Olive Press Andalucia Issue 425

RESS The

P

TOWEL COP

A COSTA del Sol hotel has taken the extreme measure of hiring a bouncer to stop tourists tussling during the morning stampede for sunbeds.

Sunset Beach Club, in Benalmadena, made the decision as Spain’s roaring summer has seen hordes of Brits and other northern European tourists competing for plum poolside positions.

The drastic measure was implemented after a manager spotted rows of sunbeds reserved with beach towels but with no occupants in sight.

But now the situation has become ‘probably worse’ as hundreds of

people are now sprinting for their favourite sunbeds at 9am.

“There is literally a queue of over 100 people waiting to access the pool in the morning and, at 9am, when the gate opens,” holidaymaker Katherine Green, 35, told the Olive Press. “And some people even just jump over the fence to get the best beds,” added the Yorkshire mum, who admitted her family had been forced to join the

scrum or face losing out.

“We’ve had to get down there shortly after 8am to guarantee a spot as there are just not enough pool chairs and beds.

“Incredibly as soon as the door opens people start pushing as well as running and jumping over the sunbeds to get to the best spots.”

A Scottish family staying at the resort, that caters for around 2000 guests a week in summer, had a similar experience.

“My daughter was first in the queue but grown men started jumping over the fence, behaving as if they were the kids,” the Glaswegian grandma, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Olive Press “Some people wear trainers so they can run faster,” her husband explained.

Irishman Michael Fitzpatrick said the ‘mad rush’ at 9am could end in tears.

“It’s dangerous because the pool surface is slippery,” the 47-yearold explained.

Meanwhile Wendy Brown, 44, from Essex, revealed that getting to the beds was more important to

one guest than his phone, which fell out on the way.

“He decided to leave it behind and carry on running, deciding the bed was more valuable,” she insisted.

“You can’t hesitate. You need to know exactly where you are going because that second of doubt could cost you your bed,” she added. But it is not just foreigners affected, with some Spanish holidaymakers refusing to spend time at the pool anymore due to the behaviour of other guests.

One couple, Victoria and Enrique, from Cordoba, revealed they had

‘never seen anything like this before,’ in the 20 years they have been visiting.

“We don’t go to the pool anymore, it is just unbearable as they’re adults behaving like kids.”

They estimate around 150 people are gathering around the fence just before 9am.

“They are slaves of the sunbeds,” insisted Enrique.

And Miguel, a 73-year-old Spaniard who has also been coming to the resort for two decades, said he had seen guests queuing even before 7am, a full two hours before

the pool opens.

However, not everyone seems bothered by the situation, as Belfast man Kev Armstrong told the Olive Press the morning routine is ‘part of the holiday experience’.

“We’ve been queuing from 7.45am, it’s not too bad,” said Armstrong, who is staying for a week with his wife Jaqueline.

Matt Lanigan, from Ireland, concurred: “It’s alright. There is no need to panic, there are enough sunbeds for everyone,” he said calmly.

When contacted, the director of the Sunset Beach Club declined to comment.

‘Some people are wearing trainers so they can get to the sunbeds faster’: Leading Costa hotel hires bouncer to stop tourists fighting over sunbeds

By Alberto Lejarraga

THE POOL: with beds reserved by towels. Kev Armstrong (right) gets up at 7.45am while Victoria and Enrique have given up

Sneaky perv

A MAN has been arrested after a woman caught him secretly filming her in a public toilet at Malaga Airport.

Snowfall

A BOAT waving a British flag that was transporting 2,000 kg of cocaine worth €70 million has been intercepted near Santander port, in northern Spain.

Bank scam

MORE than 100 people who allegedly defrauded 350 victims as much as €1 million by using an SMS banking scam have been arrested in Cantabria.

Cruelty

A MADRID man is facing an 18-month jail term after he killed his partner’s dog in order to ‘do her harm’.

Cash reward

A REWARD of nearly €12,000 is being offered for information about Derek ‘Deco’ Ferguson, a Scotsman on the run for 16 years.

Derek McGraw Ferguson, who is now 59-year-old, is wanted for his involvement in the murder of barman Thomas Cameron, 48, who was shot dead on June 28, 2007 at the Auchinairn Tavern in Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow.

Investigators also want to interrogate him about the death of Billy Bates, the man thought to have been with Ferguson when Cameron was shot.

Bates’ body was found inside a petrol drum in the River Clyde some weeks later.

The hitman fled Scotland and is believed to have hidden for many years on the Costa del Sol, in Marbella and Calahonda, protected by criminal associates such as international drug empire boss Christy Kinahan Now, independent association Crimestoppers is offering a €11,640 cash reward, double the previous amount, for information about the 5 foot 2 inches tall Scot.

PONZI PROBE

Criminal investigation launched into Globix director

ROYAL Gibraltar Police have finally opened a criminal investigation into the activities of Globix director Damian Carreras after his company lost €40 million in a suspected Ponzi scheme.

The police said the move

Multinational gang

By Walter Finch

forms part of a wider investigation into the operation of Globix and the alleged losses to investors.

The RGP called it ‘a very

BRIT ARREST

A BRITISH man who fled the scene after stabbing his girlfriend on the Costa del Sol two weeks ago has been arrested in the UK.

The 36-year-old is accused of stabbing his girlfriend inside a car when the couple was leaving a beach club in Mijas Costa.

The woman was found on the side of the road. She has been released from hospital after treatment.

Pedro Fernandez, Delegate of the Spanish Government in Andalucia, confirmed the arrested Brit has ‘a long criminal record’ and that he was in prison in England for a lengthy period of time.

complex matter’ and refused to comment on queries by the Olive Press as to whether they are liaising with Spanish police. Carreras is known to be ‘hiding out’ in Barcelona, while his co-suspects, Russian nationals Pavel Sidorov and Alla Babenko, reside in Alicante.

INVESTGATION: Damian Carreras

tors, some of whom stand to lose six or seven figure sums from the scam.

Gibraltarian Carreras, 39, stands accused of running a Ponzi scheme after taking in €25 million in investor capital – from some of the most powerful individuals in Gibraltar. The list of investors includes former Chief Minister Sir

News that Carreras is finally facing a criminal investigation will come as music to the ears of long-suffering invesPeter Caruana, current Leader of the Opposition Keith Azzopardi, and wife of the current Chief Minister, Justine Picardo. The giant crypto exchange went into liquidation in March one week after the Olive Press first broke the scandal, leading to legal proceedings to recover the missing funds.

A BRIT and an Irishman have been arrested for allegedly being part of a major Costa del Sol based drug gang that has been dismantled after a two-year police operation. A Policia Nacional source has told the Olive Press that a 53-year-old Briton and an Irishman aged 41 are among the 23 members of the criminal organisation that have been arrested. As part of the operation, led by Europol in collaboration with Spanish and Dutch police, agents have seized over 300 kg of marijuana, 71 kg of hash, 2 kg of MDMA and some cocaine. Officers have further seized four firearms, 19 vehicles and over €400,000 in cash. The gang is said to have transported the illegal substances between Spain and other European countries such as Norway, the Netherlands, Ireland and Germany.

What’s the beef?

IT is dubbed the oldest treaty in Europe, signed in 1375 and its terms have been met nearly every year since.

The people of the Baretous valley in France have paid a tribute of three cows to their neighbors in Spain’s Roncal valley every July.

The Tratado de las Tres Vacas (Treaty of the Three Cows) was signed to settle a dispute over grazing rights, although it is thought the ‘arrangement’ may date back 1,200 years.

In 2011 it was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the government of the Navarre region. It is thought the tribute has only been missed twice - in 1794 during the War of the Convention and in 1944 because of World War II. The cows are handed over during a ceremony at the Piedra de San Martin stone marker involving the mayors of towns in the two valleys who wear traditional garb.

WOLVES DEMISE

Predator declared extinct in Andalucia but may soon return to Valencia

AS experts predict that wolves may soon return to Valencia, the animal has been officially declared extinct in Andalucia.

The Junta de Andalucia’s environment department has been carrying out a wolf census for 20 years and, despite it being a protected species, they’ve admitted ‘there has been no sign of its presence since 2010’.

Until 13 years ago, it was believed that there were up to eight wolfpacks in Andalucia consisting of as many as 56 wolves principally in the Sierra Morena.

Luis Suarez from the WWF in Spain said: “This confirms the negative trend for the few existing wolf packs in southern Spain, which are threatened through being physically and genetically isolated from wolves in the rest of Spain, by loss of habitat, poaching and illegal hunting.”

By Alex Trelinski

But leading biologists believe that the combination of dwindling human population figures in rural areas and the increasing abandonment of agricultural land will encourage the arrival of the predator to Valencia in the coming years.

Castellon Province is predicted to be the main entry point, as several specimens have already been located in the Los Monegros area in neighbouring Aragon after travelling down from the Pyrenees. Another possible gateway is the Rincon de Ademuz in Valencia Province.

Opinions on the legendary animal vary greatly. The Spanish government’s decision to ban hunting the Iberian Wolf was met with an outcry on behalf of farmers and hunters, who see the Canis

EXTINCT: Wolves have disappeared from Andalucia

lupus as a dangerous predator that severely threatens their livelihood.

Just a few hundred wolves remained in Spain by the 1970’s due to a policy of eradication through poisoning, but since that was outlawed numbers have crept up.

In the most recent 2021 national census there were

ALVES INDICTED

THE former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves has been formally indicted by a judge in a sexual assault case. The judge said that she had found evidence of wrongdoing by the 40-year-old player and if convicted he faces jail time of between four and 15 years.

Alves has denied sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub last December and says they had consensual sex.

The footballer was arrested in January and has been in prison since then amidst claims that he poses a flight risk. His lawyer, Cristobal Martell said that Alves would not appeal the judge's decision because he wants the legal process to be concluded as soon as possible.

up to 2,500 wolves in 297 packs - 90% of which were in the north-west, mainly in Castilla y Leon, Galicia and Asturias.

HE has only been in business three years but Spanish designer Arturo Obegero has scored a major publicity coup.

Beyoncé took to the stage for the Boston leg of her ‘ Renaissance World Tour’ wearing an ensemble designed by the emerging fashion talent that embraces the current ‘sheer trend’. The Grammy-winning star wore a black corset bodysuit-style dress complete with opera-glove style arms, fishnet stockings and an embroidered lace train.

The dress was designed in collaboration with Atelier Sara Couture in Paris, who worked 318 hours on the outfit, including hand stitching all the lace from Sophie Hallette.

Naughty return

SPAIN’S former king Juan Carlos I has announced he will ‘soon’ be back in Spain for more stays in Galicia.

Juan Carlos, who went into self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates in August 2020 after a number of scandals involving his finances emerged, made his third return visit to Spain last month. The father of Felipe VI participated in two sailing regattas in Galicia’s Sanxenxo with his boat El Bribon (The Naughty one), winning one of them.

The former monarch has told the Spanish press that he intends to pay ‘many more’ visits in the near future.

Curtains pulled

A BRITISH tradesman fears it will be years before he can walk again after his legs were crushed by a drink driver in Spain, causing one to be amputated below the knee. Gary Doggett, 55, was working in Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca with his son and another employee when a Spanish driver ploughed into him from behind, pinning him against

Expat drink drive victim forced to close business after leg amputated

the back of his van. Gary was rushed to hospital where he endured eight hours of surgery, however neither he nor his family members were warned that his right leg was being amputated. The father-of-two has been

AFTERMATH: car that crushed Gary

A MAN has been seriously hurt by a reversing car in San Pedro de Alcantara, near Marbella.

The victim, believed to have been a British man in his eighties, was hit by a vehicle when he was using an ATM outside Unicaja bank at Lagasca Street.

“A woman parked right in front of the ATM accidentally reversed when she started the car, hitting the man, who crashed against the bank’s glass wall and then fell to the ground,” a witness told the Olive Press.

She added: “I saw it happening right in front of my eyes.

“At the bank we heard a very loud noise and when we went outside, the street was covered in blood,” Elena, a Unicaja employee, told the Olive Press.

forced to close his glass curtains business, telling the Olive Press today that he believes it will be up to two years before he will be ‘back on my feet’.

By Laurence Dollimore

He said: ‘It’s terrible really, my job is very physical and I was always busy doing something, like pottering in the garden or walking the dogs, he’s really f····ed me up, is one way of putting it.’

The much-loved businessman, originally from Brecon, in Wales, said it was a shock to his wife to see him with one leg, after she had simply been told he had ‘made it out of surgery alive’.

He added: ‘I woke up and saw one leg was missing, but to be honest I just thought ‘at least

ATM horror

Victoria Fernandez, who works at the Pharmacy that is right next to the bank, explained what happened after the accident, which describes as ‘horrible.’

“A fireman who was not in service used his t-shirt and a dog leash to make a tourniquet. Then, nurses from a nearby clinic administered him intravenous medicines. The ambulance arrived quickly and he was transferred in a helicopter to Malaga hospital. The woman who accidentally hit him was devastated.” Witnesses, believe the man was British because he was speaking English when doctors attended him.

HORROR: Gary woke up to find his leg amputated

it’s only one of them’.’

The life-changing injuries have left Gary, who moved to Spain 16 years ago, with no option but to close his glass curtain business, leaving him and his own son out of work. His daughter Chloe has started a GoFundMe page to help out with rehabilitation costs, which has received more than €30,000 so far.

She said: “My one year old twins are learning to walk, and it breaks my heart that my strong, amazing dad has to one day learn to walk all over again.

“But I know with his unbelievable inner strength and determination, he will one day walk me down the aisle on my wedding day.”

Education deal

A NEW agreement between Spain and the UK allowing students to access universities and other higher education institutions in both countries has come into force.

Following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, the accord enables students with UK qualifications (including A-levels and equivalent) to access universities in Spain without the requirement of additional entrance exams.

Entry exams will only be required for certain competitive courses, as was the case prior to Brexit. Students from the Spanish education system are able to continue to access UK universities and other higher education institutions with additional legal certainty.

Fluffy flamingos

BIOPARC Fuengirola has greeted the arrival of 11 adorable flamingo chicks, marking the first hatchlings of the year.

DANGER SWIM

Intrepid swimmer prepares to brave waves, winds and wild animals in charity swim across Strait of Gibraltar

A HARDY hotelier is part of a group of four who have set the ambitious goal of swimming from Europe to Africa in the name of charity.

James Stuart, the CEO of the Califa Group, will brave the treacherous seas in the Strait of Gibraltar this Friday - winds permitting - to raise funds for children with cancer in India through the Vicente Ferrer foundation.

Stuart told the Olive Press he was feeling ‘nervous but confident’ ahead of the gruelling challenge that was

The zoo simulated a brackish wetland environment and provided the adult flamingos with the necessary materials to build their nests during the incubation period. It comes during a disastrous breeding season in the wild as their natural breeding grounds in Andalucia have dried up during the ongoing drought.

By Walter Finch

originally planned for before the pandemic.

The delay was ‘a blessing in disguise’ as it gave him more time to prepare for the epic 15km swim from the Isla de la Palomas near Tarifa to the Moroccan mainland.

The 60-year-old will need to maintain a minimum pace of three kilometres per hour across five hours while he battles the wind, waves and currents.

SWIMMING: James in training for his challenge

“If you don’t swim fast enough you get pushed into the Mediterranean by the currents,” he said three days ahead of the swim. He and his fellow swimmers will also need to dodge sharks

Lucky pup

AN abandoned newborn pup has been saved from certain death by a British expat mum and her son. Louise Friend and her son Theo were walking their dog Skippa near Manilva when they heard a strange noise.

“My son found a knotted carrier bag near a bush with a dreadful smell coming from it. There were several puppies and they were all dead apart from one.” She has now taken in the pup, which she has christened Athena.

Stage death

POPULAR drag queen Afrodiziack has died on stage after collapsing at Tiki Tiki Show Copas bar in Torremolinos. The 41-year-old, a well-known artist in the area, was doing a live performance when she fell unconscious to the ground in front of the audience around 2.30am.

Emergency services were alerted but although doctors tried to revive the artist, they could only certify her death. Many people on social media have offered their condolences to her family and friends.

- including great whites - that pass through the narrow gap between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

“I’m not worried about sharks, they just don’t attack people in the Med. You have to look at it with a cold head,” Stuart said, who will have two boats accompanying him the whole way to navigate and spot for dangers.

And then, of course, there’s the marauding orcas. The waters off the coast of Cadiz have become their favourite battleground in their war against yachts.

“But there’s never been a recorded attack by orcas in the wild on a human ever.”

A more pressing danger will be jellyfish, with occasional Portuguese Man o’ Wars spotted recently in the area.

“If we see one, we’ll just swim round it.”

Those who knew the performer say she was a ‘wonderful person and a great artist.’

FOOTY FRAUD

SPANISH football has been hit by another match-fixing scandal that has seen a number of arrests allegedly including a club president.

Police swooped on 17 individuals, with 11 detained in the Melilla and six more in the province of Granada. Multiple wagers raised red flags, leading to suspicions over the involvement of a local team in betting fraud.

The team in question has been unofficially reported as Huracan Melilla, an underperforming club in the fourth tier of Spanish football.

Pic Credit: Antonio Bellido

Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.

OPINION

Sunbed wars make beast of man

THIS summer, when you reserve a sunbed and then walk away, it seems that you scrape away the thin veneer of civilisation which separates us from the savages we once were.

In fact, just the prospect of being deprived of a plum spot by the pool on a beach - err pool - holiday is enough to reduce some of us to a more primitive state.

It is shocking that if grown adults are willing to shove children and fight one another just to get hold of a sunbed, how will we act when real deprivation strikes?

After a punishing couple of years suffering under Covid restrictions, it might be natural that we all wish for that perfect sunshine getaway, poolside sipping pina coladas.

And we might have less tolerance for anything that could interfere with it than in past periods of unadulterated good times.

But people are losing their heads and really making beasts of themselves when they engage in this everyman-for-himself behaviour.

As much as we all need to get a grip when confronted with behaviour from strangers that we find unacceptable, the authorities do too.

On a basic level, hotels need to clearly establish norms of conduct, so that there is no misunderstanding or culture clash in these situations - everyone should know what is unacceptable.

But higher authorities need to take note too.

With temperatures in Spain forecast to continue to gradually bake the country drier and drier each summer, we are facing the prospect of shortages of commodities far more precious than sunbeds.

And in that light, the conduct we are seeing this summer is a stark indicator of what we can expect when household water is rationed and farmers are unable to water their crops.

In times of scarcity and deprivation, as people we need to rise to our better nature and lift everyone up - not sink down to barbarity and drag everyone else down.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

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John Culatto

ADMIN Victoria Humenyuk Makarova (+34) 951 273 575 admin@theolivepress.es

DIGITAL DYSTOPIA

How will Artificial Intelligence affect our lives in Spain?

By Jo Chipchase

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is being hailed by some people as the next industrial revolution. Others say it’s a danger to humanity and will soon get out of control.

American commentator, Joe Rogan, is currently voicing concern over a fake AI-generated podcast featuring an interview between him and the CEO of a company called OpenAI, Sam Altman.

On a similar theme, Berlin-based photographer, Boris Eldagsen, recently fooled the Sony World Photography Awards with an AI-generated photo. He won first prize in the creative category but did not accept the award, saying he has shown how even top professionals are unprepared for AI.

If you are new to AI, you won’t be for long. Some large investors are developing it, such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and IBM. If you use social media, Meta is developing AI elements for Facebook and Instagram, and Snapchat is launching an AI feature for paying users.

If you use streaming services, you’re already seen the hand of AI when it suggests films or other content you might enjoy.

So, with 2023 being the year of AI, how could its growing use affect our lives in Spain?

HERE NOW: CHAT BOTS AND IMAGE GENERATORS

Many people are signing up for the new chatbot AI apps, such as Chat GPT from OpenAI. A chatbot is an AI app where you give it prompts, or asks it questions, and it draws on a large data set to answer with the content you want (this process usually needs some refining).

The idea is that the bots can instantly ‘research’ and explain any topic in detail, and it only takes a few minutes.

The current chatbots can write articles, essays, devise book plots, and generate computer code. You can easily save yourself several hours’ work.

With image AI, the popular apps - such as DALL-E and Midjourney - use written prompts from the user to produce images. They will render anything you can describe (such as ‘Pedro Sanchez riding a Spanish bull’). And, unlike human designers using Photoshop, they do it in seconds. Seeing this speed and efficiency of these existing apps, some people fear that AI will eventually overtake or dominate humans, plunging us into a plot worthy of Netflix’s popular series, ‘Black Mirror’.

DEMOCRATIC DANGERS

The recently held general election might be the last campaign period unaffected by AI. The main worry is: how will voters distinguishing real content from AI-generated propaganda? Some voters already find it difficult to identify fake news on the ‘old’ social networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. As for YouTube, “I saw a video, so it must be true” has been a long-standing problem.

Now, there are AI voiceover apps, AI face generators, and you could ‘skin’ video content with someone else’s face – such as a politician.

Using a simple prompt on Midjourney, the reporter created a convincing image of “Boris Johnson DJ-ing at a rave in a dry, dusty riverbed in southern Spain”. OK, we know this would never happen but would your 80-year-old granny be so sure?

For the experienced user, generating AI deepfakes is easy. These are videos or audio recordings that show someone saying or doing something that isn’t real. Think of the old ‘mashup’ videos, where snippets of a politician’s voice were blended to make a funny song (such as Nigel Farage saying he loves Europe), only more sophisticated.

EMPLOYMENT – LOSSES AND GAINS

In the next few years, AI is likely to automate many jobs, particularly those involving repetitive tasks that rely on data sets – such as coding, paralegal research, analysis, etc. Warehousing is another affected field, with Amazon already deploying robots called Proteus.

AI will impact art and design, as it is cheap-

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CHATPROBE

Concerns rise over the ChatGPT app that is threatening Spain’s privacy laws

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SPAIN’S data-protection agency is investigating the ChatGPT artificial intelligence application fearing it breaches the country’s privacy laws.

There are suspicions that the platform that can write essays to realistically converse with humans, could be illegally harvesting the data it gleans from conversations with us ers and which is the basis of training the application’s algorithms.

ChatGTP, which was created by a company called OpenAI, may also be storing payment information of subscribers, have weaknesses against possible hacks and lack an effective age filter.

A working group at the AEPD will also be created so that infor mation about the app can be ex changed between the different agencies that form the European Data Protection Board. Italy briefly blocked Chat GPT over data protection concerns until Open AI added privacy controls to comply with Italian regulations.

ChatGPT gathers masses of human-created data from the internet and then uses it to make computer predictions

to answer questions and requests that are inputted by users.

Since it was made available to the public, users have been trying it out for writing anything from computer code and blog posts, to translating texts and even writing songs. 75-year-old British scientist and former Vice President of Engineering at Google Geoffrey Hinton played a key role in the development of the techniques ChatGPT uses.

But now Hinton is warning the world of the dangers related to AI after leaving the company.

“I used to think AI attempted to imitate the human brain without being able to match its capacities. However, I have changed my mind in the last few months as I now believe we can develop something much more efficient than the human brain,” he said.

Hinton added: “This can lead to the elimination of a number of jobs, which will increase the gap between rich and poor. There will also be leaders like Putin that would want to create robot soldiers for war”. “We need to learn how to control AI before it becomes too intelligent,” he concluded.

Olive Press online

Thinking of you

ALOOK at our top-ranking web stories over the past two weeks is revealing.

Page hits statistics are a crude but reasonably accurate way of seeing what our readers are interested in.

Then why don’t we simply slavishly follow the online stats when laying out the newspaper?

The answer is that we do use them as a guide, but they do not give the complete picture.

For an interesting read – and a newspaper that people look forward to picking up as soon as it’s out – there has to be a little of something for everyone.

And this is where good old-fashioned journalism comes in.

It is a judgment call and our team of experienced reporters and writers is well placed to make that call.

We all work hard and strive to put together the complete package.

er to use Image AI to visualise an idea than pay a human worker.

However, for now, AI is more likely to enhance than replace jobs, as humans need to oversee the processes and check the accuracy of the content - whether it’s code for an e-commerce system or a travel guide about Andalucia. Errors are widely reported.

AI will also create new jobs. These might include data scientists, AI hardware engineers, AI programmers, and people employed to input prompts to make content.

EDUCATION ENHANCEMENTS?

AI could be used to create ‘personalised learning experiences’ for students. This is, presumably, instead of a teacher lecturing from the front of the class. It is intended to be more engaging.

However, the use of AI in education could cause a ‘digital divide’ – according to how computer technology is provided. Some people (of all ages) already struggle to use existing mobile phone apps or can’t afford the gadgets.

A teen told the Olive Press that some ‘instituto’ students already use Chat GPT and other essay chatbots for their homework, as well as AI apps to solve maths equations. Even the teacher used an AI app on a complex maths challenge, he said.

However, savvy teachers can install their own apps to detect if homework is AI-generated. This is easy to spot, as the apps look for the the GPT-3 (or more recent GPT-4) protocol, and flag this up in submitted homework. Schools tend to hate plagiarism, so don’t abandon your traditional research methods just yet.

CHAT

GPT – THE NEW OFFICE COPYWRITER?

While Chat GPT is being hailed as an all-singing, all-dancing writing tool, the tone of its output is easily spotted. If a newspaper used it instead of humans, every article would sound the same - without the personality or charm of individual writers.

The reporter asked Chat GPT to summarise several seaside towns on the Costa Tropical. The results contained serious errors, muddling up the important historical events and landmarks. Someone without local knowledge might miss these mistakes. Furthermore, Chat GPT’s knowledge cut-off point is September 2021, which means that some content is naturally outdated. Despite the shortcomings, many companies already use Chat GPT to write their website content, product descriptions, blogs, and more. Although the chat-

bot is handy for ‘boring’ content, it isn’t a replacement for seasoned copywriters with a lively style - just yet.

PHOTOGRAPHY ADVANCES – OR REPLACEMENT?

AI is creeping into every area of photography – from apps that enhance your cameraphone snaps to professional-level programs that creates images from scratch, like Midjourney and DALL-E.

While colourful, fantastical images are modish these days, and the AI ‘engines’ are constantly learning and improving their accuracy, they currently don’t render text correctly. So, you can’t enter “passengers boarding Ryanair plane” and have a correct logo returned.

AND… ARE THE RESULTS A BIT SOULLESS? SOME CRITICS THINK SO.

Professional photographer, Graham Knipe, of Granada, says: “Cameras have been slowly taking over the image creation process for years. I embrace technology, but not to the point where it completely removes any artistic interpretation – all images will end up looking the same.”

“However, I don’t think that AI will completely take over photography, just as digital never completely replaced film.”

The most obvious problem with AI image generation is that many people will think the

end-result is real, leading to unanticipated situations.

WHERE’S IT ALL HEADING?

The interest in Chat GPT has been phenomenal. Since launching in November 2022, it has attracted 100 million users. This is much faster than the growth of the ‘old style’ social networks.

The rapid spread of, and investment in, AI raises ethical, privacy, and security concerns.

BUT ARE PEOPLE MAKING TOO MUCH FUSS?

Remember when we were terrified of the ‘Millennium Bug’, thinking that computer systems would roll over to 0000 and destroy the world?

There was also a time when people didn’t want music to turn digital. We were eventually happy to carry around CDs, rather than bulky vinyl records, with the formats becoming smaller and more portable over the years. Pendrives, Bluetooth… life has become more convenient with progress.

Overall, the impact of AI on Spain – and the rest of the world - will depend on how it is developed and deployed. While it brings some risks, it can also make many daily tasks quicker and easier.

We might end up working more closely with machines that help us with our personalised daily tasks, and speeding up dull chores is never a bad thing.

The main AI apps in our daily lives

● Virtual assistants

● Chatbots

● Social media algorithms

Of course, news comes top of the agenda and we certainly print more than our fair share of hardnosed news reports.

This is where website stats can help - for example, the story announcing this week’s heatwave with temperatures of 47C and the Spanish Government moving against low-cost airlines for charging travellers for hand luggage proved a big hit.

But when it comes down to it, it would be an extremely dull paper if that’s all we put in.

This is why we always leave plenty of space for interesting in-depth features and articles. These not only allow our reporters and writers to stretch their wings but more importantly, they provide you with a fascinating and informative read.

But it comes at a price. While the paper is free, the Olive Press still has to pay for the staff to keep producing a quality newspaper and popular website. While the paper can survive thanks to our advertising clients who recognise a good read when they see one, the website needs to be funded too.

This is why we ask readers to pay a modest subscription for full access. For less than a fiver a month they can get access to the best investigative news site in English to be found in Spain.

Help us to provide the best news service targeted at expats in Spain and sign up now!

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are:

1- WATCH: Mallorca locals struggle to get their heads around disgusting video of Dutch tourist

● Personalised recommendations online

● Language translation, such as Google Translate

● Healthcare applications

● Smart home devices

● Navigation and ride-sharing apps, including Google Maps

● Fraud detection by banks, etc.

HOW DOES CHAT GPT WORK?

The chat AI apps are machine learning Natural Lan- guage Processing models known as Large Language Models (LLMs). They digest massive quantities of text data and infer relationships between words.

HOW DOES IMAGE AI WORK?

Image AI text-to-image generators use a machine learning technique called artificial neural networks. These receive input in the form of words and pro- cesses them to form images.

2- WATCH: Moment man opens fire with automatic gun in Marbella

3- Seagull control campaign starts in Spain´s Malaga

4- Family ties forging the way for Costa Blanca business built on traditional values

5-Spanish insults that will make you sound like a native

AUTO GENERATED: All pictures were made with AI

It is cheaper to use Image AI to visualise an idea than pay a human worker

BOILING ERA

July was the hottest month on Earth in the last 120,000 years

JULY was the hottest month on the planet in the last 120,000 years, according to a Leipzig University study.

The research confirmed that it was the hottest month since records started in 1880.

And shockingly, Karsten Haustein, leader of the research, said it may have been the hottest month in 120,000 years, when there were forests in the Arctic Circle and hippopotamuses and elephants roamed where London is today.

The average worldwide temperature last month was 1.5C hotter than it was before the Second Industrial Revolution.

The average temperature in July 2023 was 0.2C higher than in July 2019, which had been the hottest month on Earth until now.

North America, Asia and Europe have suffered from extreme heatwaves, leading to large fires in countries including Greece and Canada.

“The era of global warming has ended, now we are in the global boiling era,” said UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres.

Turned off

MIJAS Town Hall has forbidden the use of drinking water to irrigate golf courses.

The local government has announced a series of measures to reduce the use of drinking water to combat the drought that ‘continues to seriously affect the Costa del Sol.’

The council has also banned the use of drinking water to fill private swimming pools for car washing outside authorised establishments, ornamental fountains without a closed water circuit, public showers and public fountains, and for any other non-essential use.

By Alberto Lejarraga

He insisted: “Climate change is here, it is terrifying and it is only the start.”

July 6 was the hottest day ever recorded on the planet with an average temperature of over 17C, surpassing the previous record established in August 2016.

In Spain, there have already been three heatwaves this summer, with extreme weather warnings on the Costa del Sol.

And on the Costa Blanca, the province of Alicante experienced the hottest July nights in 100 years.

THE HEAT WILL KILL YOU FIRST

JULY was the hottest month on record since records began.

The record was previously held by June.

Prolonged heat waves have been experienced around the world, the water in the North Atlantic is unusually warm, and Antarctica (currently in the middle of winter) has had sea ice extensions well below normal.

The climate change deniers have no credibility .

I recently read about a Danish critic of climate alarmism, Bjorn Lomborg, declaring that rising temperatures will reduce the number of deaths from the cold. What a narrow minded nutter.

Historically we labeled changes happening as ‘climate change’.

We then adopted ‘global warming’ as our go to term.

Make no mistake…..PLANET

EARTH IS WARMING.

The human race has not experienced this type of heat before. We are not prepared to

VERTICAL SOLAR

THE PORT of Valencia could become the home of Spain's first large-scale vertical solar energy park. Tests are being carried out for two months on part of a wall at the North Dock with the aim of exploring the feasibility to install a much larger unit.

A Valencian start-up firm called SunnerBOX has created a special matrix system named IT3 for the tests. It consists of solar panels arranged on tensioned mesh stretched with cables, and the array is said to be easy to install and cuts costs.

21 panels of 410 watts each have been erected for the pilot project and the amount of energy generated and the behaviour of the structure will be measured in real time.

cope with it.

Currently there are 30 million people living in areas of extreme heat. Scientists estimate that by 2070 there will be 2 billion people suffering these conditions. That’s not far off.

As hot areas expand, health and quality of life are impacted. Agricultural production is compromised. This affects us all.

WE ARE CREATURES OF HABIT

For example - everyday we flush the toilet (with

the exception of my 12 year old son), we start the car, moan about the weather.

Yet we know very little about the detail behind most functions.

Our knowledge is largely superficial.

To illustrate this fact, look at nuclear energy. Most people have formed a view on whether this is a good thing or morally wrong.

Very few of us (me included) can actually describe the economic processes, or what happens in a nuclear reactor, or the phenomena of atomic physics.

Our opinions are formed by the media, politicians, and conversations within our peer and friend groups.

We have an illusion of understanding.

One fact we need to understand is that the scientists are right, and we are not listening hard enough, nor are we acting with an adequate response.

(The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet written by Jeff Goodell will get you looking for your Valium!)

The human race has not experienced this type of heat before

Green Matters By Martin Tye

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MUCHA AGUA

How the mountain village of Cañar is creating international interest for keeping water on tap all year round

CANAR, a mountain village in the Alpujarra of Granada, is attracting international attention for its restoration of acequias, a network of water chan-

nels created by the Moors in the Middle Ages, over 1,000 years ago.

Across

1 Frown (5)

4 Grey (5)

10 “Raising ---” (1987 Nicolas Cage film) (7)

11 Hibernian (5)

12 Outer covering (4)

13 Final course sounds dry (7)

15 Stalwart in the lead, or out of sorts (11)

19 Implore urgently (7)

21 Emperor of Rome, 5468 AD (4)

23 Throw out (5)

24 Angers (7)

25 Inheritors (5)

26 Rounds up (5) Down

2 Dry red Italian table wine (7)

3 Horse-stopping command (4)

5 Gymnastic pommel horse exercise (8)

6 Banish (5)

7 Bears out cavalryman’s sidearm (5)

8 Obsolete form of marine propulsion (6,5)

9 Snap (5)

14 Forebear (8)

16 Appeared (7)

17 Grew less (5)

18 Pinch in the fundament (5)

20 Filch (5)

22 It’s made of wood in the woods (4)

All solutions are on page 39

Now, lost acequias are being excavated and restored to life, to combat the effects of climate change and prevent desertification.

Without acequias, snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada peaks would flow directly into rivers and lakes that run dry during summer months. Already, many of Spain’s

By Jo Chipchase

reservoirs are at a critical level, because of the continuing drought, and some parts of Malaga are seeing water restrictions.

Thanks to acequias, the snowmelt is diverted through the ancient channels, winding through the mountains, and irrigating the terraced slopes. Acequias enable farmers to grow crops in what would otherwise be impossible terrain.

After the water is diverted from acequias and is absorbed into the ground, it eventually joins the underground aquifers and emerges through springs, downslope, a few months later.

In the 1960s, many acequias fell into disuse, because Spain built modern reservoirs and encouraged people to migrate from rural areas for cities. This affected a vast network of acequias across the Granada and Almeria provinces. It is estimated that a fifth of the channels were abandoned.

Cañar is restoring its acequias

In Cañar, disused acequias are being revived, through a project that started in 2014 and is now attracting international attention. The New York Times recently reported on Cañar’s acequia renovation (the US has acequias in San Francisco and New Mexico).

Researchers from France, Switzerland, Finland, and South America are visiting the project, and regions in the north and east of Spain are copying it.

Alejandro Esteban Alvarez, water historian and ex-president of the Canar water committee, allocates the supply across 520 hectares of land. He explains that water goes though the ground to fill the high mountain

EXPERT: Alejandro Esteban Alvarez

MAIN CHANNEL: The Acequia Grande and (right) keeping the water ways clear

LA CULTURA

springs, through a traditional system of water infiltration in permeable areas of the mountain, historically carried out by humans and known as the system of ‘careos’ (confrontations).

If there’s water from November to May or June, there’s enough for the crops and replenish the aquifers.

In 1994-95, it didn’t rain, and the town water supply was turned off between 11pm and 8am.

He explains that this is unlikely this year, thanks to the efficient acequia system and the practical system of ‘careos’.

Cañar has three ‘depositos’, one of which holds millions of litres, keeping the taps running.

Some other municipalities aren’t so lucky. Nearby La Taha has restricted the use of tap water from its ‘deposito’ to fill swimming pools, wash cars and walls, and water gardens.

The hosepipe ban isn’t affecting people with ‘cortijos’, whose supply is acequia-derived.

“If there’s a shortage of water, it’s important to have the rights to acequia water to prevent wasting tap water needlessly,” explains Alejandro.

In the Alpujarran spa town of Lanjarón, the multinational company, Danone – which owns the Aguas de Lanjarón brand - has the right to bottle water from wells and the river, regardless of drought. Just up the road towards Granada, Villamena, near Humedal and the Turberas of Padul (in Lecrin Valley), has granted a 25-year permit for a water bottling plant that will extract 252m litres of water a year.

A petition against it has gathered 33,000 signatures. The bottling process can deplete the underground aquifers, says Alejandro.

The problems in Malaga

As for large towns and cities, some are better-resourced than others. South of Granada, Velez de Benadualla has its own spring, while Motril and Salobrena take water from the Lecrin Valley and Guadalfeo River. They don’t rely solely on the region’s depleting reservoirs. Some of the worst-hit parts of Malaga aren’t so lucky. The Vinuela reservoir has dipped to 8.8%. As a result, the municipality has cut the supply between 11pm and 7am, to save 19% of water consumption. The worst hit town, Iznate currently has no tap water from 10pm until 10am, which is unfortunate for those needing a shower before work

or bed. Other nearby towns have less severe overnight restrictions. Alejandro says: “Intensive agriculture using wells is a problem as it takes many litres and empties the aquifer. Illegal wells are hidden all over the campo’. According to reports, 30-40 people have been denounced at Vinuela. Soon, the authorities will need to ship water in lorries. They bring it from another town.”

Recycling water

Towns such as Cáñar, and other mountain villages, have set up purifying facilities. These take drain water and clean it for irrigation, although it isn’t

suitable for drinking. The EU offers grants for purification schemes. “It’s a good investment, as is desalination, if it doesn’t rain,” says Alejandro. Locally, there’s some fear and discontent about climate change. Alejandro says: “The temperature is higher, which is odd in winter. Before, the snow came to 1,800m for a week or more and now it’s at 2,500m. It used to fall in the town, 25 years ago, and it was much colder. The old people can see a change that they didn’t imagine. We have spring in winter, before snow in June, storms in August. It’s very strange, what has happened

Cáñar is fortunate to have its 36.5km of acequias, maintained by landowners with historical rights to use the water from these channels, to minimise the changing weather patterns.

“The landscape, biodiversity and population are linked to the acequias,” says Alejandro, “the animals, plants, and trees. If it wasn’t for the acequias, it would be like a desert. If there aren’t trees, the land erodes faster. Then, the water disappears quicker. Here, the water circulates all year instead of disappearing in two months, downstream.”

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TINDER DRY: The Tabernas desert

VERDANT: the ancient water system helps keep the mountains alive and provide fresh drinking water (right)

UNIQUE DISPLAY

ONE of Spain's most spectacular firework displays takes place this Sunday with UNESCO recognition as an 'Intangible Heritage of Humanity'. Elche's Nit de l'Alba is held every August 13 with thousands of fireworks lighting up the night sky in an event that attracts an estimated 40,000 people from across the country and from abroad. The firework spectacular dates back to the Middle Ages when families made offerings to the Virgin Mary by way of launching a rocket for each of their children.

The display starts at 11pm with over 300 palm tree-style firework displays fired from across different parts of the Alicante province city. At midnight, the city is plunged into total darkness before the palm of the Virgin is then represented by a huge firework array which is 700 metres in diameter and climbs up to 300 metres.

Common history

Museum will explore the richness of Jewish culture in Spain

SPAIN will get its first largescale Jewish museum which is scheduled to open in Madrid in 2025.

The Hispanic-Jewish Museum will aim 'to unearth the common history between the Jewish people and 600 million Spanish speakers, exposing their shared values' according to David Hatchwell of the Fundacion Hispanojudia that has been trying to set up the project since 2016.

“This museum, which will have a clear international vocation, will enrich the

By Alex Trelinski

cultural approach of Jewish museums in the world,” said Hatchwell.

The museum will feature interactive exhibitions and 'cutting-edge technology' and be housed in a building on Calle Castello which is currently owned by Madrid's transport system. Fundacion Hispanojudia promises that the museum 'will transport visitors through centuries of history and will allow them to dis-

cover the richness and diversity of Jewish culture in the Hispanic context, with a clear vocation to build a bet-

Stunning Medusa

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered a Roman mosaic in Extremadura depicting Medusa with tiny wings and locks of hair, which is believed to have been used as a protective symbol.

The mosaic was found at Merida’s Huerta de Otero archaeological site which saw the first excavations take place in 1976.

Romans established a colony there in 25 BC called Augusta Emerita and relics of their stay including an amphitheatre and a bridge can be found across Merida.

Archaeologist Felix Palma said: “The site is of an exceptional nature due to the level of conservation of the ruins and, above all, the ornamental elements that decorate the well-preserved house: not only the mosaic of the Medusa but also paintings and sculptural motifs.”

Innocent discovery

A YOUNG boy has stumbled upon a Roman millstone at Cala Higuera beach in the Cabo de Gata natural park (Almeria).

The boy found the artefact while playing. Understanding the importance of the find, his family alerted the authorities who swiftly took it to the Almeria Archaeological Museum.

ter future'.

Other displays of Jewish culture can be found elsewhere in Spain including a small museum at what may have been a medieval synagogue in Barcelona, as well as a substantial Sephardic museum in Toledo at the Synagogue of El Transit that dates back to the 14th century.

Some 13,000 affiliated Jews and 50,000 Jewish residents live in Spain, according to the World Jewish Congress. Prior to the expulsion in 1492, around 200,000 to 250,000 Jews lived in the country. In 1986, Spain recognised the State of Israel, after which the two countries created diplomatic ties.

LET’S PARTY!

IT is time again for the Malaga feria, hosted in the city from August 12 to 19. The fair will be held in two places, the city centre and the massive feria ground by the Palacio de Congresos. Both areas will be lined with booths selling traditional dishes, drinks, wine tasting and much more.

Transport could not be easier as a specific bus line (Linea F) will be running and will take you straight from the centre to the fairground for only €2.

STILL SPARKLING

SOTOGRANDE is a gem that shows no sign of losing its glitter.

It’s the largest privately owned residential development in Andalucia, home to the discreetly rich and famous, and a beacon of luxury on the coast of Cadiz.

Sixty years ago it was farmland.

That was until American Joseph McMicking had a vision. Married to Mercedes Zobel de Ayala and president of the wealthy family empire, the Ayala Corporation in Manila (the Philippines), McMicking had already been responsible for a luxury property development, Forbes Park.

Now he was dreaming about creating a similarly exclusive residential community in the Mediterranean.

When his cousin Alfredo ‘Fredy’ Melian used his Swiss Air frequent flyer ticket for a trip to Spain, McMicking told him to keep his eyes peeled for

a suitable location.

Travelling mostly dirt roads back then on a motorbike, Melian traipsed around Andalucia and the Costa del Sol until he found a 1,800-hectare estate comprising a cluster of farms at the mouth of the Guadiaro, close to Gibraltar’s international airport, El Peñon.

The farmland had been owned by a succession of the rich and famous – the Duke of Arcos, the Larios family and then financier Juan March, arms and tobacco dealer, founder of the eponymous science and arts institution and once the richest man in Spain. It seemed fated for grander use – and it ticked the boxes.

“We bought the land at Sotogrande without having seen it, like a pig in a poke,” said McMickling, speaking in 1967. “Paid $750,000 down and had to pay another third in six months and the rest in a year.”

McMicking arrived with his nephews, Jaime and Enrique Zobel (Enrique had overseen work on his friend the Sultan of Brunei’s 1788-room palace) and Melian stayed on as director of works.

As it was the only bar for miles, the Antigua Venta Toledo served as an early HQ. The team had experience, connections but, best of all, patience and plans.

Inspired by golfing communities like Palm Beach and Pebble Beach in the US, McMicking was determined to build the community around a golf club and, in 1963, the world’s top golf course designer, Robert Trent Jones, was flown

in to design the course.

The Real Club Sotogrande was Trent Jones’ first European venture and the first course in Europe with a new-fangled automated irrigation system.

None other than Spain’s top modernist architect, Luis Gutierrez Soto (Callao Theatre and the Fnac building, Madrid), designed the low-slung clubhouse – still avant-garde today, as well as the ultra des-res course-side bungalows. McMicking then poached the director of The Ritz hotel in Madrid to run the club.

Trent Jones would return a decade later to design the world famous course Valderrama, which later became the setting for Volvo Masters events, the Spanish Open and even the Ryder Cup.

Continues on page 14

Continues on page 14

PREFERRED AGENTS FOR KNIGHT FRANK IN SOTOGRANDE & SURROUNDINGS.

60 years on, Sotogrande has not forgotten its founding values

From page 13

MINI MONACO

With another three courses in Sotogrande, and almost 70 within driving distance (no pun intended), McMicking helped the Costa del Sol become one of Europe’s top golfing destinations.

A keen polo player, Enrique Zobel also decided to built a polo ground by the beach.

La Playa, inaugurated in 1965, wasn’t Spain’s first (the Jerez Polo Club dates back to 1872), but it revived a passion for the equestrian sport and set the social tone.

Although La Playa has gone, Sotogrande’s popular Santa Maria Polo Club is now considered one of the best in the world.

Sotogrande, particularly in August, is very much an enclave of wealth and privilege.

And with its privacy, space and amazing views of the Rock of Gibraltar and the Rif mountains of Africa the likes of ex-UK Prime Minister Tony

European celebrities, who don’t want to be spotted, have been here for holidays.

But keep your eyes peeled and you might spot Irish motor racing guru Eddie Jordan or former Genesis keyboard player Mike Rutherford who have homes in the resort.

Internationally renowned for its polo, golf and sailing, as well as a burgeoning gastronomic scene, this ‘mini Monaco’ of high net worth residents has all the hallmarks of what is often considered the top private resort in Europe. But don’t be fooled - you don’t have to be a millionaire to live here. There is a wide choice of accommodation available from reasonably priced apartments to multi-million euro villas. Everyone rubs shoulders together and shares a love of the relaxed lifestyle that was McMicking’s original vision.

And, most importantly, it is all a far cry from the ‘look at me’ vibe of nearby Puerto Banus and Marbella.

Indeed it is very different from other upmarket resorts around Europe where talk of wealth and fame is de rigueur. In Sotogrande they like to keep such talk, appropriately, ‘sotto voce.’ Mention the palpable sense of community, however, and you’ll discover how that is the privileged enclave’s true treasure.

Outside Sotogrande Raquet’s club Wendy, from London, explained how she had been coming for family holidays every summer for over a decade.

“This place is family-friendly and less hectic than further down the coast,” she explains, still out of breath from her on court exploits.

“It’s very open and we love it because you can cycle around and everywhere feels very safe.”

And of course having security guards checking all entrances to the enclave makes a big difference in keeping thieves and other troublemakers out.

And there really is an abundant offering of outdoor pursuits on offer.

The profusion of yachts and kayaks spotted on a trip around the immaculate tree lined streets down to the marina is testament to that.

If year-round residents have a complaint, it’s that the winter months can be very quiet, so they have generally welcomed the recent invest- ment in the area. There has been a serious amount of spending in the extended port area, Rib -

SPORTING PROWESS

PAST OWNERS: McMickling (top), and the Larios family

era del Marlin, as well as in the hills up towards La Reserva golf.

There is a very real sense that the place has upped a gear in the decade since it was bought for €225 million by Orion Capital Management and all of Sotogrande’s 2,500 hectares are being carefully planned and used.

This is best showcased by La Reserva’s extraordinary man-made lagoon, which saw sand brought over from Morocco.

A great place for lunch and relax for the day on a sunbed, it accentuates the many changes in Sotogrande recently.

Still the very best of Sotogrande can be found in its marina.

Head over to this privileged place and sit down at a quayside restaurant to overhear how multicultural this place has become.

Conversations are conducted in Spanish, German, French, Italian, Scandinavian - it’s a veritable tower of Babel.

The marina is yet another highlight of Sotogrande where the welcome is warm, the hospitality outstanding and the sporting offer unequalled by anywhere else in the world that’s not a town or a village but merely a gated community.

Sotogrande has undoubtedly become the benchmark resort for residential luxury living and quality sport tourism.

TIP TOP: The beach is as well kept as the marina (top and main picture)

PASSION for their craft has always been the hallmark of Laurence and Adina Forcione at Sotogrande’s stylish eatery, Foodisiac.

This has shone through in the quality of the gourmet dishes on offer as well as the comfortable and stylish interior of the restaurant.

But the duo are never satisfied to rest on their laurels, whether in the food they offer or in ensuring customers have an excellent all-round dining experience.

So when neighbouring premises became available, they saw a wonderful opportunity to expand their restaurant - keeping the customer uppermost in their thoughts all the time.

Laurence explained: “It has meant significant change. What was originally intended to be an expansion has turned into a total renovation.

“We haven’t added any tables, but instead have used the space to create a hip-chic dining area.”

Laurence used the experience he gained in a previous life running a business specialising in antique and vintage furniture to fashion stylish-but-not stuffy surroundings, which are the perfect place to relax.

Laurence added: “We focussed on trying to up our game in terms of customer experience.”

This holds just as true when it comes to the dishes on offer. Adina, who learned her craft at the hands of some of France’s most renowned pastry chefs, has always created delicious pastries and breads in their own bakery - even holding her own baking workshops.

And Laurence has always sought out the best available ingredients for the rest of the menu.

Bu, he says, “We have gone up another level this year. Don’t get me wrong, the steaks, for example, we served last year were very good indeed. But now I have sourced grass fed Ayrshire beef, which we import from Finland. It is extraordinary - the taste and tenderness are incomparable.”

Foodisiac also has contracted with a Tarifa fishing company that specialises in sustainable fishing to be supplied the freshest seafood. Even their free-range chicken is artisanal. The local farm only supplies eight other restaurants.

“The meats are very healthy and tasty - and all part, along with the new decor - of our improvements.”

Visit them at Ribera del Marlin 25 Marina del, Av. de la Marina, 11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz or book at foodisiac.es

Slipping in to Sotogrande

The best way to arrive is to ignore the roads and paddle down the Rio Guadiaro

IT is by far the most exciting way to arrive in Sotogrande. But you are likely to get wet so don’t bring your gladrags.

One of the best family adventures on the Costa del Sol, you can rent a kayak and paddle the whole way down the Guadiaro river from El Secadero, which is actually in

Casares, to the mouth of the river at Sotogrande port.

Taking a couple of hours, you will see a huge range of birds and feel like you are in total wilderness for much of it.

There are even a few rapids to get the heart racing.

Organised by Andalucia Activities, kayaks

come in three sizes and can comfortably take three people in the larger ones.

I joined a group descent, with around 100 people in dozens of canoes, arriving early and getting kitted out properly, with a full safety drill before heading off. But you can also get a special day out for groups or individuals organised by Andalucia Activities.

And as well as kayaking, the company also offers walking expeditions as well as paddle board lessons and wakeboarding.

Time to saddle up

Sotogrande welcomes some of the best polo players in the world for The Gold Cup

THOUSANDS will descend on Sotogrande for one of the biggest events of the World Polo Tour circuit.

From August 14 to 26 you can enjoy

all that Santa Maria Polo Club - dubbed the ‘Wimbledon of polo pitches’ - has to offer as The Gold Cup event is held. It is part of the month-long International

Summer Tournament, a World Polo Tour fixture ranked among the top three in Europe, which is in full swing

Three different levels of skill will be on display this year: low, medium, and high handicap.

More than just polo, Santa Maria also features other activities and areas during the tournament, such as a selection of clothing and accessory shops that open after 5 pm, an arena dedicated to live music, and an ‘After Polo’ tent that hosts parties every day.

Santa Maria is also kid-friendly thanks to its children’s area. The area promises nonstop fun, so your little ones have a safe environment to play in. In recent years, it has featured bouncy castles, a zip wire, and even go-karts!

You won’t go hungry while you enjoy the matches either. There are two restaurants to explore while you are enjoying the day. One restaurant is primarily for classic tapas, whereas you can tuck into more informal food at the other.

The history of polo at Sotogrande started in 1965, when the first polo field was built. Back then, little did anyone know how intertwined polo would become with Sotogrande’s culture. The sport is now followed by a multitude of enthusiasts, which grows every year.

PHOTO CREDITS: santamariapoloclub.com

has gone up another level

ROW YOUR BOAT: Taking a trip down the Rio Guadiaro (above)

OARS OF FUN: Kayaking, paddle boarding and wakeboarding on offer

Staying true to its roots

n the early 1960’s Joseph McMicking envisioned a sprawling Floridian style residential sporting estate in Europe as a chic but more demure family friendly alternative destination to the French Riviera with an unrivalled climate.

Before long he had fallen in love with an enchanting unspoiled landscape with an undulating terrain of Mediterranean forest lush with Cork Oaks and wild Olives in rural Andalucia. Comprised

of five country estates, nestled between the coastal mountain range of southern Spain and a 2.5 KM Mediterranean shoreline with the majestic backdrop of the two Pillars, the Rock of Gibraltar and Mount Hacho of the North African coastline of Morocco. In 1963 - 60 years ago, having acquired these country estates – he wasted no time and embarked on making his vision a reaslity.

For 45 of those years Ben Bateman, who has lived in Sotogrande all his life, has grown up with the changes that have occurred in the enclave Ben loves it so much he surrendered to the irresistible pull to return home after five years of life in Bristol.

Speaking to the Olive Press he said: “Sotogrande has evolved slowly with controlled expansion and has always remained true to McMicking’s original inspiration.

“His vision was for an elegant, luxury estate where people could simply be themselves without having to bother about ostentatious displays of wealth. For that, there is Marbella - Sotogrande is about a different way of life.

“It is a place where families can come to enjoy outdoor sports and a relaxed lifestyle; a wonderful place to bring up children too.”

He added: “Of course it helps that we have everything we need for a very comfortable life right here. The international school - created in 1977 (and which Ben attended) is vital, but also the excellent out-door facilities.”

These include yachting at the marina, polo at the famous Ayala and Santa Maria Polo clubs, world renowned championship golf courses of Real Club Valderrama, The Real Club de Golf Sotogrande and La Reserva, tennis, rugby, and much more.

“There are plenty of fine-dining options around as well, but Sotogrande is much more than just a resort where you spend a couple of weeks in the summer,” continued Ben.

“As people visited people fell in love with the place and started to settle, whether for five or six months a year or full time.

“This goes back to McMicking’s original vision. The feeling of just being who you were and a related lifestyle proved - and continues to prove - to be very enticing.”

Indeed this is how the family Bateman ended up in Sotogrande in the first place. His father visited

on a golfing holiday and liked it so much he decamped with wife Jackie and family within a year to set up Holmes properties in 1979. Ben has now taken over the family business.

Ben explained: “The feeling they found of finding a home from home is not unusual in Sotogrande.

“I know people who return to the area generation after generation for holidays and to settle “And I am delighted to see them arrive. They share with me - in fact with just about everyone who lives here - the same outlook on life. They want to be here and be themselves. We all have a sense of belonging.”

According to Ben this has been helped by the careful development of the enclave. He explained: “Since Orion took over the private company in 2014 they have been careful to preserve the lifestyle. Developers sometimes want to move things in a different direction, but Orion recognised that you need to understand, respect and harness the senescence of the spirit of Sotogrande.”

And now the growth of remote working has given Sotogrande fresh impetus.

Ben said: “There is nowhere else in Europe that has this lifestyle, connectivity to airports (Gibraltar is just up the road, with Malaga and Sevilla not too far away), sports facilities and the essentials like high-speed internet. For remote workers - especially if they want to raise a family - nowhere can beat it.”

Ben added that Sotogrande is also insulated from dips in the global economy. He explained: “We have an internal market here that does not rely solely on international buyers. Whether it is families looking to upsize or others looking to downsize, the demand is there locally.

“Add to that over the past 15 years we have seen that most buyers are cash buyers. Very few buyers have used loans to buy property here; we have avoided the ‘investor’ purchases seen elsewhere. Put it all together and you have a solid and steady property market.”

As Sotogrande marks 60 years since American Joseph McMicking first got the ball rolling on the Andalucian estate, Ben Bateman who grew up there talks about his love for the resort

EAST OF EDEN

‘WELCOME to the most beautiful town in Spain,’ toothless local Jorge calls out in broken English as I wipe the sweat from my brow. (OK, so I still look like a tourist, despite four years in Spain.)

I had just hiked up to the top of Frigiliana which has indeed been crowned one of the country’s most picturesque pueblos, as plaques through the village will tell you at every turn.

A 10-minute drive up from the coast from Nerja, it’s the pearl in a string of white-washed villages glistening in the hills of the Axarquia and its nearby Granada neighbour, the Costa Tropical.

Either way, this is the very laid-back eastern end of the Costa del Sol, and boy, take it from me a ‘westie’ based near Marbella, it really is a breath of fresh air.

“This is our little paradise,” beams grandfather

Jorge, who has lived here his entire life. “We have a great local community, amazing food and sunshine, what more do you need?”

Some of the views inland wouldn’t look out of place in Jurassic Park - minus the dinosaurs - and hidden in that jaw-dropping landscape is a whole world of stunning mountain villages, underground caves and beautiful, unspoilt hidden coves.

Jorge recommends a visit to the outer walls of this old Moorish fortress town, and a break at his friend’s tapas bar, but it’s 300 metres back down the ancient cobbled street.

I opt for the closer Las Chinas, having just toiled up the Everest-steep slope in searing heat, the car parked a good kilometre down the road.

Continues on next page

Exquisite, fresh, locally sourced Mediterranean cuisine since 2005

Reservations: +34 952 53 31 85 elgarden2016@gmail.com www.thegardenfrigiliana.com

Calle del Santo Cristo, 29788 Frigiliana

Life in the laid-back East (of the Costa del Sol) has never seemed more appealing, writes ‘West End Boy’ Laurence Dollimore

The only way is up!

The food didn’t disappoint: a dorada as meaty as chicken, the whole three-course menu del dia typically for the region, cheap as chips. For something sweeter, head to the only sugar cane factory still functioning in Spain.

Still chugging out deliciously sticky molasses (treacle), the El Ingenio miel de cana factory operates from the magnificent 16th century Nuestra Senora del Carmen mansion in the heart of Frigiliana.

tending to their prize-winning geranium pots and not a scrap of rubbish blowing down the streets.

It’s a recipe that’s repeated across the hills of this region - fantastic food, incredible views, charming villages with Arabic ruins and just as friendly people - just ask the expats, who have set up in Sayalonga, Comares, Competa or Salobrena.

If you’re not set on staying quite so rural, Vélez-Málaga the Axarquia’s capital, which offers a faster pace and its own brand of charm.

On arriving, there’s only one direction to go – and that’s up!

From the ruined Moorish castle you can map the town with its busy roads, coffee shops and bars and a historic quarter typical of so many white hilltop villages embedded throughout a region that was once a jewel of Islam.

The route to the castle will take you to the Jardin de los Remedios, a park that sits parallel to the castle and overlooks a church with a spire that protrudes from the white-washed Lego-stacked houses below. With its streams, miradors and benches, the park is the perfect escape from the bustling centre, offering up fisheye lens views from the Med to the mountain tops.

The statue of Jesus - Velez’s answer to Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer - has the best panorama, watching over the action from his lofty perch next to the Er-

mita de la Virgen church. Head over to the castle and watchtower for a glimpse into the Moorish past which shaped the Axarquia region. Although parts of the building date back to the 10th century, its heyday came 400 years later, when it was one of a chain defending the mighty Arabic Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.

The entire city played a part in subduing a notoriously turbulent zone, hence the old Moorish name for it: Ballix-Malaca – or Fortress of Mal-

aga. With 1,500 metres of defensive walls and

numerous solid turrets, the castle provided such strong defence it was used in a military capacity right up to the 19th century.

The mountain towns and villages of the Axarquia from Competa to Comares and Archez to Algarrobo are full of signs of their Moorish past and olden days in general. Each has a wonderful crop of white houses stacked higgledy-piggledy around quaint plazas and along timeless cobbled streets. But no trip to the Axarquia is com-

plete with seeing the charming Nerja. It’s famous Balcon de Europa jutting out into the Med offers theatrical views while the popular town has managed to retain its Andalucian credentials and its rocky coves, sandy beaches and pueblo vibe are the envy of its more westerly Costa del Sol rivals.

Nerja was left untouched by the massive tourism development boom which hit the likes of Torremolinos and Marbella from the 1950s onwards.

Q: What has Nerja got to do with ?

A: It invented it

IT is possibly the most successful board game of all time, with over 100 million units sold in 26 countries and in at least 20 languages... and it was born in the Axarquia.

It happened after two young Canadian journalists stayed in Nerja in the winter of 1980, having quit their jobs to work on the game and persuade investors to part with their money.

Chris Haney, a high-school dropout, had been working as a picture editor in Montreal while his friend David Abbott was a sportswriter. The pair lived at El Capistrano, a villa resort where Haney’s parents had a house, and they allegedly worked 16 hours a day thinking

up questions for their game – fuelled by San Miguel. And lots of it. But while they enjoyed the paella, the beer and strolls along the Balcon de Europa, they struggled to find investors for ‘Six Thousand Questions’, as it was originally called.

Just one Nerja resident decided to invest, a Canadian barman. He is now a millionaire.

The game went unnoticed for two years.

They lost money on every copy they sold and it looked to be a disaster. But then once the first cheques starting rolling in they never stopped. Within months it was selling by the million and in 1984, Time magazine called it ‘the biggest phenomenon in game history’

But that all changed when five boys on a bat-hunting trip stumbled upon the opening to a cave on a hillside above the tiny fishing village of Maro, a few miles east of Nerja. Vast caverns were revealed, with spectacular rock formations showing evidence of Paleolithic man. General Franco himself came to view the ‘Cueva de Nerja’ and coachloads of visitors subsequently followed suit. And when Nerja was chosen as a location for the 1980s TV series, Verano Azul, its future as a tourism destination was set. The series left an indelible mark. Now, wherever you go in Nerja, you’ll come across the name, which means blue summer. There is a Verano Azul travel agency, bus company, park, block of

Continues on page 22

WATER SPORTS: The Axarquia coastline is a perfect spot for all sorts of outdoor activities

CAPTIVATING: “The beautiful white village of Frigiliana clings to the hilll

HAVING almost the best views in the Axarquia isn’t enough for the Garden (el Jardin) restaurant.

This gem in charming Frigiliana also counts on a pretty garden, incredible sculptures and artisan tables and chairs to wow its customers.

It also helps that the great menu is curated by owner Robert Grimmond, a chef, who uses as much local produce as he can find. Robert, originally from Bedfordshire, has owned El Jardin for 18 years and fell in love with the village as a child, during regular family holidays.

An enticing and varied menu has something to suit everyone and on Robert’s recommendation we shared a platter of king prawns with garlic, ginger, tomato, orange and feta, which was delicious.

This was followed by a salad of beetroot, harissa, tahini, orange, feta, mint and rocket. I have never been a lover of beetroot, but the

HOW THE GARDEN GROWS!

Matt Jones is blown away by the variety (and even the beetroot) at El Jardin (or The Garden restaurant) in Frigiliana

amazing flavour combination soon had me changing my mind.

The main course was ‘pluma’ of Iberico pork, a special feather-cut of meat that Robert assured me could be served pink.

It was delicious and served with quince jelly mixed with garlic which gave a lovely sweet and savoury taste combination. The addition of potatoes and crispy buckwheat gave the dish a wonderful difference in texture and taste.

Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the fresh BBQ banana dessert served with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, marshmallows and caramel sauce.

Drinks-wide I loved the draught beer served in a terracotta jug, kept in the freezer until needed, while the wine list was excellent.

The Olive Press has visited and written about this place many times over the last decade or more, but on this showing things just keep getting better.

www.thegardenfrigiliana.com

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

Light Bites, Sandwiches, Burgers, Coffees, Cakes

FRIDAY – Fish ‘n’ Chips

SUNDAY – BBQ Menu with Live Music!

COVES: The beaches at Nerja are justly famous

SPORTS

BOOKINGS: 711 028 272

oneilsirishbar@gmail.com

Puente don Manuel Cruz de Periana 6, Alcaucin

From previous page

Lose track of time

apartments ... you may even find a bar serving a Verano Azul cocktail. But if you want to get away from it all - the disco bars, the tourist shops and the bustle - head for one of the small coves just below the town, or nearby in Maro. Nerja’s beaches are cut off from the town and roads, backed by sheer cliff-face. You can sit on the sand for hours in solitude, lose track of time, without seeing a sign of civilisation, just coastline colliding with blue sea in both directions. It is just so un-Costa del Sol!

But then again, I am from the western end. And, sitting alone on my rock, toes in the sea, watching the sun set over Malaga, the sleepy, do-nothing lifestyle of the laid-back ‘East’ has never seemed more appealing.

Don’t be warded off by the ‘phantom’

IT is easily the most popular tourist attraction in the Axarquia and it is little surprise that Nerja’s cave pulls in thousands by the day. While some describe them as over-commercialised and not worth the money, the caves are in fact some of Europe’s finest. Despite enormous crowds at peak times, within seconds of descending the stairs you are in an extraordinary place, worlds away from Nerja and the sunny coast. A marvelous glistening underworld of stalactites and stalagmites, sprouting and dripping into weird and wonderful formations, with each flight of stone steps the eerie caverns get more impressive.

The ‘phantom hall’ in particular – so called because of the ghoul-like appearance of its structures – is astounding.

The vast caves also boast the world’s largest stalagmite; a 32 metre high column verified by the Guinness book of world records no less. And there is a campaign currently underway to get the caves officially recognised

by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The site was allegedly discovered by five local lads in 1959, when they went hunting for bats. After dislodging a couple of stalactites they were able to descend into a huge cavern where they found skeletons and ceramic pottery. The caves were officially opened to the public in the summer of 1960.

Sotogrande to host Andalucia’s Sailing Cup this month

AT SEA

SOTOGRANDE will be hosting once again the prestigious Andalucian Sailing Cup.

The best sailors in Andalucia will be attending the XXIV Sotogrande Cup, to be held between August 11 and 13.

The popular two-day regatta is part of Andalucia’s Sailing Cup, which has a total of three races.

The prestigious event is organised by Sotogrande’s Royal Boat Club in collaboration with Sotogrande’s Port and the Andalucian Sailing Federation.

It is sponsored by Sotogrande SA, Sotogrande’s

TOP GRADE

ACOUNTRY club vibe, relaxed family lifestyle and massive investment in top grade facilities have combined to push Sotogrande into new territory when it comes to high end property.

The spectacular residential resort with superb golf, tennis, equestrian, yachting and polo facilities is more popular than ever - and the future looks rosy.

James Stewart, of James Stewart in association with Savills, an estate agent with decades of experience in the area, has his finger on the pulse when it comes to Sotogrande. He has noticed a sea change over the past few years, despite the dual crises of Brexit and the pandemic.

He dates the start of the rise in the enclave’s status to the 2014 purchase of Sotogrande SA for €225 million.

James explained: “Sotogrande has advanced so much since Orion Capital Management took over. “Facilities have been expanded so much that it now offers a highly attractive family lifestyle. The area has something like 40 to 45 restaurants - almost unthinkable 20 years ago.”

AMERICAN BOOST

Buyers from the USA return to Sotogrande and Spain

AMERICANS are buying more properties in Spain and targeting areas like the Costa del Sol - either to retire there or to work as digital nomads.

Notaries in Spain say that home sales to Americans leapt by 88% between 2019 and 2022 and they - along with people from Denmarkare prepared to pay some of the highest prices.

Dollar exchange rates and the popularity of the direct flight link from the States to Malaga are helping to fuel demand from ‘across the pond’, along with the region’s large array of golf courses.

Another factor is Spain’s launch of its digital nomad visa this year, making it easier for foreigners to move to and work in the country.

Marina, San Roque Town Hall and a number of local businesses.

The event is a unique opportunity for participants to enjoy sailing in a setting of incomparable beauty. With its 24th edition, Sotogrande Cup is becoming one of the most important annual meetings for sailors and sea lovers in Spain.

James Stewart runs his expert eye over the Sotogrande property market

James continued: “Together with a highly regarded international school, world class golf courses (think Valderrama, scene of the 1997 Ryder Cup) and many other sports facilities, the area is attracting a younger cosmopolitan crowd to live here.”

The figures bear this out. James said: “2022 was an exceptional year - particularly in the autumn - for home sales.

“Asking prices for a house on the super exclusive plots are now reaching up to €22 million.”

If we put this into context, the record price achieved in Sotogrande before the 2008 recession was €7.2 million - and it held that position for 10 years.

“Now we are looking at several properties valued between €10 million and €22 million

- and they are selling.

He added: “Marbella - in particular the Golden Mile and Sierra Blanca - and La Zagaleta in Benahavis still sell at a premium but we are catching up.’’

“It is a question of lifestyle choices. Sotogrande offers a different, less glitzy but more refined and relaxed, lifestyle.

“It is more outdoors here,

A desire for Americans to experience the ‘Spanish way of life’ is another draw with notaries reporting around 25% of sales coming from the States in some parts of Andalucia.

Though British, German, and French buyers still dominate the overseas market, American buyers are now getting a strong foothold in the area.

BM Sotogrande has an extensive portfolio of properties on the popular and long-standing urbanisation and can give expert advice to all buyers from around the world.

And it is very proud to announce the opening of its new office in Pueblo Nuevo. The newly renovated workspace is the perfect location to come and have a chat about all your property needs. The office has been designed to make the BM Sotogrande experience an exceptional one in a very central location which will catch the eye of people looking to buy a property. We even have a small patio garden - perfect for having a coffee with one of our staff.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (+34) 650 73 66 23 OR VISIT WWW.BMSOTOGRANDE.COM

with the marina, sports facilities and countryside all close together. While this might be reflected in the very top end prices, the gap between Sotogrande and Marbella is closing.”

So far in 2023 there has been a slight slowdown in the market. “It is difficult to tell until the end of the year - we may have another excellent autumn,” James said.

“On the whole I would expect a slight fall over the year. There was a lot of pent-up demand following the pandemic that has now been satisfied. Despite this, sales are still good, James added: “I would say we are well up on pre-pandemic figures - and they were good.”

As for the type of property most in demand, new builds top the list. “At the moment contemporary, clean lines, open plan features

and large kitchens are the most popular, rather than the older designs.”

And the good news is that availability is getting better too. “The financial crisis in the late 2000s saw development grind to a halt. But now there is more new property coming onto the market, given the impetus imparted by Orion, and self builds are increasing in popularity too.

“One thing Sotogrande has in abundance is space and there are plots available. The outlook remains really positive.’’

OPENED: New office in Pueblo Nuevo

HAND CRAFTED BY DESIGN

FOUNDED in 2016, Woodstock was not created to be just a furniture shop, but a way of life based on a love of people and the environment.

Their furniture is made of lasting and sustainable wood from the Netherlands that gives them a vibrant personality.

“We buy timber that is one or two years old and that has been used in scaffolding. Its imperfections, cement marks, and small cracks are what makes this wood beautiful,” says Raquel, Woodstock co-founder.

In addition to giving their furniture a vintage personality, this wood, acquired through circular economy, stops more forests from being cut down.

But gorgeous looks is not the only attribute of their wood, which is also incredibly lasting.

“The brilliant quality of our timber means that if you buy a table or a bed from us, it can last you a lifetime.”

Each piece of furniture is handmade with care and customised by Steven, Woodstock founder, and his team of carpenters.

“Each strip is unique as they have different marks, and tones - no two tables are the same. If you buy a Woodstock table, you know that it is unique,” says Steven, who grew up in Belgium seeing his father woodworking and learnt from him.

Like the Arrows, Steven and Raquel love Rock ‘N’ Roll and they have combined their two passions.

Their project is inspired by the 1969 Woodstock Festival and its ideals of love, freedom, naturalness and fraternity.

Sustainability, high quality, uniqueness, and Rock and Roll is what makes Woodwork furniture incomparable.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THEIR SHOWROOM AT SIERRA BERMEJA S/N, 11311 PUEBLO NUEVO DE GUADIARO, CÁDIZ, NEAR SOTOGRANDE, CALL 607992483 OR CHECK WWW.WOOD-STOCK.ES

A good walk not spoiled

GOLFERS are spoilt for choice on the Costa del Sol, with lush greens to be found in Marbella, Estepona, and Mijas.

But those in the know maintain that the best rounds are teed off in Sotogrande, having as it does some of the oldest courses on the Iberian Peninsula.

It has even hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997 at Valderrama, possibly the most difficult course in Spain. What’s more, you get sweeping views of Gibraltar and the North African coast.

Is it any wonder then, that Sotogrande’s golf clubs are also the favoured location for a range of social events, such as weddings and parties.

The first club to spring up here was the Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande, designed

Sotogrande is home to more top-notch golf courses than you can shake a nine-iron at

by Robert Trent Jones in 1964.

It was given an expensive face lift by Rulewich & Fleury in 2016.

Designer Trent Jones imbued the course with his design philosophy, with the most important requirement that the course should ‘perfectly integrate with the natural surroundings.’ Meanwhile Almenara Golf Club has a 27hole course, created by famous British designer and Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas, which overlooks Los Alcornocales natural park.

Thomas designed the course around the two lakes on the site, which are encircled

by cork oaks and olive trees.

The course overlooks the Med and the surrounding hills, representing a real challenge for even the most skilled golfers thanks to its deep bunkers, water hazards and rolling hills.

La Reserva Club is another gem carved into the hillside, with natural vistas in every direction.

The 18-hole course was designed in 2003 by American architect and course designer Cabell B. Robinson with wide, sweeping fairways, gentle but challenging undulations and unique water features.

It is probably the most accessible course

for those with a higher handicap. San Roque golf club is one of the most exclusive in Europe, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja, the course is elegantly integrated into Andalucia’s natural wonders with two championship golf courses and a distinctly peaceful atmosphere.

La Cañada Golf Club rounds off Sotogrande’s ‘famous five’ clubs. Established in 1982, it is a non-profit sportive association, whose main objective is to promote golf to everyone through a concession-operated business model and was the first public golf course in Spain.

The golf course length spans 5,841 meteres with 18 holes, nine of which were also designed by David Thomas. With clubs like these, surely even Mark Twain would have to reevaluate his famous adage.

“All our furniture is handmade piece by piece and each of them is unique.”

PUERTO OF PLENTY

ROYAL APPROVAL: Prince Louis

BUYING

HOME

KNOWN as the ‘little Venice of the Mediterranean,’ Sotogrande’s famous marina is home to an armada of mega yachts. Bluer than blue and complete with tree-lined canals and bridges, it is a port of call for

A

many members of European high society.

“Around two years ago, residents started to see more and more superyachts getting parked by the port,” explains estate agent Brian Nelson

ple coming from everywhere now,” he continued. Despite not forming part of the resort’s original development the marina now boasts a total

(+34)

696 07 84 61

Sotogrande Real Estate: Open Frontiers’ Guiding Insights

AS Open Frontiers Real Estate founders, we’re your companions on the journey to owning your dream property in Sotogrande. For first-time buyers, navigating Spanish real estate might seem daunting. That’s why we’ve distilled the process into a concise guide.

Step 1: Reservation Deposit Choose your haven and secure it with a reservation deposit (usually €6000). It’s your ticket to an exciting adventure.

Step 2: Private Contract

Signing the Private Purchase Contract is pivotal. A lawyer is recommended to ensure accuracy and handle property conveyance. Resale properties typically require a 10% payment. ‘Off Plan’ developments can vary from 20% to 40%.

Step 3: Completion

Completion seals your ownership. We facilitate the process, arranging dates, and providing translations during signing.

Costs to Consider

Allocate 11-15% of the purchase price for expenses, covering taxes, VAT, notary costs, lawyer fees, and agency commission. Registering the property within 30 days after

sales@openfrontiers.com

completion is vital.

Ribera del Marlin, Puerto Sotogrande WWW.OPENFRONTIERS.COM

Documents Needed

Passport/ID and National Identification Number (NIE) are essential. Foreign or Spanish company purchases require specific documentation.

Our Pledge to You

With 25+ years in Sotogrande Real Estate, Open Frontiers is your experienced partner. We speak English, Spanish, Dutch, French, and German, ensuring seamless communication. We’ve exclusively represented numerous developments. 80% of our buyers return, and referrals drive most clients.

We’re Award-Winning, recognized by the International Property Awards. Our Knight Frank partnership underscores credibility, while AIPP membership reflects ethical practices. More than agents, we’re lifestyle creators. Our after-sales service reflects dedication to your satisfaction. With unwavering faith in Sotogrande’s real estate potential, we, Ben Buyl and Michael Norton, offer vast industry experience. Join us on this Sotogrande journey, and live the lifestyle this unique enclave offers.

078 461 or email ben@openfrontiers.com

of nearly1,400 berths and some of the steepest mooring costs in Europe. Elegant apartments and

multicoloured townhouses cluster around the marina while the quayside promenade features high end

“The beauty is you can sail in and berth the yacht outside right outside your house, the port is becoming full there and are peogastronomic dining and fashionable boutique shopping. The floating palaces parked up here have included ones owned by former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan, the late former Santand -

er Bank president Emilio Botin and Bourbon prince Louis Alphonse. Come summer time, and everyone from princes William and Harry to Mariah Carey have been spotted as A-listers seek to avoid the crowds further down the coast. As much as the locations it is seclusion and lack of gawkers that sees celebrities have their skippers set a course for Sotogrande. Located at the eastern entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, this ‘millionaire’s playground’ has become a mandatory stop for any vessel starting its stay in the Mediterranean. Included in this number is know soto fan Rod Stewart,

the singer was recently performing up the coast at Marbella’s Starlite Festival. But those without the wallet to match, there are other ways to enjoy the tranquil paradise. Water taxis are available for a quick trip around the puerto, or take the plunge and hire a kayak!

Sotogrande is a magnet for big spenders and a seasonal fleet of pleasure boats - though its popularity does nothing to dent its sophisticated air, discovers the Olive Press

SPEEDING THROUGH: F1 legend Eddie Jordan has docked his superyacht in Sotogrande

PRINCELY PAIR: Sotogrande polo players, William and Harry

BILLIONAIRE: Inditex boss Amancio Ortega and his big boat

BIG SPENDER: Santander boss Emilio Botin among seagoers

To get more tips from the pros, or if you are looking to buy or list property in Sotogrande and surroundings, don’t hesitate to contact Ben on (+34) 696

Dressing down

SOTOGRANDE is about understated elegance and quiet, unshowy glamour.

The polar opposite of Puerto Banus, it is the perfect destination for captains of industry, royals and refined celebrities in the know, of all nationalities.

Inside its exclusive gates and hedges, everyone from golf pros to royal princes and A-list models to footballers can come and go without being pursued by cameras and autograph hunters.

This is a family-friendly resort for the sporty set, with sailing, fishing and horse riding trumping bar crawling and clubbing.

If Porches and handbag pooches are status symbols in Marbella, Landrovers and labradors are more to the taste of the unshowy Sotogrande set. If it rained a bit more it would be green wellie country.

But while the community oozes in-

A playground for royals, footballers and politicians,

give our roundup of the high-class resort

fluence and affluence, it is anything but snobby. People come here to leave their high powered life behind and live like ordinary folk, even though many of them are quite the opposite.

You don’t hear too much about the resort’s celebrity scene and that’s the way they like it so you may be surprised at some of the names on our list of well-known public figures who either holiday or have a des res in Sotogrande. They include former British prime minister Tony Blair (right), who has been spotted on various holidays there, as well as current Gi-

braltar leader Fabian Picardo and former leader Peter Caruana, who reportedly invested in Sotogrande to indulge his passion for golf.

The Botin family, who own Santander bank, are said to own property in Sotogrande, as well as the wealthy Ayala family, who own their own private polo field. It is here that you might well spot the Duchess of York

MANSION: Hoddle’s five-bed former home

(below) or one of the young British royals, enjoying dinner at super exclusive Cancha Dos restaurant, while British princes Harry and William have played polo in the annual summer tournaments at Santa Maria polo club. Their father Charles did too. On the subject of royals, keep your eyes peeled for French aristocrat Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou, who brings his wife María Margarita Vargas Santaella and three children to Sotogrande to enjoy the opulent paradise. They are big fans of

polo and spend a lot of time at Santa Maria Polo Club, especially in August when you could find them clapping from the VIP sidelines during the International Tournament.

Spanish TV celebrities, such as Ana Rosa Quintana, are regularly seen at the polo events in the resort as well as the many restaurants. British actors, meanwhile, such as Mike Gwilym, formerly of the Royal Shakespeare Company, is often seen in the resort, while DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles bought a property in the marina a few years ago. Footballers have long been well re-

presented in Sotogrande, and have included Glenn Hoddle (left), the former England manager and former Liverpool star Glen Johnson (below), while Irish motorsport legend Eddie Jordan has a villa there.

A long time visitor, he fittingly described the place as the ‘nicest urbanisation in Europe’ with some of the ‘best weather’.

Golfer Tony Jacklin ow ned the land on the river estuary where Jordan now lives, having bought here in 1983.

we

PRIVATE: Fergie’s Sotogrande pad

Flying high

MALAGA airport dealt with a record 10 million passengers in the first half of 2023. This represents a 23.3% increase over the same period last year and a significant 9.2% rise compared to January to June 2019.

During the first half of this year, the airport handled 10,070,112 travellers, surpassing the previous high of 852,517 passengers seen in 2019 for the same months.

Export boom

Malaga has achieved a historic milestone in exports, recording €1.296 billion in sales during the first five months of 2023.

The province has emerged as Andalucia’s top performer in terms of growth, registering a remarkable 14.5% increase compared to the same period last year.

Malaga's exports account for 7.6% of the region's total exports.

Despite the impressive figures, the province still maintains a negative trade balance of -€105 million due to imports worth €1.401 billion. The leading export category is animal and vegetable fats and oils, particularly olive oil, with sales of €203 million and a growth rate of 11.9%.

Glovos off

THE Spanish government is exploring legal action against delivery service Glovo if it continues to refuse to obey the law and give its ‘riders’ work contracts.

The company allegedly treats these staff as what are known in Spain as ‘false freelancers’, thus saving money by paying them as independent contractors.

The Socialist Party-led administration of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez introduced what was dubbed the ‘rider law’ in 2021, in a bid to get these delivery drivers on proper work contracts.

The legislation included prison sentences for company employees who are responsible for the labour conditions of staff.

JOBS BOOST

Unemployment fell

11.6%

Pricey stays

THE Costa del Sol is now the third most expensive region for hotel rooms in Spain.

It is beaten only by Guipuzcoa (Basque Country) and Barcelona.

The average cost per room along the Costa del Sol is around €150 a day.

These prices have caused hotel occupancy to drop slightly in the past month. Data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows that the percentage of rooms occupied on average was 77.76%down from 79.62% this time last year. This is still higher than the national average of 71.46%.

2008

By Simon Hunter

SPAIN posted record employment figures in the second quarter of 2023, exceeding the 21-million mark for people in work for the first time ever.

Meanwhile, unemployment fell to 11.6% of the active population, which is the lowest level seen since 2008.

That’s according to the Active Population Survey, published by the country’s National Statistics Institute (INE).

The figures show that the 21-million barrier of employed workers was broken thanks to 603,900 people joining the labour market in April, May and June.

Unemployment, meanwhile, fell from 13.26% in the first quarter to 11.6%, shedding

365,300 people for a total

in the second quarter of 2.76 million unemployed.

The jobless rate is currently at its lowest since the third quarter of 2008, while the economically active population in Spain currently stands at a record high of 23.8 million from a total population of around 47 million.

The numbers build on similarly strong figures for the first quarter of the year.

From January to June 2023, a total of 592,800 jobs were created – that’s double the figure for the same period a year before.

The INE figures also show that the number of workers on indefinite contracts has also hit a record high. Of the 505,500 new employees registered between April and June, 410,100 were on permanent contracts and 95,400 on temporary contracts.

PRICE HIKES

PETROL prices are at their highest in 2023 after the latest increases at the start of the month.

The new hikes came as millions of Spaniards drove to the costas for their annual holiday.

The prices of petrol and diesel have grown by 3.7% and 4.5% respectively, since last month.

Filling the tank is now €5 more expensive than it was five months ago.

With the current prices, filling up a 55-litre tank with petrol costs €90.75 on average and €82.61 for diesel.

Petrol prices have experienced a shocking 19.3% increase compared to the first week of 2023

to

of the active population in the second quarter, the lowest level seen since

NEW DESTINATION

THE latest addition to Marbella’s fine dining scene has officially opened.

Barbillion is already making waves at its prime beach-front location just outside Marbella.

The restaurant, bar or simply place to hang out, is a must to visit and check out.

It offers fine dining both beachside on their

day beds and hammocks, through to fine dining in the afternoons and evenings in a stunning setting.

The Olive Press recommends that you pop your head in there at any time of day.

Barbillon’s official opening attracted a fabulous mix of clientele from all parts of Marbella society.

Big spenders

MORE and more American tourists are choosing Spain for their vacation destination, with the number of visitors from the United States arriving rising by 17.4% so far this year.

According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), from January to July, a total of 1.8 million people from the US made a visit to Spain, compared to 1.1 million in the same months a year previously.

“The US market has an important value for our tourist sector,” said the Industry,

Number of US visitors to Spain rises 17% in a year and they splash the cash

By Simon Hunter

Trade and Tourism minister, Hector Gomez.

The UK, France and Germany, in that order, remain the biggest markets for tourism to Spain, but the US is catching up and is currently in

sixth position.

In June alone, 546,093 US visitors arrived, which is the best figure seen since 2015 when the current INE data series began.

Most American visitors choose Catalunya as their destination, accounting for 41% of the total, followed by the Madrid region, with 27%.

Another piece of good news for the Spanish tourism sector is the amount of money that US visitors spend.

A report from Turespaña states that in 2022, the 2.78 million American visitors to Spain spent €5.3 billion, which was 6% of the total. This places them as the fourth biggest spenders among other nationalities, despite being the sixth biggest in terms of volume of visitors.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

SMOKE-FREE beaches are becoming the norm in Andalucia, with one in every five beaches now prohibiting smoking.

As the leader of the pack, Cadiz has embraced the smoke-free beach initiative wholeheartedly. Not only has it implemented the ban on smoking across multiple beaches, but it has also actively promoted awareness campaigns to educate visitors about the benefits of a smoke-free environment.

On the other hand Granada has only one smokefree beach.

Dogs on the rail

Baggage cost

Budget airlines face fines over excess charging

By Alex Trelinski

LOW-COST airlines could face massive fines for charging passengers extra for hand-luggage carried in the cabin.

Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs (Consumo) has opened proceedings against several airlines, although their names have not been made public.

Consumer Affairs minister Alberto Garzon launched an investigation earlier this year, saying the budget operators being probed had a market share of above 30%.

READ THE SMALL PRINT

Make sure you have the right home cover to meet your needs

IREGULARLY have extolled the virtues of Liberty’s fully comprehensive house policy. When asking the right questions, you will discover that many house insurance policies are inadequate.

You do need to read the small print on your house policy, including checking that you have the correct policy with Liberty Seguros.

One of the very important issues when discussing house insurance is the amount of contents cover, always remembering that with Spanish Home insurance the kitchen is included in the contents, not the buildings.

Also there is a wonderful extra you can add to your policy and that is accidental damage, which is unique to Liberty Seguros and covers many breakages and claims within the home.

Therefore can I please ask you all to double check the coverage of your home policies, whether you are with Jennifer Cunningham Insurance and Liberty, or another company, to understand the cover you actually have. Finding out you have the incorrect and insufficient coverage when you want to make a claim is far too late.

Penalties might involve substantial fines handed out to offending airlines.

Consumo has also extended its remit beyond hand luggage to look at extra costs that airlines apply to services

TRAVELLING with your furry companion can often be a challenge but it is about to become much easier - at least by train.

As part of its ‘Pet-Friendly Transport Service,’ a joint initiative with Purina, rail operator Renfe will now allow passengers to travel with their pets on Avlo, the company's low-cost high-speed train as long as they don’t exceed 10 kilograms in weight.

This initiative is an expansion of Renfe’s ‘Mascota Grande’ project, which aims to accommodate pets during travel.

that used to be bundled in a ticket price, like seat reservations. It is concerned that low fares are advertised but the reality does not match up with the final price paid by travellers once extras are added.

Consumo has also denounced the airlines for other irregularities, such as not allowing cash payment at the airport for additional services, contrary to regulations. The penalties for infringements vary between €10,001 and €100,000 in the case of serious ones, and between €100,001 and €1 million in the case of very serious ones. The ministry investigation comes after an initial complaint made by consumer association Facua in October 2021 over hand luggage charges by Spanish budget carrier Vueling. The group has previously filed complaints against Ryanair, easyJet, and Volotea.

My consultants are currently working on assessing the home policies, and if they feel you would benefit with increased, additional coverage, they will contact you at renewal.

In the meantime, if you have any concerns or questions, please contact one of my offices and we will be able to give you the advice you require and answer any questions.

Just remember that your property is likely to be your most valuable asset, and needs the right protection.

We also have optional guarantees available, which include dangerous dog liability, public liability for mobility vehicles, cover for electric vehicle chargers, and illegal occupation and unpaid rent if you are a landlord renting your property.

If you have expensive garden furniture, we can increase the cover for these. We can also offer increased cover for valuable objects and jewellery in event of theft with violence. We can tailor your house policy to suit your own individual needs.

SPEAKING IN WHISPERS

Trying to get a handle on Madrid is an impossible task

WHEN I think of Madrid I think of whispers. It has always been a place of intrigue and conspiracies, of hermandes, closed societies, and tertulias, private gatherings. It is perhaps as a result of this secret

two great friends - in both senses of the phrase - who live there. They both come from illustrious backgrounds, their families affected the course of Spanish history.

Estanislao Perez, ‘Tanis’, does not often use his second surname, what in English we would call his mother’s maiden name (I wonder what banks here use to verify people’s identity...) It diverts attention, being García Lorca. His maternal grandfather Francisco was brother of Spain’s most famous poet, Federico García Lorca, whose ‘Lament for Ignacio Sánchez Mejías’ every Spanish

school child knows, with its haunting refrain of ‘at five o’ clock in the afternoon’.

Federico has been a bone of contention between Left and Right ever since his death at the hands of Nationalists in Granada at the start of the Spanish Civil War in 1936.

However, even before that he followed the Spanish trend of linking Art and Politics: think of the bombers that gave birth to Picasso’s Guernica or the firing squad in Goya’s The Third Of May.

Which is why his brother married the daughter of his university professor, and one of the founders of Spanish socialism, Fernando de los Ríos.

In 1919 de los Ríos joined the executive of the Partido Socialista Obrero Español, the PSOE, and in 1920 he was part of a delegation to Soviet Russia.

While there he famously interviewed Lenin, ending with the question ‘what about freedom?’

To which the most famous Vladmore so than both Putin and the Impaler - gave a chilling three word answer, ‘freedom for what?’

De los Ríos became a minister of the Republic and went into exile after the Civil War along with Francisco, an escape which Federico tragically missed However, I am not visiting the softly spoken, highly intelli-

GREATS: Brothers Federico García Lorca and Francisco García Lorca

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

gent architect from that bloodline of the Left, but instead the man they call the Godfather of the Partido Popular, the PP, on the Right.

Adolfo Suárez Illana does use his second surname, but this is to distinguish himself from his famous father, Adolfo Suárez, who was the first democratically elected Prime Minister following the death of Franco. More than that, he was co-founder, along with his friend King Juan Carlos, of Spanish democracy itself.

I realise the former King’s star has somewhat waned, and his legacy has been apparently tarnished. However, nothing can remove the fact that he risked the same fate as the famous poet by leading this country into democracy. The story that sticks in my mind is that one of the people to whom the young Prince Juan Carlos turned for advice on the future when Franco began to ail was the exiled head of the communist party, Santiago Carrillo. The prince had the renegade politician smuggled into Spain and the palace, at great risk to both of them, to ask what he should do when he took power. Carrillo’s answer was blunt. “I don’t know the answer to that but I do know that you will go down in history as Juan Carlos ‘The Brief’.”

At the end of last year, Suárez Illana stepped down from his role as congressman for Madrid, and secretary of the bureau in parliament. He has not revealed yet what he is going to do and that is, in part, what I hope to find out.

Next time I will ask Tanis the same question.

Despite their polar opposite histories, there are remarkable similarities between the two men. Both are fiercely

intelligent and loyal, but also have a great sense of humour and the rare ability to be invariably good company. They also listen to the other side, as I, sitting in the middle and frequently on the fence in matters political, have often tested late into the night. It is a shame there are no more like this in politics today.

Or perhaps there are, behind closed doors, in smoke filled rooms, speaking in whispers.

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We have a chill out area as well as a terrace looking up to Mijas Pueblo as well as two other terraces and an inside dining area.

Our menu has many different dishes including meats, fish, pasta, pizza, Asian cuisine and others to suit all, including various vegetarian options.

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‘I do know that you will go down in history as Juan Carlos The Brief’

GOOD COMPANY: Adolfo Suárez Illana with Xander and (right) Adolfo with his father Prime Minister Adolfo Suárez González

DONKEY DREAMLAND

EHIND a small wooden gate in the hills above La Cala de Mijas you’ll find the sort of place donkeys might dream about.

Because it is here at Donkey Dreamland these long-eared velvet-nosed creatures are given a second chance at

Since opening back in August 2020, the organisation has been involved in the rescue of over 50 donkeys. Not all have been processed at the Rescue Centre and Sanctuary because if the distressed donkey is far away, the team finds other solutions.

Abused donkeys get a second chance at this sanctuary on the Costa del Sol

But more than 40 have been offered sanctuary at Donkey Dreamland, many of them rescued from a life of abuse.

Of these, 25 donkeys have been found forever homes after being cared for and restored to full health –the perfect result for an organisation whose mission is to 'Rescue, Recuperate and Rehome'. "All are living the lives they deserve with families who care for and pamper them," Amaya Isert, the founder and driving force of Donkey Dreamland, tells the Olive Press.

The Granada native says she returned to Spain to fulfil a lifelong dream of creating a donkey sanctuary after “sailing the seven seas for 20 years as a cook on luxury yachts. “I always had this project at the back of my mind. Donkeys have always had a huge place in both my life and my heart,” she explains, recalling memories of playing with

VOLUNTEERS: at the sanctuary hard at work

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

them as a child in the Alpujarra. The sanctuary covers two hectares of land, and has a large stable block and several outdoor fenced enclosures, each named after Andalucian cities. The charity is staffed by volunteers, almost all of whom are expats living in the area, and is funded through donations as well as through paid visits to the sanctuary.

Different types of visits are available via the website (as well as Airbnb Experiences). They are not only a way of generating much needed funds, but – judging from testimonials and the 100 percent 5-star Airbnb rating – they’re a success with visitors and donkeys alike.

Isert and the volunteers are on hand to share their knowledge of donkeys, along with the often heartbreaking stories of the lives individual donkeys had before they were rescued. One donkey called Olivia was an es-

pecially sad case when she arrived at the sanctuary. The Andalucian donkey had been abandoned in the area of Campanillas (Malaga) and left to starve. She was ravaged by dogs when she attempted to share their food.

Besides cuts and bruises, Olivia needed leg surgery for laminitis, a harsh disease caused by hoof rot, neglect, and lack of mobility.

Donkey Dreamland shared her story on Facebook and raised €2,685 towards the vet costs.

There are currently 15 donkeys recovering at the sanctuary – book a visit and find out more about these lovely creatures. Maybe you’ll fall in love with one and decide to give it a new and loving

home!

As well as tours and daytime walks, upcoming events include a Full Moon Walk with the Donkeys on August 30.

For reservations, prices, and more information visit www. donkeydreamland.com.

SPACE: and facilities to help the donkeys prosper

ACTIVITIES: at the Donkey Dreamland all help to keep the sanctuary going

Chilling out

Laujar de Andarax

Discover the coolest towns in southern Spain to get away from the summer heat

THE season is heating up in southern Spain, but there are areas in Andalucia that offer a cooling haven for those looking for a respite from the relentless sun. The gastronomy and the

good weather are two key factors that have made the region the perfect destination for many people, however sometimes the weather can get too hot for comfort, often peaking to sweltering highs topping 40ºC. So if you’re planning on travelling through Andalucia this summer and you are worried about the high temperatures, here is a list of five of the coolest villages in the region.

Cazalla de la Sierra is a small town in the province of Sevilla, situated in the Sierra Norte Natural Park. It is an ideal place for hiking, even in the summer, thanks to its beautiful routes such as the Hueznar waterfalls.

Aracena

Cazalla de la Sierra

tel:

And

“A

Aracena in Huelva is the largest town in the Parque Natural Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche. Dominated by a hilltop ruined castle and church, this is an ideal place from which to explore the Parque Natural Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche and to keep cool.

Laujar de Andarax is a municipality found in the western part of the Alpujarra Almeriense region, in Almeria. It is a beautiful village located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, which makes it one of the coolest villages on this list and home to some awe-inspiring hiking trails.

Grazalema

Grazalema is located in the northeastern part of the province of Cádiz, in the heart of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range, and has the highest rainfall records in Spain. Being surrounded by forests and nature makes it one of the coolest villages in Andalucia.

Trevelez

Perched high in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Granada, Trevelez is well-known for its mouth-watering cured ham, jamón serrano.

Not only that, the village is the highest in mainland Spain, at 1,476m, meaning that in the middle of summer, temperatures sit at a mild 23-24ºC during the day and go down to a minimum of 12ºC at night.

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Drink up

Take in fluids to avoid urinary stones

URINARY tract stones are one of the most frequent issues treated by urologists in Spain with hot temperatures forcing reported cases up by 30% over the summer months.

Simple changes in daily diets can reduce the risk of a stone being formed according to Dr. Bartolome Lloret, a urologist at Alicante's Vithas Medimar Hospital.

“Environmental heat is one of the most recognised causes of stone formation which is more frequent in hot climates and in Spain at this time of the year.”

“High temperatures in the workplace cause big water losses due to high perspiration while vigorous physical

By Alex Trelinski

exercise, especially in summer, can cause periodic dehydration and increased concentration of crystals in the urine which form stones,” he added.

Cases of urinary tract stones are also more frequent in patients who have a parent who has had kidney stones.

Dietary factors that promote the development of kidney stones and others that exert a protective effect have been identified so diet should be considered as an integral part of treating stone sufferers.

Dr Lloret said: “There are a number of dietary factors that encourage stones to be formed

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 1 Scowl, 4 Ashen, 10 Arizona, 11 Irish, 12 Rind, 13 Dessert, 15 Lionhearted, 19 Beseech, 21 Nero, 23 Evict, 24 Enrages, 25 Heirs, 26 Herds.

Down: 2 Chianti, 3 Whoa, 5 Scissors, 6 Exile, 7 Sabre, 8 Paddle wheel, 9 Photo, 14 Ancestor, 16 Emerged, 17 Ebbed, 18 Goose, 20 Swipe, 22 Tree.

like a high consumption of animal protein. a low intake of fluids, a high intake of sodium and eating of oxalate- a substance present in some foods of plant origin.”

Oxalate foods include walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, spinach, and chocolate.

The specialist recommends everybody especially at this time of the year to drink more than three litres of water per day backed up by eating healthier foods like cereals, fruit, and vegetables. He also suggests reducing the consumption of butter, sausages, preserves, soups, dehydrated creams, cheeses and ham, as well as avoiding adding extra salt to meals.

PHOTO OP

Specsavers Ópticas’ Summer Photography

Competition offers prizes of a €100 Amazon voucher and a pair of designer sunglasses for the best photo

On Monday the 3rd of July, Specsavers Ópticas launched a Summer Photography Competition to find an image which captures the essence of Spain. In doing so, they hope to shine a spotlight on all the wonderful aspects of Spain and find out what images encapsulate its very best elements. They are asking local residents on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca, to send in beautiful photographs to be in with a chance of winning a €100 Amazon voucher and a pair of designer sunglasses.

Nerea Galdos-Little from Specsavers Ópticas in Marbella comments, “Spain is such a stunning and diverse country, with in -

credible natural beauty, a vibrant culture of arts, music and dance and of course incredible food. This summer we are asking keen photographers living close to our stores to show us, through an image, what makes Spain so special to them.

We are very excited to see these fantastic images and celebrate the talented photographers on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Mallorca, where our nine stores are located. The person who takes the best picture and

best explains why this is the essence of Spain to them, will be rewarded with a €100 Amazon voucher and a pair of designer sunglasses worth up to 159€.”

The competition is open until the 1st of September and photographs can be submitted on social media by tagging @SpecsaversOpticas on Facebook and @specsaversspain on Instagram, sending photos via Messenger or via email to spain. marketing@specsavers.com

A jury formed of three Specsavers Ópticas store directors will judge the entries and shortlist the top five entries. These will then be posted on social media and the image with the most likes and comments will be declared the overall winner.

Competition is open to residents of the provinces of Alicante and Malaga and the island of Mallorca and you must be aged 18 and

above. The competition closes on Friday 1st September 2023. Terms and conditions apply, which can be found at www.specsavers.es/sorteo

Playground justice

A QUEUE for a child’s swing turned violent in Valladolid when two fathers started trading blows - with a baseball bat. It is unknown if the children managed to get their turn on the swing.

Unlucky rescue

AN elderly woman nearly croaked her last when vapours from the huge stash of drugs she was storing in her home began to overwhelm her. Thankfully - or not - passing police heard her cries for help and saved her.

No cigar

A BRIT who ran out on his €1,500 hotel bill almost got away scott free, until police intercepted him boarding a ferry in Santander.

O P LIVE RESS The

SEX CRIME

IF you are going to gossip about a neighbour's noisy sex life, do it quietly. And definitely don’t do it live on national television.

A woman in Salamanca who did just that has been hit with a €10,000 fine for besmirching her passionate neighbour’s honour.

The facts date back to 2017, when the defendant appeared in a television report complaining about how she couldn’t sleep due to the noise made by her neighbour during sex.

The woman, identified by her initials LMI, referred to the ‘ardour’ of her fellow resident.

FOR THE FANS

Gossip ordered to pay €10,000 after discussing neighbour’s ‘ardour’ live on TV

By Simon Hunter

She also explained how the woman had been reported to the authorities and fined for excess decibels and ‘noises from her bed’. LMI added that the neighbour had even caused cracks in her ceiling and that her radiator vibrated due to the young woman’s activities. Asked if she might be a prostitute, the defendant said that

she did not know but that she had ‘seen a number of different people’ go up to the apartment.

The comments were broadcast on a TV show called La Mañana on state broadcaster RTVE, prompting the neighbour, identified as JVG, to file a lawsuit both against the defendant and the TV channel itself.

A lower court first threw out the case on the basis that JVG had not been identified in the

A FOOTBALLER has quit professional football to star on sex site Onlyfans Miguel Angel Guerrero, goalkeeper of Velez CF, has left the fourth tier of Spanish football for what he believes is a much more profitable career. The 29-year-old became well-known

broadcast, and that LMI was protected by freedom of expression. But an appeal at the Provincial Court was upheld, slapping LMI with a €10,000 fine. The Supreme Court has now also upheld the sentence, meaning the compensation will have to be paid.

after taking part in La Isla de las Tentaciones, the Spanish version of Love Island, earlier this year. The former goalie explained that he made the decision to start an Onlyfans account after receiving several erotic messages during his time on the reality show.

The ex keeper may no longer be

A MAMMOTH iceberg weighing over 15,000 kilos is set to make its grand appearance in Malaga at the start of September. The iceberg is being hauled all the way from Greenland in a refrigerated container and will be placed on swanky shopping street Calle Larios. It will be left there until it melts naturally, serving as a ‘poignant’ visual reminder of the pressing issue of climate change. The Arctic Challenge 2023 team, led by Manuel Calvo has just returned from Greenland and managed to get an export licence for the iceberg ‘for scientific research’.

making saves but he will surely start saving more money, as the platform users can pay between €5 and €50 a month for a subscription. “If you want to show non-sexual content you will not make money as Onlyfans is porn. I have a big gay public and I am open to do things that they would enjoy,” he added.