifa towards Vejer. In a wonderful sheltered garden, with plenty of shade and

an excellent pool for the kids to play in, you will be spoilt for choice, with excellent wood-fired bbq treats and a wood oven pizzas, not to mention the amazing homemade Italian ice creams. Nearby, right on the beach, you will find the wonderful Italian, Osteria del Sole, which is a beautiful place and has some incredible fresh pasta, not to mention an amazing Italian wine list (see review on page 31). Also along this stretch of coast look out for the famous Hurricane Hotel and its superb lunch buffet, as well as the recently opened El Jardin restaurant at the Punta Sur hotel (Hurricane Force, p28), which is an amazing place to chill out and eat incredibly well. Heading towards Bolonia, overlooking rows of vines and a sea of undulating umbrella pines, Tesoro – or Treasure – is one pot of gold that really is worth seeking out. Aside from the fabulous food - including fresh langoustines and a classic ‘retinto’ steak typical of the region – the views over the Gibraltar Straits to Africa are impossible to improve. But the highlight of any culinary journey to the Costa de la Luz, must be Vejer, which is a true foodie Mecca and one of the best in Andalucia. Over the last two decades the place has become more and more famous in Spain and abroad as a place to eat well. Its history goes back to the late 1990s when two Madrilenos Pedro and Javier took the plunge to open the elegant restaurant Trafalgar on the main square in town. It was the perfect foil to the other two key restaurants of reference in the area, El Campero in Barbate and Cadiz’s most famous meat restaurant Castilleria, in nearby Santa Lucia, which both opened in 1994. “Trafalgar really started the food revolution here,” explains local hotelier James Stuart, who opened his own restaurant La Califa a few years later in 2002.

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Foodie Mecca

“Pretty soon we were all starting to raise the bar in quality making the town quite a few levels above anywhere else around,” he adds. So it is no surprise that into this melting pot of talent should march female tour de force Ellie Cormie, a few years ago. Having run a series of restaurants in Scotland - some with Michelin stars - she is now at the helm of the fabulous Corredera 55 (www. califavejer.com), where she has brought a unique sprinkling of magic, much of it learnt via four years in Asturias en route. Alongside owner James Stuart, the fabulous, good value menu, heavy on vegetables and fish, keeps getting better and better. The menu changes regularly and is always fresh and healthy with wonderful dishes such as the cauli-

flower fritters, with turmeric and coriander, as well as an amazing mint and pea gazpacho, with wild basil. A tuna sashimi with wakame salad and prawns was superb, while for theatre go for a ‘salad jar’ shaken on the spot. The fruits of the forest summer crumble with whisky mascarpone, cream and toasted oats, says it all. Amazing. Also consistently good and essential to book - is El Jardin del Califa (www. califavejer.com) reached through the labyrinthine corridors of the 16th century Califa hotel. Its exquisite palm courtyard is enclosed by ancient walls and is lit with Moroccan lamps after dark. If you aren’t hypnotised by the scent of frangipani, jasContinues on Page 36

Locally sourced seasonal produce Kitchens of the World NEW BLOOM: Dish and team at Siglo XIX

Calle Sancho lV El Bravo 9 (51,97 km) 11380 Tarifa Tel: 856 39 34 54 www.apartahotelsiglo19.com

raizestarifa@gmail.com Call: 956 68 01 71 General Copons 5, Tarifa, Spain

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osta de la Luz

Open every day from 11 to 11 Corredera 33, Vejer de la Frontera tel: 637 423 506 www.CalifaVejer.com

EVOCATIVE: Amazing Corredera 55 and La Califa From Page 35

mine and incense, wait until you try the menu, a heavenly harem of authentic flavours from north Africa and the Middle East: delights such as baba ganoush, shish taouk, pastela filled with chicken, almonds and cinnamon and tempting tagines. Meanwhile, their new spot Califa Tapas, just up the road on Calle Corredera, is getting more and more popular, with its special mix of dishes and amazing views to match. Restaurant Trafalgar itself goes from strength to strength. Now run by a new chef Karlos (pictured right) , it has a traditional Spanish menu with plenty of modern touches. Well installed in the Michelin guide for the last decade, you eat either in the charming square below or in the elegant restaurant above, which has some fantastic paintings on the wall, linking to the famous Trafalgar battle, which was fought nearby. If it’s views you are after, La Torre 2.0, is impossible to beat, sitting as it does overlooking one of the best views in Christendom, overlooking the beautiful Janda landscape. The recently opened sister restaurant of the La Torre, in El Palmar, is one of the most excit-

ing new places in Vejer. I particularly liked the fresh plate of thinly sliced courgette carpaccio with salted sardines and with shavings of payoya goats cheese on a bed of local sliced tomatoes and onions. Meanwhile a ceviche of corvina with fresh avocado and creamy seafood sauce was a fresh and a delicious squid tail cooked in three cycles with mash was a surefire winner. Around the corner, with easily the best wines on offer, is Vina y Mar, run by Ramon for the last decade. It’s a great spot to hang out at and the tapas get better by the year, while there are loads of wines by the glass, including dozens of sherries. Outside of the town you are also spoilt for choice with some genuine dining secrets, including Castilleria (www.restaurantecastilleria.com), sitting in the idyllic hamlet of Santa Lucia. A charming spot in the extreme, you sit in a leafy garden and eat the best steaks available in Spain. Broken down into the different types of meat, the steak menu is broken into eight to 12 months, four to six years and even nine to 11 years. The place just gets better and

better and is definitively where the wealthy and privileged go for lunch and dinner. You will need to book. It is very popular. If you cannot get a table then you may just be in luck by visiting Venta el Toro, just down the street, which has been picked by the Guardian newspaper as one of the most charming restaurants in Spain. And if it is charm you are looking for, few places beat Restaurant Patria (www. restaurantepatria. com), in the hills near Vejer, where Danes Thomas and wife Ase consistently serve up some of the tastiest dishes on the coast. This incredibly creative couple, who have recently launched their own juice business Patria Pura, run this stunning dining secret, surrounded by vines, oleander and olive trees. The stone terrace is always

WHERE TO stay

HE Costa de la Luz has loads of cool places to stay from beachside gems to village properties. In Vejer the seminal Casa de Califa (www.califavejer. com), in the town's loveliest square, is a fabulous Moorish building sitting around a charming central patio, where guests take breakfast and dine under candlelight each evening. Next door, its sister Las Palmeras de Califa, also oozes history, but has a fabulous pool (below) to cool off in after a day of sightseeing. Also in Vejer, consider the fantastic house to rent Casa Colina Blanca (www. casacolinablanca.co.uk), which has an amazing roof terrace with stunning views. In Canos de Meca look out for laid back Madreselva, set around a central court-

In the heart of historic Vejer

Vibrant Vejer

Dream retreats yard and with a decent pool for the kids to splash in. Nearby, just a short walk from the Trafalgar lighthouse is evocative Casas Karen (www.casaskaren.com), a super chilled retreat (above), sitting in a wild spot between pinewoods and beach. Its collection of chozas (straw huts) and traditional farmhouses, blends perfectly into the landscape. Massages and yoga can be arranged, or guests can simply relax in a Mexican hammock. In Tarifa you have an equally good group of stylish hotels, one of the best

being the Hurricane Hotel (www.hotelhurricane.com), right on the beach, as well as the more luxurious Punta Sur across the road, with its fabulous grounds, massive pool and tennis court. Another great option in the centre of the town itself is La Joyita (www.lajoyitadetarifa.es), a charming little place, well sited for everything and with an excellent roof terrace with a superb jacuzzi. In Zahara you have the excellent Hotel Antonio (www.antoniohoteles.com), sitting on one of Andalucia’s top beaches.

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IDYLLIC: Terrace at Castilleria, view from beautifully candlelit at night and your hosts do not disappoint when it comes to the food, which is almost all locally sourced. As Thomas explains: “The joy of cooking is about what’s in peak season. There is no need to import anything from far away.” He raves, quite rightfully about the quality of the local produce, and adds: “We work around what our suppliers can provide us locally be it wild asparagus, rabbit or bulls’ heart tomatoes. “It is all about being able to adjust, change and create.” Also worth looking out for in El Palmar is La Torre restaurant, which is the only one that sits right on the beach, with amazing views

in both directions. Set up by a local vegetable growing family, that sells its produce around Spain, it is based in the old Guardia Civil barracks. Son Rafa is in charge of the restaurant and has done a good job with the menu, making it increasingly fresh and vibrant. Try the plate of local tomatoes in salsa Mery, made from their own parsley, garlic and olive

oil, or the fresh tuna tataki salad with mesclun and alfalfa. In Zahara de los Atunes, you must look out for the hippest new restaurant on the coast, Restaurante 21 (www.21restaurante. com), run by Australian Ali and Madrilena girlfriend Marina. A true slice of London cool, this is some of the most original and best created food on the coast. The menu changes regularly and you will be eating everything from cod to scallops and smoked sardines to fresh organic foie (see review on page 32). Last, but very much not least, you finally have an excellent place to eat in Canos de Meca. Sitting in a charming garden close to the famous beach, La Laja (www.la-laja.es), is a joy to visit. Set up by long time cookery teacher Yolanda Roman (left)who has taught many of Spain’s best chefs, including twice Bocuse d’or winning Juanma Salgado - it specialises in traditional Spanish cuisine with various modern touches, but particularly featuring fresh, local produce.

...our kitchen Open: All days from 1pm to 12am Tel: 651 90 73 64 Av Trafalgar, 146, 11159 Los Caños de Meca, Cádiz

www.la-laja.es Described as “excellent” by 212 travelers

In particular try the tuna belly and couscous salad, that come highly rated.

Fresh, vibrant, healthy home cooking from the mediterranean Corredera 55, Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz Open every day tel: 956 451 848 www.CalifaVejer.com

TRAFALGAR TABERNA • RESTAURANTE

As Famous as the Battle

tel: 956 447 638 Plaza de España, 31, 11150 Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz

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GOOGLE: In Spanish

Habla Español

July 4th - July 17th 2018

Buy, buy, baby!

THE number of Brits buyGOOGLE Home has learned ing their dream home on the Spanish. Costa del Sol has doubled in The tech giant’s smart the run-up to Brexit. speakers are now able to Estate agencies have reThe Olive listen and respond to Press us- ported a 100% year-on-year ers’ voice commands in the increase in purchases by world’sTOP thirdfor most popular news in Spain! UK buyers over the past 12 language. months. A comprehensive BBVA bank forecast that Spanish Native The update may help the property prices will rise 5% speakers gain more ground this year has been a key reaagainst Amazon’s Alexa- son. powered Echo devices, not "We've seen a sustained only in the US where a num- increase in British buyers ber of people speak Spanish on the Costa del Sol over as their native language, but the past year,” said Marc also in Spain and much of Pritchard, Sales Director of South America and Europe. Taylor Wimpey España. Google added that its “The exchange rate has a Google Home products, in- huge influence over such cluding the Home, Home matters. We've also seen a Mini and Max, are available 15% increase in the numin Spanish in Mexico and ber of property reservations across mainland Spain and Spain. the Balearic Islands as a whole, with reservations now at their highest level for seven years."

NEW startup Kasaz is on a mission to bring transparency to Spain’s real estate market. The company has created a website and app which makes it easier to list properties for sale and for buyers to access information that will tell them whether or not a property is worth viewing. “Looking for a property in Spain, and more generally in continental Europe is an ordeal,” co-founder Sebastien Marion said. “There are many friction points and the typical time to completion is over four months. When one decides to buy a flat, one would typically start on one of the leading real-estate portals.

Shocking

“From a foreigner’s perspective, however, the quality of the leading real-estate platforms in Spain is shocking”. Each listing on Kasaz is verified, as are prospective buyers, and duplicate listings from competing agencies are prohibited. The Kasaz platform also lets buyers and sellers communicate with each other, including the ability to book viewings online, and provides additional services such as professional photography, video or 3D tours, and professionally written property descriptions. Additional information about the surrounding area is also available, a feature sorely missed on Spain’s leading property portals like Idealista.

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Volatility

According to xe.com, the past 90 days have seen just 0.32% volatility in the GBP/ EUR exchange rate, from a low of 1.12014 to a high of 1.15801. The result is an increase in British buyer confidence. The figures coincide with the CEO of Costa del Sol Tourism, Jacobo Florido, announcing the ‘most important summer’ in the region's history.

ON THE UP: Brits are flocking to Spain

Both tourist numbers and income are projected to grow by 2% over the year following a record-breaking 2017, when 12.5 million visitors arrived in the Costa del Sol, up 6.4% on the previous year. An additional 80,000 visitors from the UK helped to bolster the figures. It seems the costa’s stunning beaches and lifestyle offer have eclipsed buyers' Brexit worries, leading to a surge in interest in Spanish second homes. "A number of factors are at play here,” added Pritchard, “On the one hand, we've seen a relatively stable exchange rate over the last several months. At the same time, interest in the Costa del Sol in general is rising. “Then there are the age-

old attractions of the area's pristine beaches and golf courses. All of this is excellent news for the local tourism sector."

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Hot sale HOME sales in Spain soared by 31% year-on-year in April, new figures have revealed. According to the National Institute of Statistics, 37,930 home sales were registered in the fourth month of this year. New homes sales rose 27% (to 7,105), and secondhand home sales increased by 31% (to 34,905) this year. Over the past 12 months, new home sales have increased every month, bringing the long slump in the sector to an end, as an over-supply of housing stock is being reduced due to rising demand.

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July 4th - July 17th 2018 July 4th - July 17th 2018

MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

Don’t fret S

Las Grajeras - Jaén - CJ373

99.995 €

A beautiful Cortijo in Las Grajeras split into 2 apartments, but could easily be converted back. The ground floor is a 2 bedroom apartment with fitted kitchen, living room, family bathroom and large patio. The first floor apartment offers 2 bedrooms, a fitted kitchen, dining area, living room and two bathrooms. Property sold fully furnished and comes with a private garage and outhouse with bathroom and a utility room.

tel: +34 953 587 040 Calle Abad Moya 4, Bajo 23680, Alcalá la Real, Jaén info@inlandandalucia.com www.inlandandalucia.com

PAIN’S property market is booming. And the facts don’t lie - the number of mortgages granted in Spain this April soared by 34% year-on-year. The average mortgage value also rose by 9.1% to €123,256, while the amount of capital loaned increased by 46.5% to €3.54 billion. And according to Spain’s Statistical Office, Andalucia was the region with the second-highest amount of mortgages (5,154) after Madrid (6,018). They were followed by Catalunya with 4,700 mortgages sold. House prices are rising in double digits on sev-

But with such strong growth, some are worrying of a repeat of the boom and bust years. But is there really a cause for concern? House prices are undoubtedly rising, but in most places they are still a long way off their

LOOKING HEALTHY: Spain’s property market

peaks in 2007/8. They are rarely in double digit growth outside of Madrid, which has become an incredibly hot location. It means prices are not yet rising at a speculative or unsustainable rate. For now, the trend towards moderately rising prices looks set to continue, pending no shocks to the market, especially in the prime areas where often, supply does not match demand. So don’t fret, the Spanish property market is still a sound investment, and we at the Finance Bureau will be here to get you the best mortgage possible.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

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eral coasts, including Mallorca, Ibiza, Alicante and Malaga. Foreign demand is still driving growth and the British remain the biggest group of buyers, with Nordic and Belgian markets playing catch up.

Spain’s property market is safe and sound, writes Tancrede de Pola

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Secure your future

Why it’s more important than ever to think about investing in your future, writes Craig Taylor, of the Woodbrook Group LOTS of people like to reminisce about times gone by, but many are slower to look forward when it comes to planning their future. However, times are changing rapidly. Brexit is less than a year away, and there are still several factors that could seriously impact UK personal pension schemes. People everywhere are living longer than before, and changing demographics are transforming the financial planning landscape. Still, even thinking about financial planning is enough to make a lot of people break out in hives. Getting your affairs in order may sound stressful, but recent studies show even perceived financial well-being - feeling secure about not only the state of your current situation but how well you’ve planned for the future - holds the key to your overall well-being. Your financial security can affect you as strongly as job satisfaction, relationship stability, and physical health combined. Knowing where to start is often the biggest challenge, and this is why it is vital to get the best advice out there. A good financial advisor is like a family doctor, someone who will be with you for the long haul. A good financial adviser will help you set a plan for getting and keeping your finances in shape. Because finances are attached to fallible humans and, to an extent, volatile markets, plans often grow and change over time. Sometimes it’s difficult to know where, or who, to turn to. Many financial service companies across Europe say the same thing: ‘we put our clients first’, ‘we care about your own money’, ‘we will review your investment every six months’. The list goes on. The reality, of course, can be quite different.

Unique

In all too many cases, once they have your money you don’t hear from them again, sometimes for years at a time. When you do hear from them it’s bad news: your investment has gone down or, in some cases, been lost altogether. These are common complaints we hear from new clients who are fed up with the same old stories about certain financial service companies. This is why we take a very different approach. The Woodbrook Group is unique in that each of the pension plans we advise on are individually tailored to meet our clients’ needs, regardless of their circumstances. Our funds are reviewed every single day and if we recognise that your investment isn’t performing to our rigorous standards we can move the funds with immediate effect to a fund house we have recognised to be outperforming the markets. Due diligence, fully diversified, risk-weighted and actively managed funds are the foundation of what we do. At Woodbrook, client satisfaction is at the forefront of our customer care, therefore you will have one point of contact from the first appointment with your Senior Financial Consultant. Any questions you have will be dealt with by our highly skilled, fully qualified advisors. We will meet with you in person every three months for a full review of your finances and are contactable at any time if any questions should arise. *For more information, contact Craig Taylor and the team at the Woodbrook Group Office in Marbella: Av. Ricardo Soriano, 72 Edificio Golden Portal B, 1ª Planta 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. Telephone: +34 952768471 Email: officemarbella@woodbrookgroup. com Woodbrook Group is regulated by CySEC.

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BE ‘APPY!

US president’s tariffs set to take toll on Andalucia staples

IN SPAIN: Amazon

AMERICA’S new import tax hikes could hit Andalucia’s growers and manufacturers Download our app now and where it hurts. The food and drink sector, begin enjoying the best Spanish especially olive and olive oil news on the go. manufacturers, as well as the aluminium and watchAMAZON Business has ar- making industry have all exrived in Spain and Italy. pressed grave concerns. It means its EU coverage Donald Trump’s protectionnow includes five countries, ist reforms will impose higher after expanding into the duties on foreign products to UK, France and Germany benefit American industries and workers. It means that last year. products like olives will have Amazon The Business offers Olive Press B2B suppliers the ability a tougher task reaching the to sell products online with US market. TOP for news in Spain! VAT-exclusive prices.

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The service includes access to Amazon’s business analytics software, which allows users to set up dashboards to visualise sales figures and cost data. The platform can also manage aspects of human resources, displaying current employee numbers and, if needed, helping to construct new employee interview conduits.

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olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs

July March 4th - July 17th 201811th 2018 29th - April

Trump’s dump

Worried

“We’re not just worried about olives, there’s also the olive oil”, said a concerned Paz Hurtado, who heads Malaga’s Chamber of Commerce’s Committee on External Trade. Local suppliers have good reason to be alarmed as America is the sixth largest importer of Malaga products in the world. The province earned €144 million from exports to the US alone last year.

DAMAGE: Trump and (inset top right) Paz Hurtado The olive industry is already fighting back with numerous workers from all over Andalucia representing farmers,

manufacturers and packagers planning a mass demonstration outside the American Consulate in Sevilla on July 5.

More money, more problems

Other enterprises like the Malaga food and wine cooperative Dcoop, do not hide their fear: “We have to know how to adapt. The United States is not our principal exporter … but the situation is worrying.” Another sector at risk from the tax reforms is Malaga’s aluminium industry. According to Hurtado, many new production contracts for America’s car industry have yet to be signed, pending stabilisation of the situation. Mayoral Malaga, one of the biggest textile firms in Spain, claims that although it has not been affected yet, it is keeping vigilant. The US is Andalucia’s top non-European market with exports of local products totalling €517 million last year.

THE number of millionaires in Spain has more than doubled since the start of the economic crisis, startling new figures reveal. In fact the recession has been astonishingly beneficial to the most financially privileged sector of society, with Spain’s rich list growing by 76% since 2008. According to consultancy firm Capgemini, the figures have shot up from 127,100 high net worth individuals to 224,200 in 2017 with the largest increase - 10.8% or 22,100 people - last year alone. The figures surpass not only the European average of 7.3% growth but also the worldwide average of 10.6%. Spain is now listed 14th country in the world for millionaires, but with an everwidening wealth divide. In strong contrast, 14.9% of Spain’s citizens still live below the poverty line, according to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development).

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La Manga academy MURCIA’S La Manga Golf Club has launched a new sporting academy this summer which gives youngsters the opportunity to combine tennis and golf in one week-long academy. From €315 per person, the academies offer a half-day of golf combined with a half day of tennis, providing daily professional tuition for a minimum of three hours children and teenagers a real step up in performance. Eduardo Ruiz, La Manga Club’s sports general manager, said: “La Manga Club is very much a family resort and that means we look to encourage and coach juniors into sport, as well as catering for their parents’ requirements. “Many professional athletes use the facilities here at La Manga Club and it provides a fabulous opportunity for youngsters to follow in the footsteps of some their sporting heroes.”

July 4th - July 17th 2018 July 4th - July 17th 2018

Missed chance US players should have teed up at Ryder Cup course, says Spain’s Rahm

JON Rahm has said he was shocked by the lack of American players teeing up for last week’s Open de France at Le Golf National. The venue is to be used for the Ryder Cup from September 28 to 30. Rahm, from Spain, and who is a lock for his first Ryder Cup appearance, started as the pre-tournament favourite for the third Rolex Series event of the European Tour season alongside the only US Ryder Cup player in the lineup, Justin Thomas. “Yeah, I thought there would be more players from the Ameri-

UNIMPRESSED: Rahm

can Team,” he said. “I thought there were going to be at least four or five, and if it wasn’t the players that were already in guaranteed, maybe the people who are on the edge. “I thought they were going to come to show their interest, and maybe if they had a good week, they can show that they can compete on this golf course. “But I also understand that

there’s a lot of good tournaments going on right now on the PGA Tour and it’s hard to change the schedule in that way because they will just come to one week and back to the States and get ready for the British Open. I understand it’s tough.” Despite missing the cut in his last start at the US Open, the 23-year-old has won twice in 2018 and has three top-five finishes in his last five starts around the world. Other expectant 2018 European Ryder Cup players competing last week included Alex Noren, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and Ian Poulter. According to reports in the US camp, captain Jim Furyk will visit Le Golf National with a number of American players on the weekend before the Open Championship in three weeks time.

LA-VIDA golf THE new luxury LAVIDA Hotel has opened its doors at the PGA Catalunya Resort. The expertly designed and contemporary dwelling is ideal for golf enthusiasts looking for a getaway. It has direct access to the European Tour Destination’s 36 holes of championship golf and features 50 rooms with golf course views from private balconies.

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Reverse rampage THIS is the moment a Malaga driver reversed into another parked car sending it flying down a flight of steps. The CCTV footage shows a woman get into the black 4×4 before a car behind it backs up at full throttle. An image of the crashed car was shared widely on social media, with alleged witnesses claiming it belonged to a Russian fan who had crashed after his team lost to Uruguay. The event happened in Diana Park, between Estepona and San Pedro.

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Toll-free future Series of motorways in Spain to ditch tolls by 2021 THE cost of driving on Spain’s motorways is coming down with four major national highways becoming toll-free within the next three years. The long-awaited measures

announced by Spain’s Development Ministry will delight thousands of motorists who currently pay to use the country’s high speed road network, with tolls generally doubling in summer.

Eyes in the sky

The roads where tolls will be lifted include the AP-4 between Sevilla and Cadiz, whose private license ends up on December 31 2019; the AP-1 between Burgos and Armiñon (Alava), which will be free from November 30 2018; the AP-2 between Tarragona and La Jonquera, which ends up in the French border, free from August 31 2021 ; and some sections of the enormous AP-7, the most immediate being the sector between Alicante and Tarragona, free from December 31 2019. The Zaragoza-Mediterranean sector will have to wait until August 31, 2021 to go toll free.

Change

AN airborne highway patrol of drones and helicopters is gearing up for the annual summer exodus across Spain to keep death off the roads. The first phase of the traditional annual Summer Special Operation covered June 29 to July 1, with the second phase running from July 31 to August 1. Operation Return will monitor motorways from August 31 to September 2. The patrols will reinforce the regular vigilance on highways, not just on those dates but also every weekend during the summer period and particularly over the busiest August 14/15 period, which will be covered by 10 DGT helicopters. Besides helicopters, 12 newly-trained drone pilots will monitor the roads with five drones.

While the AP-7 section through the Costa del Sol will not change its status, the new measures create a precedent for future changes,although further modifications will have to be made in a new legislature. The measures will cost the government an extra €450 million a year according the association of construction firms Seopan.

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Donkey drama The donkey situation in Mijas is a complex one, writes Bill Anderson

OT sure if I am feeling brave MIJAS or stupid, but I want to say something about the Mijas MATTERS Donkeys. This situation is By Bill Anderson getting out of control. Not everyone will agree with what I have to say, but I have a right to speak. Many people are doing outstanding work on behalf of the animals of Mijas, and I also want to see something drastic happening to improve the quality of life of the Mijas donkeys. However, I do not feel that any group let alone one activist has the right to call for a boycott of Mijas Pueblo. The donkeys are an integral part of the village, but they are not the entire village. There are hundreds of families living from small businesses in the Village, and one person’s campaign, does not have the right to deprive people of their livelihood; and I am not talking about the Donkey owners, I am talking about the restaurants, the gift shops, the cleaners, the suppliers, and all the businesses, who, believe it or not, often have a hard time making it through the year. It hasn’t helped that Mayor Maldonado has been less than approachable, and even less helpful and honest on this issue.

Civilised

The whole notion of animal rights is a complex one, philosophically speaking. In the wild, animals have no rights. Even within our society animals only have the rights we grant them. A civilised society will offer a certain level of rights to animals, but it starts to turn strange when animals are to be afforded more rights than people. Some just want the donkeys off the streets; some have more moderate views and want better conditions, especially re, stabling and freedom of movement. We forget that these animals are in private ownership. Who is going to keep donkeys tied up under their house if they can’t use them as a business? It is not an exaggeration to say that many of the Mijas donkeys would be destroyed if they had no use. Some gentle people think that this is just about the donkeys, not about politics. I am sorry, but this is the most empty headed nonsense I have ever heard. Change comes at a political level or not at all. In 2015, ex PP mayor Angel Nozal had firm proposals on the table to address the plight of the Mijas donkeys, but he lost his majority. Many of the protesters about the donkeys are foreigners who didn’t bother to go out and vote in these elections. If Angel Nozal had kept his majority, we wouldn’t be having this battle now. You can’t have your cake and eat it, folks! Nozal has spoken frankly to animal protection groups in Mijas saying that he wants to finish the job and pay his debt to the animals of Mijas. The 2015 proposals, now expanded and refined are still on the table, but nothing will change until 2019. In the meantime, leave the honest, hardworking traders of Mijas Pueblo alone. Campaign, by all means, but get your priorities sorted out.

Columnists

4 8

July 4th - July 17th 2018 July 4th - July 17th 2018

Life on the wild frontier

Where smuggling goes with the territory, writes Belinda Beckett

WAS browsing the internet the other day for a four-wheel drive car to replace our decrepit Renault Kangoo when Google threw an interesting statistic at me, culled from this very newspaper: ‘At least one 4x4 gets stolen by drug traffickers every day in the Campo de Gibraltar.’ I’ve always thought of the beautiful area where I live as Andalucia’s ‘wild west’, but for its virgin beaches, stork colonies and lynx forests, not trafficking. The closest I’ve come to it is seeing

women stuffing cigarette packets down their leggings in the anteroom of the Gibraltar tobacco shop (now closed ) where I used to pick up my monthly allowance (now down from one carton to four packets for cross-border workers and anyone living within a 15km straight line from the frontier. It’s actually what helped me to cut down.) But despite living close to the ‘wild frontiers’ of VAT-free Gibraltar and '#' Morocco, it’s not Miami Vice here quite yet, although smuggling runs in the blood.

San Juankers!

Swathed

here are many signs that summer has officially arrived in Spain. The supermarkets are open on Sundays for example. Although you’ll still get stuck behind the new arrivals seemingly buying their entire two weeks worth of shopping in one go. Or the Spanish family shopping for what looks like the onset of some huge natural disaster that will entail living in a bunker for four months, but is, in fact, for a Sunday on the beach. But the most obvious sign that summer 2018 is underway is Noche de San Juan. It’s the night when you traditionally go down to the beach, dressed in white, leap over a flaming bonfire and then take the first dip in the sea to purify your sins. Nothing remotely pagan about any of the above of course and say three ‘Hail Marys’ for even thinking such a thing. Back in my misspent youth, San Juan was another great excuse to grab a couple of guitars, more than a few crates of San Miguel (you used to get money back if you returned the bottles, and for a few months it was our sole source of income) and head to the beach. It was all very low key and great fun. Although waking up face down and hungover in the sand the next morning wasn’t so great. In recent years, however, San Juan

As one local historian put it: ‘Countless modern Gibraltarian families would be able to trace the origins of their present wealth to the scheming of some moustachioed contrabandista.’ Where there’s a hard border, it goes with the territory. During the Great Depression my own grandmother smuggled (or should I say swaddled) the fabric for her wedding dress from Dublin to Belfast, wrapped around her like a bandage under her coat. Ever since Gibraltar became British, everything that couldn’t be got in Spain was smuggled via the Rock, from coffee and fuel to fabrics and fountain pens. Many benefited – the local jobless, the local traders ... for many Spanish and British merchants ‘el contrabando’ was the import/export trade.

DISGRACE: Rubbish on beach has turned corporate. Every beach bar has its own party and even the Town Halls have got into the act, with light shows, stages, live acts and DJs playing dreaded Reggaeton music – the type that pounds out of the yellow Seat Leon that undertakes you on the Fuengirola bends… If that’s not bad enough, the mess they make is unbelievable. For a night that celebrates nature, it’s more than ironic that they leave ALL their rubbish on the beach. Photos of Malaga the morning after looked like Genghis Khan and his Mongol horde had been through, after visiting a fast food chain. Not so much San Juan than San Juankers… And if you were wondering, no, I obviously didn’t do San Juan tonight. I have a lake in front of my house and it would take more than a quick paddle in the Med to cleanse me of my sins, trust me. Anyone out there want to lend me a deep sea diving outfit for my forthcoming underwater walk to New York?

In 1856 Gibraltar Governor Sir Robert Gardiner reported to London: ‘Human beings enter the Garrison in their natural sizes but quit it swathed and swelled out with our cotton manufactures, and padded with tobacco, while the carriages and beasts, which came light and springy into the place, quit it scarcely able to drag or to bear their burdens’. Female smugglers had it easier in prelegging days when blousy black dresses were the fashion in Spain. Their long black lines criss-crossing the frontier became known locally as el contrabando de hormigas – ‘smuggling ants’. The cigarettes sold in the tabacaleras back then were nicknamed mataquintos – soldier killers – so for a duty free supply of British American tabaco rubio it was worth the risk. The homing pack dogs didn’t have it so good. As a 1903 report described it, ‘Dogs are trained, through starvation or cruelty, to run home when landed at night. They carry saddlebags strapped on, or even have the skins of larger dogs stuffed out with tobacco fastened on to them.’ Even live turkeys were transported with contraband strapped beneath their wings. Smuggling was ever inventive. Today it’s all done by sophisticated cartels equipped with powerful RIBs, jet skis, drones and SUVs and now I know where they get their 4x4s from, we’ve decided to keep our clapped-out Kangoo. Her electrics may be a tad idiosyncratic but no drug runner would give her a second glance.

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YOU normally find them on the fringes of the sea, around Spain and its islands. But now London is getting in on the act… with it’s first chiringuito restaurant. On the inauspicious site of a former toilet FOOD lovers rejoice, a brand in Bethnal Green, Chiringuito has all the new gourmet market has ofstyle of a typical Iberian beach bar. ficially opened on the Costa “With a rooftop location, Chiringuito del Sol. calls to mind the warmth, energy and Estepona’s up-market Merethos of lazy days in Spain,” explains its cado Gourmet de San Luis creator Alex Dehayen. now and opened Download its doorsour onapp WednesConverted from a derelict public toilet day and is set to put the begin enjoying the best Spanish into a contemporary all-day bar, the food beach-side town on the Costa is being provided by Peruvian chef, Marnews on the go. products foodie map, offering like prestigious ‘Amelie’ oysters, the finest jamon Iberico and an area dedicated to Japanese cuisine.

Transformed

Beach life in a Bethnal Green toilet! co Padilla, with a menu inspired by fresh Hispanic and Latin American flavours. “It is embracing the sharing ethos of tapas and pinchos,” adds Dehayen.

Dishes will include manchego cheese with honey and fig; fish tacos of swordfish with elderberry jam; roast pork belly in ‘pisco and beer sauce’ with red Peruvian chillies; and pizza topped with roast tomato, spinach, chorizo or garlic mushroom.

Spain’s most famous chef will never go back in the kitchen, he tells a new documentary

ICONIC: elBulli

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is open everyday from 10am to 11pm

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CLARO! SUN SESSIONS with DJ JOSE CADILLO: every day from 1st July

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FLUSH: New chiringuito

Out of the frying pan

Housed in the town’s former ThetheOlive market hall, buildingPress has been transformed into a gourmet emporium TOP for with newsrestauin Spain! rants, cocktail and beer bars, a cafe, a wine shop and a spacious terrace, with a ‘chill-out’ zone. Extra reinforcement work SPAIN’S most influential chef meant the budget to refurbish will never open a restaurant the old building rose from again. Ferran Adria confirmed his €60,000 to €1.6 million. It is expected to create around vow as he launched a new 15-part documentary about 75 jobs. his record-breaking seminal restaurant El Bulli ElBulli: Story of a Dream, follows the incredible story of Adria, 56, who worked his way up from dishwasher to culinary icon. The restaurant was named the best restaurant in the world a record five times but shockingly closed seven years ago - with 3,000 people still on GOURMET: Estepona

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the waiting list for a table. But speaking about the new film, the Spaniard said he will never open a restaurant again. “It makes no sense for me to open a restaurant,” he said, “Why would I do that? “Almost all the greatest chefs in the world - with a few exceptions - no longer actually cook. “They taste, direct and conceive.”

Adria has, however, helped his brother Albert open six establishments in Barcelona, of which one, Enigma, he described as a ‘baby elBulli’. It came 95th in the latest 50 Best world restaurants list. He also teaches at Harvard university in the US and runs the elBulli foundation, funded by €12 million euros of private capital from the Spanish giants Telefonica and CaixaBank and the Italian coffee company Lavazza. The eye-opening series is now available on streaming service Amazon Prime.

AT RISK: Tuna numbers

Tuna probe ONE of Spain’s leading tuna companies is being investigated for breaking fishing laws. It comes after police raided the facilities of Ricardo Fuentes e Hijos, in La Palma, Murcia, as part of a national operation against the illegal fishing of Bluefin Tuna. Sources say the company has been keeping baby tuna corralled in offshore farms while fattening them up until the legal weight to catch them. It has also been allegedly exceeding annual quotas set by the EU. The limit is 4,000 tons per year but those close to the Guardia Civil investigation say this is being widely exceeded by fisheries across Spain. Several people have been arrested in Madrid as part of the nationwide probe, but investigators say dozens more could be picked up in Valencia, Vigo and Cadiz.

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Aitor Arregui Elkano 77 th

Headed by Aitor Arregui, Elkano is one of the leading seafood and fish restaurants in Spain - known for its signature turbot, which is carefully selected and grilled. Elkano offers simplicity in its decor matching its stunning fishing village setting.

Josean Alija Nerua

Martin Berasategui Martin Berasategui

July 4th - July 17th 2018

Juan Mari Arzak Arzak

31 st

Specialising in Modern Basque, the restaurant’s stand-out dish this year was pigeon with potato feather. Everything is overseen by Juan Mari Arzak, now 74 but still operating in the kitchen, alongside his daughter Elena, and keeping things fresh and innovative, helping the San Sebastian restaurant to a respectable showing in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

One of the grandfather’s of modern Spanish cooking, Martin Berasategui oversees this Basque Country restaurant and is one of the most decorated chefs in the country, with eight Michelin Stars to his name. His restaurant offers edgy a la carte and tasting menus and has an impressive wine cellar to match.

The Alchemists Spain scoops three top ten places in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list … and a lot more besides, writes Bradley Stokes

Narrowingly missing the top 50 cut, Nerua in Bilbao received its first Michelin star in 2011. From an early age head chef Josean Alija learned Basque cuisine at several traditional restaurants. More latterly, he has been experimenting with coffee, introducing it as an unusual ingredient in many of his dishes.

57th

43rd

PANISH cuisine is up there with the best in the world and that’s official. Bilbao was the location for a global gathering to choose 2018’s 50 World’s Best Restaurants and Spain secured

Eneko Atxa Azurmendi Eneko is another leading player in Modern Basque Cuisine. Azurmendi takes you on culinary journey from the rooftop vegetable garden to an indoor greenhouse. An eco-friendly establishment, Azurmendi uses environmentally-friendly materials and recycles its own waste. For this, Eneko won The Sustainable Restaurant Award in 2014. Far from a conventional restaurant, the truffled egg is cooked inside out and edible cotton can be tasted in the indoor greenhouse. Azurmendi boasts three Michelin stars and was awarded 43rd in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

seven places, with a further six honoured in the top 100. From the Roca Brothers in Girona, voted this year’s second World Best, to Bilbao’s own Victor Arguinzoniz of Etxebarri in sixth place, every one of these culinary al-

Victor Arguinzoniz Asador Etxebarri

David 96th Munoz Diver XO

Head chef David Munoz brings an avant-garde approach to the dining experience at Diver XO. Only the eighth restaurant in Spain to be awarded three Michelin stars, it specialises in fusion cuisine combining different culinary traditions to produce an experimental menu that’s as unconventional as it is sophisticated.

chemists has their own unique take on gastronomy. Like true artists, their edible masterpieces are never conventional and always have the power to enthrall. Here’s the full rundown of Spain’s best in the world.

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This groundbreaking Basque Country restaurant uses local firewood to create a unique grillcooking process using local, natural products. Overseen by Victor Arguinzoniz who even char-grills his desserts, his signature chorizo tartare and tomahawk steak won him the title of sixth best restaurant in the world in 2015. He’s there again!

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Roca Brothers El Celler de Can Roca

There’s Joan, the architect of taste; Jordi, the sweet anarchist; and Josep, the magic ingredient: three brothers, inspired heavily by their mother’s cooking, their repertoire stirred by childhood memories and created with love and generosity for their customers. Opened in 1986, it now counts three Michelin stars and also has an episode of The Chef’s Table devoted to Jordi. The food is simple but creative, old yet new - lamb with bread and tomato, St George’s mushrooms with avocado and cava made at the restaurant.

Andoni Luis Aduriz Mugaritz Andoni Luis Aduriz has secured his top ten place for the fourth year in a row for his revolutionary restaurant in Rentería, Guipuzcoa. Always thinking ahead and constantly questioning the logic of the gastronomical world, this self-confessed kitchen rebel takes an unapologetic approach to cooking, winning two Michelin stars in the process.

Oriol Castro, Mateu Casanas, 18th Eduard Xatruch - Disfrutar The history and legacy of the Mediterranean is a running theme at this trendy city restaurant, set up by three trainees at Ferran Adria’s legendary El Bulli. Influenced by fishing village fare, the menu transports your mind from old to new and metropolis to farm terrace. Their aim? To amaze, stimulate and create through gastronomy. The rustic interior underscores the laidback atmosphere.

July 4th - July 17th 2018 HOtEL & REstaURaNt MOLINO DEL saNtO

THEY SAY DON’T

DO THINGS BY

HALVES

BUT HOW ABOUT... HALF PRICE ON OUR ROOMS - if you book within HALF a week of arrival, mention this ad, stay a minimum of two nights, we’ll give you HALF PRICE on our room rates during July. Can’t stay? Why not visit our restaurant then? Here is our monthly menu for July: MENÚ DE JULIO – 29 euros FIRST COURSES Prawns and Basil in Papillotte with Romesco Sauce and Lettuce Leaves

Diego Grimberg Enigma Enigma takes you on a culinary journey around Spain’s oceans, specialising in seafood and fish with a tourde-force 40-course tasting menu that takes six hours to produce and eat. Set in the heart of the city, this gastronomic extravaganza offers a futuristic dining experience that appeals to diners in this trend-setting city. Chef Diego Grimberg studied his art in Buenos Aires.

Duck Paté layered with Green Apple, Cream of Fresh Cheese and Walnut and Rosemary Toast Chilled Cherry Gazpacho with Lemon Grass Ice Cream, Croutons and Salad Shoots MAIN COURSES Flash Fried Baby Squid with Caramelised Onion, French Fries and Endive Salad with Apple and Grape Vinagrette

Albert Adrià Tickets Headed by legend Ferran Adria’s brother Albert (2015’s World Best pastry chef) alongside Fran Agudo and David Gil, Tickets’ eclectic and contemporary tapas has earned it a top 50 placing. Specialities include crunchy octopus and liquid olives, created with a spherification process using the alchemy of calcium chloride, alginate, and xanthan gum.

Quique Dacosta 68

Dacosta is one of the new leaders in modern avant-garde cuisine, a keen supporter of the Slow Food Movement, and using only products sourced from a 75km radius of his restaurant, which already twinkles with three Michelin Stars. Highlights include crushed tomato and Azulon duck.

Beef Fillet Strips Sautéd with Oyster Mushrooms and Mustard Sauce in a Vol au Vent Puff Pastry Case with Courgette Pasta Red Peppers filled with a Vegetable and Oyster Mushroom Sauce, Carrot and Broccoli in Tempura and a Fresh Basil Sauce DESSERTS Chocolate Fondant (Gluten Free) with a Coconut Filling, Fresh Pineapple and Lime Sauce with a Shot of “Don PX”, a Pedro Ximenez Dessert Wine from Montilla-Moriles, Cordoba Province Raspberry Crème Brulée, Raspberry Sorbet and Pistachio Crisp served with a Shot of “Andresito”, a Moscatel Dessert Wine from Almargen, Malaga Province Maple Syrup Ice Cream and Salted Caramelised Walnuts served with a Shot of “Bornos Semi Dulce”, a Sauvignon Dessert Wine from Rueda, Valladolid

Book our monthly menu in advance during July, mention this ad and we’ll invite you to HALF A BOTTLE of our house wine per person . Come by train from San Roque - the journey is HALF the fun. (Ask us for train times and details). And whilst we’re talking HALF - you might be reassured to know that more than HALF of everyone at Molino del Santo has visited before. Bring your better HALF, don’t be HALF-HEARTED. Call 952 16 71 51 or e-mail info@molinodelsanto.com today. ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

More information of any kind e-mail

info@molinodelsanto.com

www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51 ESTACIÓN DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA

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INCE 1994 the delta at the mouth of the Río Barbate river, in Las Marismas de Barbate, has formed part of the Natural Park of La Breña. These low-lying marshlands, crisscrossed by water canals, streams and raised tracks, near Vejer de la Frontera, have a bewitching beauty and are home to a richly diverse flora and fauna. This is one of the best places on the Atlantic coast for birding. The birds, both sedentary and migratory, feed on the abundant molluscs and crustaceans of its tidal reedbeds and it’s easy to spot egrets, mallards, grebes and herons as well as several different warblers amongst the reeds and tamarisk. This peaceful walk is lovely on a summer morning or evening, but particularly memorable when the low-lying flora of the Marismas is taking on its autumnal colours and Vejer hovers above the early morning mist. Be aware that parts of the path can be waterlogged after heavy rain.

Start of the walk

Open Tuesday to Sunday. until 22.00 Closed 12.00 until mid February

From the N340 at La Barca, just east of Vejer, take the A314 towards Barbate for 3km until you reach a sign ‘Sendero Marismas de Barbate’. Cut left into a parking area where the walk begins.

July 4th - July 17th 2018

Marshmellow Continuing our walking series, Guy Hunter Watts offers this wonderful stroll around the Las Marismas de Barbate circuit near Vejer - perfect for bird watchers!

The Route The walk begins in the car parking area between the Marismas de Barbate and the A314. From the car park go through a small black gate to one side of a larger green one, next to a signboard Sendero Marismas de Barbate.

Bearing right and adopting a southerly course you’ll immediately begin to spot all kinds of wading birds out in the marshes. Reaching a fork next to a sign Parque Natural turn left along a track which cuts due east across the marshes for a little over 700m then, just before it reaches the Río Barbate, angles right and runs

on close to the looping course of the river. From here there are fine views back across the floodplain to Vejer. The track, bearing right, crosses a bridge and a cattle grid then resumes its course close to the river bank. After angling left and crossing another small bridge it reaches a viewing platform (1hr

Come and discover the new dining secret in the hills above Marbella

Just 10 mins up the A-397 Ronda road

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WEDDING CAKE: The white town of Vejer in the distance

CHILLY: Sierra Nevada snow in the heat of summer

Searching for Snow Tunnels

The nitty gritty

Las Marismas de Barbate circuit Grade: Easy Distance: 12.5km Time: 3hr 5min

15mins) with a sign listing the most common birds in the reserve. The track crosses a cattle grid to reach a fork. Here continue straight ahead (unless you wish to shorten the walk in which case turn right) sticking close to the bank of the Río Barbate before reaching a fork just be-

yond a sluice gate which is to your right. Here cut right and head back to the western edge of the marshes and a group of factory buildings. Crossing a cattle grid then a small brick bridge (1hr 55mins) you reach a junction with a broader track. Turn right and head on towards

Vejer. Passing beneath power lines the track arcs left then passes through an enclosure with a group of ramshackle animal pens, passing through gates at either end. Angling right through a grove of eucalyptus trees you reach a fork. Here keep right, sticking to your same course. Soon you

Twitchers delight The area’s rich flora and fauna are born of the interplay of salt water from the Atlantic with that of the floodplain. Spoonbills, herons and osprey are common sightings along with egrets, kestrels, and peregrine falcons. The marshes are also home to a huge variety of wading birds which include avocet, black-winged stilt, ringed and kentish plovers, dunlin and greater flamingos. The birds find rich pickings in the form of wedge clams, cockles and, closer to the ocean, muscles and prawns. Fish species inhabiting the marsh’s saline waters include sole, eel, mullet, bass and gilthead bream.

pass over a cattle grid where you reach more open countryside. The track narrows down as it runs on between beds of reeds, still heading towards Vejer. Soon the track arcs hard right (2hrs 30mins) then once more left. Adopting its former course it passes through thicker undergrowth where there are stands of bamboo and mimosa. Crossing a cattle grid the track runs on to reach the junction where, earlier in the walk, you cut across to the eastern side of the marsh. From here retrace your footsteps back to the car park (3hrs 5mins). Guy Hunter-Watts has lived in Spain for nearly 30 years. He is the author of Cicerone’s ‘Walking in Andalucía’, ‘Coastal Walks in Andalucía’, ‘The Mountains of Ronda & Grazalema’ and ‘The Andalucían Coast to Coast Walk’. www.guyhunterwatts. com

As part of our new series on walking in southern Spain, Jo Chipchase heads out high into the Sierra Nevada, the perfect summer walk

ATHERING my wits, camera and trekking poles together, we stomped out along Acequia de los Hechos, which traverses the mountains above Nigüelas, high in the Sierra Nevada. Accompanied by a group led by Spanish Highs trekking company, we were looking for a series of snow tunnels that sit at 2,100 metres. We set off in the company’s sturdy 4x4 from Niguelas, between Lanjaron and the Lecrin Valley up a spectacular rural track that winds its way round the mountainside. At one point, we stopped to admire a distant Ibex resting between a rock and a tree (see pic overleaf). With this amazing photo opportunity before my eyes, I cursed that I had swapped my 28-300mm telephoto lens for a lighter 24-85mm lens that would not perform a closeup. Photographic sod’s law striking again. Watercourse Eventually, we reached the starting point for the walk with our recommended kit and grateful we had brought our fleeces as, despite being early summer, it was still rather chilly half way up southern Europe’s highest mountain range. The Acequia de los Hechos is a long Moorish watercourse that starts near the source of Río Durcal and runs down the slope of Caballo, serving the towns of Padul and Durcal with the water they need for agriculture. Continues on Page 54

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Seeing red

IT is a custom that goes back decades… but it still seems a waste. A record 12,000 revellers sprayed and doused each other with tens of thousands of bottles of red wine at the annual Haro festival this weekend. The so-called Batalla de Vino - Wine Battle - is held in the Rioja town on the feast of St Peter every year. Thousands climbed the MALAGA’S homenearby Riscos de Bilibio bebrewed Victoria beer is fore utilising a range of warolling out the barrel ter pistols, pesticide sprayto mark its 90th anniers, bottles and even buckversary with new-look ets to douse each other in bottles. The makeover 70,000 litres of wine. combines vintage appeal with a modern twist to evoke War the city’s history of The historical origin of this brewing. The label war is linked to a territorial makes reference to dispute between the townsthe beer’s founder, folk of Haro and Miranda de Luis Franquelo, Ebro over the ownership of and its first birththe cliffs of Bilibio. day on September This was the spot on which a 8, 1928. It also comedieval castle stood upon a incides with Malapre-Roman bulwark. ga’s annual Virgen It is also claimed to be the exde la Victoria pubact spot where the six decade lic holiday markReconquest of Spain from Ising the victorious lamic occupation began. reconquest of At least 500 foreigners from Spain from the as far away as Australia took Moors. part in the fun.

Cheers!

HIGH MOUNTAIN STROLL: Along a stream with (inset) an Ibex From Page 53

It was overflowing in places after this year’s constant rain, and we had to cross areas of shallow water and hop over rocks. Everyone ended up with damp feet. I was glad of my sturdy walking boots, although waterproofing spray would have been wise to avoid soggy socks.

As we walked alongside the fast-moving flow, we saw that parts of the ancient acequia had been repaired using cement. How had the cement been transported to this remote location, accessible only on foot? Was it by helicopter, we pondered? What about the tools and cement mixer needed to do the job? As we continued, I also wondered about the nature of snow tunnels. These are created when water and wind

carve a path through intact patches of snow. The melt water cascades beneath these snow patches, making an otherworldly sight that belongs both to winter and spring seasons alike. Unfortunately, we didn’t reach the end of our planned route, as rain was setting in and one of the dogs clearly disliked the spiky foliage underfoot. However, we had spotted a couple of snow tunnels

TALES OF A HOTEL DOG By Benaojan Eddie

Guided walks There’s no rest for a dog...

E who must be obeyed is on a bit of

a health kick and he has me out and about at first light so that he can get in some cardio work by climbing the steeper slopes hereabouts. I trot along behind wondering why he finds it so difficult to go down the more severe inclines – I’ve tried to explain to him about going on all fours and lowering his centre of gravity but he’s not really that bright. And then there’s the afternoon workout when, at this time of year he’ll take off his shirt once we are out in the sticks and, how can I put his delicately? He is not as young as he likes to think he is and he perspires. I just hope we don’t meet any of my chums. It is so embarrassing to have a sweaty master in tow. He does take me to a place where a mountain stream provides me with a chilled swimming place under some fig trees. He’s the one who really needs to cool down though. The latest thing is that he’s decided he knows a lot about the area – after 32 years of living here I guess he should. So I now have to accompany him on guided walks where we stroll – not that’s too generous – we dawdle for about two kilometres and it takes him

over an hour. He’s constantly stopping and pointing out things which he says are of interest. Paved drovers’ tracks, old lime kilns, votive crosses on the hillside, showing where the winter floods reached - how very tedious. Leave it to me to guide . I’ll show you interesting things – a bitch on heat was here, a horse left something unsavoury there ideal to roll in, a rabbit has been this way, an otter that way. And I’ll mark my territory here, there and everywhere. I’ll tell you which are the best sticks to chase and how to deal with a stroppy neighbouring dog. He doesn’t find it at all fascinating and I despair. Still there is talk of buying me a new basket where I can recover from these exertions. I sure deserve it.

To get in touch with Eddie, contact his owners Andy and Pauline at the Hotel Molino del Santo. Bda Estacion s/n, 29370 Benaojan, Malaga. 952 167 151 - 952 167 927. info@molinodelsanto.com

about 50 metres above our path. We made our way over to them and admired their strange beauty and took pictures. Then it was time to leave. After taking a short cut over the ‘campo’, to avoid dipping our feet in the overflowing acequia again, we reached the 4x4 and returned to Nigüelas just as rain started to fall. Our timing had been perfect, to avoid being caught in the deluge.

HOST WITH THE MOST Richard Hartley of Spanish Highs moved to the Las Alpujarras region of Granada in 2002, after previously working in banking. He has just spent 18 months writing a book Walking and Trekking in the Sierra Nevada, which features 38 wonderful mountain walks. “I came here 16 years ago because of the mountains, which are unique in Europe, and they still inspire me today. North of Mulhacen (mainland Spain’s highest peak) you can travel for days in summer months and meet few, if any, other people. “It’s wild and untamed country and there are plenty of nooks and crannies to have me exploring for many more years. “I guess the opportunity to write my guidebook gave me the opportunity to give something back to the area.” The Spanish Highs team organise a series of guided walks through the summer and into the Autumn. ‘Walking and Trekking in the Sierra Nevada’ is available from Cicerone publisher, ISBN 978-1-85284-917-7, costing £14.95. Spanish Highs – www.spanishhighs.co.uk – can arrange guided walks and outdoor holidays for people of all abilities. Prices are 40 Euros per person per day.

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Spain exit World Cup after penalty shoot-out

DAVID DE GEA has admitted Spain is ‘f*****’ after its shock NO TECH: For Malaga World Cup exit The Manchester United goalkeeper has issued an honest Download our app now and account of Spain’s downfall begin enjoying the best Spanishafter exiting early to hosts Russia. news on the go. Despite finishing top of their group above Portugal, the 2010 World Cup champions have now failed to progress beyond the last-16 in the last two consecutive tournaments. After extra-time, the match MALAGA who will be was concluded by penalties, playingThe their Olive footballPress in where Russia goalkeeper, Igor La Liga 2 from next season Akinfeev, saved both Koke will not be benefiting from and Iago Aspas’ spot-kicks. TOP for news in Spain! the controversial video as- Host nation Russia, now enter

VAR Delayed for Malaga

sisted referee system. Despite the first division adopting VAR for this upcoming season the second division has decided to delay the new system until the 2019/2020 season. VAR works by allowing the referee to consults secondary referees on important issues such as penalties and goal line decisions. As seen in this years World Cup in Russia, VAR has been the talking point of most post-match discussions, with some calling for its abolishment.

IN TROUBLE: Spain team the quarter-finals for the first time since their Soviet Union predecessors in Mexico 1970.

Real Madrid and Spain captain, Sergio Ramos, said after the game: “It hurts a lot but

Iniesta retires

GUTTED: Iniesta

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ANDRES Iniesta has retired from international duty following Spain’s early exit from the World Cup. Iniesta, who has had a glittering career for both club and country, has hung-up his international boots after 12 years of service. He has represented Spain at youth level since the age of 16, working his way up the ranks to become one the most decorated Spanish footballers of all time. His international highlights include winning the European Championships in both 2008 and 2012 as well as winning the World Cup in 2010. Speaking after the defeat, he said: “Sometimes the endings are not as one dreams.”

nobody should doubt that we’ll be back to try again and again. Some will go and others will come along but we’ll all defend this shirt with passion and respect. In defeat I feel even more proud of being Spanish.” Spain’s world cup campaign did not get off to best of starts: former boss, Julen Lopetegui, was sacked days before preparations started, with some saying it was a contributing factor to Spain’s early exit. Former Barcelona midfielder, Andres Iniesta, announced his retirement immediately after their defeat. Russia will now go on to play Croatia in the quarter finals.

FORMER World number one, Sir Andy Murray, has withdrawn from Wimbledon due to ongoing injury setback. Murray, who won the tournament in 2013 and 2016, has had his 2018 season blighted with injury and rehabilitation. In January of this year, he had surgery to rectify a hip injury he picked on last seasons ATP tour. Despite playing in the preWimbledon tournament, Queen’s, Murray said: “I’ve made significant progress in practice and matches over the last ten days, but after lengthy discussions with my team, we’ve decided that playing best of five set matches might be a bit too soon in the recovery process. “We did everything we could to try to be ready in time.”

NOT PLAYING: Andy

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Serial scooter Manhunt on for mystery pensioner using mobility scooter on Malaga motorways

AN England player brought up in Portugal has put England through to the world cup quarter finals. Spurs player Eric Dier scored the final penalty to send the team into the last eight. Dier played most of his youth career with Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

FINAL WORDS

New wave SPAIN are already eyeing potential new wonderkids to help rebuild Spanish football team. The likes of Yeray, Carlos Selar and Rodri are being heavily sought-after.

POLICE are still searching for a man who has been filmed repeatedly driving his mobility scooter on motorways in Malaga. The serial driving offender was pictured and filmed several times in May by infuriated car drivers. The elderly speedster was caught on camera travelling on Velazquez Avenue and the MA-21 towards Churriana.

CUTE: Hero Poncho

CP-Aww

In one video he is seen running a red light. But despite policia local opening an investigation in May, he has not been caught.

Reckless

Now, this week, new footage has emerged. It shows the mobility scooter, designed for disabled people, travelling on a road next to the Guadal-

CAUGHT ON FILM: Scooter driver

horce River, which connects the motorway to the seafront.

Who likes short shorts? EVER noticed Cristiano Ronaldo pulling his shorts up? During the World Cup Ronaldo has been heavily mocked on social media by eagle-eyed viewers. Just before set-pieces, Ronaldo makes this unfamiliar adjustment - maybe a superstitious gesture or merely an egotistical PR

stunt: “He understands the marketing side of it. The way he struts up and places it; the world is watching him.” Many fans during the World Cup have taken to social media, with one viewer saying he strikes a resemblance similar to TV’s Alan Partridge.

w Ne lla rbe Ma spot t ho www.cascadamarbella.com | +34 951567849 Urb Montua, 39, 29602 Marbella

The scooter is not classed as a vehicle and is prohibited from travelling on roads meant for cars. The vehicle is considered ‘pedestrian’ and can only operate on sidewalks and pavements. The General Directorate of Traffic described the man’s actions as ‘reckless’. The investigation continues. Have you seen this scooter offender? Get in touch with the Olive Press at newsdesk@ theolivepress.es

A VIDEO of an adorable Spanish police dog performing CPR on an officer has captured hearts around the world. The footage shows Poncho the service puppy, with a blue police light strapped to his back, running to the rescue as an officer pretends to collapse. Little Poncho repeatedly springs on his chest and nestles his head against the officer’s neck to check his pulse, as the audience erupts into a round of applause. The video, Tweeted by the Policia Municipal in Madrid, has been shared over 17,000 times and included the caption: “The dog is the only being in the world that will love you more than you love yourself.”