Olive Press Andalucia Issue 426

O P LIVE RESS The ANDALUCÍA

LEFT FOR DEAD

A RETIRED Royal Navy commando has miraculously survived being run over FOUR times by a ‘neighbour from hell’ on the Costa del Sol.

David James, 80, was savagely attacked by a fellow Brit on his doorstep in the picturesque hills of La Viñuela, Axarquia.

The suspect, in his early 70s, a retired councillor from northern England, has been charged with attempted murder and is being held in prison awaiting trial.

He also faces a string of other charges

By Laurence Dollimore

after three others were injured in the incident, court documents seen by this paper have confirmed.

“I really thought I was a goner,” David, who is also a former policeman, told the Olive Press from his hospital bed this week, ‘I’ve lost all my teeth, fractured my pelvis and ribs and fractured multiple bones in my face, I’m lucky to be alive.’

The shocking incident occurred at around 5pm when greatgrandfather-of-one David, his wife and their friends were returning from a lunch party to his stunning villa in the Mirador del Embalse development.

It was then, according to David, that his next door neighbour’s wife came running out of their driveway in hysterics.

“She shouted ‘he’s going to kill me, he’s going to kill me’,” David recalled while nursing his arm, which

still carries a tyre mark from being crushed by the vehicle.

The neighbour, initials D.B, then emerged from his driveway ‘visibly highly intoxicated’, it is claimed. Seeing that he had his keys in his hand and fearing he was going to drive off while under the influence, David and another resident blocked off the end of the road with their cars. The neighbour began furiously driving up and down the road while beeping his horn, claimed David.

Speed

The alleged attacker finally came to a halt, at which point David decided to approach him to take the keys out of the ignition.

David said: “I then heard his engine rev and I knew what was going to happen, he came at me at full speed and knocked me against the wall.

“I smashed my head and I thought I was a goner, but somehow I was still conscious.

“Then he reversed over me, before running me over for a third time, this time on my arm, before reversing over me one more time. It was like something out of a Hollywood

movie.”

Neighbours and holidaymakers were screaming amid the panic, and eventually managed to drag David onto his driveway and behind its access gate. There are still bloodstains on the road and driveway more than a week after the attack. The alleged attacker, described by neighbours as a ‘madman’, then rammed his car into the gate, which remains dented and broken.

“He got out of his car and tried to stab me with a pole,” David, a grandfather-of-five, added, ‘it was terrifying’.

The suspect has lived on the urbanisation for at least a decade and has inflicted a ‘years-long reign of terror’

on neighbours, witnesses told the Olive Press.

David said he filed a denuncia - a formal police complaint - against him 18 months ago after he allegedly tried to attack him with an axe.

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The dispute was settled out of court as David’s wife had just been diagnosed with cancer and the family had no appetite for a legal battle. She also suffers from dementia.

David, who served in the Royal Navy for 12 years, added: “I told the local authority of every previous incident that occurred and I told them he was going to kill somebody one day, although I didn’t know that person would almost be me.”

One British neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “He is a blight on our oasis. David became president of the urbani-

EXCLUSIVE

British ex-copper ‘repeatedly ran over by neighbour’ in brutal ‘attempted murder’

Discover how architects have resurrected derelict buildings

Although in our first exclusive serialisation of a brilliant new book on Spain, Paul Richardson recalls his regular August battles against heat and fires

RECOVERING: David in hospital after his horrifying ordeal

WRECK: Car at the centre of the drama

Aggressive agent

AN off-duty Guardia

Civil agent has been arrested for allegedly hitting a local police officer in the face with his badge during Malaga’s feria

Wrong way

A DRUNKEN man who drove in the wrong direction for 70 km on the A-92 highway has been arrested in Almeria.

Carriage crash

EIGHT people, including five minors, have been injured and three horses have died in a crash between a carriage and a van in Sevilla

Expired food

OVER 34,000 kg of food in bad condition that had been illegally distributed have been seized in Alicante, Madrid and Marbella.

A DERANGED robber left a receptionist with burns to their chin and chest in a brazen raid on a hotel that netted him just €50.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, when the assailant entered the hotel in Fuengirola brandishing a lit blow torch with the

Blowtorch bandit

flame set to max. He then approached the reception desk and demanded the day’s takings, threatening to burn the worker if they did not comply.

When the hotel employee heroically refused the assailant’s demands, a struggle ensued, resulting in the receptionist suffering minor burns from the blow torch. The assailant was arrested three days later and has since been linked to seven other local burglaries.

Swindler released

Convicted British conman Mark Acklom is freed from a Spanish prison

By Alex Trelinski

itentiary near Cartagena, after serving a further two years behind bars.

No details were revealed of

Expat fugitives snared

TWO fugitives wanted by British and Irish authorities have been arrested on the Costa del Sol.

A 47-year-old English fugitive known as P.M.C and a 43-year-old Irishman identified under the initials D.K.M.C have been arrested in Fuengirola and Marbella respectively, the Guardia Civil confirmed to the Olive Press. The Irishman had been sought for years for allegedly trafficking minors, and was hiding in a flat in Fuengirola. Officers arrested him when he was leaving the property. Meanwhile the Brit, who had been issued an international arrest warrant, is accused of tax fraud and money laundering.

He has defrauded the UK of more than £4.5 million and was believed to be hiding in Spain after fleeing Portugal, it is claimed. Both are being held in prison before appearing in court at a later date.

his current whereabouts, although his wife Yolanda Ros and their two children still live in Spain.

Acklom was arrested in the country in 2015 and jailed for three years for cons

that included defrauding two brothers by selling them non-existent properties he claimed to own in London.

He absconded while on temporary release ahead of a parole hearing before fleeing to Switzerland and changing his name by deed poll.

He was tracked down to Zurich on a Europol arrest warrant and was sent back to the UK to face charges for defrauding Carolyn Woods out of her life savings in 2013 using the alias of Mark Conway, who claimed to be a Swiss banker and MI6 agent.

Acklom served less than half of the eight-and-a-half year

SLASHER NAMED

THE identity of a British man who was arrested in the UK after allegedly stabbing his girlfriend on the Costa del Sol has been revealed.

Jason McInerney, 35, is a ‘dangerous’ criminal who was imprisoned for 15 years after being tried for attempted murder, according to the Daily Mail McInerney is said to have stabbed his girlfriend inside a car when the couple were leaving a beach club in Mijas Costa. The alleged stabber fled the scene, leaving the woman wounded.

prison sentence for that crime before he was released in August 2021, only to be re-arrested on an extradition warrant from Spain. The fraudster moved to Spain with his Spanish wife in 2013 following the Woods con which also involved not telling her that he was married.

He adopted a new alias to continue his frauds and was initially in the Marbella area before he was tracked down to Murcia by the Olive Press.

Acklom now faces fresh legal problems as UK prosecutors have been using the Proceeds of Crime Act (Poca) to try to recover the money stolen from Ms Woods.

She was found on the side of the road and was taken to hospital, from where she was released after undergoing treatment. An international arrest warrant was issued against McInerney, who is thought to have fled Spain via Gibraltar Airport. He was arrested in the UK a few days later at an undisclosed location.

In March 2008, when he was a 20-year-old, McInerney became infamous for biting and breaking a policeman’s nose in a scuffle at Reading Crown Court, while he was on trial accused of shooting a bridegroom at a wedding reception. He managed to escape after asking an official for a glass of water.

He was later sentenced to three years and nine months for 11 burglaries. He was handed 16 more years in January 2009 following a retrial over the wedding shooting.

AN infamous British fraudster who tricked a former girlfriend out of her £800,000 life savings has been freed from prison in Spain. Mark Acklom (pictured) was extradited to the country two years ago after being freed from a near six-year sentence imposed in England in 2019. The 50-year-old has now been released from the Murcia Pen-

In the army now

PRINCESS Leonor has put away her designer clothes and pulled on an army uniform. Her mother and father, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, along with sister Sofia, accompanied the future commander-in-chief of Spain’s armed forces as she enrolled at the Army Military Academy in Zaragoza. their goodbyes with fond embracPrincess of Asturias admitting to reporters she was feeling ‘a little nervous’ but was embracing the year with ‘great enthusiasm’.

The 17-year-old’s three-year training will include this academic year at the Army academy, followed by a year each at naval school and the General Air Academy.

Angela Raver

BRITISH politician An-

gela Rayner has boasted of enjoying 12-hour vodka-fuelled ‘rave’ sessions during her very recent holiday to Spain.

The deputy leader of the Labour Party, 43, said she returned from the country last week, where she had been drinking from mid-afternoon to sunrise with just the occasional glass of

Labour deputy leader is just one of the girls as she admits to boozy Spanish break

By Laurence Dollimore

water.

The Mancunian was speaking to comedian Matt Forde at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She said: “The girls I was raving with are half my age, and I was like ‘I'm a grandma’. I was proud of

SUMMER BABY

PARTY ANIMAL: Rayner bragged about her rave with women young enough to be her granddaughters

A Zoo in Jerez has welcomed a new European Bison calf.

The birth of the female at Zoobotanico is being described as an important step in maintaining the species’ genetic diversity. A hundred years ago they were extinct in the wild, with just 50 specimens in zoos. Now 6,200 out of the present day population of 8,500 live in the wild after breeding and reintroduction campaigns.

Sizzling Eva

AS temperatures in Marbella moved into the 40s, Eva Longoria slipped into a sizzling-hot bikini to cool down.

that.

“At 4pm I started, and I got home at six o'clock in the morning when the sun was shining and I was like, 'Yes, I can do it'.”

She insisted that she did not have ‘chemical support’ to party all night, relying solely on vodka.

“You've got to go with the music, the vibes. You've got to be in the moment and it takes you,’ she said. Forde added: “That really sounds like you've done drugs. That's the druggiest answer I've ever heard.” Rayner revealed she likes to make her friends her own ‘lethal’ cocktail called Venom, consisting of a bottle of vodka, a bottle of Southern Comfort, 10 bottles of Blue WKD and a litre of orange juice. She said: “If you're ever having a crowd of you at home get that out and everyone will have a good time.

“I invited my two youngest kids’ headteacher from primary school and he had to take his wife home because she’d had some Venom.”

The 48-year-old actress was on one of her regular breaks in the Costa del Sol city. With weather warnings on red alert at the time, she decide to take to her pool at Villa Marusha. She has been posting regular updates to Instagram of her break.

In the latest, Eva showed off her enviable figure after taking a swim wearing a tiny bikini in olive green.

Major boob

FORMER EastEnders

star Daniella Westbrook has been interrogated by armed police in Ibiza over an unpaid €37 petrol bill from five years ago.

The 49-year-old actress’s plans for a relaxing break after her eighth boob job were ruined when airport po lice realised there was an out standing denuncia against her. Westbrook had been arrested in Malaga in 2018 and detained for 14 hours over a driving offence and was convicted that same year for failing to pay for €37 of petrol. She will now have to return to Spain for a Malaga court hearing to resolve the issue, which she says she has been trying to do for five years.

IN UNIFORM: A last embrace for Leonor from mum Letizia

Went swimmingly

AN intrepid team has just completed an epic swim across the Strait of Gibraltar. Brit James Stuart, 60, and friends Iñaki Guezuraga, Ricardo Arana and Ignacio Soto made the 15 km journey to Morocco - although it turned into 17 kilometres after being swept off course by currents - in five hours 40 minutes. The daring endeavour planted the group on Dalia beach in Morocco - without a customs officer in sight.

“We weren’t allowed to have a barbeque on the beach or go to a chiringuito or anything,” Stuart, who heads up the Califa hotel group, told the Olive Press. “We were illegal immigrants! We could not stay long. Just touch the sand, catch our breath a bit and then get on our boats and go back to Tarifa.”

The swim raised funds for children with cancer in India through the Vicente Ferrer foundation.

LOVE STORY

EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

A BRITISH expat who was paralysed by a horror car crash has celebrated his daughter’s first birthday after falling in love with the Spanish woman who cared for him.

Aaron Salter, 30, and his partner Estrella welcomed their baby - also named Estrella - into the world last year following a successful round of IVF treatment.

Aaron had his sperm frozen after the van he was travelling in crashed into a tree in the UK back in 2015. He broke his spine in several places and was paralysed from the chest down.

He is currently locked in a years-long legal battle against the insurance company, with a decision on a multi-million euro payout expected imminently.

The town of Salinas on the Costa Blanca, near where Aaron grew up, rallied around him in the wake of the accident, including flying over to visit him. When he was able to return to visit his father Les Salter, 72, however, he became bed-ridden for nine months as he had developed sores. It was then that Estrella began making house calls to care for him, and the rest is history.

Aaron told the Olive Press : “I had always HAPPY: Aaron with family

known of her and she was amazing with liaising with the town hall and other authorities on my behalf.

“She started caring for me and our feelings for each other grew and grew, and here we are.”

He added: “The support from the town has been so overwhelming, there’s been so much love shown to me.”

The town held a street party last week to celebrate little Estrella’s first birthday. Grandfather Les told the Olive Press : “I was amazed to hear Estrella was pregnant, I was so proud of him, it has made me feel touched.

“He had his life in front of him and we were setting him up with a kennels business and that was all taken away in an instant. To know he

CLOSE ESCAPE

sation five years ago, and I think he is the only one to actually stand up to him and he doesn’t like it.

‘He has tried to stop most of David’s ideas to improve the development and there have been so many complaints about him, he’s the neighbour from hell.”

David’s step-daughter Harriett, a former lawyer based in London, flew out as soon as she heard of the news. She has spoken to several victims of the incident, who she says have been left ‘traumatised’.

The Guardia Civil has been contacted for a comment.

Deadline looms

has a lovely lady that loves and cares for him, and now a family, that’s lovely for me.”

Les and an eight-year-old Aaron had moved to Spain in 2001 following the death of his wife to cancer. He set up a kennels business in Sax, near Salinas, and began transporting dogs from Spain to the UK for adoption.

Aaron and two others were delivering pups on his 22nd birthday when they all fell asleep while driving the company van through Plymouth, colliding with a tree. His father explained: “His best friend Miguel was driving and they wanted to imprison him for two years, but Aaron insisted they didn’t and he was given a suspended sentence.

Turtle watch

A CALL has gone out for hundreds of volunteers to help guard a turtle nest on a popular Costa del Sol beach.

A Loggerhead turtle has laid a clutch of nearly 70 eggs near Puerto Banus in Marbella - an unusual occurrence for such a busy tourist beach. Now a campaign has been launched to safeguard the nest. Currently, there are 166 registered volunteers, with the goal being to enlist 300 to 400 volunteers, specifically for night shifts.

The eggs are due to hatch in late August/ early September.

THE deadline for Brits residing in Spain to exchange their UK drivers licences for Spanish licences is fast approaching. September 15 marks the end of the six-month grace period negotiated between the British and Spanish governments on March 15, 2023.

Brits who moved to Spain before March 16 2023 and fail to make the exchange by September 15 will no longer be able to drive on their UK licence and will have to take a Spanish test. People who moved here since then have six months from the date they arrived to make the exchange.

The UK Embassy has advised that anyone struggling to get an appointment at their local Dirección General de Tráfico Office go to their neighbouring one instead.

Heat is on

ANDALUCIA’S current heatwave will last until Saturday, but temperatures could cool down on Sunday, although it will be by no means chilly.. Cordoba and Sevilla provinces have been sweltering in temperatures of up to 43C.

Some relief is in store, with maximum temperatures due to fall to a still hot 37C on Sunday.

A similar pattern will be seen in Cadiz, where the maximum temperature will fall by 4C, from 35 to 31C during Saturday night, while in Granada, cooler temperatures will fall from maximums of 40C currently to 37 on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Malaga will remain as the coolest region in the autonomous community, with temperatures not surpassing 32C this week although they could rise to 33C on Sunday.

Heart-warming story of how paralysed expat and his carer fell for each other and had a child

From front

WORLD CUP SPECIAL

Stain on victory

Spanish football boss’ forcible kiss on his country’s top scorer - and general obnoxious antics - triggers sexism storm of controversy after World Cup victory

FRESH from basking in the glow of their first ever Women’s World Cup, a sexism storm is brewing in Spanish football - triggered by an unwelcome kiss from its federation chief.

Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, grabbed the head of Spain’s top scorer Jenni Hermoso and forcibly planted a kiss on her lips as she collected her winner’s medal.

Grinning with a self-satisfied smirk, he then followed her into the locker room and joked about marrying her and whisking her away on a boat to Ibiza. Just moments earlier, the boss of Spanish football had celebrated the women’s victory by aggressively grabbing his crotch - while standing next to Queen Letizia and 16-year-old Infanta Sofia.

During a live Instagram broadcast in the dressing room after the game Hermoso was heard saying of the incident:

“What was I supposed to do?!” and: “I didn’t like it…”

Rubiales had initially shrugged off the criticism he faced, describing those who took office to his ‘public show of affection’ as ‘idiots’, ‘stupid’, ‘fools’ and

By Walter Finch

‘losers’ before summing it all up as ‘bulls**t’.

But as the pressure mounted he filmed a much-derided mea culpa, saying: “I have to apologise, there’s no other option, is there?”

Hermoso was reported

Comments attributed to her by the football federation - claiming that it was a ‘spontaneous mutual gesture’ between two people who have ‘a great relationship’ - have also been reported as fabricated.

Rubiales’

BOUNCING QUEEN

SMACKER: But kiss was unwelcome

antics have set off a firestorm of condemnation within Spain that had already been simmering in the background.

“What we saw was unacceptable and Rubiales’ apologies are insufficient and even inadequate,” acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez said.

THE Queen of Spain abandoned royal decorum to join in the moment of ecstasy with the victorious women’s football team - and bounced along in celebration. After the final whistle blew on Spain’s tense victory and all the emotion was released, Queen Letizia and her daughter Sofia, 16, were welcomed onto the pitch by the players. After the team celebrated lifting the trophy, the stadium implored the queen to ‘bounce’ along with them as the players joyfully danced around her. And Letizia, clad in all red to match La Roja, did not disappoint, letting herself get carried away in the moment and fist pumping the air as she jumped up and down.

TRAGIC WINNER: Olga scored the only goal

SPAIN’S World Cup hero was brought crashing down to earth with the news that her father had passed away before the final and did not see his daughter’s moment of glory. Olga Carmona, 23, scored what turned out to be the winning goal against England in the 29th minute in Sydney to earn Spain their first ever Women’s World Cup. But in the most bittersweet tale of triumph and tragedy, the mother of the Sevilliana waited until her

Bittersweet symphony

daughter had lifted the World Cup before breaking the news. He had died in the early hours of Saturday morning, over 24 hours before the final, but the family had not wanted to ruin the Real Madrid striker’s focus with the news beforehand. Once the euphoria and sadness had passed, Carmona took to X,

formerly known as Twitter, to post a touching tribute to her father. “Little did I know, I had my Star before the match even began. I know you gave me the strength to achieve something unique,” she wrote.

“I know you watched me tonight and you're proud of me. Rest in peace, Dad,” Olga wrote on her social media.

Voted top expat paper in Spain

OPINION

What a trooper!

EX-NAVY commando David James’s recovery after allegedly being run over four times by his neighbour in Malaga is nothing short of a miracle (Left for dead, page 1).

But what is more concerning is how this ‘neighbour from hell’ has seemingly been allowed to act with impunity for years without any repercussions from the authorities.

He had already allegedly tried to attack 80-year-old David with an axe just 18 months ago, and a slew of complaints from other residents seem to have resulted in zero action.

The case is yet another example of how slow the wheels of justice can move in Spain. Thank goodness the alleged attacker has been locked up and will remain behind bars until his trial - in what looks set to be an open and shut case given the overwhelming evidence.

We wish David a speedy recovery and hope that justice is duly served.

Good news, at last

THE endless stories of crime and misfortune on the Costa del Sol and beyond are too many to count. That is why stories like that of Aaron Salter, who has celebrated his daughter’s first birthday eight years after he was left paralysed by a horror car crash are so welcome (Love story, page 4).

Aaron has really been through the ringer, as his 72-year-old father Les put it, and it is wonderful to see how he has made a full life for himself in the years after his horrific injuries.

Just as wonderful is the loving support and backing he has received from the Spanish village where he grew up.

Reminders that the Spanish and British can - and do - get on and foster strong relationships are more important than ever post-Brexit. Aaron’s story should serve as an inspiration to all.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

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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. AWARDS Best

BE WARNED:

LOST Biting back

SPAIN'S new animal welfare law comes into effect in September and you’d better start saving! In just a few weeks you are going to need to get all your pets microchipped,

not to mention jabbed and sterilised.

From September 29, all dog owners will need third party liability insurance, while cat owners will need to ensure their pets are unable to breed.

There will also be a ban on keeping pets permanently on balconies and terraces.

The law applies to both domestic and captive wild animals, but controversially excludes dogs used for hunting or other professional activities such as search and rescue dogs and those operating with law enforcement.

It also excludes horses and bulls killed during bullfights.

The main objective is to guarantee animal welfare and protection, and to establish a common legal framework throughout Spain to reduce the number of abandoned animals.

In particular, cats will need to be sterilised before six months old, unless they are specifically registered for breeding.

Owners will be expected to 'integrate pets into the family nucleus', prevent uncontrolled reproduction and will be required to complete a training course on responsible pet ownership. For now, at least, it will be both online and free.

Breeding may also only be carried out by the animal’s owner and pets must be identified with a microchip.

The law prohibits dog fights, leaving pets unsupervised for more than three days (in the case of dogs for no longer than 24 hours) and regularly keeping pets in outside spaces, storage rooms, basements or vehicles.

One of the biggest changes will be that cats, dogs and ferrets will not be allowed to be sold in pet shops.

They will also not be permitted to be exhibited in public for commercial purposes - meaning no window displays of animals at pet shops - which will be classified as a very serious offence. These animals may only be marketed by registered breeders.

Circuses will no longer be allowed to keep elephants, tigers or lions, although dolphin shows at water parks are not affected, for now.

Those who do not comply with identification obligations, are violent to pets and/or mutilate or carry out unauthorised bodily modifications (ear clipping or tail docking) will be subject to the full weight of the law.

Fines for violations will range from €500 to €200,000, depending on the severity of the offence.

BRITS have long mocked Germans for going to extreme lengths to ‘reserve’ the best spots by the pool but now the tables have been turned.

In a famous Carling Black Label advert from 1993 a gang of middle aged Germans are seen getting wake up calls from hotel reception at 6.30am before making a dash for the sunbeds by the pool.

The ‘hero’ of the ad is a Brit who calmly watches the mad rush from his balcony before throwing a rolled up towel, which, to the theme of The Dambusters , skips across the water of the pool before scoring a bullseye on a sunbed, unfurling to reveal it as a Union Jack.

It was the epitome of the ‘Cool Britan -

THE Civil War might have been over, but in August 1948, 75 years ago this week, the 200 residents of a tiny white village became what could be described as casualties of war. When right wing dictator Franco’s forces won in 1939 they still had to contend with uprisings - and they did so with great ferocity.

Frigiliana, perched in the mountains above Nerja on Andalucia's Costa del Sol, was declared Republican in 1936, only to fall to the fascists the following year. Anyone suspected of supporting the left wing movement came into the sights of Franco's forces, who took bloody revenge. The village and its near neighbour El Acebuchal - today in the heart of the soaring Sierra Tejeda natural park - found themselves on the frontline of a guerilla war and were caught in the crossfire. Following the end of the Civil War, left wing sympathisers had taken to the mountains and formed a guerilla force

RESTORED: The streets of El Acebuchal today lled villagers

BRITS ON THE OFFENSIVE

UK holidaymakers turn tables on Germans in sunbed wars but who is the bad guy here?

nia’ theme that had taken over the UK in the 90s. But now, that ice-cool sangfroid has seemingly been replaced by the British love of queuing. Apparently getting up at 6.30am to join the queue is no longer enough, with some Brits reserving places for a queue to join the queue outside the locked poolside gates the night before.

And this has not gone unnoticed by the German press, which has been gleeful

in putting the boot on the other foot.

German website Focus Online said it was mainly ‘elderly or middle-aged British tourists’ responsible. Its article continued: “Vacationers like to reserve loungers by the pool or on the beach with their towels. Some hotels then closed the doors to the outside overnight.”

Tabloid Bild joined in the fun with a story headlined Battle for the couches escalates blasting Brits for an ‘embarrassing

How a village abandoned on fascist orders 75 years ago was resurrected, writes Dilip Kuner

Spain's new animal welfare laws come into force in September… and it does have teeth with fines from €500, explains Dilip Kuner

AND FOUND

known as the Maquis to fight the fascist victors - a movement that was not to be finally crushed until 1952 when the last fighter - Antonio Sanchez Martin - was killed by Guardia Civil forces

in front of his two young daughters. His body was then draped across a mule and led through

the streets of Frigiliana as a warning to the silent villagers.

Frigiliana paid a heavy price in terms of blood with communist sympathisers shot on sight, while El Acebuchal basically ceased to exist. Suspected of helping the rebel fighters with food and refuge, the Guardia Civil ordered the villagers to leave.

In truth, the villagers were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Politically they were a

mixed bunch, some had actually even fought on Franco’s side during the Civil War. But to the Guardia this did not matter. Everyone had to go. They fled, leaving behind all their possessions and the homes that most had lived in all their lives. Many moved into neighbouring villages taking refuge with relatives and started new lives. Technically they were allowed to return to their old homes during daylight hours, but they could not stay overnight - not much good when they were often living several hours walk away.

and (right) some of the expe-

deckchair and towel race’ in Tenerife - where locals have resorted to setting up deckchairs in the middle of the night to beat the swarm

of foreign tourists dashing for the best spots first thing in the morning. But while the participants in the race-for-abed maneuvers seem to take the battle dead

Gradually, El Acebuchal fell into ruins, deserted with just the inn remaining open to service the needs of muleters on the old mountain route to Granada. But when they stopped passing, the final death knell of the hamlet was rung and the inn closed. El Acebuchal crumbled until little more than mounds of rubble and a few standing walls were left, and it became known to locals as the ‘lost village’.

But it lived on in the memories of the former residents until decades later in 1998 one couple decided to do something about it.

Virtudes Sanchez and Antonio García 'El Zumbo' whose parents had been expelled, realised that the burgeoning ‘rural tourism’ sector meant the village could be brought back to life. They started with three plots that belonged to relatives and started to rebuild the village stone by stone, soon acquiring another 11 of the former homes. They worked tirelessly with no electricity or running water for years to get things back into order.

Finally their work was done in 2003 and the lost village was once more on the map. Other former residents and their descendants soon joined the effort, and today, incredibly, 33 homes have been rebuilt.

Few people live there permanently, with most of the homes rented to tourists and today, where farmers, charcoal burners and muleteers used to live, foreigners relax on holiday among the stunning natural tranquillity.

As visitors hike in the hills, bask in the sun and enjoy the mountain air, it is difficult to imagine the violence and terror that once caused El Acebuchal to become lost.

But now, after 75 years, it has finally been found again.

ly seriously, others are not so po-faced. has previously run tongue-in-cheek stories, with one headlined Ziz means war accompanied by a graphic of a gun and a sunshade. Referring to a Thomas Cook initiative allowing Brits to reserve sunbed up to six days in advance, its headline ran on England plans a new offensive - new miracle weapon in the towel war.

And on the Costa del Sol Patrick, a German hotelier in Ronda, told the Olive Press that times have changed. “My dad used to do sunbed hogging when I was a kid and I didn’t like that.

“These days I think for Germans getting a good place to eat is more important - breakfast is our priority and not so much getting to the pool so early!”

THRIVING: The restaurant attracts day trippers

HIDDEN: Tucked away in the mountains the chapel (right) was reopened in 2007, while (below right) a muleteer passes through in the 60s

Looking to the Persians

AN ancient technology dating back to Persia 3,000 years ago has been resurrected in an experiment to cool the streets of Sevilla.

With temperatures regularly topping 40C each summer it is a problem that has long tormented the citizens of the Andalucian city.

In an effort to find a way to provide relief, the city hall has spent €5million on a pilot project to marry the ancient Persian technology of qanats with modern pumps and solar panels to provide natural, cool air.

Called CartujaQanat, the experiment uses several techniques to cool a site about the size of two football pitches without burning any fossil fuels.

Designers inspired by the Persian-origin qanats have built a network of underground pipes and tubes that channel water through a closed system.

The water cools hot air, which then wafts over the site lowering air temperature by up to 10C using just air, water and solar power. The system is

Hornet warning

A HIGHLY toxic Asian hornet has been found in a homeowner’s garden in Andalucia . Health officials have sounded the alarm after the invasive species, officially called Vespa Orientalis, was spotted in the Azahar development in Jaen. The city council is asking anyone who may have seen one of the insects to contact the emergency services via the 112 number. They have warned residents ‘to not act alone’ as the wasps are ‘very toxic’. Its sting is extremely painful for humans while its venom can often spark an allergic reaction.

Spanish city that is reviving ancient technology to combat sky high temperatures

By Dilip Kuner

modelled on ancient tunnels, which were originally built to irrigate agricultural fields in deserts. The Persians realised that the fresh running water also cooled the air in the tunnels.

About 1,000 years ago they decided to use that air as natural air-conditioning by digging vertical shafts to bring it to the surface.

CartujaQanat was designed by researchers at Universidad de Sevilla. At night, water runs through an aqueduct

outside, then over solar panels on the roof and into giant tanks underground. Contact with the lower night time and underground temperatures cools the water, until it’s time for the outdoor air-conditioning to be turned on. As temperatures rise, solar-powered pumps draw the water through small pipes that run in front of fans to generate cold air. Small openings in the floor and steps allow the refreshing current to seep into the square.

THE oceans have hit their hottest ever recorded temperature as they soak up the warmth from climate change, with dire implications for our planet’s health.

Data released by the European Union’s climate change body Copernicus shows the global sea surface temperature at levels far higher than normal for this time of year.

Whilst we may find warmer seas off the Spanish coastline less bracing and more enjoyable there is a bigger picture to look at.

Our oceans are a vital climate regulator. They soak up heat, produce over half of the Earth’s oxygen and drive weather patterns.

We are putting oceans under more stress than we have done at any point in history.

It’s quite simple. When the sea is warmer it has less ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This means that more of this planet warming gas stays in the atmosphere. Glaciers melt and sea levels rise.

Warmer seas disturb marine life. Nature’s food chain is disturbed as marine species like fish and whales go in search of cooler waters. This has an

SOLUTION: One woman uses an umbrella as a sunshade (inset) while CartujaQanat offers a cooler environment

impact on fish stocks. Some predatory species like sharks can become aggressive as they get confused by the temperature rise.

THE MORE WE BURN FOSSIL FUELS THE HOTTER THE SEA BECOMES

Check this out –In June, waters around the UK were 3-5C warmer than average. Two weeks ago the sea surface temperature in Florida was over 38C…….that’s like a Jacuzzi!

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO

SKI??

WARMING: Oceans have direct effect on weather

All signs point to a strong El Niño winter. To explain – An El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific rise half a degree for five consecutive three month periods. This has happened. The last time was 2015 –

By Martin Tye

2016. Snow came late, and when it did arrive shed loads came.

Scientific predictions can be wrong……in other words you can take it with a grain of salt, or should I say, a flake of snow.

If you’re planning a ski trip I suggest you look carefully at your choice of destination and see how much snow they had last year and when it came.

LA CULTURA

AFTER winning an art competition three Brits will have their work shown at the first ever Moclin Arte festival in Granada.

ARTY BRITS

Eclectic Nights

THE Palace of Viana in Cordoba is set to host a series of concerts as part of the Eclectic Nights event. The series will bring a lineup of concerts to the palace throughout September.

Kicking off on Friday, September 15, the first performance will feature the Catalan composer and singer Maria Rodes. She will bring her unique blend of singer-songwriter melodies and experimental rhythms to the stage. Some of her well-known songs include Me quedo contigo,Oasis, and Fui a Buscar el Sol.

Following this, on Friday, September 22, the spotlight will shift to the Spanish pop-rock and indie pop band, The New Raemon.

Jayne Stansfield, MA in Fine Art student at Norwich University of the Arts, won first place in the competition and plans to create a sculpture and mural depicting birds taking flight for the festival.

Second place went to Tom Glendinning who has lived in Pontevedra for the past eight years but is looking forward to leaving his mark on the south of Spain.

Tom told the Olive Press: “I loved the sound of the brief; ‘Happiness’. Although simple sounding at first I saw it as a challenge as visualising happiness could have led to many cliché ideas.”

He explained his mural was inspired by the topography of the area and uses the contours around Moclin which he finds ‘wiggly

Works by expat artists will be featured at new arts festival

Scary movie

IF you are of a nervous disposition a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho may not be in the best location - the English Cemetery in Malaga. The movie kicks off this year’s Fancine de Verano cycle on Thursday (August 24) at 10pm. The cemetery has become an unlikely tourist attraction and centre of arts amongst the tombs, and hosts concerts, improvisation theatre and guided tours.

Droning on

AT WORK: Glendinning and one of his pieces

and interesting’. He said: “My work involves mixing colours to express different emotions, but pure happiness is not an

THE Arabic baths in Jaen have proven to be a tourist hit, with visitor numbers up 13% in a year.

Situated in the historic city centre, the Centro Cultural Baños Árabes Palacio de Villardompardo has seven floors taking in the baths and a historic 16th century palace. The museum houses a collection that explores life in times gone by including authentic outfits from all strata of society, archaeological pieces and old far-- ming implements. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday and public holidays, from 9am to 10 pm, with Sunday hours from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission is free.

easy one to express without overdoing it.”

Caroline Hewitt, originally from Scotland, now living in the village, came third

Awash with history

and will be painting a mural of olive trees on the side of a local doctor’s surgery. The festival starts on September 17 for three weeks leading up to the Fiestas en Honor del Santísimo

Cristo del Paño, one of the largest religious festivals in spain. On October 5 each year around 15,000 people visit Moclin to celebrate and this year the art festival will add to their experience. Over 120 pieces of work will be displayed from 15 international artists as well as workshops and concerts with the aim of promoting sustainable and cultural tourism in the area.

ANTEQUERA’S annual fair is adopting an eco-friendly approach by replacing traditional fireworks with a drone show. Taking place from August 23 to 27, the fair's highlight will be a choreographed display of 120 drones illuminating the night sky. The decision, revealed in a recent press conference by Mayor Manolo Baron and Deputy Mayor Elena Melero, aims to ‘create an inclusive experience, accommodating those with sensory sensitivities as well as minimise environmental harm’.

Flickr Paul VanDerWerf

LA CULTURA

SOROLLA QUIZ: Test your knowledge on the renowned artist

August 10, 2023 marked 100 years since Joaquin Sorolla passed away.

The great impressionist painter is being remembered all over the world including

IN honour of the respected artist we have created a multiple choice quiz to test your knowledge on the famous painter.

1- Where was the artist born?

A. Madrid

B. Zaragoza

C. Sevilla

D. Valencia

2- What is the nickname given to him?

A. Master of light

B. Mediterranean maestro

C. King of seascape

D. Painter of painters

3- How many children did Sorolla and his wife, Clotilde have?

major exhibitions in Spain's capital and in his hometown.

The commemorations are continuing throughout the rest of the year.

4- Which of the paintings below is titled Walk on the beach?

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

Across

1 Vertical (7)

5 Stigma (5)

8 Stage play (5)

9 Apprehensive (7)

10 Rowdy (5)

11 Never-ending (7)

12 Pet Holstein dances about on the switchboard (11)

17 Volatile petroleum distillate (7)

19 Bishop or knight (5)

20 Esteem (7)

21 Lord ---, Prime Minister 1770-82 (5)

22 Squander (5)

23 Settled (7)

Down

1 Sunk (6)

2 Make concrete (7)

3 Unearned gain (5)

4 Sympathetic (6-7)

5 Nurse! Go out for a doctor! (7)

6 Oak-to-be (5)

7 Snuggle (6)

13 Radical (7)

14 Scoffed (7)

15 Wander round an apostle (6)

16 Approach (6)

18 Mexican moolah (5)

19 Kind of room (5)

All solutions are on page 39

5- Which illness was Sorolla the first person to portray in a painting?

A. Cerebral palsy

B. Polio

C. Rickets

D. Polydactyly

6- The below is a photograph taken in 1908, but who took the photo?

A. Eadweard Muybridge

B. Alfred Stieglitz

C. Annie Leibovitz

D. Gertrude Käsebier

8- Which country did Sorolla NOT study in?

A. Italy

B. Spain

C. Germany

D. France

9- The artist has had many exhibitions around the world (with paintings including this one below). His first exhibition was in his late teens, but where was it?

A. In Assisi, Italy

B. In Madrid, Spain

C. In Paris, France

D. In Rome, Italy

7- Sorolla worked for seven years on a commissioned mural for the Hispanic Society of America. What building was the mural for?

A. A museum in Los Angeles

B. A wall in Mexico City

C. A library in New York City

D. A library in Buenos Aires

10- We know that Sorolla painted a lot of hisworks in the places depicted in his piecesrather than simply use his imagination. How do we know this?

A. He always took souvenirs from the places.

B. There were often grains of sand embedded in his works.

C. He brought back postcards for his wife.

D. He had lots of sand in his shoes when he returned to Madrid.

This shows that he was actively at the seafront whilst creating his pieces.

Q10 - B. There were often grains of sand embedded in his works. - Due to painting on the beach, grains of sand would be found embedded in the work underneath layers of paint.

Q9 - B. In Madrid, Spain - His first exhibition took place at the National Exhibition of Fine Arts in Spain. The event took place regularly from 1856 to 1968.

Q8 - C. Germany - Well known for travelling around Europe to learn more about his craft, Sorolla studied in many countries but not Germany. He went to the San Carlos Royal -Acad emy of Fine Arts in Valencia, travelled to Paris and was exposed to modern impressionist painting. In addition he had a four-year grant to travel and work with great artists like -Fran cisco Pradilla in Italy.

Q7 - C. It’s library in New York City - The commision from the Hispanic Society of America saw 7 years of work put into the piece. It depicted life in various provinces of Spain. The piece took a toll on the artists and left him exhausted.

Q6 - D. Gertrude Käsebier - The American photographer was a pioneer for women in the art of photography. The well-known photograph sees Sorolla positioned in a strong pose with admirable posture. Many have commented on how his hands are oddly obscured by gloves and his shadows.

Q5 - B. Polio - In ‘Sad Inheritance’ children with polio are seen bathing in Valencia under supervision of a monk. A polio epidemic had struck the city years prior and following the painting he won a medal of honour at the Universal Exhibition in Paris.

Q4 - A. - The work depicts his wife, Clotilde and his eldest daughter, Maria wearing long white sundresses. This painting was completed in his home town of Valencia at the Playa de El Cabanyal beach.

Q3 - A. 3 - The pair had their first child, Maria in 1890. Joaquin and Elena came shortly after, born in 1892 and 1895 respectively.

Q2 - A. Master of Light - This nickname comes from his incredible talent for depicting light in his pieces.

Q1 - D. Valencia - Not only was Sorolla born in Valencia but he also frequented the city to reference it in his work.

Sorolla quiz answers:

roperty

OUTDOOR LIFE

How to lead that Spanish lifestyle to the full

See page 14

MOVE OVER GRANDAD

THE average international buyer of Spanish property has begun to trend downwards in age profile, according to the latest data.

While there are still plenty of Brits, Germans, French and Belgians coming in to hand over their cash, gone are the days of them being entirely high-income, near-retirement couples. The typical profile of foreign buyers used to be people between 50 and 60 years old, married with children, with a high level of education and an income of more than €60,000.

By Walter Finch

But now a report from Union de Creditos Inmobiliarios (UCI) claims that the prevailing trend among international buyers indicates the new sheriffs in town are a younger, less financially comfortable demographic. These young upstarts (between 30 and 40) have been capitalising on the freedom afforded by the digital nomad lifestyle to invest in Spanish property.

UCI's analysis shows that the Covid

pandemic unleashed the genie of the home office and flexible working, which has seen a surge in younger buyers drawn by this way of working. Thus they can fulfil the dream of spending extended periods on the Spanish coasts without waiting until they are grey and wrinkly. As the Olive Press has reported recently, buyers from the United States have also surged onto the scene, according

to UCI.

Despite the fact that interest rates on mortgages for non-residents are invariably higher compared to those offered to residents, the market continues to witness a surge in demand from international buyers. The numbers are underlined by a dramatic 45% surge in foreign property purchases in 2022, totaling 88,800 transactions.

This data from the College of Registrars paints an optimistic picture for 2023, with the first quarter already seeing 23,380 transactions by foreigners.

The maximum financing percentage hovers around 70% of the property's valuation with an amortisation period of around 30 years.

Spain's attractiveness, enviable quality of life, profitability, and its status as a stable safe haven for investments have not, it seems, been dented by the upward trajectory of interest rates.

OLD TO NEW: how unwanted buildings have been given a new lease of life See page 22

COSTLY CITIES

MALAGA and Granada have been named among Spain’s most expensive 10 cities to live in.

According to a study they rank sixth and 10th respectively.

The website Kelisto analysed a total of 17 factors, including the prices of renting and buying, utility bills, public transport, food and activities such as cinema or a night at the pub

It found the cost of living in Granada is 8% higher than the national average, while Malaga’s is slightly over 5%.

At the same time average household income in Granada and Malaga is 14% and 12% less than Spain’s average. Meanwhile, Malaga is one of the most expensive cities in Spain, with properties averaging €260,000, over 41% more than the country’s average.

And the Costa del Sol’s capital ranks sixth in the rental table, with flats averaging €1,260 a month.

The study, which analysed 50 provincial capitals, placed San Sebastian, in the Basque Country, as Spain’s most expensive city.

Lugo, in Galicia, meanwhile has the lowest cost of living.

Jaen is the least expensive city in Andalucia, ranking 37th overall, followed by Huelva (31st).

NO EFFECT Mark Stucklin www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

THE recent General Election delivered a hung parliament in Madrid that won’t have much of an impact on the property market in a country where regional governments decide housing policy. Despite a thumping victory in local and regional elections in May, right-wing parties failed to win power in the General Election. The centre-right Popular Party (PP) party won the most votes and seats in parliament, but fell far

Political stalemate doesn’t matter when it comes to the property market

short of an overall majority, even in coalition with the Vox party further to its right. Ironically, the result has left the key to Spain’s government in the hands of Carles Puigdemont, a Catalan nationalist currently residing in Waterloo, Belgium, wanted by the Spanish State for his part in Catalunya’s illegal referendum and unilateral de -

HOUSING MARKET IMPLICATIONS

claration of independence from Spain. The Gods are mischievous indeed. In the end, the results were a fair reflection of the Spanish electorate. Around two thirds voted for the centre-right and centre-left, 25% voted for the far-right or farleft, and the remaining 10% voted for nationalists of different ideological stripes in restive regions like Catalunya and the Basque country. Having burnt their bridges with the regional-nationalists who hold the key to power, the PP has no hope of forming a government. Only the Socialists under the current President Pedro Sanchez have any chance of stitching together a parliamentary majority. They might not manage it on the first attempt, so a repeat General Election after the summer is highly likely. But one way or another, Sanchez will remain as president of a left-wing coalition supported by regional parties that local pundits call a ‘Frankenstein’ government. It doesn’t look like it will be an easy ride.

In Spain, housing and planning policy is largely devolved to the autonomous regions, over which the government in Madrid has little say. The rental market is a different story. Madrid set’s the legal framework for the rental market, which it did in May with a new Spanish Housing Law that favours tenants and squatters at the expense of owners and landlords.

The government influences the way Spain is perceived abroad

As a consequence of this law, the supply of long-term rental homes on the market in cities like Barcelona and Madrid has plunged from 80% to 20% in the space of a few months. This is a disaster for local families who cannot afford to buy, and need a place to rent longterm, but doesn’t affect foreigners buying a home or holiday-home in Spain. The government in Madrid also influences the way Spain is perceived abroad as a place to invest. It is likely that the next government will be even more dependent on small extremist parties, which might not be a great look.

The political uncertainty isn’t helpful for the economy, which ultimately influences the housing market, but the economy seems to be ticking along okay for now. Otherwise it doesn’t really matter who wins the General Election if you own or plan to buy a home or holiday home in Spain. The local and regional governments matter more.

ONLY CHANCE: Pedro Sanchez may hang on as PM

SILVER MEDAL FOR RETIREMENT

SPAIN is the second best country in Europe to retire to, with only Portugal ranked higher, according to a study by internet portal Moving to Spain.

This takes into account cost of living, health care, property prices, sunshine hours, blue flags, global peace scores and the percentage of people aged 65 and above. With a staggering score of

Back to life

A CEMETERY is getting set for a new lease of life thanks to a stunning new €3 million design project.

The Begona cemetery, in Bilbao, is to become an urban garden and heritage space, after a mass grave was unearthed with thousands of victims from the Spanish Civil War.

The companies chosen to undertake the project are LOLA Landscape Architects and IWA Design Studio. Together they won a competition which challenged architects to transform the cemetery into an urban garden for the community, and is set to reopen in 2025.

They plan to utilise the existing heritage and objects found on site and relocate, reuse or rehabilitate tombstones.

A 2,200 sqm central garden and a 3700 sqm botanical garden will be added, using gravel and fragments found from the original cemetery.

The main entrance will become a ‘memorial for the victims found in the mass graves, by echoing fragments of the victims' DNA patterns’.

7.31/10 it matches Italy’s score and closely follows Portugal’s 7.83. Among the 37 countries examined, Spain is in the top half for seven out of nine factors, only falling below on the population of over 65’s and the Global peace index. In five factors, however, Spain did remarkably well and picked up a top 10 spot. The biggest attractions are by far the

beaches and appealing weather.

Spain basks in 2,555 hours of sun - over 1/4 of the year - while it has more blue flag beaches than anywhere else.

Spain also has the second highest life expectancy in Europe at a notable 83 years, trailing only behind Switzerland.

Excellent and affordable healthcare are to thank for this achievement.

BETTER THAN EXPECTED

Homesalesmaybe down-butthefigures aresurprisinglygood givenhighinterest rates,insistexperts

By Alex Trelinski

INTEREST rate rises have slowed down Spain’s real estate market this year.

There has been a near 5% drop in the number of sales in the first half of 2023.

According to official figures, 315,783 homes were sold between January and June - 4.5% fewer than in 2022.

However, experts still describe the sales figures as ‘good’ or ‘better than expected’, particularly as Spain experienced a post-covid property boom in 2021 and 2022.

The number of sales are actually in line with those seen in 2008.

“With such a big rise in the Euribor

THE works on San Pedro Alcantara’s new sports pavilion are now 70% completed and its opening is scheduled for early 2024. The complex will have a central multi-purpose court with an area of 1,700 sqm, which will be home to handball, basketball, indoor football and volleyball courts.

“The new pavilion is a major, modern and versatile project that will respond to the demands of residents and clubs,” said Estepona council spokesman Javier Garcia..

Streets of gold

THE three most expensive streets to buy a house in Spain are all on the Costa del Sol, according to real estate portal Idealista

The study reveals that luxury development Coto Zagaleta, in Benahavis, is the country’s priciest spot for purchasing your dream home.

The average house in the urbanizacion costs €10,763,937, apparently the price to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the Serrania de Ronda with outstanding views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Ranking second, a few miles away from Zagaleta, Marbella’s Calle Mozart is also for those with fat wallets.

A property in the exclusive street has an average price of €7,940,375, making it a desired location for some of the world’s wealthiest people.

In third place, also in Marbella, Osa Menor Street is another example of housing opulence.

Buying a property in this luxurious development would cost you an average €7,175,888.

Texan adventure

of four points in a year, to be talking of sales decreases of less than 10% is much better than we predicted five months ago,” said Jose Maria Alfaro, president of the Federation of Real Estate Associations (FAI). He predicted however there will be a nearly 10% annual fall by the end of the year. “On top of that agents are getting a

Opening soon

third of the inquiries of a year ago,” he added.

“However it’s not that properties are not selling, it is just taking longer. “If last year it took 30 days to sell,

now it is taking 60 days.”

Javier Kindelan, head of the CBRE consultancy, believes the decline will be much greater, despite agreeing the first half of the year was strong.

“Sales will be cut by around 24% by the end of the year,” he predicted.

“The market has behaved better than expected so far, but we expect increased interest rates to have a greater impact in slowing sales later this year,” he added.

Their predictions are based on notary figures from the end of June that show an annual 12.9% drop in deals for the second quarter of the year. The drop has come as there has been a significant drop in mortgages being granted around the country. Many people are unable to get finance for a purchase now, while some potential buyers have decided to hold off due to the uncertain economic situation.

A SPANISH architecture firm has been chosen to redesign a prestigious American art museum.

Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos has been chosen to recreate the Dallas Museum of Art, in Texas.

The Madrid firm won the contract after beating six finalists in a global competition for the job.

“We will be reflecting the original building, transforming the relationship between art, landscape, and community into a balance of memory and innovation,” said a spokesman for the firm.

It is the firm’s first building in the US, having previously designed the Moritzburg Museum, in Germany, and the Cité du Theatre, in Paris. It will house the ‘most significant collection of contemporary art of any encyclopedic museum’.

The museum is one of the largest in the US and was established in 1903. It contains 26,000 works spanning over 5,000 years of history.

GET OUT, BUT NOT ABOUT!

By Kayleigh Beardsley

LIVING spaces, kitchens and even bathrooms can be brought out of the home to boost your mental health during the hottest time of the year.

Adding nature and fresh air can add a relaxing element to a space you

These great outdoor living spaces are sure to inspire you to open up your home

usually socialise or unwind in. Here, we take a look at five examples of outdoor living that should inspire you to open up your property.

This striking outdoor living room by the sea, near Santander, is a great example of how a dining area outdoors can be perfect for entertaining. The home of Lorenzo Castillo, a well-known decorator, it houses vintage rattan sofas and plaid cushions to keep the indoor comfort with an outdoor atmosphere.

or shower becomes effortlessly indulgent when it is placed outside. The sounds, sights and fresh air creates a perfect spot to unwind or meditate.

This outdoor bathroom in Ibiza is open to nature while keeping your privacy with high surrounding walls and fences. Immersing yourself in a bath

EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES FOR SALE

CHARLOTTE

MARLÓ

1,050,000€

+34 646 179 316

REF:

SORIN MAILAT: +34 630 893 029 ANA

+34 672 726 220

CALL OR WHATSAPP OUR AGENTS TO BOOK A VIEWING TODAY! YOU CAN FIND MORE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES ON OUR WEBSITE. CONTACT US: +34 676 90 15 19 |

| STRAND.ES

BENAHAVIS | 4 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 650 M2 REF: STRAND6802 | PRICE: 2,850,000€

LUIS PALMA: +34 611 70 43 01

MALAGA | 3 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 169 M2 REF: STRANDM7558 | PRICE: 1,230,000€

FLORES: +34 631 93 25 27

MALAGA | 2 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 120 M2

|

MARBELLA | 2 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 148 M2 REF: STRAND8517 | PRICE: 300,000€

GRUNDBERG: +34 695 30 26 87

ESTEPONA | 3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 139 M2 REF: STRANDP4501 | PRICE: 1,290,000€ NATALIA COLES: +34 653 49 11 85

MALAGA | 3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 254 M2 REF: STRANDM4006 | PRICE:

LÓPEZ:

MARBELLA | 5 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 472 M2 REF: STRAND9638 | PRICE: 5,750,000€

MARBELLA | 2 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 157 M2

STRAND2657 | PRICE: 1,425,000€

TARAZONA:

Although not a full bedroom, this tucked away resting area of a holiday rental in the Algarve, in Portugal is another great example of using all the space you have outside to create interesting features for your home. A short siesta or even star-gazing is the ultimate activity here.

A slice of paradise in Capistrano, Nerja with sea views and all day sunshine!

Ref: CB30

Another great way to utilise outdoor space is to install a kitchen like this one on the Costa del Sol in Mijas. Prep your favourite dishes while taking in the calming atmosphere. Whether casual brunch or a grand dinner, the kitchen is designed to withstand all types of weather.

Seamlessly connected to the other parts of this Marbella house, yet still separate from others, these three different areas provide a space for all members of the household to gather and get some fresh air. With the closeness to the pool and the flowers and foliage of the garden, guests really get the sense of relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the space.

tel: (+34) 952 52 54 21 info@oasisproperties.es www.oasisproperties.es Calle Pintada 87 - 3, Nerja, Málaga, 29780, Spain

Fully reformed apartment with fantastic sea views in Capistrano, Nerja

Ref: TT12 320,000€

Wonderful 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom property. Accessed through an impressive arched gateway, 3 levels of garden terracing and covered and dining terraces with fantastic sea views. Character features including wooden beams and a fully fitted kitchen with breakfast bar. A very rare opportunity!

300,000€

Elevated property within the award winning Oasis de Capistrano with lush tropical gardens and ornamental fish ponds and various swimming pools. Newly reformed throughout, sold complete with quality furnishings, AC and fibre wifi. great property to enjoy straight away with enormous rental potential.

Sunny apartment with great views, close to the pool and gardens in Nerja

Ref: CB18

310,000€

South facing apartment with all day sunshine close to the main pool area and easy access and parking. Great terrace with built in BBQ and storage. Fully equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms – one with en-suite toilet and family shower room. Lovely bright holiday home with fantastic rental potential.

BUYER BEWARE

Recently, I met with some clients who had purchased an offplan property some time ago for rental income. Of course, this is an attractive option for many people who buy in Spain because it is such a popular tourist destination. It’s an opportunity to put your money to work for you in a far more lucrative way than just leaving it in the bank.

However, this story isn’t as happy as it could be, and it contains an important ‘caveat emptor’ or two.

THE REALITY OF OFF-PLAN PURCHASES

These clients had purchased several kilometres from the beach and from amenities, like shopping, restaurants and so on. Their agent at the time and the developer had promised them a good, viable return on their investment. That was not how it turned out, unfortunately.

In the summertime, almost anything in southern Spain is going to rent. Millions of tourists visit the Costa del Sol during the summer season. However, tourist rentals can’t live or die by high season alone. To be truly viable all year round, you need a property that follows what I call

the ‘golden rules of short-term lettings’.

The golden rules are very simple: your property must be close to amenities and the beach. In that order. If your agent or a developer tells you that some property in the middle of nowhere will make money all year round, they’re lying. Full stop. The reason most tourists come to Spain is for the beautiful beaches and for easy access to other amenities. If your property is in a small town in the interior with one bar and the nearest golf course is 100 kilometres away, this is not attractive to a vacationer. Nor even a new build urbanisation far from shopping, restaurants, and everything else.

And because there are so many short-term rental properties on the market, targeting tourists, the competition is fierce. Where is a holidaymaker going to choose? Not the condominium you bought off plan that is a 15-minute drive to buy groceries.

UNDERSTANDING THE RENTAL MARKET DYNAMICS

But, while knowing the golden rules is a key first step to purchasing a rental property wisely, there’s more. Don’t just take your real estate agent’s word for it, or the builder. Their goal is to sell you the property, what happens afterwards doesn’t affect them and isn’t their primary concern.

Get proof of the rental viability of any property you’re seriously considering.

That means getting a feasibility study done of the property. This will calculate the realistic rental gross yield based on other properties with similar qualities nearby. If the property is a resale and was already used as rental income, request a verified income history via tax returns or bank deposits.

Buying a rental property is a significant investment, you don’t want to guess or accept someone’s opinion or sales pitch.

A feasibility study will also calculate

Is this the right house?

the potential income against taxes, commissions paid to a property manager (normally 20% + IVA) and other expenses such as maintenance and utilities. Some of your expenses are related to use, such as taxes on rental income and commissions. Others are unavoidable, regardless of income, such as maintenance, community fees and property taxes.

TAX IMPLICATIONS AND PROPERTY CHOICES

In addition, you need to know that if you aren’t a tax resident of Spain, you cannot write off household expenses against income. If you’re not an EU citizen, you just pay the flat rate of 24% on rental income. It is 19% for EU citizens, but deductions for legitimate expenses are permitted.

Finally, unlike perhaps most real estate agents in the Costa del Sol, I would personally recommend looking at resale properties, rather than new builds. I know that most people think a new build is a better

will have less maintenance, be more attractive, etc. But there’s a bigger picture to consider.

Back to the golden rule: amenities and beaches. Most available land close to amenities and beaches was sold off and built upon years and years ago. Almost all the new build properties are located further inland or outside towns, in new urbanizations that don’t have anywhere near the same convenience.

As I said above: tourists want convenience and to relax. Of course, they don’t want to stay in a dump, but the location is far more important to the rental income and resale value of your property than the year it was built.

Purchasing a rental property is a great investment. I highly recommend it. I also highly recommend that you do your homework to get the most for your money.

Ana Eulalia Millán, commercial director of Urbanisation Jardines Almenara, help us to know if we have found our dream home. Buying a new home is always an important decision, something that involves needs to take into account the likes and desires of all members of the family. So, it’s very important to answer these questions before you say YES.

Will I feel happy living here?

Most people are looking for places to move to where they can enjoy a calm lifestyle, without traffic and stress. Places with good weather – especially a warm temperature and sunny days – which give you a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. When you find such a location, you will have a happy life for sure.

Will my family be pleased with this house?

The key is the space; the perfect house should always have a place for every family member, included pets. The outdoor living areas are always a good point to consider – for example does it have a solarium or balconies. But best of all is a villa with a big garden.

Imagine if you could have your own swimming pool – think of all the good times your family could enjoy together.

Is it a good investment?

Owning a property is always a good investment. If the location is good – for example, a main street in a big city, or a private residential complex with 24 hour security – the increase in value of the property will outperform a similar home in a less desirable area. More so if it is well located in a good neighbourhood with good communication to local facilities and services.

Do I have all the information about the property?

Before making an investment, it’s very important you know all there is to know about it. You have to know if it is free of charges and how much community fees you have to pay each month. It’s vital to ask about the structural state of the house and know that there are no big cracks or, for example, damp problems which will be a big problem in the future. You need to discuss this with the owner or developer selling the property.

Do I really want to live here?

This is the most important thing. We have to consider if we want to live in a big noisy city or in a bustling beach place, or perhaps you feel inclined to live in the countryside. A good option could be a place just 15 minutes easy drive to the city or to the beach, near the motorway, and within easy reach of the airport, for example. If the chosen spot is surrounded by main services like supermarkets, restaurants, medical centre, school and shopping centre it could be a perfect place to live.

If you had said YES to most of the above questions… you should be extremely happy because then you have found that Jardines Almenara is YOUR DREAM HOME!

Adam Neale outlines some golden rules if you are looking to purchase a rental income property in Spain

Your dream home

Brand new villas ready to start living in now!

A stunning place to live!

600m2 fenced plots with garden. A quiet sunny place in a private residential complex with 24 hour guard watch

There are 4 different models of independent houses to choose, with 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms. The villas are modern but they are also built in keeping with that typically Spanish feel. They are very good value for money, with top quality materials and focus on a confortable living space. The build quality is great and the urbanisation is clean, tidy and very safe and secure.

The property has a perfect location, in the middle of the best coast places in Spain, close to sunny sandy beaches and golf courses and near the motorway, so it´s very easy to go to the airport.

This place is a Spanish Jewel and an opportunity not to be missed.

968816770 662618529

www.jardinesalmenara.com

comercial@jardinesalmenara.com

TAKING THE STRAIN

SPAIN’S picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage have long made it an appealing destination for real estate investment.

If you’ve set your sights on purchasing property in Spain, arranging a mortgage with the assistance of a broker can prove to be an invaluable asset. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of securing a mortgage through a broker in Spain.

Why Use a Mortgage Broker?

Navigating the Spanish mortgage market can be complex, especially for those who are not familiar with the local regulations, language and banking practices, which in Spain are really quite unique. A mortgage broker is a professional who acts as an intermediary between you and potential lenders, helping you find the best mortgage deal that suits your needs and financial situation.

Brokers have access to a wide range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and private lenders. They can help you compare different mortgage offers, negotiate

terms, and ensure you’re getting the most favorable rates and conditions available in the market.

Benefits of Using a Broker:

● Expertise: Mortgage brokers are well-versed in the Spanish mortgage market. They understand the intricacies of the local regulations, interest rates, and loan options, providing you with accurate and upto-date information.

● Access to Multiple Lenders: Instead of approaching individual lenders, brokers can present your application to multiple lenders, increasing your chances of finding the best deal.

● Saves Time and Effort: Brokers handle the paperwork, liaising with lawyers/selling agents, and negotiations on your behalf, saving you time and reducing the stress associated with the mortgage process.

● Tailored Solutions: A broker will

assess your financial situation and goals, helping you find a mortgage that aligns with your needs and preferences.

● Negotiation: Brokers are skilled negotiators, often leveraging long-standing banking relationships thereby securing better terms and rates than you might be able to obtain on your own.

Steps to Arranging a Mortgage with a Broker:

● Initial Consultation: The process typically begins with a consultation where you discuss your financial situation, property goals, and preferences with the broker. This information helps the broker understand your needs and recommend suitable mortgage options.

● Mortgage Application: After gathering your financial details, the broker will help you complete the mortgage appli-

cation, ensuring all necessary documentation is provided. This might include proof of income, credit history, and property details.

● Lender Comparison: The broker will present you with various mortgage options from different lenders. They will explain the terms, interest rates, and any associated fees, helping you make an informed decision.

● Application Submission: Once you’ve chosen a mortgage offer, the broker will submit the application to the chosen lender. They will handle all communication and negotiations with the lender throughout the process.

● Review and Approval: The lender reviews your application and may request additional documentation. The broker will work with you to provide any necessary information and address any concerns the lender may have.

● Mortgage Offer and Acceptance: Upon approval, the lender will provide a mortgage offer detailing the terms and condi-

tions. Your broker will review the offer with you, ensuring you understand all aspects before accepting.

● Completion: With the offer accepted, the broker will assist with finalising the mortgage agreement, coordinating with the notary and ensuring all legal requirements are met.

● Ongoing Support: Even after the mortgage is secured, brokers will provide ongoing support and advice for the duration of your mortgage term including help with any issues with hard-to-reach banks.

Purchasing property in Spain is an exciting endeavor, but it’s essential to navigate the mortgage process wisely.

We at the Finance Bureau can simplify the journey by offering expertise, access to lenders, negotiation skills, and personalized guidance.

With a broker’s assistance, you can confidently secure a mortgage that aligns with your financial goals and facilitates your dream of owning property in this captivating country.

Tancrede de Pola explains why you should use a broker to arrange a home loan

BENABOLA, PUERTO BANÚS Ref: OP14194 Beds: 2 | Baths: 2

Built: 128 m² including terraces | Price: € 1,600,000

Renovated apartment, frontline Puerto Banús with spectacular views over the harbour and towards the sea.

PARK SUITES, MARBELLA EAST Ref: OP14298 Beds: 4 | Baths: 4

Built: 233 m² | Terraces: 269 m² | Price: € 1,195,000

LOMAS PUEBLO, GOLDEN MILE Ref: OP08982 Beds: 4 | Baths: 3

Built: 217 m² | Terraces: 33 m² | Price: € 875,000

LAS MESAS, ESTEPONA Ref: OP14302 Beds: 2 | Baths: 2

Built: 106 m² | Terraces: 26 m² | Price: € 665,000

Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 panorama.es

MARBELLA TOWN Ref: OP14329 Beds: 2 | Baths: 2

Built: 102 m² including terraces | Price: € 450,000

Offices at Puente Romano and opposite the Marbella Club hotel

NEW LEASE OF LIFE

By Kayleigh Beardsley

WHEN buildings reach the end of their natural lives it’s time to think again about their use.

The recent transformation of the long-closed Canfranc railway station

KAOS TEMPLE

Taking a look at Spain’s top 10 repurposed buildings

in the Pyrenees to a plush luxury hotel is the perfect example.

Thanks to dozens of inspired architects many other buildings in Spain have been re-imagined with brand new purposes.

They include seeing slaughterhouses converted to art galleries, churches changed into skateboard parks. Here we examine 10 of the best…

This off-the-wall skatepark, in Llanera, in Asturias was originally the Church of Santa Barbara. Abandoned for years, skaters took an interest and plans to repurpose it finally materialised. Its gothic style has been cleverly integrated with a new contemporary style associated with skating - including colourful graffiti. Okuda San Miguel is the artist behind the revamp and used his ‘skater appropriate’ artwork to bring together spirituality and a world of colour and happiness.

CANFRANC STATION

Canfranc had been closed since 1970 after suffering from a train derailing and a fire. Now finally 50 years on it has been transformed into a plush hotel, utilising the massive space to the fullest.

Designers made sure to keep the facade of the station intact to preserve its history and structure, however, they have re-imagined the interiors completely while giving its 104 bedrooms and a handful of common areas a nostalgic feel. It welcomed its first guests in January 2023 95 years since its original opening.

The railway station has an incredible history built into it with a long list of lavish guests such as the King of Spain as well as being a hotbed for nazi espionage.

(Photos courtesy of Okuda San Miguel)

STUDIO BY MAIO

Barcelona architectural firm MAIO decided to refurbish an old laundrette and turn it into their dream studio with an exhibition gallery.

Not only is this space used by MAIO but it is also open as a co-working space.

The designers turned the 40 metre long building into separate sections with a small courtyard in the middle to aid with natural lighting in the lateral rooms.

MAYORAL DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

This amazing distribution centre for clothes company Mayoral, in Malaga, was originally a giant textile factory. Ordered to be built by Franco in

the 1960’s, it was abandoned in the 1990s. Now the building has been brought back to life as a stylish central base by System Arquitectura.

LA FABRICA

THE studio and former home of one of Spain’s most famous architects was originally a cement factory. Ricardo Bofill, who died last year, transformed the long-derelict plant outside Barcelona, after spotting it while driving to a friend’s house. Built during the 1920s, the massive complex covered nearly 10,000 m2, so Bofill had a real challenge on his hands to convert it into his family home. The end result is more than worth it.

SP ANISH ES TA TE AG EN T

VILLA, BENAHAVÍS

R3778912 – 2,395,000€

Beautiful Land of 17,051m2, with unique development potential on the edge of the village next to the town centre of Benahavis town, with many possibilities due to its ideal situation, with only one main entrance and same exit giving privacy and tranquillity. Within the 17.051 m2 plot there are two villas. Main villa is 5 bed, 3 bath.

Within walking distance from the village centre, this is an ideal quiet family holiday home with views over the Village and to the Ronda mountains. This typical Andalusian house was designed and built from local wood, Ronda tiles, old doors and local materials. It has a superb shaded barbecue dining terrace, large outdoor azure pool all set within more than 4 acres of mature gardens, lawns and woodland.

BED: 9 | BATH: 4 | BUILT SIZE: 552 M2 | TERRACE SIZE: 200 M2

GARDEN/PLOT: 17,051 M2 | PRIVATE POOL

TOWNHOUSE, BENAHAVÍS

R4336072 – 425,000€

Fantastic semi-detached four bedroom house in El Casar. This home is layed out as a massony, with split levels. The main entance is accessed through a communal walkway, that leads to the main terrace of the property, where you can enjoy a pleasent barbecue with nice views of the mountains and one of the communal pools is right in front of this home. In this level we have a fully fitted kitchen, pantry and living room with several accesses to the terrace. A few steps up the dining room enjoys a working fireplace and looks to the living room. Going up another level we find the second and third bedroom, and on the top the main bedroom, all of them with en-suite bathrooms and balconies.

BED: 4 | BATH: 4 | BUILT SIZE: 257 M2 | TERRACE SIZE: 65 M2

GARDEN: YES | PRIVATE POOL

T: +34 952 85 54 89

E: info@propertiespain.com

W: www.propertiespain.com

Urb. La Aldea Plaza Camilo José Cela, Local 1 29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain

Another slaughterhouse in Madrid has been turned into an office block. The walls are made of reclaimed roof tiles taken from the original roof before it was replaced. Some sections were left such as this part which was refurbished in 2009 to accommodate a stock room and a space for events.

WAREHOUSE 8B STUDIO 1700

Nordest Aquitectura has turned this 180 year old barn into a workspace in Girona.

The barn has kept its old walls intact as well as its original entrance shape, which now has a giant glass door.

Parts of the inside have been removed or modified to better accommodate its current use.

DREAM HOUSE

Lual is launching the sale of nine exclusive villas in one of the most beautiful spots on the Costa del Sol

There’s no place like home, a fact that is very well-known to Lual, who will offer you not just any house, but your dream one.

Established in 1985, it is dedicated mainly to the rental of villas, apartments and to the promotion and construction of houses. They also set up a rent-a-car department as well as a cleaning and maintenance service for the properties they rent, making Lual one of the leading companies of the eastern Costa del Sol.

After the successful launch and sale of Sea Gardens, Nerja’s exclusive residential complex, Lual is now releasing the sale of Sea Gardens II, its second phase, also located in the beautiful town of Nerja.

Superbly spotted in the desirable Chimenea area, it is just minutes away from the town centre and the stunning Burriana beach, with its many shops, cafes and restaurants.

It will comprise nine luxurious south facing villas, offering exceptional views towards

the sunrise and sunset, an ideal opportunity to enjoy an exclusive lifestyle in one of the most sought after locations on the Costa del Sol.

Sea Gardens is a small residential complex of contemporary, detached residential homes built on three levels and featuring magnificent open plan living areas, floor-toceiling windows across the front façades, private gardens & beautiful illuminated swimming pools.

All of the properties offer three en-suite bedrooms with a layout specifically designed to allow you a certain amount of freedom to alter the interior design, so you can create the house of your dreams.

Don’t waste a second and visit Lual’s office at C. el Barrio, 48, bajo 2, 29780 Nerja, Málaga to have a chat about the home you have always wanted.

(Photos courtesy of Filippo Poli, ArchDaily)

MATADERO MADRID

Although it may have an uncomfortable heritage, the Matadero art centre in Madrid is a great example of a building repurposed.

The former abattoir, which once corralled thousands of animals en route to slaughter is now an incredible art space. In 2006 Madrid City Council decided to turn it into a hub for art which attracts tens of thousands of people every year today.

BURGOS RAILWAY STATION

Canfranc is not the only railway station to be converted into something new.

The old station in the city of Burgos has been turned into a leisure space

CASAL BALAGUER CULTURAL CENTRE

Architecture firms Flores & Prats and Duch-Piza came together to renovate this old baroque home and turn it into a new cultural centre for Palma, in Mallorca.

for children, while work continues on the project to transform the area. As well as keeping its original architecture it has many of its internal features.

Much of the original building was kept while space has been created for new facilities, including the exhibition spaces, a restaurant, a library and a museum.

It was always a ‘priority was to not lose the domestic character of the building’.

NERJA’S QUINTESSENTIAL NEW EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

Sea Gardens is a small residential complex of contemporary, detached residential homes built on three levels and featuring magnificent open plan living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows across the front façades offering fantastic views, private gardens and beautiful illuminated swimming pools. Their modern and attractive design, together with a south facing aspect, offer a uniqueness and elegance in one of the most desired areas of Nerja.

(Photo courtesy of Flores & Prats + Duch-Pizá)

(Photo courtesy of Contell-Martínez Arquitectos)

Find the right home

Strand Properties have the networks and the knowledge to help

STRAND PROPERTIES, the Spanish real estate company founded by Finns Serena and Anssi Kiviranta, are going from strength to strength.

Not only do they have offices in Marbella, Fuengirola, Malaga and Mallorca, offering an in-depth and personal service based on local knowledge, but they are part of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World ® network. The network includes 550 companies located in 70 countries, with an estimated 136,000 real estate agents working under them.

Sirena and Anssi Kiviranta were two of the founding partners of a very successful Finnish real estate concept, Bo LKV. They participated in growing the business from scratch to a company of 200 employees and €23M turnover in less than five years.

A capital investment company acquired the majority of Bo LKV in the autumn of 2019. In mutual understanding, the Kiviranta couple had the chance to start a real estate agency

The Strand Properties chain has grown to become one of the most recognised real estate brands among agents, cus

It is a luxury real estate agency that offers services to both sellers and buyers, but its listings include properties to suit all Strand Properties can help customers find the right home by carefully charting the customers’ wishes and using a lear For the sellers, the brokerage concept focusing on quality offers the fastest selling times and the best possible selling price. The experienced team at Strand speaks more than 20 diffe rent languages between them and guarantee a personali

The Strand Properties concept also includes the import and sales of carefully selected Scandinavian products in Spain, with brands such as Timberwise, BEdesign, Drop Design Pool, Tablebed, Framery and Woodio. Strand Properties also represent e.g. Ballingslöv kitchens, Massproductions, Fogia, Garden Glory, Kasthall, and Carl Hansen & Son furniture

FIRST CLASS

9 out of 10 customers would recommend us

IN a recent survey of our customers after using Línea Directa’s Roadside Assistance and breakdown services, over 90% said they would happily recommend our insurance services to a friend or colleague.

Línea Directa would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to answer the questions in our survey as it has given us valuable feedback on our services and enabled us to integrate positive changes and continue to provide expert solutions for overseas residents in Spain.

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING IS IN ENGLISH

Car, bike and home insurance, with absolutely everything in English. The emergency and claims hotline is fast and efficient, with quick no obligation quotes over the phone.

The customer service team will help you decide on the best policy and there are easy payment options so you can spread the cost of your premiums.

DID YOU KNOW?

All Línea Directa insurance policies offer additional features specifically designed for expatriates living in Spain.

Their home insurance includes Pet Assistance, IT Assistance, and Home Maintenance.

All motorbike policies come with Replacement Motorbike, Technical Equipment cover and even Young Person’s Night-time

NO COMPUTE

Why AI is a useful tool but can not replace the human touch

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool that can improve efficiency, accuracy and convenience in many aspects of the property industry.

But it cannot replace the human contact, local knowledge and personal relationship that a professional real estate agent can offer their clients.

This is a controversial opinion in today's climate with more and more people fea-

2. AI cannot replace local knowledge and expertise. The Spanish property market is diverse and complex, with different regions, cities and neighbourhoods having their own characteristics, trends and rules.

A professional real estate agent has the experience and insight to navigate this market, provide accurate valuations, negotiate effectively and advise their clients on the best opportunities. AI, on the other hand, can only rely on general data and statistics, and cannot take into account the particularities and dynamics of each local market.

3. AI cannot build trust and relationships. Buying or selling a property is a major life event that requires trust and confidence between the parties involved. A professional real estate agent can establish a relationship with their clients, communicate clearly and openly, address their concerns and questions, and guide them through the process with honesty and integrity. ty.

AI can be a valuable ally for real estate professionals looking to improve their services, optimise their business and gain a competitive advantage. Here are

some examples of how:

1. AI can automate boring and repetitive tasks. Real estate professionals can use AI to streamline their workflows, save time and reduce errors. For example, AI can help with document analysis, lead generation, chatbots and marketing campaigns.

2. AI can provide useful insights and recommendations. Real estate professionals can use AI to improve their decision-making, increase their performance and satisfy their clients. For example, AI can help with market analysis, price forecasting, property matching and risk assessment.

3. AI can improve the customer experience. Real estate professionals can use AI to offer their clients more convenience, flexibility and personalisation. For example, AI can help with virtual tours, smart contracts, voice assistants and feedback systems.

In conclusion, AI will not replace the professional estate agent, but will help weed out unprofessional agents who do not adapt to the needs and expectations of their clients.

Real estate professionals who see AI as a partner rather than a competitor will be able to capitalise on its benefits and deliver superior value to their clients. Real estate professionals who invest in new technologies will always be one step ahead of their competitors and offer their clients better service!

YOUR PRIVATE RETREAT

Escaping the summer madness in Spain

Assistance.

And their car insurance includes helpful services such as Legal Assistance that can provide help when applying for or renewing your driving license in Spain.

EXPAT2EXPAT REWARD PROGRAMME

When an existing Línea Directa customer recommends a new customer, they both receive 30€.

Línea Directa’s Expat2Expat programme is free and open to all existing customers. You can recommend up to 10 people and earn up to 300€ in cash per year.

Simply ask your friend to call 917 002 006 and quote your full name. Then once their application for car, bike or home insurance has been approved, Línea Directa will pay the reward straight into the bank account following payment of next or first premium.

For more information, see terms and conditions at www.lineadirecta.com

LOWER THE PRICE OF YOUR INSURANCE

Change to Línea Directa and they will lover the price of your insurance.

Línea Directa has been providing comprehensive car, motorbike and home insurance to British expatriates and residents in Spain for over 25 years.

With over 3 million customers nationwide, Línea Directa makes sure you get the best possible price for the kind of insurance you really need.

As the scorching sun beats down during the summer months, the desire for a serene sanctuary becomes paramount. While Spain undoubtedly boasts to be a sought-after summer destination, the allure of a Mediterranean getaway can be experienced right from the comfort of your own home. Discover the transformative power of a Cape Reed thatched roof—a gateway to your private escape, shielding you from the summer madness.

The Enchanting Thatched Gazebo Retreat Enhance your outdoor space with the addition of a Cape Reed thatched gazebo. This charming structure infuses rustic elegance into your surroundings. Offering both shade and comfort, it establishes a serene enclave—perfect for reading, unwinding, or sharing moments with loved ones, shielded from the sun's intensity.

Embracing the Bohemian Mediterranean Vibes

Immerse your retreat in the laid-back am-

biance of a Mediterranean boho theme. The eclectic fusion of vibrant hues, intricate patterns, and plush seating creates an atmosphere of carefree relaxation.

Crafting a Culinary Haven: The Outdoor Kitchen Oasis

An outdoor kitchen introduces the joy of cooking beneath the open sky. This enchanting setting allows you to relish the flavours of summer while evading the stifling indoor heat. Embrace the joy of al fresco dining, surrounded by nature's beauty.

Poolside Bliss: Your Personal Aquatic Refuge

A thatched poolside retreat stands as an essential element of your summer sanctuary. Plunge into the revitalizing waters, recline on opulent poolside furnishings, and bathe in the sun's warm embrace.

Discover the serenity, relaxation and entertainment options that a Cape Reed thatched structure adds to your outdoor living. Your very own oasis beckons—a place where tranquillity meets recreation.

Contact John today on 638 421 464 or email john@capereed.com

DUPLEX PENTHOUSE CASARES

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 200m2 Build ref. LVN-724

Beautiful penthouse is located in the luxurious urbanisation in front of La Perla de la Bahía beach, with spectacular views, its design was inspired by Moorish architecture, and built with high quality finishes and very spacious elegant rooms.

SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE MANILVA, MALAGA

1 Bed | 2 Bath | 96m2 Build ref. GG-77

Located just 50M from the beach, in a quiet area near the supermarkets and amenities of the area, public transport, restaurants, as well as direct access to the A7, just 15 minutes from Gibraltar.

APARTMENT ESTEPONA, MALAGA

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 132m2 Build ref. YR-0109

Located in the coveted Riviera Andaluz urbanization, next to the H10 hotel. The apartment comes with a south-facing terrace of 70m2, a swimming pool and a well-kept garden. The garden gives you direct access to the beach.

APARTMENT, PLAYA DEL ANGEL, ESTEPONA

2 Bed | 2 Bath | 100m2 Build ref. MS-105

Fully furnished apt with sea views, spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen with numerous cabinets. It has air conditioning/heating, a parking space and a storage room included. Excellent condition, never rented and was purchased directly from the builder.

APARTMENT MANILVA, MALAGA

2 Bed | 1 Bath | 60m2 Build ref. LVN-719

Beachfront apartment with fitted wardrobes, double glazing, kitchendining room, air con, terrace, security doors, storage room, green areas, parking and communal pool. 200 meters from the beach, recently renovated and is sold furnished.

APARTMENT, ALCAZABA LAGOON PHASE III, CASARES

2 Bed | 2 Bath | 160m2 Build ref. LVN-053

Beautiful groundfloor apartment with private garden and sea view. Alcazaba Lagoon is a beautiful luxury holiday resort located on the Estepona/Casares border in Costa del Sol. Estepona can be reached in only 10 minutes driving!

LUXURY APARTMENT, CASARES

2 Bed | 2 Bath | 253m2 Build ref. LVN-2707

Apartment in “Majestic Gardens 2” urbanisation. South facing, 750m from the beach. Minutes by car from supermarkets and the nearest town. A 5-min walk from the golf club, gym and restaurants. Safe urbanisation with beautiful gardens and 1 communal pool.

LUXURY

APARTMENT, THE EDGE, ESTEPONA

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 139m2 Build ref. YR-00085B

A spacious living room perfectly connected to a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony that offers sea views. It comes fully furnished, has two parking spaces and a storage room. Two large pools, sauna and jacuzzi, gym and paddle courts.

No one in the world sells more properties than REMAX

BOTANIK

6 Luxury Townhouses

4 Bedrooms

Private garden & Pool

Roof terrace Garage

Walking distance to the beach

Panoramic sea views

Register for waiting list.

INFO & SALES:

TOP DESTINATIONS

THE Costa del Sol dominates a new top 50 ranking of Spain’s best destinations according to the Spanish themselves.

The golden resort town of Nerja, a 45 minute drive east of Malaga, comes top, with the top three completed by Benalmadena and Marbella. Malaga, with its rich culture and history, comes in fourth, while Benidorm and Fuengirola follow closely thanks to their Blue-Flag beaches.

Torremolinos and Estepona also make the top 10, along with Catalunya’s Salou and Alicante on the Costa Blanca..

By Walter Finch

The majority of the most popular destinations are coastal towns and resorts, with Andalucia and the Valencian Community the big winners. These regions stand out thanks to their stunning and safe beaches, perfect for swimming and water sports, according to holiday rental experts Spain-Holiday, who teamed up with rental portal Holidu. They looked at combined internal search data of their

THE VALENCIAN town of Buñol is getting ready to see 'red' once again as the world-famous La Tomatina festival returns next Wednesday with tomatoes being hurled in all directions. The event always takes place on the last Wednesday of August with a noon start.

It'll be the 77th staging of the showdown that attracts visitors from home and abroad.

What has become one of the world's most colourful events started as an accident in 1945 and has taken place every year except for 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic.

La Tomatina was prompted by young people all those years ago trying to get a better view of some of the attractions during a Buñol parade.

As they pushed their way through the by-standers, an unexpected consequence was that one of the parade par-

Costa del Sol towns dominate the best holiday resorts list

Spanish users to find out where locals like to go. Away from the Costa del Sol, many other top destinations are found on the Costa Blanca, which include Benidorm, Moraira, Calpe and Denia. Other summer destinations popular with locals are Salou, Barcelona and Sitges in Catalunya, and island towns such as Alcudia and Port d’Antdrax (Mallorca) and Puerto del Carmen and Costa Adeje (Tenerife).

If you’d rather fancy a sum

ticipants was pushed over and lost his temper.

The jolly crowd did not take things seriously and responded by grabbing tomatoes from a stall and hurling them at him- resulting in the first La Tomatina.

All of the pear tomatoes used in the annual battle are grown much further north at Benicarlo, Ciudad Real, and Hellin because the fruit is cheaper than locally grown options.

They are sent to a Castellon province warehouse on Saturday and then on Tuesday, the tomatoes are loaded up on seven lorries to make the 70 kilometre journey to Buñol.

Up to 50,000 people used to take part in La Tomatina up to a decade ago, but safe-

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READ THE SMALL PRINT

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

mer holiday with less heat and more sporty activities, the north of Spain is the place to be. Here, locals especially love destinations in the Basque Country and Galicia, with cities like San Sebastian, Bilbao and La Coruña making it onto the top 50. These cities stand out because of their rich cultural heritage, beautiful nearby hiking routes, and excellent beaches for surfing, according to the report.

Streets of red

ty issues have meant numbers have been cut to a maximum 20,000 who have official tickets.

The fight lasts for an hour before fire trucks arrive to clean down the streets, while revellers return to their accommodation for a shower or go for a dip at the Buñol river.

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ANOTHER WORLD

SEVILLA is another world, and in high summer that world is a beautiful and lonely inferno.

The locals flee to the coast (mostly Huelva) while a few foolhardy tourists run rivers of sweat on the tapas bar terraces wishing that they had heeded the warnings of what August is like in Europe’s hottest city.

After 20 years of visiting, I am a little more used to it now, and actually enjoy the peace and emptiness. One learns to siesta or read in cool darkness and only venture out before midday and after darkness falls.

It was on one such semi-sweltering evening that I stumbled across my old friends, Ignacio and Gola, husband and wife, sitting in the cafe in front of their emblematic hotel, Las Casas de la Juderia, in Barrio de Santa Cruz.

I used to see them weekly when they hosted a tertulia - a sort of political and literary salon - in one of the hotel’s drawing rooms to introduce me to interesting people when I was writing about Sevilla for the UK press.

The hotel is an elegant antique labyrinth,

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AT HOME WITH XANDER

STAYING COOL: And even with a tie in Sevilla in summer, while (left) the Duke and Duchess of Segorbe

although it does not compare to their other properties like Ignacio's childhood home, the most beautiful palace in Spain, Casa Pilatos.

Ignacio is the Duke of Segorbe and son of the 18th Duchess of Medinacelli, who was the second most titled woman in Spain after the late Duchess of Alba. His mother was born Princess María de

la Gloria de Orleans-Braganza y de Borbón-Dos Sicilias, descendant of the last Emperor of Brazil, no less.

Years ago, I bumped into Ignacio at the very same table where he was busy decrying the fact that he had been forced to put Casas de la Juderia on the market for ‘financial reasons’.

We stepped into his hotel bar to finish the evening with ‘one last drink before I sell her’.

However, after that final gin and tonic, he ended the evening with a smile.

A unique dining experience in a inspiring location boasting stunning views of the Andalusian landscape all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea

While tourists are sweltering on the costas, midsummer in Europe’s hottest city is a different level

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

“Oh, I did have some good news,” he said, bringing out his phone with a photo of the front cover of an Italian newspaper that day. “They have confirmed one of the sculptures we have is a Michelangelo.”

Given the last time a Michelangelo went up for auction it was merely a sketch on paper and it fetched $20 million at Christies, one can only imagine what a life-size

young John the

sculpture might go for.

It meant he could somehow avoid selling the hotel after all, and now it is being managed by his daughter.

I almost regretted offering my sympathies for his financial plight that night, but then I remembered that everything is relative, and as I said, Sevilla is another world.

Baptist

PRICELESS: the amazing Michelangelo kept by the Duke in his hotel

PIC CREDITS: Museo Nacional del Prado

BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

IT is over three decades since journalist Paul Richardson, 60, swapped London for Extremadura, via Ibiza.

The well-known travel and food writer, who has penned for everyone from the Financial Times to the Guardian, has battled the elements to tame his idyllic farm in a rural corner of Caceres province.

Aiming for self-sufficiency, he and partner Nacho sowed seeds and planted a vegetable garden, while carefully cul-

You’ d think I’ d be better prepared – after all, it does come round every year – but somehow there is just no preparing for August. It feels extreme, and every year more so, in a dull, violent way like a carelessly wielded hammer. Even now there’s an ongoing shock factor, a pinch-yourself feeling that this surely can’t be real. An August day has two awakenings. One in the dew-freshened early morning, when you pull the bedcovers up around you and wish you’ d worn a T-shirt to bed, but struggle up and out anyway. Sometimes after our late hungry breakfast (eggs and ham, the full works) I feel a snooze coming on and happily give way to the impulse – an hour or so

tivating his orchard of peach, apricot and cherry trees. They also took on a menagerie of animals, including sheep, goats and chickens, which they learnt to butcher when needed. While their ultimate goal proved impossible, they have carved out an enviable, if often stressful, life in a stunning part of Spain, while frequently both travelling for work.

In his latest book, serialised exclusively in the Olive Press, he has mapped out

In the first of an exciting serialisation of seasoned travel writer Paul Richardson’s new book, Hidden Valley, he warns of the trials - and benefits - of midsummer in Spain

life in rural southern Europe on a month by month basis, kicking off in January. Richardson doesn’t pull punches and is brutally honest about the problems of fire and depopulation, plus issues with

August brings a violent heat like a carelessly wielded hammer

on the sofa, thence to work. But even cogent thought is hard: heat turns the brain to jelly. So you batten down the hatches. Like the news footage of people nailing planks to their shopfronts before the arrival of a ferocious storm, I go around the house shutting windows and blinds though I can feel the sun already nosing around the house, the incipient heat on the window frames. Casting my eye around for anything that

might suffer under the onslaught: a box of carrots newly dug; a canister of two-stroke; a length of garden hose (they go sticky if left out in the heat). One morning years ago I left a whole crop of just-pulled onions lying on the ground to dry off briefly, only realising hours later they were still out there and roasting, broiling, frying under the midday sun. Between the day’s two bursts of activity, all is somnolence and sitting about, sweating lightly, in the

being a gay couple in such a backwater. As every expat and regular traveller to Spain will know, August is about keeping cool and dealing with the constant fear of forest fires.

darkened house. Yesterday I somehow forgot to eat as the window of opportunity for lunch gently closed and I was already on the sofa with my daily dose of Proust. Drifted awake at half past seven, confused and mired in sleep. The morning now seems irretrievably distant, like something that happened long ago in another world.

Up at seven. The sheep are eager to be out of their corral and scarper down the slope to their favourite pear tree, where they chomp on the night’s fallen pears awkwardly with teeth unsuitable for chomping, rolling the fruit around their mouths. This morning a yellowish, dirty haze lies over the country, which wears an exhausted look, colour-drained,

IDYLLIC: Up at seven to tend the fields and graze the sheep which are only too eager to escape the corral

the line where the land ends and the sky begins nearly indistinguishable. In these dog days even the clean clear mornings are denied us. Just getting through the day feels like an achievement. I nip out at lunchtime to pick a leaf from the bay tree and the heat is shocking –I feel the air searing my lungs. The high today is on course for 40°C; the low, as much as 27°C. Heats I’ve never known in all these years. Heats so powerful they warp and bend the whole structure of your life. It’s horrifying.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

After months of impatient waiting the tomatoes were in full flood, and I became used to struggling up to the house in the mid-morning heat with a wheelbarrow full of them. We grew four, five, varieties, always according to the laissez-faire method I’d been taught by Carmina, with no training or other form of support but letting the plants lean in on each other to form a kind of low hedge. Our first plantings were the classic Bull’s Heart, richly flavoured, almost seedless and with a meaty texture, and cherry tomatoes – lovely at first, you popped them into your mouth and they burst with a musky sweetness, but then so madly productive you prayed for them to stop. After that, the specialities. Big fat orange-yellow Ananas, with a haunting taste – was it mango? – to remind you that tomatoes are, in origin, a tropical fruit. San Marzano, the celebrated Italian variety, proved ideal for sauces and bottlings, and we also dried them on racks in the sun, sprinkled with a little rough salt to speed up

AIR: SMOKE!

the process. The tomato we looked forward to most greedily was pink. Ricardo first gave me the seeds in a twist of paper, pressing it into my palm with the air of

WHEELBARROWS OF TOMATOES I SNIFFED THE

NEVERENDING TREASURE: Crop after crop of delicious tomatoes

one sharing something rare and precious. This rosy tom was truly special. The tomatoes grew into big, bulbous, bosomy shapes with a definite coral-pink tint about them, sometimes ballooning into

great double handfuls weighing a pound or more. The skin of these tomatoes was so thin it bruised and broke easily, presumably rendering it useless in a commercial context, but I found that if you laid straw under the plant as it grew, the tomatoes would be protected from rot and damage, lounging on their bed of straw like spoiled children. When my coral-pink beauties ripened into squishiness they lent themselves to a high-summer dish I loved above all others. Grated and strained, seasoned and oiled, scattered with chopped mint, oregano or basil, and with lashings of parmesan, they made a cold, raw sauce for pasta that was light and refreshing, disarmingly simple yet substantial, practically a salad, flooded with summer vibes, and given an extra deliciousness by the knowledge that such a minimal dish would only work if you had access to the ripest, sweetest tomatoes in the world.

Summer dragged on in its grim-faced way…And just as it seemed August’s annoyances couldn’t get any worse, suddenly and dramatically, they did. It can never happen to you: that’s a certainty you cling to. It can never belong in the universe of possibilities pertaining to your life. It’s something that happens to other people in other places, places more arid and godforsaken, unfortunate places where things would have gone wrong anyway, you sense, though perhaps not in such a swingeing and destructive and traumatic manner. Every summer there were news stories on the TV, forming almost a particular genre, like overcrowding on the beaches or traffic jams on the motorways as citydwellers fled for the coast. I watched the images of the sky turned Judgement Day red by the flames, the agony etched on the faces of people who had lost their homes, their animals, their livelihoods, and though I felt the pity of it all there was a smugness at the core of my being, a comforting voice that whispered in my ear: Yes, of course it must be awful, but it’s an experience you will never have to face. The verdant oak and chestnut woods encircling our land were a kind of insurance policy; their dark-green shade would protect us.

The thing starts in a small way, a germ of fear that grows as it feeds on the dry tinder of your complacency.

It’s your sense of smell, as is often the case, that tells you something’s up. Padding outside in bare feet to sample the day, still half-asleep, I sniffed the air. Smoke. I noticed a grey blurring in the air, a weird kind of morning mist, but so thick the village was barely vis-

ible. Smoke.

For a while all is quiet. You go about your tasks. That day I had fruit trees to water and six buckets of aubergines to deal with. My battle plans included a chutney with garlic, a smoky baba ghanoush, and melanzane alla parmigiana with mozzarella and tomato sauce. I’m just frying the first batch of aubergine slices when I hear the helicopter. A whirr that becomes a thudding as it comes in low over the house. The dogs cower, peering skyward; the sheep have scattered. We run outside to see the giant red bag swinging underneath the ’copter, slack and empty for the moment, but brimful, spilling water over the sides, when it returns a few minutes later. Later there will be hydroplanes, too, coming and going. Whatever’s happening, it won’t affect us. Life, and our domestic routine, goes on. The aubergines go in the oven.

Wildfire has always been a fact of life in southern Europe. Burning stubble was common practice at the start of the summer. Baudilio often used to set light to a pile of vine prunings or a heap of woodland detritus against a wall: he called them his ‘flame-ups’. Thanks to the troops of goats whose grazing kept the forest clear of overgrowth, summer wildfires were brief and occasional. Somewhere along the line, fire had stopped being just another inconvenience and become an ever-present danger. Wildfires were increasingly common, increasingly virulent. No one ever knew for sure how these fires started. Sometimes it was an act of foolishness, a cigarette tossed from a car window, a stray ember from a still-glowing barbecue. More often it seemed they were start-

ed deliberately, perhaps by an arsonist with a grudge or a streak of perversion. Ultimately the immediate causes mattered a great deal less than the underlying, long-term ones. Longer, hotter summers. Milder, drier winters. Changing rainfall patterns, with longer periods of drought coming between bouts of often torrential rain. The decline of the great herds of goats and sheep whose grazing once kept the landscape ‘clean’. Depopulation, and a rural society in which traditional woodland management is no longer practised, leading to overgrown forests full of dead wood and brush. Powder kegs waiting for a spark.

It was said the fire had started outside a village a few miles away. By mid-morning the fire brigade were at the scene and had quickly put it out. They retired for lunch, and in their absence a wind came up and the flames revived. By the time they returned the fire was gaining ground, spreading on two fronts up the hill and down towards the village. The ‘three 30s’, said to be the indicators of catastrophic wildfire risk, were all in place: that is, less than 30 per cent humidity, more than 30°C and a wind speed above 30 km/hour. We were heading for disaster and we didn’t even know it. In the fantasy I’d always entertained, the church bells would be tolling, and this would be the signal for the villag-

ers to rush out with brooms and buckets in a communal, all-in-this- together effort to beat back the fire’s creeping spread. Initially, however, there was no panic, but a mixture of excitement, alarm and curiosity: where was the fire? Was it spreading? This of course was the time of year for it. If I could catch the man who did this, I tell you I’d have his guts for garters. But when the novelty wore off I noted a collective shrugging of shoulders: it was in another village. The firemen would deal with it. It was an inconvenience. Martín’s mother was busy at the clothes line on her first-floor balcony: ‘I’ll have to wash it all again, can’t have it smelling of smoke,’ she called down to me. And all the time the comings and goings of helicopters, the thud-thud-thud of their blades as they came in low like in Apocalypse Now. On the second day there were fleets of hydroplanes with big bellies for scooping up water. All day they flew overhead, back and forth, back and forth. The smoke was thicker now, catching in your throat, drifting on the wind like a thick fog, the sun at the back of it a grubby yellow blur like a half-sucked sweet. Meanwhile the WhatsApp messages came in thick and fast, a whirl of confusion and, increasingly, of worry. Is the fire out of control? Has it reached this or that village? It’s looking like a

big one. Four thousand hectares already burned, they say. Firefighters drafted in from neighbouring provinces. Even from Portugal. Did you see the nightly news? We were mentioned in a report on the summer’s biggest fires so far. Well, it’s good to be famous for something.

When the wi-fi went down we were plunged into an uncanny silence. Phone coverage was reduced to a single bar. Maybe the 4G mast had been damaged. Outside the smoke was now a choking cloud, but there was no flame, no red skies, nothing to indicate that the fire was coming closer. So we shut ourselves indoors and busied ourselves making ratatouille and strawberry ice cream. We became so used to the war-zone rumble of planes and helicopters passing overhead that we were even able to sleep through it. Four days went by. There was no official communication, no warnings, no information. There were very few phone calls. No one knew anything. The fire was out there somewhere but posed no danger to us. We even forgot to be afraid. After all, it was happening somewhere else, and to other people. It was their problem; their misfortune; their tragedy. We clung to our selfishness to keep us sane.

On the night of the fourth day our luck ran out. For three days the prevailing southerly wind had fanned the flames away from the village and down towards the plain. Now the wind abruptly changed direction. Huge gusts blew up the valley carrying with them a miasma of smoke and dust. But I felt nothing. Four days after the initial shock, my resources of panic were exhausted. A strange calm had settled over my mind. I’d lost my appetite. All

DRAMATIC: Sniff of the air was the first warning of a dreaded wildfire

I wanted was to sleep, and to wake up when it was all over.

Nacho, however, was nervous. Pacing around the house, watching through the windows. Maybe he had intuited some- thing, but it just looked like paranoia to me.

‘I think we should both stay up. Take turns to keep watch.’ ‘Come on, now. The fire’s burned everything it had to burn. I think we need to sleep. This thing has really taken its toll on me. You should get to bed, too. We’ll check it out in the morning.’

‘Do what you like, but I’m staying up.’ ‘Whatever.’

It was 3 a.m. when he shook me awake.

‘Come and look at this,’ he said, leading me to a window. The fierce north wind that had whipped up overnight was carrying the fire in our direction.

Somewhere down the valley was a great nebulous, whirling tornado of smoke with an evil orange glow at its core. Hard to tell how close it was, but the towering scale of it sent a shock of primitive terror through me. The phone rang: one of the few calls to get through. It was Lucía. ‘Have you seen? It’s moving up towards you. I’m calling because I think it’s time you thought about leaving. No, I’ll rephrase that: you need to get out. Right now.

I dumbly assented. Without saying a word we hurried around the house, closing doors, picking things up, putting them down. What do you take with you when your house is about to

burn down? How many times in the past had I idly played that mental parlour game? Passport, wallet, obviously. A change of clothes. Computers. I wrapped up mine in a blanket. What about the dogs? The four small ones would fit in the back of the car but Lola, the great lumbering mastiff the size of a Thelwell pony, would have to fend for herself. I told myself she’d find a damp cool spot somewhere and take refuge; she’d be fine. And then we were driving fast up the track, away from the life we’d made, away from the learnings, the plans, the triumphs and failures.

At the entrance to the village the road was blocked, flames leaping among the scrub on both sides. Police sirens wailed, red lights flashing. The fire had reached the first houses on the outskirts and trashed them summarily, destroying various stables and an ancient posthouse. We made a U-turn and drove back along the main road to a neighbouring village in the lee of the wind, waking up Elena to beg for a room at the inn. At the door in her night dress, our friend peered through dazed, sleepy eyes at what must have seemed a strange apparition at this hour of the morning: a pick-up truck full of computer screens swaddled in blankets, clothes hastily stuffed into super- market bags, and several dogs. Here at least we would be safe. Relief is the strongest kind of tranquilliser: I slept until midday, waking in the quiet of a village where nothing had altered the routine of a summer day, except for the smoke

Forest of fire

filling the streets. Now there were no bars at all on our phones. With no one to call and no news of the fire, we spent the day in an information limbo. It was like retreating from the trenches of the First World War to some country place behind the front line where life continued its gentle, comforting routines. Smoke, flame, noise, chaos, unanswered phone calls, rumours, worry, fear, tension, sleepless nights, exhaustion, desolation, relief, tears, hugs, anger, coals, ashes, silence. I’ve heard it said the first thing people notice after a wildfire is the lack of birdsong. The unbearable weight of silence. True, but a lonely eagle glides

over our blackened forest in search of a non-existent nest. And our oasis-like corner, spared largely from the rip-roaring flames, I suspect now harbours a refugee bird population. Luck, or providence, has been on our side. We keep finding evidence of this. The wall-building work beside the house that had created a long barrier of grass-free dust, stopping the creeping flames in their tracks. The way our watered and strimmed and cared-for land was respected by the fire – even a wildfire has principles – as it devoured all the abandoned and overgrown thickets in its path. The sometimes extraordinary distinctions it appears to have made, whether to

destroy or leave well alone. The chicken house: woodland behind it frazzled right up to the wall, the leanto where the birds lay and sleep, demolished as if with a sledgehammer, while the rest of the building remains uncannily intact, the rabbits continuing their placid existence, the hens having retreated into the yard out front. For days my heart has been in my mouth. The feelings are raw, like an unhealed wound. Emotion rises in my throat and catches there at the oddest moments, such as when an announcement from the town hall rings out across the charred valleys, the folksong used as a prelude sounding now like a doleful lament.

“A

Here at least we would be safe. Relief is the strongest kind of tranquilliser

TIME TO GO: As the fire raged ever closer a refuge was sought

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DONATION BOOM

SPAIN performs more than half of all egg donation treatments in Europe and is the largest provider of donor eggs on the continent. The country is a popular choice for private fertility

treatments because any woman or man regardless of their civil status, sexual orientation or age can access them. There tend to be short waiting lists and people come to Spain for treatments due to restrictions and even bans related to egg donation in their

home countries.

Egg banks in Spain have proliferated in recent years, shipping in donor eggs from around the world.

Close to 15,000 women undergo egg extraction cycles every year in the country, with donors getting some of the best financial inducements in Europe at around €1,100 for a successful cycle.

EYE ON THE TIGER

Malaga is the province with the most people suffering tiger mosquito bites in Andalucia

WATCH out for tiger mosquitos - Malaga province has been identified as the Andalucian region most affected by the dangerous pest.

A total of 82 people have been bitten by tiger mosquitoes in the province this year, nearly four times more than in 2022, when 22 people were bitten.

Scientifically named Aedes albopictus, it is native to tropical and subtropical Southeast Asia but can now be found in many countries across the globe.

In recent years, Spain has seen a significant increase in the number of these specimens, which can transmit viruses such as dengue, zika and chikungunya.

Spain’s National Association of Environmental Health Businesses (ANECPLA) warns that this situation is likely to get worse due to globalisation and the current increase in temperature.

“We need to stay alert as

By Alberto Lejarraga

Spain is the entry gate for a number of species of mosquitoes and other invasive species, which can negatively affect public health,” Jorge Galvan, ANECPLA General Director said.

In Malaga province, Torremolinos is the worst affected town, followed by Malaga and Marbella.

Meanwhile, in Spain, Barcelona, Alicante and Valencia are the cities with the largest population of the species.

According to ANECPLA, it is very difficult to control the tiger mosquito population, as they can easily adapt to survive in unfavourable conditions.

However, they need humid spaces to reproduce, as females place their eggs on the surface of accumulations of water.

To prevent this insect from reproducing, there are a

number of measures that can be taken such as removing water from planter trays, renewing water in plastic paddling pools, keeping gutters and drains clean and refilling pets’ water dishes frequently

RETURN OF THE MASK

WITH a recent rise in new Covid-19 cases, two Spanish hospitals have reintroduced mandatory mask wearing in parts of their buildings.

Increased Covid cases are largely down to an new Omricon variant called Eris (EG.5) which the World Health Organisation says is more contagious and transmissible but poses a lower health risk. Compulsory mask-wearing in hospitals and medical centres was abolished by the Council of Ministers in early July, though masks still had to be used in vulnerable hospital areas where patients could come under risk of infection.

But now Valencia General Hospital has issued a circular saying masks should be worn in rooms where there are Covid patients, in the ER and ICU, in day hospitals, and for patients that have symptoms compatible with Covid 19.

Last week, Valencia’s Doctor Preset Hospital ordered masks to return to its ER and

OP Puzzle solutions

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Infection rises

SPAIN has recorded an increase in E.coli and Listeria infections in 2022, according to recently released figures.

In 2022, 633 infections were reported, as well as eight imported cases, up from 426 cases in 2021.

A total of 134 hospitalisations were reported and six people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a severe complication associated with E.coli infections that causes kidney failure.

Four of these cases were in under threes, one was 10 years old, and the other was 84. In 2022, 460 listeria cases were reported, with 67 deaths compared to 38 fatalities the previous year.

Monkey warning

A MONKEYPOX outbreak has been declared in Barcelona.

A total of six victims have been identified, according to Barcelona’s Public Health Agency, which said all six were infected outside Catalunya. Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by a virus and its most common symptoms are a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. It can be serious and even lead to death.

Are

ICU, as well as the resuscitation area and the oncology department. The decision was taken by the hospital's Occupational Risk department due to the rise of Covid cases among health staff. The measure was described as temporary, but it is likely other hospitals in Spain may bring in similar regulations.

Across: 1 Upright, 5 Stain, 8 Drama, 9 Nervous, 10 Noisy, 11 Eternal, 12 Telephonist, 17 Naphtha, 19 Piece, 20 Respect, 21 North, 22 Waste, 23 Decided.

Down: 1 Undone, 2 Realise, 3 Gravy, 4 Tender-hearted, 5 Surgeon, 6 Acorn, 7 Nestle, 13 Extreme, 14 Sneered, 15 Andrew, 16 Method, 18 Pesos, 19 Panic.

PEST: Tiger Mosquitos

are more than simply a nuisance - they can be dangerous

Beach Volleyboar

A HERD of wild boars interrupted a number of beach volleyball games in Marbella amid a surge in sightings of the species across the Costa del Sol this summer.

Whiskey thief

POLICE are searching for a spirit-loving thief who drove with a lorry containing over 14,000 bottles of whiskey that was parked in Murcia.

Wrong turn

A LORRY transporting 25 tons of toilet paper got stuck in a narrow street of a village in the Basque Country while following GPS instructions.

Brace for the Brummies!

LET US STRIP!

Nudists lodge official complaint over ‘too many clothed people’ at their designated beaches

A NATURIST group in Catalunya is fuming over the lack of naked people at their prized nudist beaches. The Naturist-Nudist Federation has sent a letter to the regional government, claiming they are facing ‘discrimination’ due to the influx of

By Alex Trelinski

clothed beachgoers.

Spain has a liberal attitude to public nudity where technically it is not illegal unless lewd acts or intentions are involved.

Seigmon Rovira, the head of

the Naturist-Nudist Federation of Catalonia, told The Guardian: “Nudism is not banned and you can do it on any beach, but so as not to bother people, we prefer to go

Jelly whopper

BEACH-GOERS in Alicante got a shock when they spotted a giant jellyfish floating just metres from the shore. The remarkable sight unfolded on Sunday at Muchavista Beach in El Campello. The impressive find, weighing in at nearly 40kg, raised eyebrows and curiosity among those soaking up the sun. The specimen has been identified as a Rhizostoma Luteum, a species rarely seen in the region. Unlike the common Mediterranean jellyfish, this marine marvel belongs to a unique category, with sizes three to four times bigger than its coastal counterparts.

to beaches that have traditionally been nudist and where most people are naked. We want people to respect this.”

Rovira's issue is that nudist beach users appear to be changing, as he explained: "Before, people would arrive at a nude beach and either leave or strip down but now they stay and keep their swimsuit on.

“What they don't realise is that if there are a lot of them, they end up making us uncomfortable. It's a lack of respect.”

Rovira said that tourists who actively seek out secluded spots often overlook the nudist identity of certain beaches.

“These clothed beach goers then proceed to take photos

REAL Madrid is overjoyed with their new British star Jude Bellingham after he secured a brace against Almeria at the weekend - and his brother could soon be following in his footsteps.

Birmingham-born Jude, 20, became the first Los Blancos player to score in his opening two games since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. And just a few hours later, his sibling Jobe, 17, also scored a brace.

The young Sunderland striker secured his team’s 2-1 victory against Rotherham in England’s second-tier league.

Bloody relief!

POLICE rushed to the scene of a car that appeared to have blood oozing from its boot. Cops in Alcudia, Mallorca, had received a frantic call from a resident who feared a dead or wounded person was bleeding out in the trunk of a parked black Peugeot. A sticky red substance was dripping down the back of the vehicle. However it turned out that a vandal had thrown raspberry jam at the car. A police spokesman said: “We all breathed a sigh of relief.”