Olive Press Andalucia Issue 447

Discover the power plant that is redefining energy production

ROCK ’N’ ROLL MYSTERY

An expat millionaire has put up a giant €100,000 reward to help him find his missing guitar once played

AN eccentric expat millionaire is offering a €100,000 reward to anyone who can help him recover a legendary guitar that vanished during an acrimonious divorce.

The 1966 Fender Precision Bass became part of the annals of rock’n’roll fame when the frontman of 70s glamrock band, T-Rex, acquired it for their band.

Singer Marc Bolan bought it for bassist Steve Currie from the famous Denmark Street guitar shop in London, in 1969.

It went on to blast out some of the most iconic riffs of the era, from Ride a White Swan and Children of the

By Walter Finch

Revolution all the way up to I Love to Boogie - one year before Bolan’s untimely death in a car crash in 1977. He was just two weeks shy of his 30th birthday. Now the iconic slab of rock-star memorabilia, valued at up to €250,000, finds itself at the heart of a whistlestop marriage that ended almost as soon as it began. Its last known location is thought to be a storage warehouse on the Costa del Sol.

The guitar disappeared from the secret storeroom of music industry impresario Jeremy Hartnell, 61, who made his fortune running scrap yards in the 1980s.

He claims his estranged - and much younger - wife removed the tracking device he had planted on it and took it from his Estepona villa in 2021.

The only clue to its where abouts is a bank statement that shows a payment to a storage warehouse in nearby Marbella on April 27, 2021.

The rare guitar - of which only 25 were made - came into his possession in 2008 when he managed to buy it from the late T-Rex percussionist Mickey Finn. It was his most trea-

by T-Rex legend Marc Bolan

sured possession, he told the Olive Press, aside from his red 1965 Ford Thunderbird that once belonged to rock icon Prince.

“It’s the most incredible instrument with so much history,” explained Jeremy, who also owns a Bentley and an Aston Martin. “I’m desperate to get it back.”

He also claimed it’s not the only item taken by his ex-wife, with a €15,000 Rolex and a diamond ring valued at €3,500 still missing.

His efforts to recover the guitar have been ham

gagement ring,” he told the Olive Press

“I mean, she was a cool girl. I thought she was very beautiful - especially in comparison to me.

“I met her on a website called Millionaire Match - although she’s gonna tell you she met me on a site called ‘Vegan

The couple got married in the Caymans the same year and afterwards jetted across the Atlantic to move into

FENDER: T. Rex bassist Steve Curry playing the missing guitar back in 1974

HEARTBROKEN: Hartnell is desperate to get his guitar back

Club king cuffed

THE owner of the exclusive Opium nightclub in Madrid has been arrested for paying attractive young women off the books in a bid to attract male partygoers.

Triple tragedy

SAN Juan celebrations turn deadly in Spain last Sunday after a man and a woman were shot dead in Girona and a man had his throat cut in Barcelona.

Brit slayed

A BRITISH tourist, 30, has been stabbed to death outside the Oxygen nightclub in Calella, Catalunya, following a 5am row with fellow partygoers.

Head in a bag

POLICE in Madrid have discovered a human head dumped in scrubland. The grisly discovery is believed to be linked to a couple who were found dead inside their home in Soto del Real a week prior.

TUPPERWARE TARANTULAS

A TRAVELLER was stopped flying from Madrid to Sevilla when police found his luggage included 15 tarantulas in Tupperware cases.

The Guardia Civil are investigating the man for illegally selling the hairy spiders, an endangered species.

Officers found 15 plastic containers, each one containing a tarantula. They then launched an investigation into ille-

gal trading of animals.

Ten days later, police uncovered what they believe to be an exotic animal distribution centre in Torrijos, near Toledo, which allegedly supplied the creatures without proper documentation.

Orange footed tarantulas can be bought for €80, while the mexican red footed tarantulas normally cost €45.

Serial killer

A SERIAL killer who murdered four people including a British and a German man is the chief suspect in the killing of a Spanish woman.

The body of 42-year-old Ester Estepa - missing since last August - has been discovered in Gandia, with Jose Jurado Montilla being probed over her murder.

Estepa was hidden under thick reeds in a cave with clothes and documentation found on her remains.

It's been revealed that her

Body could be latest victim of serial killer jailed in 1987 for 4 murders

By Alex Trelinski

skull was found on a verge between the N-332 and the Gandia beach road by hikers in February.

DNA analysis on the skull confirmed that it is the remains of Estepa, with a judge

OFF THE AIR

IN a joint operation Spanish police and the US FBI have broken up what they say was the ‘biggest propaganda operation’ ever seen linked to the terrorist group Islamic State.

A total of nine people have been arrested in Spain as part of the operation. The detentions were carried

authorising the Policia Na-

cional to start an extensive search for the rest of her body, which was recently found.

Estepa - from Sevilla - had a photo taken alongside Jurado (above) two days before she vanished.

Jurado Montilla, or Dinami-

out in Algeciras (Cadiz), Antas (Almeria) and Salt (Girona).

Another arrest was made in January at Barcelona’s El Prat airport, when one of the suspects was about to take a flight to a conflict zone after having become radicalised by Islamic State.

The radical group called Fundacion I’lam was allegedly facilitating access to terrorist propaganda in more than 30 different languages.

ta Montilla, as he calls himself on TikTok, was sentenced to 123 years behind bars after being convicted of four murders in Malaga province between 1985 and 1987. Victims included the British and German

tourists who were shot dead while camping in El Chorro. Despite his lengthy sentence, 30 years was the maximum time he could spend in prison for murder and he was let out two years early in December 2013.

He is currently in custody after being arrested in May over the killing of a 21-yearold student in the Malaga area, who was shot in the head in August 2022. It's been reported that Montilla, 62, sent text messages pretending to be Estepa using her mobile phone, which has not been found.

The pretense included telling her mother she was going to Barcelona to catch a flight and was going to live in Argentina with some friends.

Cocaine gang take down

THE Guardia Civil have led a global operation to take down the infamous ‘Balkan clan’, thought to be responsible for importing half of all the cocaine entering Europe.

A four-year operation resulted in the complete dismantling of the mega cartel which was made up of a conglomerate of organisations trafficking cocaine sourced from Brazil. The drug was transported via the so-called West African route, warehoused in Sierra Leone, and then distributed from the Canary Islands to handling centres in Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Italy and Spain. From there the cocaine would be further distributed across Europe.

The most recent arrests saw four people detained in Spain and seven property searches. Previous raids in the same operation saw the arrest of an Argentine kingpin along with the seizures of a wellknown leisure centre in Marbella and various bars and restaurants. The culmination of Operation Adriatic was announced by the Guardia Civil, alongside representatives from Serbia, Italy, Croatia, Dubai, and Germany. Some eight tonnes of cocaine have been seized.

ROYAL DECADE

KING Felipe VI has celebrated the 10th anniversary of becoming Spain’s head of state. He appeared on the balcony of the Plaza de la Armeria alongside Queen Letizia and their daughters Leonor and Sofia to greet a crowd of around 2,000 people. The monarch then presided over lunch at

the Royal Palace whose guests included 19 citizens representing the country’s regions and the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.

All of them had been previously awarded the Order of Civil Merit for their contribution to society.

The king took the reins 17 days after his father, Juan Carlos I, abdicated over a wave of scandals.

Getting its spurs

Amazing new sports venue launches with half a dozen Premier League stars, fire dancers and champagne

A TRIO of former Spurs legends teamed up for the launch of the hottest new sports venue in Marbella.

David Bentley and Stephen Carr were joined by former teammate Harry Winks at the official opening of The Clubhouse , in Puerto Banus.

The hatrick of aces - who spent many seasons at the North London club - were on hand to ensure the party really got started.

The trio - all investors in the Sala Group which is behind the venue - brought their wives to the packed event.

By Jon Clarke

Harry Winks, 28, told the Olive Press how it was 'great to be back' in Marbella.

Visiting with his criminologist girlfriend, the star who just helped Leicester get promoted back to the Premier League, loved the new venue which sits below the main La Sala restaurant.

"It's great to be back. I love Marbella and this place is going to be amazing,” he said.

vestor but I'm sure it will pay back."

The former Spurs midfielder joined

The

"I'm only a really small inLeicester after a short spell with Sampdoria in Italy. Also at the launch, which saw over 600 guests, was long-time expat Bentley back in Marbella.

THE current and former kings of clay will unite this summer to represent Spain in the men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics.

Carlos Alcaraz, 21, will team up with 38-yearold veteran Rafael Nadal to compete as a highly-anticipated dream pairing at Roland Garros, a court where the duo have won a combined 15 French Open titles following Alcaraz’s stunning triumph.

Spain’s national team coach, David Ferrer, said: “One pair, which I think everyone knows and was hoping for, is Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. Rafa and Carlos will be playing together in Paris”.

He also returned last summer for the launch of sister restaurant The Oak "That was a really fun night and this will be even bigger," he told the Olive Press. "It's the first really decent sports venue of its type in Marbella. "It's great to be here and still involved."

Another Spurs player, Dean Austin, was on hand for the night, while Paul Robinson

DREAM PAIR

HE’S BACK

PAUL McCartney is set to return to Spain to play two concerts in Madrid next December.

The legendary Beatle will perform on December 9 and December 10 at the WiZink Centre as part of his globe-spanning ‘Got Back Tour 2024’. Anticipation was stoked by both the promoter and the venue teasing fans on social media with a poster that featured Mc-

and Chris Hugues were also enjoying the night.

Popular TV pundit Alex Scott was also in the mix. Partygoers were treated to Laurent Perrier champagne, delicious tapas and pizzas from the authentic Neapolitan pizza oven.

A number of live bands, including Wall Street Band and Diva Fever , played alongside awe-inspiring fire dancers.

The luxurious 900 m² space has a multi-million investment and boasts cutting-edge top-of-the-range Trackman golf simulators, advanced Dartsee dartboards, and over 50 TVs equipped with Zapping technology.

It has introduced a pioneering self-serve Mahou beer system, allowing guests to refill their glasses at their tables. There is complementary valet parking.

Cartney phoning Madrid, hinting at the upcoming shows. The pair of shows will mark eight years since McCartney’s last concert in Spain, when he lit up the Estadio Vicente Calderón Stadium in Madrid. The 82-year-old will kick off the tour in Uruguay on October 1, and land in Spain via Argentina, Chile, Peru and France, before returning to his native UK for four more gigs.

Just grand

CYCLING’S most prestigious race will start in Spain for the first time.

The 2026 edition of the Tour de France will begin on the streets of Barcelona.

Catalunya will play host to the Tour’s first three stages from July 4 to July 6 as the world’s best cyclists vie to claim the famous yellow jersey.

Barcelona has hosted a Tour stage before, with the most recent one coming in 2009, but it is the first time the city has hosted the opening stage, known as the Grand Depart.

THE STARS COME OUT: Harry Winks with a fan and David Bentley (right)

SWANKY:

Clubhouse’s opening night featured fire dancers and live music

THE tiny town of Arriate (population 4,200) has finally found relief after a decades-long wait for its own sewage plant.

Town mayor Francisco Anet has hailed the opening of the €6 million wastewater treatment works, saying: “It has been a very long and difficult process.

“We have been demanding this plant for 30 or 40 years. In the last six years the planning process slowly accelerated, but now it has finally become a reality.”

Until now, contaminated water was dumped directly into the local river, affecting villages and towns living downstream.

Local relief Pee patrol

BATHERS in Marbella who decide to relieve themselves in the sea could soon be fined €750. The measure makes up part of the new ordinance for the use and enjoyment of the municipality's beaches. It was initially approved by a plenary session of the Marbella council, but the proposals now have to go through a public consultation before becoming law. What it does not make clear is how urinators will be identified for what the document describes as a minor infraction and is referred to as a 'physiological evacuation at sea and on the beach'.

The fines are not new, having been in place since 2004, but they previously stopped at €300.

THE search for missing British teenager Jay Slater has entered its second week in Tenerife. The Lancashire-born bricklayer vanished on Monday, June 17 after attending the New Rave Generation music festival on the island. He was last seen near the Parque Rural de Teno, where he rang a friend to say he was

Brit mystery

lost in the mountains, dehydrated and low on phone battery. It is thought he missed the bus back to his accommodation in the south of the island after staying with two British men he had met at an afterparty in northwest Tenerife.

Despite possible CCTV footage and witness sightings, no credible leads have been found.

Firemen and the Guardia Civil continue to search mountainous terrain near Jay’s last known location, concentrating on outhouses and a 2,000ft deep ravine.

Police are also investigating Jay’s criminal past after it emerged he had been convicted for a violent machete attack in 2021.

NO INVITATION, NO ENTRY!

BRITISH tourists are warning fellow travellers of alarming new checks at the Spanish border.

The Olive Press has learnt of two recent cases where visitors were refused entry for failing to show a so-called 'letter of invitation'.

The document is for holidaymakers staying at a property belonging to family or friends. It must be arranged by the host at a police station via a form and with a fee of between €70 and €80.

Once the document is stamped, the guests must carry it with them to show at the border.

While unlikely the Guardia Civil will actually ask for the letter, it has happened to at least two families over the past month, we can reveal.

Villa owner Peter Griffiths warned that his friends had

British tourists have been turned back from the Spanish border for not

having a ‘letter of invitation’

By Laurence Dollimore

been refused entry to Spain from Gibraltar, until he got them an official booking on Airbnb.

“We came into Spain via Gibraltar and they were checking documents for proof of ownership, and return flight,” he said.

“Our friends with us were refused entry initially as they didn't have the official letter of invitation. But we got them in by booking a stay on Airbnb in one of our casitas."

He added others had also been

refused entry and that it was a ‘really painful process’.

Meanwhile, in Mallorca, one British couple claimed they were refused entry for failing to show the letter to their OWN property.

The pair had been enjoying a cruise that ended in Barcelona. However, as they own a property in Mallorca, they requested to disembark early to 'enjoy a couple of weeks at our home.'

They explained: “We submitted our passports as requested three days prior to arriving in Palma. But on the day we were due to leave the ship we were

told we could not disembark.

“We were told we needed a letter of invitation, a booked return flight and proof of funds.

“We explained we would stay in our home but that was not accepted. We explained we did not have a return date as planned and were still refused.”

She added they had to go to Barcelona, get their passports stamped and get very expensive flights back to Palma.

“In a nutshell we were refused entry to Mallorca.”

Jeremy’s sprawling villa near Estepona.

But the red flags were fluttering brightly from the get-go, he insisted.

“I paid for this great big wedding, but out of 86 guests she didn’t have a single friend,” he commented. Then I realisedthis girl can’t actually maintain a friendship.”

The marriage started to get ‘really weird’ inside just a few months, according to Jeremy, after his bride filled their matrimonial bedroom with ‘wild cottontail bunny rabbits.’ Unable to stand the mess and smell, Jeremy moved into the spare bedroom. They soon spiralled into an acrimonious separation. And then things started to go really south. Torturous divorce proceedings were initiated in 2019 - still ongoing - while Brexit concerns prompted Jeremy to return to live in the Cayman Islands. Crucially, for the millionaire founder of Cockney Records, Jeremy was canny enough to insist upon ‘a prenup’ before he tied the knot.

It means she has no legal entitlement to any of his possessions prior to their wedding - up to and including Bolan’s guitar.

But it has not helped him recover the guitar thus far, prompting the announcement of the €100,000 reward.

If you can help please email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

From front

Airbnb crackdown

SPAIN is planning a fresh crackdown on tourist flats by allowing local residents to veto Airbnb-style properties in their buildings.

The proposal by the Housing Ministry comes after Barcelona announced the scrapping of all tourist flat licences by 2028, and after Madrid suspended all new permits.

Housing minister Isabel Rodriquez said the national move is based on legal advice following Supreme Court rulings that allowed two residential communities to ban tourist lets in Oviedo and San Sebastian last year. Rodriguez said the Government will try to reduce the ‘uncontrolled proliferation’ of tourist flats - many of them illegalwhich are reducing the supply of long term rentals and, consequently, raising prices in large cities and tourist areas.

City in the dock

A FOOTBALL leaks hacker who revealed alleged wrongdoing by Premier League champions Manchester City has sensationally announced he will release more damning evidence against the club.

Rui Pinto told the Offshore Alert Marbella conference in Estepona’s five-star Kempinksi resort he had ‘a massive file of Manchester City-related documents’ which he has been holding in reserve.

The 35-year-old was speaking to the conference, attended by the Olive Press,

UFO visits Marbs

A MYSTERIOUS UFO has been spotted flying above the Costa del Sol.

‘Criminally

relevant’ allegations against Manchester City promised by hacker at Marbella conference

By Walter Finch

via video link from a secure safehouse after threats were made against his life.

His initial leak in 2017 prompted football authorities to open an investigation into the Abu Dhabi-owned club for breaking Financial Fair Play rules. It led to the club being hit with a staggering 115 separate charges by the Premier League.

“These documents are from part of the Premier League investiga -

tion into City.

“I have now handed five hard drives to French and German authorities with millions of documents, including more on City and I have described what is on each,” he added.

Whistleblower

“I am confident they will find criminal relevancy.”

INVESTIGATION:

Witness claims his evidence ‘will change English football’

notably concerning Manchester City.

“As the saying goes, ‘Truth will out’, particularly in an era when records are routinely stored online.”

The bizarre object was seen during the traditional San Juan bonfires last weekend. It was described by locals as looking like a thicker and slower shooting star that seemed to at times be bending. After around 30 seconds, it simply disappeared. Videos of the moment went viral on social media, with users speculating it could have been one of Elon Musk’s starlink satellites.

Similar sightings have previously been linked to Musk’s operation, dubbed the ‘world's most advanced internet system’ providing broadband worldwide.

A titanic hearing set for the autumn could shake English football to its very core, with the club facing the possibility of relegation to the lower reaches of English football. Officials from the UAE have even told their British counterparts that such an outcome could affect diplomatic relations.

But the evidence against the Manchester club could be piling up.

“The Man City releases showed amounts of money being paid into by the club that were not mentioned to the football authorities,” Pinto told the Offshore Alert Marbella conference.

A legal representative for Pinto added that the further unreleased files he is holding ‘will be published at some point’.

David Marchant, the organiser of Offshore Alert Marbella, told the Olive Press: “Rui Pinto is undoubtedly the most significant whistleblower in the history of football.

“His work has already had a dramatic impact in terms of holding players and clubs accountable for their behindclosed-doors actions and it's evident from his revelations at OffshoreAlert's recent Marbella Conference that there's more to come, most

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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive

OPINION

What a farce!

THE so-called ‘letter of invitation’ that British tourists ‘must’ show if staying with family and friends in Spain is nothing short of a farce ( No invitation, no entry! page 4).

According to Spanish law, any third national - which since Brexit, includes Brits - must be ready to show proof of accommodation when crossing the Spanish border.

If you are staying with friends or family, the host must provide you with a ‘carta de invitacion’, or letter of invitation - which in typical Spanish form, is a bureaucratic nightmare to arrange.

The host must go to their nearest police station in Spain with documents proving they are the owner of their home and apply for said letter.

This involves filling out god knows how many forms and - of course - paying a fee of around €80.

The rule is a classic case of ‘jobs for the boys’ and smacks of a plot to bring in some extra cash for local town halls.

Let’s be honest, the British own more property in Spain than any other foreigner and have propped up the housing market for decades.

Now, literally tens of thousands of British homeowners have to get permission to let their closest loved ones stay with themwhat a kick in the teeth!

Of course, it is VERY unlikely that you will be asked to show the letter of invitation, but the fact that it IS happening to some people is unlikely to put any visitor at ease.

Now hundreds of thousands of Brits are being lumped with this extra worry when travelling to visit family members.

And what about British homeowners who are letting relatives use their Spanish villa while they are out of the country? They literally cannot visit their local police station to apply for the letter.

The whole process is the kind of pathetic red tape overreach that made many people vote for Brexit in the first place!

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

(+34) 951 154 841 admin@theolivepress.es

Simon Hunter simon@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Ben Pawlowski ben@theolivepress.es

Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es

IBIZA is known as the priciest party island in Spain and is a magnet for A-list celebs.

So when I arrived at the resort of San Antonio last weekend, I was rather surprised at what I saw.

I had rather hoped for a few days of elevated dining, sophisticated cocktail bars and the ever-elusive ‘higher quality tourists’ - a phrase used by Spanish industry leaders which can roughly be translated to ‘less British trash.’

But what I actually encountered were mediocre (at best) restaurants, multiple KFCs and Burger Kings and a string of Irish pubs and bars that wouldn’t look out of place in down market Magaluf.

In fact you’re better off heading there instead because you’ll get practically the same experience for half the price.

The landscape of Ibiza itself, of course, is beautiful, with stone-free beaches, white sand and crystal clear waters.

Unfortunately, the resort of San Antonio has been turned into a tourist’s theme park, with boozing and latenight partying the priority.

The streets at night are filled with staggering Brits and mafia-linked hawkers selling laughing gas in balloons.

This is, of course, the site of Wayne Lineker’s infamous O Beach , which brings in A-list punters like Jack Gre -

theolivepress.es

Ibiza? What a downer…

The party resort of San Antonio is not what it’s cracked up to be, discovers Laurence Dollimore

alish, Ed Sheeran and Jason Derulo. Unfortunately I didn’t see any such big names, having to settle for ex- Eastenders ‘star’ Dean Gaffney instead. Although I did bump into Lineker himself as he made his way from O Beach to one of the two nearby KFCsflanked by three beautiful young women, of course.

After snapping a selfie I asked his Viking-looking security guard if I could have a quick chat but was, unsurprisingly, refused.

Wayne had just been punched to the ground two nights before while making his way to the nearby Eden nightclub.

The video went viral and made headlines in the UK and Spain - although it didn’t win him much sympathy locally.

In an Ibiza activist Facebook group, locals responded to a post about Wayne which described him as the ‘King of Ibiza’ with fury.

Stefano Bertagnon wrote: ‘The only

thing ‘kingly’ about this man is that all the locals of San Antonio hate his loud castle!’

Another, Martina Greef, accused Wayne of ‘destroying the island’, while one wrote: ‘What is clear is that if this man and his businesses went elsewhere, the lives of the Ibiza people would be the same or better than under the reign of this buffoon.’ Wayne spends the whole summer season in Ibiza, between April and October, but does not stay in the heart of San Antonio - opting instead for the luxury 7Pines Resort about a 20-minute drive west.

I visited the resort myself and it is stunning. Sitting on a cliff edge, it offers incredible sea and mountain views and the service is world class. It is an example of the quality and class that can be found all over the island if you go to the right places. Either way, when I do go back to Ibiza, I know where I WON’T be visiting.

KING WAYNE: Roaming San Antonio, while (right) impressive 0 Beach

BRITISH FAVOURITE: Lineker’s bar, while (right), laughing gas sellers

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

The Nazi stormtrooper and bodyguard to Hitler who joined the Israeli secret services and made his home in Spain

AT first glance the funeral in Madrid seemed like nothing out of the ordinary.

It was a warm June day in 1975 and the few dozen mourners initially lowered their heads to pay their respects as the flower-draped casket rolled gently by.

But then came the shock when, clearly on cue, the majority of attendees suddenly stretched out their right arms in a full Nazi salute.

When they began singing a series of Adolf Hitler songs, the event became intriguing in the extreme… And even more so when it later emerged that some of those in attendance were members of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad.

This was the funeral of Madrid resident Otto Skorzeny, a former Nazi who had happily lived in the Spanish capital for decades.

As strange as it may sound to readers who have just watched the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings to liberate Europe from the Nazis, a group of former SS leaders at a funeral in Spain wasn't all that rare.

What was, is the attendance of members of a group dedicated to Israel’s security. Strange bedfellows? Counterintuitive? Illogical? You need to consider the life of Otto (1908-1975) who was born in Vienna into a family with a long and distinguished military legacy.

He certainly cut a fine figure. He was tall (nearly 2 meters), athletic (an Olympic fencing champion) with movie star good looks. Many believed Otto bore a striking similarity to the dashing Hollywood star Errol Flynn. And he had an appropriate dramatic facial scar (c/o fencing) that only added to his swashbuckling persona.

We need to go back to 1932 though when he joined the Austrian Nazi Party and swiftly moved up the ranks.

After completing numerous commando raids, Otto became one of Hitler’s favorite soldiers. So good, in fact, that he became the Fuhrer’s bodyguard and chief of all commando operations. His missions were audacious, bold and worthy of

By Jack Gaioni

an Ian Flemming / James Bond script. They included Operation Oak when in 1943 Italian partisans kidnapped Hitler’s closest ally, Benito Mussolini and imprisoned him high in the Apennine Mountains. Otto and company, using gliders made of canvas, were able to crash land near the prison, free Mussolini and safely escort him back to Berlin.

The Fuhrer was delighted! The mission even impressed Winston Churchill, who called Otto ‘the most dangerous man in Europe’. Then there was Operation Greif: Otto was assigned the task of training English-speaking German troops, dressed as American soldiers, driving captured Allied jeeps and tanks to roam behind enemy lines.

Their orders were simple: to cause great disruption by upsetting Allied communications, giving false orders and misdirecting traffic. The Fuhrer and Otto believed the mission could change the course of the critical Battle of the Bulge and for a brief period, they were correct.

Operation Long Jump: Later that same year, Otto personally devised a commando plan to assassinate the Big Three (Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt) at the Tehran Conference in Iran. Stalin however, somehow uncovered the plot and Otto was able to convince Hitler the plan was unworkable. The mission was aborted.

At the war’s conclusion and during the subsequent Nuremberg trials (Nov. 1945), Otto was imprisoned as a war criminal.

And in true derring do he es-

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caped and for two years hid out as a fugitive in France, Bavaria, and later rural Ireland.

But by 1950 he was living openly in Madrid where a sympathetic Francoist Spain welcomed Nazi refugees as asylum seekers.

By all appearances, his new life appeared normal. Married and settled and no longer living as a fugitive, he quietly set up a small import/export business.

It was not long before it became apparent that his business was a front to help numerous Nazis escape to South America.

This was especially to Argentina where Otto not only ‘advised’ Juan Peron but became a bodyguard (and some say a lover!) to Eva Peron.

He also became the founder and advisor for the Paladin Group, an organization based near Alicante which specialized in arming and training international guerilla groups.

Unsurprisingly, Otto’s actions in Egypt did not go unnoticed by Israel’s Mossad.

One evening in 1962 two Mossad agents posing as a couple befriended him in a Madrid bar.

He was initially sure they were there to kill him and later explained his enormous surprise when it turned out they wanted to hire him.

For unknown reasons Otto agreed. Sent to Jerusalem to meet with Mossad hierarchy, Otto, with his Egyptian connections, began to compile a list of German scientists and the names of front companies from Europe that were complicit in Egypt’s military projects.

By 1950 he was in Madrid where Francoist Spain welcomed Nazi refugees

During his two decades stay in Spain, he also made many trips to Egypt. There he began a program to train Arab volunteers in commando tactics for possible strikes against British troops stationed on the Suez Canal.

One of those trainees was none other than the Palestinian hero and leader, Yasser Arafat.

As a personal advisor to Egyptian President Gamel Nasser, Otto helped recruit German scientists in a missile program to be used against Israel.

He was soon ‘hands on’ involved in the kidnapping and assassination of Heinz Krug, an infamous German scientist and chief hardware supplier for the Egyptian missile program.

Otto never explained, at least publicly, how he could transition from being a Nazi commando and bodyguard to Hitler to being an agent for Israel’s secret service.

The irony is rich. Was he seeking atonement for his Nazi past? Did he fear for his life if he did otherwise? Or was he just a swashbuckling adventurer seeking his next adrenaline fix? He supposedly took the answer to his Madrid grave so we may never know.

“YOUR website is incredible… I have never seen so many inquiries!”

That’s the glowing testimonial of Marbella lawyer Diego Echavarria, who took out a sponsored article on our website last week.

His post about winning expats compensation over dodgy mortgage deals has so far been read by more than 15,000 people.

“I am receiving lots of enquiries,” a very satisfied Diego explained. “In fact I have never had so many, it’s amazing.”

And it’s no surprise given the sheer amount of traffic www.theolivepress.es is now receiving.

More than 100,000 people visited us on many recent days, cementing our position as the most popular English website in Spain.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people are registering on our website daily and we now have nearly 40,000 regis tered users, who receive special deals and promo tions each month.

Only by signing up can you take advantage of these offers, including competitions to win tickets for concerts - and ONLY by being a client can you tap into our valuable database.

While our carefully distributed papers continue to bring results (just ask long term clients like La Sala, Specsavers or the Sky Doctor) our online popularity is creating new opportunities.

But not everyone understands how to utilise them.

One company that does is the Metro Group, which regularly uses our website and database to offer a string of excellent deals at its dozen-plus restaurants.

One free meal giveaway at Bono Beach in Marbella saw an incredible 900 entrants last month. Meanwhile, a 50% discount for the opening of their new Nomad restaurant got 96 bookings, while a 25% off brunch deal brought another 50.

“We’ve been very happy with the results” explained marketing boss, Karen Wolfson.

Five-star hotels SO/Sotogrande and the Kempinski have used our database, while an exclusive room discount at DDG Retreat, near Estepona, got ‘even more bookings than the Times’.

On the Costa Blanca, a FIFA-accredited agent trusted us to promote an international football match in Murcia between Northern Ireland and Andorra. The response speaks volumes.

“It went really well and we saw a noticeable uptake soon after it went live,” he said. “We will definitely be using you guys again!”

When it comes to advertising your business in Spain there’s nowhere better than the Olive Press

Register your FREE account now for a chance to win two tickets to see Pete Tong by scanning the QR code below

MISSION: Skorzeny (left) and with Mussolini on rescue mission

warning

PAMPLONA has produced

10,000 leaflets offering safety tips to tourists planning to visit the world-famous bull runs that start on July 7. Information is in four languages including English and Spanish, and will be distributed in bus and train stations, as well as airports.

A digital version will be available on the Pamplona City Council website and copies have been sent to embassies and consulates.

There are warnings about running with the bulls if intoxicated or under the influence of drugs

The leaflet has sections on cutting the risk of being robbed and what to do if you witness or are a victim of sexual aggression.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

LOOKING FOR MORE CULTURE STORIES?

Scan to visit our website

LOST WORLD

Stunning find in Spain has archeologists excited: 2,400 year old tablet could provide glimpse into the secrets of an ancient lost civilisation

A RECENTLY unearthed tablet from 2,400 years ago could be about to re-write ancient history.

Pre-dating the famous Rosetta Stone by 400 years, the discovery could be evidence of a previously unknown written language used by the lost Tartessian civilization.

The artefact, which was unearthed at the Casas del Turuñuelo dig site in Badajoz, appears to be inscribed with an alphabetic sequence of 21 signs.

If confirmed, it would indicate the presence of a sophisticated and literate society in pre-Roman Iberia.

By Walter Finch

The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) believes the tablet may be a practice slate used by artisans to hone their skills before engraving on more permanent materials.

The inscription features repeated illustrations of faces, geometric shapes, and warriors in combat.

Researchers are particularly interested in the tablet's alphabetic symbols.

While some signs resemble known southern Paleo-Hispanic dialects, others are en-

tirely new.

University of Barcelona researcher Joan Ferrer i Jane believes the tablet ‘could reach 32 signs if complete.’ It would potentially represent

ROBBIE ON DISPLAY

POP star Robbie Williams visited Barcelona last week for the launch of his very own art exhibition called Pride and self prejudice that’s been inspired by his mental health struggles. The city’s Modern Contemporary Museum (MOCO) is displaying 17

large-format paintings created digitally on an iPad, in the style of David Hockney’s latest works.

MOCO director, Kim Logchies, said: I have seen more than 5,000 of his works and I can assure you that he has a new voice and a completely different prism in the art world.”

INCREDIBLE: The ‘sketches’ on the tablet

a brand new sister language to the existing southern Paleo-Hispanic family.

The find is crucial for historians and archaeologists as it fills a gap in understanding the transition between ancient Iberian scripts and the later fully developed writing systems of the Roman era.

Wealth

The Tartessian culture, known for its wealth and sophistication, flourished from the 9th to 6th centuries BC in what is now Andalucia.

Their mysterious disappearance has long been a source of fascination, with some attributing it to earthquakes or tsunamis.

No influence

A so-called ‘influencer’ found she had no influence whatsoever when security refused to let her into Sevilla cathedral. The Argentinean named Gigi was told to go-go when she turned up at the holy site wearing a skimpy bikini-style top and covered with tattoos and piercings.

“They told me that I couldn’t go in like that, that I needed to cover up,” she explained in an online video, still wearing the small black top that had not met the approval of the staff.

As she pointed out, however, the temperature in Seville was 39ºC, and what’s more, she saw another girl with a similar outfit but with no tattoos allowed to enter.

According to a TikTok commentator called Ruben, they didn’t let the influencer in ‘because she might get stuck on the magnet they have at the door’.

€25 flip flops are plastic free, recyclable, biodegradable and vegan.

The material is harvested from Sri Lanka’s rolling hills with sustainable methods, earning Waves FSC certification.

Their bright colours and durable materials make them the perfect complement to any beach outfit.

That’s why Liam has brought the Waves brand to stylish Barcelona, where he is collaborating with local

swimwear company, Bikinis 5H.

Run by Florance Huarte, an Argentinian expat, Bikinis 5H offers swimwear made from recycled ocean plastic.

The brand also offers sportswear, beach coverups, mens and kids options, all made from sustainable, non toxic, biodegradable ma-

Each piece is ‘beautifully’ handmade in small, timeless collections from just €18.

Waves and Bikinis 5H have previously collaborated, dressing models for Barcelona Sustainable Fashion Week.

This summer promises big things for the brands, as they set up a joint pop up shop on Barcelona’s Diagonal.

The shop will be open throughout August, offering ‘really cool fashion with a conscience.’

If you can’t wait until then, check out their online stalls wavesflipflops.es and v.

LA CULTURA

Blood & Earth

A

foreigner at a bullfight: I got a glimpse into the bravery and brutality at my first corrida de toros in Marbella, writes Walter Finch

“DON’T go in,” a blonde woman with a cut glass English accent told me.

“If you go in there, you will hear their grunts of pain and smell their blood as they die.” She was holding a banner outside

STOP: Protestors tried to convince me not to go in

Marbella’s nondescript Plaza de Toros which read ‘For a feria with no blood.’

“Surely you’re not thinking of supporting this cruel, brutal sport are you?” a more militant, German-sounding woman demanded.

The small number of collected protesters who had bravely gathered outside the event - all women and most foreign - looked at me expectantly.

Unfortunately, I was going in… To witness my first bullfight in six years of living in Spain.

Animal rights activists were understandably aghast when it was announced that Marbella would hold its first bullfight in nine years this month during its historic San Bernabe fair. It was a battle they thought they

were winningdata from Spain’s Ministry of Culture showed a steady decline in the number of bullfighting-related events between 2009 and 2019. However since Covid, there has been the most extraordinary, unlikely turnaround. Call it a rebirth, if you like.

LA CULTURA

The number of corridas (bullfight) has actually exceeded pre-pandemic figures, standing at 1,546 in 2022 - greater even than in 2018.

In Marbella, the sudden volte-face was largely prompted by the election of two new Vox councillors to the town hall, who put the dwindling Spanish tradition back on the agenda.

And as I stood chatting with the protestors, listening carefully to their arguments, thousands of welldressed Spaniards (with a healthy smattering of expats and tourists) streamed into the plaza between a heavy police presence.

Some of the more fanatical punters even took the opportunity to remonstrate with the protestors, who were

The Official Distributor of Sunflex Glass Curtains

growing in number as the hour of the fight approached. But most just smiled and ignored them.

Under their stern gaze of disapproval, I made my way into the buzzing, bowl-shaped arena.

On the ticket tonight were the toreros Jose Maria Manzanares, Andres Roca Rey, and Alejandro Talavante.

A trio of Premier League matadors, who’ll often, I’m told, earn over 100,000 per fight.

I walked into an impressive arena (although not a touch on the giants like Ventas in Madrid, or Ronda’s beautiful ring) and was immediately caught up in the ambience.

The stage was set by the continuous music from the brass band in the upper reaches as Marbella’s bull-

fighting aficionados got their first taste of a corrida in their city for a decade.

I was not sure what to expect - would I be dazzled by the skill and bravery of the toreros, or horrified by the choreographed brutality?

In the end it was a little of both. The order of events has been set in stone over centuries.

The first bull came charging into the arena and immediately made for the dancing, agile banderilleros (the matador’s usually svelte assis-

tants), who dashed to the safety of wooden barriers.

Then emerged the picador - a lance-wielding bullfighter mounted on an armoured and blindfolded horse.

The black beast charged and crashed into the side of the poor horse - one of the few creatures on this planet able to withstand the rage of a bull.

In return for its efforts, the picadors drew the first blood, gouging their gi

Continues on Page 12

PACKED: A huge crowd, while (right) a bull charged a horse-mounted Picador who stabbed it in the shoulders

LA CULTURA 12

BULLS RETURN

ant picas into the bull’s neck muscles.

This reduces the bull’s ability to raise its head, making it easier for the matador to administer the coupe de grace later on.

Once softened up by the picadors, the banderillero takes centre stage. Brandishing two sharp barbed sticks (the banderillas), he enticed the bull to charge, skipped out of its path and plunged his weapons into its shoulders. It took guts and it took skill. Certainly more so than the picadero, safe atop his horse. Now the blood was really starting to flow. But I could not smell it from my position in the mid-upper reaches.

pain, either. Finally came the matador - the star of the show.

Manzanares used the iconic muleta - a smaller red cloth draped over a wooden stick - to perform a series of artistic passes with the bull, whose anger was clearly starting to be replaced by confusion and frustration. When the time came, the bullfighter killed it with a sword - known as the estocada - between its shoulder blades.

It went in neatly and deep and the crowd leapt to their feet clapping

It went in neatly and deep and the crowd leapt to their feet clapping.

TROPHY: Manzanares was awarded an ear

we were made to hold our breaths Eventually it dropped to the floor and fell onto one side, without a sob or a cry. It was dead.

Like awaiting the thumb of the emperor in Roman times, this is the man who decides the somewhat barbarous awarding system.

handed it to the matador, who threw it up into the stands and into the hands of a young boy.

The bull, although clearly eager to get its horns into its tormentors, neither grunted nor squealed in

But the beast did not die straight away. First it staggered around. The assembled team waited for it to die and wondered if they would need to help it - an undesired outcome, so

The crowd, who had been rapt in hushed silence after their initial clap, exploded again in appreciation of cheers, whoops and clamour. All heads turned to el presidente of the bullfight sitting in the VIP box behind me to the left.

As the crowd whooped and cheered, he decided to award Manzanares one ear - which signified a good performance. But he apparently fell down on points due to the speed of death.

A woman known as the mozo de espadas cut off the bull’s ear and

And that was the pattern for the next five bulls, with one of the trio of executioners landing two ears and even the severed tail.

The crowd would groan if a bull stumbled early on, or did not show enough fight and aggression.

Although they want a strong bull to put up a good fight, they don’t want a fair fight.

There obviously is skill and risk to the sport - Mexican bullfighter Isaac Fonseca was badly gored in the back just two weeks ago in Madrid. He spent a week in hospital. It is an outcome that secretly delights the crowd as well.

It is a lust for blood, a lust for bravery and a lust for tradition that has taken centuries to accrue into a culture that binds the people together. It’s very difficult to untangle, even if the roots are seeped in cruelty. But am I now a bullfighting convert? No.

AGILE: A banderillero dances out of the way of the bull’s path and plants its barbed sticks in the bull’s neck

of the bull

GOING ALFRESCO

The pleasure of outdoor kitchens - see page 22

See page 32

ALEADING Spanish bank has completely changed its prediction for house prices this year.

Bankinter had last year predicted a 2% fall in house prices across the country.

But now the Madrid-based bank has made a massive U-turn and foresees prices RISING by 3%.

A recent report ruled that prices will rise throughout this year ‘at least in line with estimated inflation in Spain', although it does not rule out a possible slowdown.

ANCIENT & MODERN

The Olive Press puts a focus on the architecture of northern Spain, from Medieval farmhouses and ancient palaces to the latest industrial designs

FALL AND RISE

GiantU-turnseesbankexpectasharpriseinprices whenlastyearitpredictedadropfor2024

By Alex Trelinski

In 2023, prices went up 4.2%, compared to the projection that they would grow by only 1.2%.

Bankinter, a joint venture between Santander and the Bank

of America, says that 2025 will continue to see an upwards trend with price rises of around 2%. Its reasons for the big change are the strength of the labour market, the shortage of supply, the sharp rise in rental prices and a recent interest rate cut

by the European Central Bank (ECB).

Bankinter estimates a shortage of more than 50,000 properties per year, compared to an annual demand of 150,000 homes.

The deficit is concentrated in the main cities such as Madrid,

Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao, as well as the Mediterranean coast.

The Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands also have a serious shortage of properties.

Added to this is the rise in rental costs due to a lack of rental housing which has fallen by 15% in the last 12 months.

According to figures from property portal idealista, this

is a result of legal uncertainty, the poor Housing Law and the increase in other alternatives such as tourist rentals.

House prices could be further increased by interest rate cuts which will reduce the 12-month Euribor rate.

Bankinter estimates that the 12-month Euribor will end in 2024 at 3.25%, falling again in 2025 to 2.75%, which will translate into a moderate fall in mortgage repayments.

Regarding sales, the bank forecasts a drop of 5% in 2024, compared to the previous estimate of 7%.

THERMAL: Power plant in Palencia has been described as a ‘cathedral of energy.’

GALICIA: Palace in Pontevedra comes with its own inner-city park, while (below) this 14th century farm has vineyards. See How green is my valley, page 18

Mark Stucklin

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

THE pandemic changed many aspects of life, but who would have guessed that it would boost foreign demand for residential property in Spain?

The foreign appetite for homes in Spain continues undiminished in 2024, with close to record levels of sales in the first quarter of the year.

Both the Land Registrars’ association and the Spanish Housing Ministry have just published data for home sales involving a foreign buyer in the first quarter, and both sources confirm that foreign buyers have found a renewed appetite

GOING VIRAL

for homes in Spain. Sales inscribed in the Land Registry reveal that 21,525 home sales involved a foreign buyer, down 7% compared to last year, but the third best Q1 on record (just a fraction behind 2022) and 32% higher than the same period in 2019 - the last normal year before the pandemic struck.

The Registrar’s data is backward looking because it can take several months for sales to be inscribed in the Registry, so it reflects sales that took place, to a large extent, in Q4 of 2022. The Housing Ministry figures are more timely as they are ba-

sed on sales witnessed by Spanish notaries in the first quarter of the year, and they show 29,698 sales in Q1 involving a foreign buyer, down just 2% on the previous year, 26% above 2019, and also the third-best Q1 on record.

The Registry data breaks down sales by nationality, and both sources break down sales by region, though Registry figures go into more local detail. Unfortunately, neither of them break down sales by nationality and region on a quarterly basis.

Spanish property market gets virus booster

The Registrars’ numbers show that the British were, as always, the biggest foreign buyers of property in Spain, with 1,965 acquisitions (-11% year-on year), followed, as usual, by the Germans on 1,457 (-16%) and the French on 1,279 (-24%).

Though all the three biggest markets declined compared to last year, the British declined the least, suggesting that Brexit is not an obviously differential factor. The Irish increased the most (+11%), followed by Ukra-

inians (+8%) no doubt motivated by the Russian invasion of their country. Russian demand declined by 20%.

By region the Valencia Community was the most popular destination amongst foreign buyers, with 34% of the market, followed by Andalucia (18%) and Catalunya (17.5%). In terms of annualised change, Murcia performed the best (+6%), followed by the Valencian region (-2%) and Catalunya (-5%). Sales in Andalucia were down 17%.

Both data sources confirm that the post-pandemic boom in foreign demand for property in Spain is not a flash in the pan. Three years after covid struck the number of foreign buyers is still 37% above the five year average before the pandemic, and 85% above the 10-year average. Foreign demand for property in Spain was declining before the pandemic, but a virus that probably leaked from a lab on the other side of the world seems to have lifted it to a whole new level.

Home sales boost

PROPERTY sales in Spain rose by 1.8% in the first quarter of 2024.

It is the first year-on-year quarterly sales increase after five consecutive falls.

Sales of new and second-hand properties totalled 160,884 between January and March, according to the Ministry of Housing. The increase comes after home sales fell by 11% in 2023 due mainly to interest rate increases. Despite that, there were 638,522 sales last year, the third highest in 16 years.

Second-hand homes totalled 142,521 sales (up 2.5%) while new homes totalled 13,575.

Tourist central

A QUARTER of all tourist rentals in Spain are in Andalucia. According to official statistics, 23% of 351,389 rentals in Spain are here.

Of the 82,454 in Andalucia, half of them (41,038) are in Malaga, with 14,500 in Cadiz and 7,477 in Sevilla.

The country has seen an astronomical rise in tourist rentals, jumping by 17% in the last year. Alicante (38,007) and the Balearic Islands (25,073) come just after Malaga.

Malaga city has 7,038 holiday rentals, some 4% more than normal housing in the city. Marbella has 6,994 and Mijas 4,229.

FOREIGN DEMAND: With Valencia recording record figures

29thDecember 12th 2023

Enchanted

HOTEL rooms don’t get any more styl ish.

And fittingly Taylor Swift wasn’t scrimp ing and saving during her recent trip to play in Madrid.

The American star behind hits, including Enchanted and Cruel Summer, splashed out €25,000 a night for the suite at the chic Rosewood Villa Magna hotel. She chose the Royal Anglada House suite on the top floor, which counts on two rooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a dining room.

The 400 metre square spot, that

CASHING IN

THE British president of a Costa del Sol community is now earning more than the prime minister of Spain after bumping up his own salary, it has been claimed.

Stephen Hills, who runs the Torre Bermeja community in Estepona, hit the headlines earlier this year after it emerged he was earning just over €86,000 per year.

That was almost as high as the actual President of Andalucia Juanma Moreno (€87,333), and higher than the vice president

Expatcommunitypresident who earns more than Prime

Minister Pedro Sanchez

Yolanda Diaz (€84,600).

But now, Hills is making around €102,500, far more than PM Pedro Sanchez (€90.010), after approving a salary increase of €16,500 in his community’s 2024 budget, reports Area Costa del Sol.

It comes as a group of Spaniards and fellow Brits are taking Hills to court, hoping to prove

SPANISH IMPRINT

BRITISH architect Norman Foster has brought a touch of Spain to this year's London Festival of Architecture.

The influence of his frequent design partner Cristina Iglesias is easily seen in the Radial Pavilion in the City.

Designed by Foster + Partners’ it highlights Foster's long-standing connections to Spain.

He lives in Madrid and has a Spanish wife - and has not only been influenced by Spain, but has also had a huge impact on the Spanish architectural scene.

The design of Radial reflects Foster's interest in sustainable architecture and his experiences working in Spain.

The pavilion's frame is constructed from recycled scaffolding, echoing Foster's philosophy of minimising waste and extending a building’s life cycle.

The design prioritises creating a gathering space for discussions and reflection.

This aligns with an emphasis on public spaces and community engagement often found in Spanish architecture, particularly in Foster's Spanish projects.

his actions are ‘totally illegal’. However some locally-based Brits previously defended Hills, saying he is ‘doing his best’ to defend his Torre Bermeja community.

overlooks historic Paseo de la Castellana was just five minutes from her two sold out shows in the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. It is not known where she put up the rest of her 100-strong entourage, including security, medical staff and the drivers of her own ambulance.

The luxury suite comes with a steward and e-scooter to ‘explore Madrid.’

Visit www.theolivepress.es to see full review of the five-star Rosewood Villa Magna

One, who asked not to be named, previously told the Olive Press: “There is another president there who is trying to control the whole Guadalmansa development, and wants to get rid of any people who stand up to him, such as Stephen.

“The budget for the other president’s urbanisation is 50% higher than that of Stephen’s, so what are they spending their money on?

“Stephen works a full-time job looking after his residents, some guy tried to take over from him but didn’t last for three months.

Stephen has been president for 20 years with basically no one standing against him, people understand how he defends the urbanisation.”

Another source told the Olive Press: “This is all part of a feud that has been going on for five to seven years, people don’t know the half of it!”

But David Valadez, the lawyer representing the residents who are taking action against Hill, insisted his actions were ‘illegal’.

He told the Olive Press earlier this year: “People are outraged, his actions are totally illegal

Celeb next door

A FINCA next to the stunning estate of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones’ has gone up for sale.

The Can Calo property has been listed for an eye watering €13.75 million.

and against the rules.

“I am convinced that he will face a judge, however the courts in Estepona are very saturated right now so we are not sure when to expect a trial.”

The Torre Bermeja urbanisation contains 109 apartments, and is one of five urbanisations that form the Guadalmansa development in Estepona.

Each urbanisation has a president, who looks after the dayto-day running of the blocks, such as collecting community fees or arranging gardeners and maintenance.

They have regular meetings with other presidents, where they can propose laws or changes which are voted on by the residents they look after.

But the majority of homeowners in the 109 homes Hills looks after are not there all year round, and have given him the right to vote on matters on their behalf.

Hence when he decided to give himself a salary increase, there was no one to stand in his way, it is alleged.

Valadez added: “So many have

Both properties once formed part of a bigger finca owned by the Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria in the 1880s.

The villa is described as a ‘spacious oasis of peace and tranquility, with impressive views to the majestic and idyllic coast.’

It comes complete with a library, study, sitting rooms and music areas, all with expansive sea views.

The main house has six bedrooms, each with its very own ensuite. There is also a separate guest house with two bedrooms, an independent kitchen and dining room.

The garden complex is perfectly manicured, with a pool and other leisure activities.

Wall Street star Douglas bought the neighbouring s’Estaca property in 1990 for €3.5 million.

He has tried to sell it on various occasions, in 2014 and 2019 but never found a buyer.

Ultimately, he took it off the market and now he and British actress Zeta-Jones spend long periods at the house.

A historic property, the Archduke Ludwig was one of the island’s first conservationists and owned land all the way from Valldemossa to Deia.

He restored various fincas in Miramar and Son Marroig along the way.

given him their deferred votes and I don’t think they know what they have been used for.”

According to Valadez, the bylaws that dictate the runnings of Guadalmansa say a president ‘cannot earn money’ for the role.

Valadez said Hills created an office called ‘Administración Gerente de la Urbanización’, or Administrative Management of the Urbanisation, without the knowledge of other presidents.

He then used this office to pay himself tens of thousands of euros, it is alleged, by creating jobs that do not exist, such as an administrator, who receives more than €17,000 per year, and two other employees earning €45,000.

“It is intended to mask the attribution of a very high salary to the president,” added Valadez. The Olive Press has contacted Hills and Valadez for further comment.

Need a helping hand when you go on holiday, someone to cherish your pets in their own home? Join us, and control pet care costs. Find free checked pet and house sitters through HouseSit Match, the friendly online house and petsitting network For affordable travel, home and pet care.

TAYLOR-MADE: The €25,000 a night suite for Taylor Swift

FRONT PAGE: How we first reported on Stephen Hills’ salary

NORTHERN HERO

By Dilip Kuner

As expats in southern Spain look north for cooler climes at holiday time, the Olive Press celebrates one British architect who has made the Galicia region his home

WHEN British architect Sir David Chipperfield fell in love with Galicia he not only built a house there, but helped set up a body to protect the stunning local landscape.

Lamenting the ‘disastrous’ effects of poor urban planning along the coast, he set up an organisation to protect its important green spaces.

The non-profit organisation, Fun dación RIA, was designed to tackle the challenges of rural development going forwards.

The 2023 Pritzker Prize winning architect reali sed the region was tr ying to balance eco nomic growth with preserving its natural and cultural heritageand failing.

“The nature is spectacu

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

lar and the towns are amazing in their essence but they mess them up,” he recently explained to the Guardian

“They are modernised in the most horrible, brutal

He lamented that former village high streets have been turned into highways, cutting each settlement in

two, while industrial estates for the fishing industry have often cut residential areas off from

Summer moments

Summer in Spain and the undeniable charm of chiringuitos

Wthe sea.

So when Galicia’s then president Alberto Nuñez Feijoo (now the leader of the PP party) approached Chipperfield for help, he jumped at the chance.

The nature is spectacular and the towns are amazing in their essence but they mess them up

HEN summer rolls around, Spain’s stunning coastline transforms into a vibrant tapestry of sunbathers, swimmers, and seaside revellers.

Amidst this lively scene, the chiringuitos emerge as essential hubs of relaxation and socialisation.

These charming establishments are not just places to grab a bite or a drink; they are cultural icons that encapsulate the essence of Spanish beach life. When it comes to summer hotspots, the Costa del Sol is spoiled for choice. With beach bars scattered along the coast, each town offers a unique twist on the chiringuito experience.

Having built a number of these irresistible beach features, Cape Reed has put together some of their favourites that encapsulate the sense of community and the celebration of coastal living:

● FRESH FISH & FUN IN FUENGIROLA - Try Restaurante La Caracola for fresh sardines, fun in the sun and a vibrant atmosphere.

● MAGICAL MOMENTS IN MARBELLA - Upscale your experience at Nikki Beach or laze the day away on the beach at Lido Beach Pepe. Check into Puento Romano Beach Resort to enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean or bounce over to the Boho Club or Aua Playa for a boutique beach vibe.

● SULTRY SUNNY SAN PEDRO - Satisfy your soul with music, sun and sangria at La Sala by the Sea in Puerto Banus.

● THE ESSENCE OF ESTEPONA - Head over to Chiringuito El Madero to experience the quintessential ambience and cuisine of the Mediterranean.

But what if the hustle and bustle of the season is not your scene? Well, you don’t have to miss out on the fun!

The joy of sitting on a deck chair with a cocktail in hand, watching the sun dip below the horizon in the comfort of your own home becomes a reality when Cape Reed joins the party. They are by no means limited to construct chiringuitos at commercial venues – their team is well known for building custom designed, sustainable chiringuitos at private villas and residential communities.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, social butterfly or better suited to spending time at home, a Cape Reed chiringuito promises to enhance your summer holidays with unforgettable moments of joy and relaxation, sunny days and long, cool, breezy nights.

Contact John today (638 424 464 or john@capereed.com) for a free consultation or quotation and open the gateway to Exclusive Living. Naturally.

Set up in 2017, RIA's approach is multifaceted. It fosters interdisciplinary studies, spearheads pilot projects, and advocates for strategic territorial planning. RIA - which was named after the region’s coastal inlets or rias - works closely with local communities, government bodies and industry and academic institutions. Its aim is to come up with planning solutions bringing together locals and international experts to avoid the worst development excesses. The region’s diverse environment presents a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities facing rural areas worldwide. Through careful planning and governan-

ce, RIA strives to demonstrate how development can coexist with environmental protection and cultural preservation, all while prioritising economic and social well-being. Chipperfield’s personal connection to Gali-

cia fuels his dedication to RIA. He started visiting the region in the 1990s, first discovering the modest fishing town of Corrubedo, where he built a holiday

home for his family.

Over three decades, he has developed such a strong affinity for the region he lives there for much of the time.

This passion, coupled with his architectural expertise, makes him a powerful ad -

vocate for its sustainable future. A recent project exemplifies RIA's impact when it was appointed to coordinate the Territorial Agenda for Galicia.

This ambitious initiative aims to establish a new planning regime, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Pact.

Curiously, RIA does not actually design new buildings, but concentrates on improving the living conditions of locals. Its most tangible achievement is probably

in Palmeira, where waterfront car parks were removed so the town could ‘reconnect’ to the sea.

This involved creating a long stone bench along the sea wall where people could gather and enjoy the views and fresh sea air.

To date it remains the biggest construction built by RIA.

It is a far cry from his most famous projects which in Spain include The

and

PRETTY: in Palmeira waterfront car parks were removed so the town could ‘reconnect’ to the sea+

HOME.: The house in Corrubedo that Chipperfield built for his family and how it sits in the urban landscape (left)

IMPRESSIVE: Chipperfield’s Veles e Vents building in Valencia and (above) the Ciutat de la Justicia in Barcelona

Ciutat de la Justícia in Barcelona

the impressive Veles e Vents Americas Cup venue in Valencia.

THow green is my valley

HE green valleys, mountains and rugged coastline of Galicia are renowned for their tranquil beauty.

The region is becoming more and more popular as people start to turn away from the busy and scorching costas of southern Spain and search for a cooler, less frenetic alternative.

Galicia is steeped in history and a host of ancient buildings are for sale.

By Dilip Kuner

Indeed, your money goes a long way when it comes to purchasing a piece of history, especially compared to the coastal hotspots. Here we pick five special properties, some ready to move into, others needing a little TLC.

ANCIENT MANOR HOUSE, Cardeixa, Pontevedra

€230,000

FOR those looking for a project, this 16th century Pazo (traditional Galician manor house) could be right up your street.

It needs a complete renovation, although the walls are structurally sound.

Its remarkable features include an enormous granite lareira (traditional fireplace) that covers a significant part of the property, and the balcony is supported by three granite columns.

It also boasts a unique rectangular dovecote. Some stone elements, such as doors, appear to be from a much earlier period, possibly from the 12th century.

ENTIRE VILLAGE

Puebla del Brollon Lugo

€1,510,000

WHY buy a house when you could own the whole village?

It has 15 buildings, including a bar-restaurant on 40 hectares and is operating as a holiday accommodation business, with all the cottages restored and fully

Stretch your cash by buying a little Galician history

fitted. In spite of being at a high altitude (nearly 1,100 metres), the climate is good due to the fact that it faces south and to the north it is protected by a large mountain, which gives it a mild microclimate.

VINES AND HISTORY, Monforte, Lugo

€1,100,000

This ancient Pazo actually offers history you can taste!

The estate boasts a rich history dating back to 1376. Once home to nobles and dukes, the Pazo is surrounded by a protective stone wall and encompasses 22 hectares of land, including a productive vineyard and fruit orchards which have been producing wine and fruits for many generations. The 900-square-metre main residence, currently undergoing restoration, features 10 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a fully restored chapel. In fact, all you need to recreate Medieval life!

Located just 10 kilometres from Monforte, 27 kilometers from Ourense, and 85 kilometers from Lugo, the Pazo offers stunning views and easy access to the Jacobean Route of the Camino de Santiago.

LUXURY APARTMENT, MARINA PUENTE ROMANO Ref: OP14482

Built: 144 m² | Terraces: 41 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 4,200,000

BEACHSIDE PENTHOUSE, BAHÍA DE ALCÁNTARA Ref: OP14658

Built: 114 m² | Terrace:s 146 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 2,070,000

CORNER DUPLEX PENTHOUSE, ALOHA Ref: OP15010 Built: 140 m² including terraces | Beds: 3 | Price: € 795,000

RENOVATED APARTMENT, PUENTE ROMANO Ref: OP14904

FIRST-FLOOR APARTMENT, MONTE PARAÍSO Ref: OP14619

Built: 168 m² | Terraces: 41 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 1,675,000

ELEGANT & SPACIOUS APARTMENT, LAS BRISAS Ref: OP14351 Built: 180 m² | Terraces: 20 m² | Beds: 2 | Price: € 775,000

Page 18

HOME OF THE GREAT AND GOOD Pontevedra

€3,250,000

IF city life appeals to you but you would love a bit of rural tranquility at the same time, then this 17th century palace is just what you are looking for..

Not only is it Pontevedra itself, but it sits on a massive plot of 14,862 sqm including its own private park right in the heart of the historic city. As you pass through the grand stone portal adorned with family crests and flanked by majestic lions, a path lined with magnolias

leads you to the Pazo de La Parda

This is where the Council of Ministers of King Alfonso XIII convened. Deeply rooted in Galician heritage, this estate has long been home to families with immense influence.

The grand granite main building boasts two floors and a crenellated tower. Inside there are 12 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a dining room, a living room, a salon, a study, a library, a large office, and a beautiful kitchen.

STUNNING VIEWS FROM THIS VILLA IN BENAHAVÍS HILLS – R4446487 – 1,275,000€

This beautiful home is located on a dead-end street in the complex, which makes it very quiet and private, plus because you have no other houses in front, this house offers spectacular views from every level and room.

As you arrive a private two-car parking space welcomes you while looking straight to the mountains in Benahavís and the Mediterranean Sea. On this level, we find the main entrance that leads us to the stairway and a lift, which connects all floors in this property.

One floor lower we have a large living area with a fireplace, connected to a dining area next to the open-plan kitchen. You can enjoy meals at any moment of the day in any of the two terraces on this level and you also have a guest toilet.

Further down we find the three en-suite bedrooms, the master with access to a private terrace and the second and third with balconies, all of these with beautiful views in the same direction. The main bathroom enjoys a lovely walk-in shower and a private sauna.

On the bottom floor, there is a fantastic entertaining area with a full kitchen and access to the garden and pool area with an outdoor shower. This space has been utilized to maximize the storage and living areas. The garden is a very well-used space with a lounge, dining area, and a good-size private pool on the side.

DEFENSIVE POSITION

Near Ourense

€580,000

IF you are worried about burglars, then how about buying a 16th century fortified farmhouse?

This grand Pazo boasts its own defensive tower complete with battlements, from which you can rain arrows down on any potential home invaders just as in days gone by… although the police may not be too sympathetic. It has three bedrooms, two living rooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen ready to move into, with spacious areas on the ground floor available for conversion, and it sits on 5,800 sqm of grounds.

All properties available at, and pictures courtesy of, https://www. grupocountryhomes.com/

29thDecember 12th 2023

Cooking up a storm

PAIN’S foodie culture thrives on outdoor living. Long, sunny days and warm evenings naturally lend themselves to socialising and dining alfresco.

It is an alluring thought for expats too. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a barbecue?

But these days firing up the barbie just isn’t enough for many people, with more and more people transforming their garden dining options with a stunning outdoor kitchen.

They are no longer a complete luxury and are increasingly seen as an extension of the living space, transforming terraces and patios into vibrant entertain-

By Dilip Kuner

ment hubs.

The beauty of these alfresco kitchens lies in their versatility. Whether you have a spacious patio or a cosy balcony, there's a design to suit your needs and budget.

For example, Modular kitchens offer a flexible and budget-friendly solution. They come in prefabricated units that can be easily arranged and reconfigured.

Built-in kitchens provide a more permanent and luxurious feel, allowing for complete customisation with features like built-in grills, sinks, and storage.

It is of course essential to choose the right materials. The Spanish weather may be glorious, but it does still rain. Opt for stainless steel for its durability and sleek look. Granite and natural stone countertops add a touch of elegance and can withstand the elements. Wood adds

warmth, but choose a weather-treated option for longevity.

Spain's sunshine is a blessing, but you’ll also need protection from the heat. Consider awnings, pergolas, or even retractable roofs to create shade. Outdoor kitchens exposed to the elements might benefit from a permanent roof or enclosure.

Built-in grills are a must-have, allowing you to barbeque with ease. Think beyond the grill and consider adding a sink, refrigerator, or even a pizza oven for an ultimate outdoor cooking experience. When designing your outdoor kitchen, incorporate elements that reflect the Spanish spirit. Terracotta tiles, colourful mosaics, and locally sourced furniture add a touch of authenticity.

Sustainability is also a key consideration. Opt for energy-efficient appliances and consider incorporating water-saving features.

An outdoor kitchen is an investment that extends your living space and enhances your enjoyment of the outdoors. With careful planning and a touch of Spanish flair, you can create a haven for unforgettable gatherings and culinary adventures in the great outdoors, without leaving your home!

If it’s too hot in the kitchen, move outdoors

Live in The Real Spain...Traditional properties for sale

Jimena de la Frontera – Townhouse 275,000€

Three bedroomed traditional townhouse in the pretty whitewashed hill village of Jimena de la Frontera.

Jimena de la Frontera – Large Premises Massive Potential! – 175,000€

Large premises in the heart of the village near the Plaza, formally ground floor shop and apartment above with a huge terrace. Can be sold separately.

GRAND: Outdoor kitchens fit to feed the stars under the stars

EVer popular

AS sales of electric vehicles continue to rise in Spain, there is a wide selection available. Tesla still tops the charts but cheaper options from Dacia and Kia are also in the top 10 list. Meanwhile, the Spanish-made Hispano Suiza Carmen supercar (top) is available for a cool €2 million.

SPAIN has pledged to make the entire country carbon neutral by 2050, and for this to happen cars are going to have to get greener.

Its automotive plan focuses on the environmentally friendly electric and hybrid car industry and aims to make the technology cheaper, and easier to use and access across the country.

Special incentives have been rolled out over the coming years to encourage the ownership of environmentally friendly vehicles, both private and commercial.

The Spanish government's €800 million fund for electric car subsidies ended in December 2023, but a new program, Moves III, has been launched.

By Dilip Kuner

your local authorities for specific details and application processes. Private buyers can claim up to

Chery picked

CHINESE cars will soon be rolling off the Barcelona production line of Ebro EV-Motors after they struck a deal with manufacturer Chery Automobile.

Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, presided over an official signing ceremony at the Zona Franca plant with Chery's Omoda brand being produced there in the next few months.

Chery is China's biggest car exporter with its Omoda 5 model being available in both petrol and electric versions.

The deal makes it the first Chinese volume car manufacturer in Europe and it will set up dealerships across the continent.

The Zona Franca plant was used by Nissan until their operation closed in 2021 and former employees will be hired as part of the new workforce.

and charging equipment, capped at €3,000 for the car and €600 for the charger.

These incentives follow a government pledge to promote battery production in Spain and push the manufacture of electric vehicles in the country.

Volkswagen Group’s SEAT subsidiary plans to team up with power company Iberdrola to build Spain’s first battery factory for EVs

€7,000, with companies buying fleets to use as taxis eligible for more. Vans can attract subsidies of up to €9,000. Introduced in June 2023, a new tax incentive allows a 15% deduction on the purchase price of electric vehicles

Volkswagen has previously announced its intention to build six EV battery plants across Europe, with three earmarked for the Spain/Portugal/southern France area.

In total, the government is granting €3.75 billion towards making electric and hybrid cars cheaper than petrol and diesel to buy by 2027.

HAPPY: Pedro Sanchez breaking the news

Motorists beware

SPAIN'S Traffic Authority, the DGT, has warned motorists that fake text messages are being sent out to trick them into paying fines. The bogus texts are demanding the payment of made-up penalties for offences that never happened.

The technique, known as ‘phishing’ tries to get unsuspecting victims to pass on their bank details or other private information.

The DGT has published screenshots of the fraudulent SMS texts alerting users that have ‘24 hours to pay their fine’.

They also include a link that the phone holder has to click on to pay the penalty and within it they fill in private details which are then hacked by cybercriminals.

The DGT said via social media: "All false, as they only want to capture the victim's bank details.”

“Remember that the DGT only sends notifications of penalties via the post or electronic addresses."

OBSTACLE COURSE

Jo Chipchase explains how it is more a case of ‘drive to survive’ than ‘driving over lemons’ here in southern Spain

YOU know the look: The tourist as he gets off the plane at Malaga or Alicante airport wearing an expression of fear and loathing when faced with his or her newfound motoring challenge. And yes, driving in Andalucia is not for the faint-hearted.

Newcomers who are accustomed to the relative civility of British, or say Scandinavian, roads suddenly find chaotic roundabouts where nobody gives way, blind bends where other vehicles hurtle towards you at speed, and pedestrians armed with shopping bags diving in front of your car. Meanwhile in the rural inland areas, you find rough dirt tracks that spiral up mountains with sheer drops to the side, donkeys and mountain bikers frequently blocking at least half the road and ‘motos’ hurtle around madly, throwing caution (and maybe even beer bottles) to the wind.

In this region, it is a case of every man (or mule) for him- self. Meanwhile, a journey to a larg

or city, such as Granada or Malaga, brings its own hazards.

‘Lane discipline’ is a pipe dream where busy junctions are concerned. Just like the Sunday roast, you can easily be carved up or mashed, as well as shaken and stirred.

Then there’s the problem of other road users, some of whom clearly don’t have the skills to hold a ‘permiso de conducir’ (driving license).

How some motorists ever manage to reach their destination is an important question. Says Granada-based car reseller, Bernard Drivefast: “First challenge: staying on the road alive.”

Quite.

So, let’s look at the various motoring challenges in more detail, with some help from various local social media forums.

Boy racers and blind bends

Here in the heart of macho-land, we have the cult of the boy racer. He care about

PROTECT YOUR CAR

Thieves are getting ever more sophisticated - Secure Start has the solutions

AS today’s vehicles become more advanced with increased reliance on computer technology, the methods employed by thieves are also evolving.

Modern vehicles are particularly vulnerable to sophisticated theft techniques that target their advanced systems. Leaving your vehicle unattended can make it an easy target for these high-tech criminals. Cars can be stolen through various methods, including relay attacks.

Recently, however, thieves have been known to follow the vehicle for a few days before stealing it in just 2-3 minutes.

They also disable or jam any factory or aftermarket GPS tracking systems within seconds, making recovery nearly impossible.

SecureStart provides superior protection for your car, campervan or bike.

They specialise in supplying and installing Pandora Alarms and Can-Phantom immobilisers to ensure comprehensive security for your vehicle. Without your Pandora tag or unique pin code, your Range Rover cannot be started or driven away, offering far better security than just a GPS tracker.

Pandora Alarms connect directly to your phone, delivering real-time alerts for any

vandalism or theft attempts with anti-jamming GPS tracking.

This ensures you always know the status and location of your Range Rover anywhere in the world.

The system also includes engine blocking, motion and shock detection, anti-hijacking and remote start features to cool your vehicle down during the hot summer months.

SecureStart’s experts are available to install Can-Phantom immobilisers at a convenient location on the Costa del Sol.

Pandora Alarms, take several hours at our workshop due to the complex nature of the system. With vehicle theft on the rise across the Costa del Sol, now is the perfect time to secure your investment.

Protecting your vehicle not only deters theft but also helps avoid increased insurance costs or financial loss if the vehicle is financed.

SecureStart offers peace of mind by safeguarding any vehicle against the latest theft techniques.

For more information or to schedule an installation, contact SecureStart at info@securestart.es, call or WhatsApp them between 9am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday on +34 610 283 435 or visit www.securestart.es

health and safety or, indeed, his own lifespan – he just wants to eliminate as many nanoseconds from his journey as possible. Putting the pedal to the metal, these drivers race round mountain passes, using your side of the road to cut the corner and frequently nearly colliding head-on. Sometimes, they do collide and the ‘grua’ can be seen removing the tangled cars from the road.

Talking of blind bends have you ever met an ALSA bus or articulated lorry swinging out towards your car on one?

Too fast, too slow

As well as people going too fast, some are driving too slow. The slow sloths can pose a problem on mountain tracks, where they pootle along in an old car with a trailer attached - often with hunting dogs in it - trapping

you behind and not pulling into any passing places. If you have a plane to catch, it’s high time for a selection of rude gesticulations and your horn. Slow drivers can also be encountered on town roads. After a few breakfast-time ‘sol y sombras’ in their favourite bar, you’ll see them driving with exaggerated care or progressing in a direction that isn’t quite straight. Hire car drivers can, at times, also be seen slowing down and looking confused at road signs, which point towards a certain town or tourist attraction and then die out just before the visitor gets there and most needs help.

Reversing trials and tribulations

Going forwards on steep rural roads is one thing: reversing is quite another. Says long-time Granada expat, Trudie Taloolor: “Some Spanish drivers cannot reverse. It takes them forever to wind first, left, then right from bank to steep edge or hidden ditch, slowly, slowly back. It’s almost worth putting your own car in reverse and backing double the distance in half the time.” We’ve also probably all encountered motorists who flatly refuse to reverse, even if they are driving a smart car and you’re in a large van. Yes, rather than entering the dreaded reverse gear, they will make their ‘adversary’ perform a precarious reverse towards the unknown, such as a sheer drop. Isn’t the reverse manoeuvre an integral part of the driving test? Similarly, these people cannot successfully reverse park and tend to bash into the vehicles in front and behind.

higher number of accidents.

Last year, there were seven motorcyclist fatalities on Cantabria's roads, including one British national.

The new awareness campaign comes in response to the growing number of bikers who disembark by ferry in SantandHighway authorities have been concerned by recent statistics from the region, where 1,333 motorcycle accidents occurred between 2018 and 2023. They resulted in 19 fatalities and 187 serious injuries and recent years have seen a significant increase in incidents, with annual figures tripling compared to 2019, 2020, and 2021.

CHILL: Keep your temper and relax if you want an easier time behind the wheel

ADVICE: Guardia chatting to bikers

MOTORS

Lost in the metropolis?

Maybe it’s time to head to the big city? En route, the motorway holds various menances.

Town centre obstacle course

Bad parking is also a big problem in town centres, with some motorists leaving their cars on tight corners, meaning that larger vehicles struggle to get around.

One annoyance is nutty tailgaters who drive close to your rear, looming like the devil, even if you cannot safely let them past. Then there are drivers who have all the time in the world to complete their journey, and believe that everyone else does too.

Driving in Andalucia’s cities brings its own challenges. Lane discipline is an abandoned concept, with motorists neither giving way at busy roundabouts, sticking to their own lane nor bothering to use their indicators. Try driving a re-matriculated righthand-drive vehicle with a blind spot in central Sevilla – what fun you will have.

And joy of joys, then you have the roundabout conundrum. You know the way that Spanish drivers used to be taught to go left from the outside lane, therefore cutting up anyone driving fast in the fast lane. Half the time without an indicator.

Some motorists like to park their car opposite the town ‘fuente’, where they proceed to fill two dozen large bottles with spring water to take home. Meanwhile, everyone else sits waiting for them to finish before they can squeeze past.

Bollards and iron posts are also a problem.

Town halls love to install these to control where cars can park. Usually, these obstacles will be positioned directly in your blind spot, vastly increasing the chance of smashing a tail light or mangling a side panel. Some towns have special cannon-ball type structures to prevent ‘bad’ parking. Drive over one of these, and you will throw your wheel alignment out or make a hole in your suspension. Also, beware of old ladies who step out from behind parked vehicles armed with shopping trolleys. They

think they have right of way, 100% of the time. Furthermore, if they encounter any friends, they’ll stand there chatting and block the road while you sit there pulling your hair out.

Life in Andalucia certainly wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for its driving experiences. Maybe that is why Chris Stewart entitled his famous book Driving over Lemons rather than choosing another title. Really, those lemons are just one more possible obstruction in the road.

Car factory job cuts

UP to 1,600 jobs at the Ford car manufacturing plant in Valencia are under threat after the company announced job cuts.

The grim news follows on from a previous round of 1,100 job cuts implemented last year, raising concerns about the long-term future of the facility.

The American automaker currently employs around 4,700 workers in Valencia, but is proposing to permanently eliminate 600 positions. However, a glimmer of hope exists for the remaining 1,000 affected employees.

Negotiations are underway to potentially rehire them by 2027, when production is planned to be ramped up thanks to a new hybrid car.

A Ford spokesperson said: "A temporary solution could be negotiated for the other 1,000 to bridge the gap until production of the new vehicle starts."

This suggests the possibility of temporary layoffs or furloughs for these workers.

The announcement of the new hybrid vehicle offers a potential lifeline for the Valencia plant.

Ford aims to begin production in 2027 with a projected annual output of 300,000 units destined for European and international markets. This new model could translate into future job security and economic growth for the region.

The Valencia plant has undergone significant changes in recent years. Ford currently only assembles the Kuga compact SUV there, having phased out other models like the Mondeo.

DIZZY: Roundabouts are a special problem all on their own

SCRAPE: Spanish drivers can find some unusual places to park

MALAGA has launched a new crackdown on tourist flats following repeated outcry from locals. A new regulation means Airbnbs rentals will be required to have a separate entrance for tourists to come and go.

The rule will not apply to the some 8,000 pre-existing tourist apartments in the city, but only to those that have been registered after the approval of the housing decree in February. Since then, 800 applications have been submitted to the town hall, highlighting the shocking scale of

AIRBNB CRACKDOWN

the housing crisis as the long-term rental market withers.

It is hoped the tough requirement to demonstrate independent access will go some way to reversing this trend.

The rule has actually been in place since a 2011 urban development plan but it is only now that the town hall has decided to get serious about enforcing it.

GOLDEN TIMES

The perfect option to avoid the 90 day residency rule, but you may have to hurry before Golden Visa scheme ends, writes Tancrede De Pola

FOR UK citizens, making a move to Spain is not as straightforward as it once was.

For many people looking to ‘semi-retire’ in this country new restrictions have applied since the Brexit transition period ended.

With

Landlords earn more than DOUBLE their tenants thanks torisingrents,figuresreveal

New class divide in Spain

By Yzabelle Bostyn

This has created a ‘marked income inequality’ between owners and tenants, according to research by the Critical Urban Study Group (Grupo de Estu-

SUMMER SURGE

SUMMER has seen rental prices soar to up to €3,000 per week in Malaga province. Renting an apartment facing the beach during August will be almost 10% more expensive than this time last year, latest figures reveal. Now, prices are €1,160 on average per week, according to data published by Grupo Tecnitasa. Additionally, the ‘2024 Coastal Report’ showed that renting with ‘good sea views’

dios Criticos Urbanos).

The study discovered that landlords earn between €50,604 to €56,473 while tenants take home between €19,758 and €26,288.

Landlords are mostly found in the highest income groups, with

is 40% more expensive than it was during the pandemic (2020). During this period, the average price was €826 a week. In Malaga the most expensive properties are in Marbella, at almost €3,000 per week for a 100sqm apartment in the Puerto Banus area.

around 75% in the two highest income brackets. Conversely, 70% of tenants are in the bottom two income brackets.

It means, on average, the highest earning landlords have an income of approximately 2.4 times more than tenants, a ‘ratio of inequality’ according to researchers.

This charming town house is located in a peaceful urbanisation nestled in the beautiful area of Nueva Andalucia, Marbella, Malaga. With its prime location, this property offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby Turtle Lake, providing a serene and tranquil atmosphere for its residents. This town house offers ample space for a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle. Equipped with all the modern amenities, this town house offers air conditioning and central heating.

This modern luxury apartment is located in the prestigious area of Marbella, Puerto Banus, in the beautiful city of Marbella, Malaga. With its prime location, this apartment offers breathtaking views of the marina and the sea.

Upon entering the apartment, you will be greeted by a stylish and contemporary living room, perfect for relaxation and entertaining guests.

The apartment is fully furnished and boasts a fully fitted open plan kitchen, equipped with all the necessary appliances.

The most applicable for those who are planning to spend several months a year in a second home in Spain is the 90 day ruling.

This means that UK (or any other non-EU) citizens cannot stay in Spain for more than 90 days in any 180 day period. This ruling applies to any Schengen area country – so any time you spend in for example France or Germany is counted towards your 90 days here in Spain.

To avoid this regulation many people turned to the so-called Golden Visa.

But anyone considering this route will be well advised to not put it off too long.

The Spanish government announced in April its intention to scrap the scheme, which was passed by the Council of Ministers, although a firm timetable has not been put in place.

The scheme provides residency visas to nonEU nationals buying property in Spain, or making other investments..

A €500,000 property investment qualifies the client for a visa, offering travel and edu-

cational opportunities for their family too. This is the cash element required, but it is important to note that this doesn’t preclude our clients from using a mortgage to fund the amount of the purchase price and costs over this limit. At the Finance Bureau, we have been working with clients from the Middle East, Asia and the USA for several years.

In partnership with our banks we have been developing specifically tailored mortgage products for these clients in order to give best loans-to-value and competitive rates. In fact, the visa is not only available for property transactions. Other ways to qualify include depositing substantial sums in Spanish bank accounts and making other investments. We can help UK residents explore their options to qualify for the visa, so please get in touch and we can help you make the best decision.

KSSIR-25839P

Charming east facing penthouse situated in the Golf Valley, Nueva Andalucía, within walking distance to Puerto Banus, and 10 mins drive to Marbella. The property is distributed into entrance hall, living -dining room and kitchen in an open-plan area, three bedrooms and two shared bathrooms. The complex enjoys 24 hours security, video surveillance, 2 communal swimming pools, paddel courses, lovely landscaped gardens and restaurant. It is provided with parking space and 2 storages.

This luxurious apartment offers the best panoramic views in the area of Marbella . With breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea, beautiful mountains,a peaceful golf course with its lake, even on the clear days, you can see the coast of Africa, and Gibraltar, this property is truly a sight to behold.

Renovated to perfection, this apartment provides a sense of spaciousness and an airy ambiance that is second to none. The abundance of natural light creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere,

A NEW class divide has emerged in Spain, with landlords earning DOUBLE their tenants thanks to rising rents.

soaring house prices, surging demand and rents on the rise, the housing market is under extreme pressure.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

in her fairytale Princess

Expat undertakes her childhood dream to build a wooden refuge, now a mustvisit retreat featured on British TV

By Yzabelle Bostyn

WHEN Elizabeth Wynn was a little girl, she imagined ‘living in a magical land, in a wooden house, surrounded by nature, being creative, dreaming and painting.’

But it wasn’t until she ‘lost everything’ 10 years ago, finding herself homeless, that she was finally able to make her dream a reality.

Finally finding herself a job, she scraped enough money together to start building her own ‘refuge’.

Along the way she learned ‘determination’ and ‘healing’ as well as how to sand, saw, nail and drill.

She sought out second hand materials

grafted often 14 hour days in the Spanish sun to craft her casa.

“Through building the house, I built myself again,” she told the Olive Press. “I am the princess in my own fairytale.”

including wood and an old van chassis and Now, she lives in a nearby farmhouse and is offering her original Little Wooden House, as a refuge to others. Nestled among olive trees on an organic fruit and nut farm, it could be mistaken for a Mediterranean gingerbread house.

Part of Eden Whispers Art Farm, the house is just outside Monda, inland from Marbella.

A peaceful, tranquil getaway, the project was recently featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces on Channel 4, in England.

rage living room.

“There’s been an enormous amount of love and passion put into this project. This is small space perfection.

The Little Wooden House has inspired its visitors, some saying ‘it brought their creativity back’

During a 2019 episode, Clarke marvelled at the 5 x 2.5 metre space, half the size of the ave -

“It’s self-built, full of bespoke innovations and a total life changer for the person who made it.”

The Little Wooden House has similarly inspired its visitors, some saying ‘it brought their creativity back’ and they ‘felt so snug cocooned in the bed at night surrounded by myriad fruit trees and the night air.’

“I am so happy it has become a place of peace and restoration,” said Elizabeth.

“It gives people space and time to reconnect with themselves and nature and remind them of just how wonderful they are.”

SMALL BUT BEAUTIFUL: The tiny house has been featured on George Clarkes’s (pictured with Elizabeth) Amazing Spaces

HIDDEN: Nestled in the Monda countryside, the Little Wooden House is a true escape

REGULATE FOR TRUST

THE profession ‘Real Estate Agent’ is an unregulated profession in Spain since the year 2000. Before that an agent had to have an API or GIPE license to be able to work legally in the sector. The government’s idea at that time was to get a more ‘dynamic’ marketplace where the ball was passed to each of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain, so that they could legislate in accordance with their specific needs.

I guess it was a good intention as it is not the same to sell properties in Madrid as on the Costa del Sol or the Canary Islands, for example.

However it took until 2010 (!) until the first region, Catalunya, actually put in a proper legislation to regulate the profession, with enforcement of licenses and liability insurance.

The region of Valencia was next to follow in 2022, and in 2024 the Balearic Islands also followed suit. Andalucia, Madrid and Navarra are also very advanced in the plans of introducing similar laws.

What does this mean for real estate agents on the Costa del Sol? And how can they prepare for the imminent change in legislation?

So, first of all what does the current legislation entail and is it expected to be similar in Andalucia?

The future of the real estate profession in

Spain! New guarantees for clients! writes Christofer Fogelberg

Catalunya and Valencia have very similar legislations and the key features are listed below. In or der to be able to register as an estate agent in the obligatory re gister the applicant has to:

● Complete a 200 hour course with set subjects, such as con sumer law, contracts, proper ty law, urban planning etc.

● Contract a professional liability insurance that co vers the business practices and any money held for clients, such as deposits.

● In Valencia the agency needs to have a physical location that is open to the within

So how to prepare? It is ob viously impossible to know exactly what the Andalucian law will involve, however we

assume it will be very similar to the Catalan law, which has been very successful for 14 years.

In my company we did the certification courses for Catalunya in 2020 in order to be prepared, so we are already certified by API-ANAI which is the largest professional association in Spain with over 6,000 registered agents.

We are also very active on the board of directors in the GIPE Real Estate Guild based in Malaga.

GIPE (Gestores Inmobiliarios Profesionales Europeos - Profesional European Real Estate Brokers) was founded in 1985 and is one of the oldest real estate guilds in Spain. In 2023 we converted it to the first bi-lingual (Spa-

nish/English) professional association in Spain, and we now offer the certification courses in both languages. Other benefits for members are the low cost of liability insurance, co-working office in the centre of Malaga, training courses, networking events and legal services.

In GIPE we are working to prepare real estate agents in Andalucia for the imminent change and to enhance the professionalism in the sector.

I am positive the obli gatory register will come to Andalucia shortly and, by looking at the results it has had in Catalunya over the last decade it is something to look forward to. Both for estate agents and clients.

A regulated market means more guarantees for clients, workers and real estate companies.

As vice-president of GIPE I also get a bit of insight on the European level as we are members of the European Federation and there is some exciting news here as well.

We are introducing a new Quality Seal that will be shown in all of the European

Union - so a professional real estate agent in Spain, Sweden, Germany, France etc will all show the same Quality symbol in their offices and have to comply with set quality procedures and courses. I think this is very exciting news for estate agents on the Costa del Sol that work with international clients.

GIPE will be in charge of distribution of the European Quality Seals (MMCEPI) for Spain.

So, fellow estate agents on the Costa del Sol - prepare! And if you want help please feel free to reach out to info@gipe.es and the association is happy to help you become a true professional prepared for the future.

Future looks bright

The Agency Marbella has unveiled its 2024 Market Report, highlighting the allure of the city for American investors and tourists.

The report paints a picture of a thriving Marbella fueled by increased American interest and a commitment to sustainable development.

According to the report, Marbella remains a top European destination, offering sunshine, beaches, cultural experiences, delicious food, and luxurious living. Notably, data shows a significant surge in American tourism to Spain, with Malaga becoming a favorite among American travelers due to direct flights. Cultural similarities are seen as another factor contributing to this rise in American interest.

The report also dives into Marbella's ongoing urban transfor-

mation.

The city is revamping its urban plan, aiming for approval by 2027. This plan focuses on creating more developable land while prioritizing sustainability.

The Agency's report details how different areas of Marbella will be impacted by this new strategy. For instance, the Golden Mile can expect intensified luxury developments catering to digital nomads and professionals. San Pedro Alcantara will see urban regeneration with a focus on green spaces and fostering a strong community.

Nueva Andalucía is slated for environmental improvements and community hubs, while Marbella East and Las Chapas will experience a revitalisation of tourist areas with new hotels and housing options.

Overall, the new city model out-

lined in the report emphasises creating a ‘green Marbella’ with expanded green spaces and pedestrian paths. It also focuses on an ‘orderly model’ by redeveloping urban spaces and optimising land use. Encouraging a mix of housing options and businesses is another key objective, promoting a ‘diverse city’. Finally, the plan aims to achieve an efficient and ‘connected’ city with improved resource management.

To read the full report visit www. belleside.com

Golden ticket!

SPANISH prime minister Pedro Sanchez recently announced his intention to cancel the Golden Visa scheme.

The Socialist PSOE leader said the move would stop speculation of the property market.

The programme grants any foreigner residency if they buy a home worth €500,000 or more.

The law was approved in 2012 in the middle of a recession following the real estate crash in 2010.

Its main aim was to reactivate the Spanish property market and attract foreign investors to buy all the real estate portfolio left with the banks, especially in those days when prices were extremely low and economies were suffering across the EU.

During its first years, the main applicants for the Golden Visa were from the Middle East, Russia and China.

But since Brexit came into full effect in 2020, there has been an increase in British applicants, who see it as the easiest route to moving to Spain permanently.

There are also more advantages when compared to other types of visas.

At the moment, the Government is drafting a new act to abolish the Golden Visa, but until that is passed, there is still time to apply.

So if you are thinking of buying a property in Spain worth €500,000, you can still apply for a Golden Visa, just do it now!

To apply you will need to comply with the following:

● Have an Investors’ Residency Visa that is in date and not expired

● Have travelled to Spain at least once during the visa’s approved period

There is still time to gain residency in Spain via the Golden Visa scheme, but you’ll need to act fast

● Prove that the €500,000 investment is still in place

● Be over the age of 18 and without a criminal record

● Have medical insurance and sufficient money or financial means to support the applicant (and family) during the period of stay in Spain

The Residency Visa will be applied for and granted by the Spanish Consulate of where the applicant is buying.

A Residency Authorisation will need to be applied for and is granted by the Directorate General of Migrations.

The application for a Residency Visa will be resolved in a maximum period of 10 days, except where the application is subject to the EU Visa Code.

The Residency Authorisation will be granted in a maximum period of 20 days from application after which period. If the Consulate has not responded, the application will be presumed granted.

For any questions or doubts about the process, do not hesitate to contact Fairway Lawyers in Marbella.

C/Nuestra Señora de Gracia 28, 1C 29602, Marbella (Malaga) Contact Diego at Fairway Lawyers diego@fairwaylawyers.com Tel: 952 77 11 50 WhatsApp: 606 307 885 From Marbella to Mollina and Mijas to Manilva Covering the Costa del Sol and inland for 20 years CONVEYANCING OFF PLAN PROBLEMS FLOOR CLAUSE ISSUES FRAUD AND TAX LITIGATION INHERITANCE

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Set to explode

STRING of huge names in international real estate have either opened or are set to open offices in Marbella over the coming months.

These agencies include the likes of Savills (40,000 staff), The Agency (115 offices in 12 countries), and Colliers International (19,230 staff) as well as some very large international brands with staff counts to match, currently scoping the market for new offices and a presence in Marbella.

There are also associates, including Sotheby’s (1,713 employees) and Christie’s (1,350 offices in 48 countries), and some Scandinavian agents spending heavily on marketing and new offices. Once again, the Golden Mile of Marbella looks set for some classic power struggles between brands.

For those of us who were here during the effervescent boom of the early 2000’s and survived the financial crisis of 2007-8 this all feels very familiar.

The big question, the large elephant in the room – is whether this is a sign of a mature and established market or late entry to one hell of a party.

What is for sure is that they will enter one of the toughest, unregulated real estate markets in Europe.

There will be casualties. It’s simply impossible, with this many mouths to feed and with such little stock on the market, that everyone can make a living.

Big names in real estate moving into Marbella

Competition is already fierce, but if the market continues on its current trajectory with increasing competition and decreasing stock it can only be come fiercer.

In many ways, this is good news for Marbe lla and recognition of its status as a real estate brand in Spain. However, to go back to where I began, the question is whether Marbella – and the Golden Mile – can sustain this many mouths to feed.

The other interesting fact is that most of these pla

150,000.

That means that in Madrid, there is one real es tate agent per 1,315 people, whereas in Marbe lla, out of every 174 people you meet, one will be an estate agent.

ll impact from the clients’ point of view will be positive. It will increase the professionalisation of the local industry, which is a good thing. There’s a final factor worth mentioning here: brand names don’t just come in and scoop up existing clientele.

They bring their own network of pre-existing, high-net-worth clientele with them. That will expand the market and create more demand for new construction of luxury properties, especially with the overhaul of planning regulations that will open up new development opportunities. All of that will create more jobs.

We are The Agency for Owners.

Their arrival is also likely a result of the magnet effect, by which I mean that Americans are already moving to Spain in growing numbers, and Andalucia is a popular destination. The agencies are following their clients.

Taking another sample statistic, the National Statistics Institute (INE) counted 34,251 sales in Malaga province for the January 2023 /December 2023 year whilst according to idealista.

Because these new agencies focus almost ex clusively on luxury and super-lux properties, regular buyers and sellers might not even notice their effect on the market directly. But the overa-

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HOLY POWER

AN innovative new thermal power plant with a distinctive ‘lantern-like’ shape has emerged from the plains of northern Spain. Located in Palencia, the 1,960-square-metre building takes the shape of a pill to provide heating to the town’s 80,000 inhabitants.

Described as a ‘Small cathedral of energy’ a stylish new thermal power plant is generating heat from local biomass

offers an extraordinary glimpse into the heart of the energy-generating process through a translucent ribbed

By Walter Finch

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PROPERTY

sources.

Lauding it as a ‘small cathedral of energy’, Pablo Oriol, the co-founder of FRPO wants it to ‘establish a significant connection with the community it serves.’

"Our intention has been to move away from previous references of an energy production plant,” Oriol explained.

"Since the network is invisible because it’s underground, the power plant building had to be responsible for transmitting the qualities of this new type of energy for the city.

"It is a milestone of the energy transition, whose activity is constant, and at night it is illuminated from the inside to become a clean energy lantern."

Part of the mission of the thermal plant is to symbolise transition from traditional heating technologies, such as natural gas, into cleaner energy.

So keen was FRPO to showcase the inner workings of cleaner heat generation that they even made the tower designed to expel the smoke from the heating system's filtering process translucent. Visitors are welcome to come and explore the energy process inside the power plant too. Its interior is also designed to make everything transparent.

It is a milestone of the energy transition, and at night it becomes a clean energy lantern

GREEN PLAN: The blueprints for the thermal station have taken shape in the form of the unusual building (top)

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Flight time

MALAGA airport is ‘optimistic’ it will break the 600 flights a day barrier this summer.

This milestone is anticipated to be reached on Sunday July 14 at the peak of the holiday season, when 577 flights are already scheduled to take place.

With room still for last-minute additions, particularly from private jets, the number could well surpass the 600 mark. Beyond just the one record day, the entire months of July and August are set to see unprecedented levels of activity, with daily operations consistently topping 500 flights. Last year the busiest days ranged between 400 to 500 flights, illustrating the surging demand in travel to Malaga and the Costa del Sol.

The leap in capacity has been credited to a new traffic control system that has boosted the airport’s ability to handle flights by 41%.

MALAGA can expect another influx of tourists as a new cruise ship company targets the city as a luxury destination.

Explora Journeys will see its first two ships, Explora I and Explora II (pictured right), dock in Malaga a total of four times and in Cadiz three times throughout 2024.

“We are delighted to be calling on the Malaga coast,” said Fernando Pacheco, Explora Journeys General Manag-

Ship ahoy!

er in Spain.

“It's a fantastic opportunity to introduce the world's luxury cruise passengers to the best that Spain has to offer.”

The company has scheduled over 40 stops across 15 Spanish ports, with Malaga and Cadiz playing a prominent role.

WAGES UP

THE average salary in Andalucia crept up to over €2,000 a month in 2022. At €24,042 a year, it represents a 3.8% increase on 2021, according to the Salary Structure Survey released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) last week. Across Spain, the average

THE Spanish government will invest €2.24 billion to connect Asturias to the Atlantic Corridor cross-border high-speed rail network.

The investment will see northern Spain link up with cities across Western Europe, including Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Strasbourg, Mannheim and Le Havre.

The majority of the funding will be earmarked for EU projects to be completed by 2030, with €675 million going towards longer-term infrastructure developments.

The investment is expected to give business in the region a big boost, with improved con-

Affluent North far outstrips Andalucia, Valencia and Balearics

By Walter Finch

salary came in at €26,949, a 4.1% increase. Aside from the pocket of Ma-

Atlantic trains

nections between ports on the Iberian peninsula and business hubs in France, Germany, and other countries in Western Europe.

drid, the affluent north vastly overshadows the wealth of central and southern regions of Spain.

The Basque Country and Madrid outpace all with average earnings topping €30,000, standing at €32,314 and €31,231 respectively. They are followed by Navarra and Catalunya, where workers earn €29,190 and €28,775 respectively.

The lowest wages were reported in Extremadura (€21,923), the Canary Islands (€23,097), Castilla-La Mancha (€23,752), and Murcia (€23,852).

Joining Andalucia slightly above these figures are Galicia and Castilla y Leon, with earnings around €24,000.

Head in the clouds

NOther regions such as Asturias, Aragon, Cantabria, La Rioja, and the Valencian Community also reported wages below the national average. Particularly noteworthy is the Balearic Islands, where the average salary rose to €27,146, marking the country’s highest year-on-year increase at 12.5%.

This upward trend in salaries, particularly in regions previously lagging behind, offers a glimpse of a potentially narrowing economic divide, suggesting a slow but steady fiscal recovery in some of Spain's traditionally lower-wage areas.

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MICROSOFT has announced plans to invest over €6.6 billion in setting up new data centres in Spain. The new centres, to be located in Aragon, come hot on the heels of Microsoft’s first cloud region, Spain Central, located in Madrid. The company claims that it will generate over 70,000 jobs and contribute approximately €10 billion to Spain's GDP by 2030. These projects are aimed at providing state-of-the-art, sustainable, and secure AI solutions not just for Spain, but for Europe at large.

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Demand is high

WITH regards to your online article A tale of two housing markets about how real estate sales are high on the coast but slow inland, where I live 35 kms from Malaga there is actually a reasonable demand due to the location and lower price. However, despite numerous attempts over the last two decades by the regional government to solve the issue, some 327,000 homes have remained outside the law.

This means many properties are unsellable and demand simply cannot be met.

John Nichols via Olive Press online

Winter blues

Where will the cash come from to tide businesses over the off-season months?

TOURIST hot spots are often in areas where unemployment is high, such as in seaside areas where the fishing industry used to provide jobs but no longer does.

These are areas young people desert in favour of better paid jobs in the cities.

Sure, the local middle class hates the influx of the great unwashed of Northern Europe as they crowd out their quiet beach-side bars in the summer. But without the busy, high-summer tourist trade keeping the profits of the bar high for a few months, would that bar even exist in the winter?

Would the young man who fixes the damaged plumbing caused by a care-

less tourist be able to feed his family in the winter if there’s no work?

Everything in life is a choice, which anti-tourism protestors should remember. I’ve been to many towns in Normandy (for example) where perfectly acceptable properties lie unsold and abandoned. Why? Because there is no work for the kids; they’ve moved away.

And the owners pray for a foreign buyer who will breathe life into the property before it becomes derelict!

John Smith via Olive Press online

I HEARD about Nolotil years ago. However, doctors here immediately want to prescribe it to me, although I am of Scandinavian descent.

One time, in the ER of a private hospital, I found out that the doctor put Nolotil in my IV drip. I told her that I needed it removed but she refused. Luckily, a nurse understood my panic and she removed it. Later I visited a doctor while recovering from knee surgery. Every step was extremely

Slow response

I AM aghast at the incredibly slow way in which local politicians in Mar- bella are acting on serious issues in the city.

There is a growing epidemic of drug addicts who need help and who roam Marbella on what could be fentanyl and there is a significant explosion in the number of open drug users in the city. There seems to be very few ser- vices available to them.

And the lack of municipal leadership also feeds into this.

Look at what I found in the heart of Marbella. Nazi and nordic insignia showing someone who is radicalised and who has swallowed far right ex- tremism wholesale. These insignia have been up for weeks and no-one in the local authority has even bothered to act on them.

Fiyaz Mughal, Marbella

Constant

painful for me. The doctor handed me a prescription for Nolotil.

I gave it back explaining that I could not take it because of the danger to me.

We argued for a while but he refused to give me an alternate pain medication, so I had to endure the pain.

When I entered the hospital in January for surgery, they

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

struggle

wanted to give me Nolotil until I told them I was allergic to it. That surgeon was very responsive to my needs and took it off my list of medications. It is a constant struggle to keep from being given Nolotil by doctors that I am aware should know better.

Ann Scott, via Olive Press online

EMPTY: Bars need the summer cash

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

Bargain travel offer Chicken claims

YOUNG people in Spain aged from 18 to 30 can register for big summer season travel discounts via the Ministry of Transport website.

Some of the reductions go as high as 90% for train, bus, and Interrail tickets across Spain and Europe.

It means that people born between 1994 and 2006 can take advantage of the governments' Young Summer low cost scheme between July 1 and September 30.

Registration on the Transport Ministry website is free but must be carried out no shorter than 24 hours before the first journey.

Fuming Airbnb

Landlords claim Barcelona’s decision to eliminate ALL tourist apartments will cause a ‘recession’

AIRBNB landlords have blasted Barcelona City Council’s plans to revoke the licences of the 10,000plus tourist apartments as a ‘populist decision’ that is ‘accompanied by a lot of ignorance’.

On Friday, Barcelona’s mayor Jaume Collboni vowed that tourist apartments will be outlawed by November 2028 in an attempt to relieve the city’s housing crisis which has seen rental prices surge by 70% in just

Electric air cabs

THE journey from Malaga to Marbella could be shortened to just 20 minutes by taking a futuristic electric air-taxi - for a price.

This futuristic vision could become a reality in 2030, thanks to groundbreaking technology from Spanish company Crisalion Mobility.

The eVtol (electric vertical take-off and landing) will have capacity for five passengers, plus a pilot and will cruise at a speed of 180 kilometres per hour. They will not be able to maintain that speed for one hour, however, as they will just have

EXCLUSIVE

By Ben Pawlowski

a decade.

The Olive Press has spoken to several Airbnb landlords who have decried the move as ill-thought-out, claiming it will hit hard-working citizens and do nothing to address the root cause of the housing crisis.

Luis, general manager at Aparteasy, a property company that offers short-term rentals through Airbnb, de-

a range of 130 kilometres - but more than enough for a round trip between Malaga and Marbella. Crisalion Mobility estimates fares to range between €150 and €200.

scribed the move as a ‘populist decision’ which will ‘not solve the problem of housing in Barcelona as it represents only 1.1% of total housing’.

Luis said the revoking of licences would give rise to a ‘new black market’, pushing tourist expenditure towards the ‘small rich hands’ of hotel owners.

Francesco, who has managed over 1,200 reservations as the manager of tourist apartments, argued that the decision was ‘accompanied by a lot of ignorance of the sector’ with a misunderstanding of the ‘advantages tourist apartments bring to neighbourhoods’.

He said: “Does the city

have the right to eliminate this source of income from private citizens who have borrowed money and refurbished their properties for this use?”

Impact

Francesco also told the Olive Press that the move will impact architects, renovation companies, cleaning staff, maintenance services, taxis, internet providers, textile companies and restaurant workers, all of whom benefit from tourist apartments operating within the city. He added that the council needs to build 10,000 new homes for social housing rather than make all tourism properties illegal.

ANIMAL rights groups Including Spain’s Animal Welfare Observatory (OBA) have claimed that 70% of the chicken sold by German retailer Lidl contains bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. They also claim that 38% of the samples it tested contained listeria, while 83% carried pathogens that will cause diarrhoea such as E.coli and Campylobacter. The tests were carried out by a German laboratory, which tested 142 products from Lidl’s own brand, sold across Europe.

The results showed that 17 of the 24 samples from Spain contained bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. However, Lidl said that the study was aimed at ‘discrediting the company’s image with false and/or unproven information’, adding that ‘the items allegedly analysed are produced by suppliers that supply chicken meat to a large majority of Spanish distri bution chains’.

Av.Bulevar Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, local bajo no.5, 29602, Marbella

PLAN: Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

THE LUXURY LINE

SIPPING on a flinty glass of ice cold Albarino as the last few rays of sunshine drench endless sunflower fields somewhere near Jerez, I wonder how life could get any better.

If there is a secret recipe to happiness, the organisers of the Al-Andalus luxury train must know it.

This is the most exclusive way to tick Andalucia’s renowned cities off your bucket list.

The luxurious trip naturally comes at a price, but from the taster Renfe gave the Olive Press, it’s certainly worth it.

I never saw one guest frown during the entire journey, perhaps due to the quality food, great wine, delightful company and plenty of culture.

After walking the red carpet laid along the plat-

form, I admired the historic cars, some of which date back to the 1920s.

The train was once used by the British monarchy while they holidayed in France and the staff still treat

their guests today like royalty. I have never been treated so well: after a day of sightseeing, it was a pleasure to return to the elegant wood panelled rooms, plush sofas and fresh drinks served by friendly, knowledgeable waiters who made every effort to get to know your likes and dislikes.

However, it was not until the end of the first day that we finally glimpsed Spain’s answer to the Orient Express More of which later.

The trip had kicked off at the sumptuous four star Hotel

DISTINGUISHED DINING: Each night a delicious four-course meal was served

Candela Marbella, a restaurant right in the heart of the charming old town.

Enjoy traditional local and national dishes with unique international touches and flavours thanks to our chefs Andi Zillner and Mathias Theodosis.

tel: 646 88 84 31 candelamarbella.com Pl. Gral. Chinchilla, 2, 29601 Marbella, Málaga

In the restaurant car, piano music drifts out of the speakers and mingles with the aroma of fresh bread

Taberna del Alabardero in the heart of Sevilla, setting the bar high.

The pleasant small talk of getting to know our fellow travellers was punctuated with a

childlike excitement as we were presented with our tickets in shiny envelopes.

A healthy mix of English and Spanish speakers - who came from as far and wide as Brazil and Australia - were all given an audio guide, allowing us to seamlessly experience multilingual tours throughout Andalucia’s best attractions.

In fact, the word seamless is a great way to summarise the whole trip.

The day begins at 8:00 am, when the twinkling sound of a bell travels through the seven bed carriages to let travellers know breakfast is served.

Unraveling themselves from fluffy blankets and towel robes, guests venture out in search of caffeine.

In the restaurant car, elegant piano music drifts out of the speakers along with the aroma of fresh bread, jamon, fruit and more. Much more. After ordering bespoke omelets and maybe even a mimosa or two, the adventures began at about 9.30am, usually with a city tour.

Knowledgeable and entertaining guides, provided a concise overview of our latest stop, alongside a variety of activities which showcased the unique cultural identity of the area.

In Sevilla, we toured the world famous Alcazar, where despite an earlier visit, I

And what about a dream day out with a gourmet lunch on Candela’s stunning new yacht?

“A choice of four distinct menus, one vegan, perfect for a fun - or romantic - day out on the high seas!”

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

still learnt many more curious facts and grew to appreciate the city’s multicultural identity as a cradle of Christian, Muslim and Jewish religions. After the Alcazar, we wandered the area around the Alcazar, where the opera Carmen is set. The sounds of Andalucian chatter, fluttering fans and flamenco floated towards us as we made our way to the Plaza de España, as if to make sure we knew we were in the birthplace of many Spanish traditions.

These cultural experiences

Continues on Page 42

TREAT YOURSELF WITH OUR DAY PASSES

The Olive Press steps on board the Al Andalus express on a week-long journey of a lifetime, writes Yzabelle Bostyn. While, (overleaf) Editor Jon Clarke gives his own individual take

12PM-12AM – SUN 12PM-5PM C. NOTARIO LUIS OLIVER, 7, 29602 MARBELLA

Indulge in a taste of paradise mere steps from your doorstep.

Immerse yourself in luxurious amenities, bask in the sun by the poolside, unwind in the Costa del Sol’s largest spa, and savor delectable dining options—all without the hassle of travel.

The street performers provided a taste of the flamenco show we were treated to later that afternoon in the Casa de la Memoria. Dedicated to preserving the art of this folkloric tradition, the dancers oozed passion on stage with palpable chemistry that is so characteristic of the art.

(tours of the Alhambra, the Mezquita de Cordoba, Gonzalez Byass bodega, etc.)

24/7: Help is on hand at any time

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

FLAWLESS

are without a doubt, the highlight of the Al-Andalus experience.

Visitors are only taken to the most iconic and very best venues, showcasing the incredible legacy of Andalucia.

From Sevilla, the train travels to Jerez, winding through infinite vineyards and olive groves set against a perfectly blue sky.

As we settled down to dinner, it was always hard to know whether you should concentrate on your food or take in the gorgeous views.

Travelling alone? Don't worry you'll soon be invited to a table, or will find everyone around you asking questions and making you feel at home.

Each meal was meticulously designed to complement the day’s experiences, with wines from local vineyards and typical delicacies, such as queso payoyo in Ronda or seafood in Cadiz.

Passing over the salt fields, our tour leader, Maria, provided interesting tidbits to illuminate what could have easily been a mundane bus journey. She pointed out flamingoes and told us about the area’s traditional industry, explaining the word ‘salary’ comes from Roman times when local workers were paid in salt.

Once we arrived, the local Gaditano (Cadiz native) guides took over to gave a panoramic walking tour of the city’s wonderful coastline and old town.

This was the ideal way to end the first day on the Al-Andalus, as the deliciously sweet sherry from our next stop, Jerez, lulled the guests into a restful evening.

The next morning, full of tostada con tomate drizzled with local olive oil, we set out on a day trip to Cadiz.

Then, as always, we were given a comprehensive list of recommendations on how to spend our free time that afternoon. Day trips are always finished with a sumptuous fourcourse lunch at a high quality restaurant, including Sanlucar de Barameda’s Casa Bigote, which is an institution on the Guadalquivir river facing Donana National Park and rightfully in the Michelin guide. Throughout the trip, evening events are held in the restaurant car or bar, including skilled guitarists, pianists and even magicians.

The ‘Murder on the Al Andaluz Express’ magic show was a particular highlight, with funny, ingenious tricks that left every guest stumped. Other highlights included the wine tour at the home of Tio Pepe in Jerez.

Not only were the sherries delicious but they are rich in history with their enormous bodegas often termed the real ‘cathedrals’ of the city.

Of course, we could not leave without seeing the famous dancing horses at the Royal School of Equestrian Art.

Elegant and flawless, the

show triumphed, picking up speed in the second half with complicated routines and impressive choreography. We looked forward to our next excursion, a guided tour around Ronda, followed by free time.

Curiously, while including the typical elements of a picturesque old town and interesting churches, our tour of Ronda also included a visit to the bull ring.

One of the oldest in Spain and while I wasn’t thrilled to be visiting it as a vegan, it was still interesting to learn about this part of Spanish culture.

Then, I grabbed an ice cream before heading down to the brand new Desfiladero del Tajo, where you can catch an iconic view of Ronda’s famous bridge.

After a meal at the parador surrounded by stunning views of the nearby countryside, we boarded the train to Cordoba. The next morning, we had a whistle stop

REFUGE: The plush, comfortable furnishings offer a sumptuous place to rest after a day’s exploration

and Michelin star restaurant, Casa Rubio.

A full-on day, we also visited the often missed but nonetheless worth seeing, Ubeda and an olive oil factory.

Then, it was time to watch the sun go down over the Andalucian countryside as we travelled to Granada.

An absolute must-see for any trip to Spain, we enjoyed an in depth tour of the breathtaking Alhambra palace before a delicious lunch at the Restaurante Carmen San Miguel.

That evening, the goodbye party was bittersweet as we didn’t know when we would see our new found friends again.

Luckily, we had one final day in Malaga to look forward to, complete with a city tour and sumptuous meal. The trip is well balanced when it comes to rest, activities and entertainment while providing a great taste of the region's many jewels.

As the train passed through the Serrania de Ronda’s miles of olive groves,

The Al Andalus train is a special experience which holds itself to the highest standards... and only running a few dozen trips a year.

Each day is an indulgent dive into Andalucia’s culture, history and gastronomy of which guests will never tire.

But, if they do, there’s a deluxe bed waiting for them with a cold glass of wine just a phone call away.

The Al Andalus train is run by Renfe, with prices starting at €9,500 for a couple for six nights.

I felt grateful to have been part of this truly magical journey.

tour of the old town before visiting the mezquita

EQUINE EXCELLENCE: Jerez’s dancing horses are a must see

UBEDA: comes to life with the help of expert guides

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

IT was the first time a man in white gloves had ushered me off a train and it was the first time I’d set off in Spain and arrived exactly on the dot.

Then there was the 100-year-old dining car and the dance floor used by the British royal family on tour in the mid 19th century, not to mention the giant Apple Mac set up for guests or the sommelier who served a choice of four wines by the glass as we rattled along somewhere between Ubeda and Granada.

But riding the Al Andalus Express around the gems of Andalucia was a carriage-load of firsts from the very start. Take the buffet breakfast, as good as the one at the Ritz, or the Earl Grey silver service and biscuits brought to my suite at exactly 4pm… this was a first class Platinum journey until the end.

But the comfort of the train aside (and yes, I did actually sleep remarkably well), the real success of this exclusive journey is the quality of its staff. And there are plenty of them; over 20 including cooks, waiters, cleaners and receptionists.

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PLATINUM STANDARD

FASCINATING: Tour guide Rocio’s explanation on the

The white-glove silver service is only trumped by the tour guides, writes Olive Press editor Jon Clarke on his inaugural trip on the upmarket An Andalus Express

your arrival. This is the dozen or more historians and professors, who have a painstaking knowledge of their town or city, able to rattle off the most unusual, colourful and little-known facts whether that be on the Mezquita of Cordoba or the Alhambra in Granada.

Earl Grey silver service and biscuits brought to my suite at 4pm

Served up in either English or Spanish you are taken on interesting routes through the various cities, sometimes a little off the beaten track. Best of all are the lesser-known tours around Ubeda, or an olive mill near Linares, while the stroll around Cordoba and finally to its famous mosque was incredibly interesting.

And that’s just a half of the total team that goes into making the Al Andalus adventure a success.

For when you pull into every station of this eight-stop regional tour you have a series of talented local guides awaiting

I learnt, for example, why Cordoba’s buildings are a different colour to those in nearby Sevilla, as well as how four architects had been employed to ensure the ‘insertion’ of a Catholic cathedral into the Cordoba Mezquita had ensured it didn’t collapse.

I really didn’t think I could learn anything new having been around the Alhambra of Granada well over a dozen times, but our guide Rocio (who is actually from Cadiz) couldn’t have been more entertaining. Incredibly enthusiastic, she insisted we needed to enter via a different gate to the 99% of other tourists and really brought to life the gardens as much as Spain’s most

visited site.

Suggesting the best place for a selfie, her top tips on where to stay and plenty of detail on the planting, was invaluable knowledge for my next trip to Granada. In short, she and the other guides are the very best on offer. Hand-picked by RENFE to ensure that nobody gets short-changed.

Perhaps I should also mention they arrange all the entrance tickets, tables for lunch in excellent local restaurants, while each group is also shadowed at all times by one of two tour leaders (both called Maria) to watch over their flock… whether this be to warn us about pickpockets or, say, step in if anyone was feeling a little faint from the midday heat.

Sure, the cost, starting at €11,200 for a couple, will put most people off, but as the majority of my fellow passengers were over from Brazil, Australia and the UK for journeys of a lifetime, it is anything but extortionate.

When you include lunches at the Parador in Ronda, tickets for all the main monuments and as much wine and spirits as you can drink at meal times, it works out to be reasonable value. And the train takes the strain.

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 6 Tattoo, 8 Evolve, 9 Marc, 10 Effusive, 11 Joshua, 13 Seuss, 15 Dab, 17 Fatal, 18 Eddies, 20 Alcatraz, 22 Hawn, 23 TV show, 24 Nation.

Down: 1 Paranoia, 2 Notepad, 3 Beefy, 4 Low speed, 5 Aviv, 7 T L C, 12 Headache, 14 Sherwood, 16 Benzene, 19 Drown, 21 Levy, 22 Hat.

Alhambra’s decor

OFF-BEAT: A tour of Cordoba old town, while (above) engaging staff

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Abortion law backed Skin cancer on the up

SPAIN’S Constitutional Court has backed a reform to the country’s abortion law that was passed last year, which allows 16 and 17-year-olds to terminate their pregnancies without parental permission.

Sources from the top court have said that a majority of judges have rejected an appeal against the legislation, which was filed by the far-right Vox party.

There is a majority of progressive judges in the court currently, and their sentence has been drafted by one of these magistrates, Laura Diez, who argues in her text that the law is constitutional.

Four conservative judges, meanwhile, voted against the decision.

As well as the age change for seeking terminations without parental permission, it also forces regional governments to ensure that public healthcare resources are available for abortion procedures. Prior to the passing of the law, more than 80% of terminations were carried out in private clinics.

EXPERTS have warned about a significant rise in skin cancer cases, but many people are treated successfully as it is detected early.

The Hospital Universitario Virgen de Victoria in Malaga says 150 melanomas were diagnosed last year at its facilities.

Hospital head and dermatology specialist, Enrique Herrera, said: “The incidence of skin cancer has multiplied 15 times in the last 50 years due to the lack of awareness of this disease and not enough prevention when exposed to the sun.

“Although the sun is life, it is important to protect ourselves and do things correctly since taking precautions is still the best way to avoid skin tumours”, he added.

Last year the Spanish Academy of Dermatology said skin cancer cases had risen by 40% over four years, but survival rates are around 90% due to earlier diagnosis.

Best and worst

Valencia and

Andalucia

named two worst regions for healthcare

SPAIN'S best regions for public health services have been named in an annual report from campaigners for high quality health provision.

The Federation of Associations for the Defence of Public Health (FADSP) gave the Valencian Community and Andalucia the lowest scores, while Navarre, the Basque Country, and Asturias came out on top.

The 20th FADSP report said the country's National Health System ‘has worsened’ in recent years.

The study aims to work out the differences between the health services of the country’s 17 regions based on the latest available data and on the same level, which FADSP says is difficult due to a ‘lack of transparency’ and figures not being updated.

Assessments are carried out by looking at financing; resources and operations such as per head expenditure: the number of beds per 1,000 residents; operating theatre numbers;

By Alex Trelinski

and doctor and nurse totals.

Other things taken into account include pharmaceutical spending; patient appreciation; waiting lists; and health privatisation.

The maximum possible score in the study is 142 and the minimum score is 33, with an average obtained of 85.4.

The regions with the best ratings are: Navarre (106), the Basque Country (105), Asturias (100) and Castilla y Leon (95).

The lowest numbers are Catalunya (80), the Canary Islands (79), Castilla-La Mancha (79), Madrid (79), Murcia (78), the Balearic Islands (77), Andalucia (66) and Valencia propping up the bottom(62).

In recent years, there has been little change as to which areas do well and which ones flounder in comparison.

FADSP spokesperson, Dr. Marciano Provencio, said: “The difference between differ-

ent regions is clearly excessive and it shows a great disparity in health services, which far from falling has gone up.”

“This continues to jeopardise a much-needed cohesion and equity between the regions.” he added.

Over the vexed issue of waiting lists to see a specialist consultant, the longest delay is in the Canary Islands (149 days).

They are followed by Andalucia (143 days), Navarre (114 days), Murcia (110 days), Aragon and Extremadura (106 days).

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

European Medicines Agency begins review of Nolotil, the painkiller blamed in Spain for dozens of expat deaths, writes Simon Hunter

THE European Medicines Agency (EMA) has begun a process to review the safety of Nolotil, a painkiller which has been blamed for dozens of expat deaths.

“EMA has started a review of medicines containing the painkiller metamizole (the generic name of Nolotil) following concerns that the measures in place to minimise the known risk of agranulocytosis may not be effective enough,” an agency spokesperson said.

Agranulocytosis is a known side effect of medicines that contain metamizol, and involves a sudden and sharp decrease in a type of white blood cell. The condition can lead to serious infections, which can be fatal.

The drug is known to have potentially deadly side effects for Northern Europeans.

prescribed Nolotil in Spain.

Yvonne Flowers had been living in Spain for 23 years when she suffered an accident, and was prescribed Nolotil while in hospital and later died. Her family successfully sued the Hospital Clinica Benidorm for negligence and received a payout of more than €400,000.

In December of last year, a 42-year-old father from the UK died in Alicante after he took Nolotil for a shoulder injury.

As well as the Olive Press, the Association of Drug Affected Patients (ADAF) has also been campaigning for greater restrictions on the drug.

The Olive Press is currently running a campaign to ensure that Nolotil is only given on short-term prescriptions and should not be prescribed to North European patients, nor anyone from the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

We have collected the testimony of a series of families who lost loved ones after they were

Expats

The ADAF, which was founded by campaigner Cristina del Campo, believes that Nolotil is responsible for at least 47 deaths, 37 of which involved British and Irish expats in Spain.

The review by the EMA was started after a request by the Finnish medicines agency.

Once the committee responsible for the evaluation of safety issues for human medicines completes its research, it will make a set of recommendations.

Recognising that there is an issue is the first step on the road to recovery.

Black flagged

ECOLOGISTS in Action has handed its unwanted black flags to 48 beaches across the Spanish coast.

‘Black flag’ status shames coastal resorts for pollution, over development, gentrification and poor management of wastewater.

The ‘award’ is given by the environmental group and this year’s list includes popular resorts like Estepona, Tarragona and Ibiza.

According to the NGO, the Canary Islands are one of the worst affected areas.

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An annual report, the Black Flags denounced the ‘overtourism and urbanisation of our coastline’ as one of the ‘biggest problems’ Spain faces.

Of the 48 beaches named in the report, some 15 have been overdeveloped next to the sea.

A further 16 had insufficient management of wastewater meaning the seawater was not clean.

Some six more had chemical or acoustic pollution, three had marine rubbish, three had suffered damage caused by industrial activities and four more had environmental damage. They also called out two hotels in Fuerteventura, which they claim were built in a protected area.

Speaking to the Olive Press, before the report was officially released, the environmental group defined the issue as a ‘chronic cancer.’

48 beaches named and shamed by environmentalists

By Yzabelle Bostyn

“We only choose 48 to not overwhelm the press and the people but there are hundreds of natural spaces that are being destroyed,” Cristobal Lopez, Ecologists in Action spokesman and Coordinator of the ‘Black Flags report’.

Lopez believes the Spanish coast has ‘several serious problems’ that are mainly caused by mass tourism and pollution generated by companies.

“Spain doubles its population

during the holiday period and consequently, there is an uncontrolled urban development that leads to the destruction of the coast. This aberration means that what once were natural areas become a set of hotels and summer homes”.

He added: “Water sanitation and filtering treatment services collapse because of the overpopulation and sewage flows directly into the sea.”

“And many companies also dump their waste, including chemicals, in the sea, but the fines they face are ridiculously low and there are many times they are not even enforced to pay them.”

Lopez identifies Andalucia, which has received 10 black flags, as one of the most environmentally destroyed regions in Spain, while Valencia has been given seven.

THE Iberian lynx is no longer classed as ‘endangered’ on the global red list of threatened spe cies after a two-de cade-long conserva tion effort across the peninsula. According to the lat est census figures, the lynx population on the Iberian pen insula has risen to 2,021 from a low of

F1 protests

HUNDREDS of protestors attempted to disrupt a Formula One roadshow in Barcelona on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the weekend’s F1 Spanish GP. Tens of thousands of fans lined Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona’s most famous boulevards, to catch a glimpse of drivers including Carlos Sainz and Jack Doohan as they drove up and down the street as part of promotional activity for Sunday’s hotly-anticipated Grand Prix. The bustling thoroughfare was converted into a cauldron of noise as the blistering sound of the V6 Hybrid engines echoed around the city centre. However, on a nearby street, hundreds of protestors from a range of anti-tourist, environmentalist and left-wing groups gathered to rail against the roadshow.

Off the list

just 94 in 2002, with almost 86% of those found in Spain. The change in status, which means the Iberian lynx is now categorised as ‘vulnerable’, was announced by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Put your money to work

HAVE you ever considered how your investments can impact the environment and society? Sustainable investing offers a way to align your financial goals with your values.

This article dives into the world of sustainable funds, exploring what they are, how they work, and the different approaches you might encounter.

While we often focus on sustainable practices in our daily lives, there’s another area to consider: our investments.

This isn’t about your everyday spending, but rather the money you’re saving for the future. Many people invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds, and most banks offer a variety of options based on your preferences.

The latter might need your investment to make the change, but verifying how those funds are used can be challenging.

DEFINING SUSTAINABILITY: What constitutes a sustainable company? The EU’s taxonomy even includes gas and nuclear power in this definition. Often, banks go further and have their own criteria.

EXCLUSION VS. THEMATIC FUNDS: Some funds exclude specific industries considered unsustainable, like fossil fuels. Thematic funds, on the other hand, focus on a particular aspect of sustainability, like environmental solutions, social responsibility, or good governance.

The concept of sustainable investing gained momentum after Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, highlighted its importance several years ago. Since then, the financial market has embraced this approach. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sustainable funds. Definitions and approaches can vary depending on the fund manager and your personal priorities. Here are some key questions to consider:

FOCUS ON EXISTING VS. DEVELOPING

SUSTAINABILITY: Do you want to invest in companies that are already sustainable, or those transitioning towards sustainability?

GREEN INVESTMENTS:

A recent Morgan Stanley study revealed investor priorities in sustainable investing. Climate action topped the list (15%), followed by healthcare (13%). Water solutions, circular economy, nature & biodiversity, and education were also important considerations.

The EU’s sustainability reporting standards aim to minimize ‘greenwashing,’ where companies exaggerate their sustainability efforts. This transparency will be beneficial for investors.

It can be difficult to definitively say if your investment directly translates into positive change. However, by choosing sustainable

There are lots of opportunities funds, you contribute to the growing demand for sustainable practices. Companies that don’t prioritize sustainability risk being excluded from the capital market, driving positive change across the board.

Ultimately, sustainable investing offers a way to make your money work towards a more sustainable future, even if the impact may not be directly measurable.

investing explains Christin Hagemeier

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Toothy visitor

A BEACH in the Canary Islands was evacuated and the red flag raised after a two-metre shark swam right up to the shore.

Sun seekers

PEOPLE on Spain’s generous state benefits have been warned not to swan off on holidays longer than 15 days this summer as they ‘have no right to enjoy holidays.’

Fan-atics

MALAGA FC fans went so nuts after their team won promotion they packed the airport at 5am to welcome the players and even forced the town hall to shut down parts of the city centre.

Aged like fine wine

Archaeologists discover 2,000-yearold vintage in Roman tomb

IF you like a finely aged wine, forget about the famed €5,000 a bottle Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2004, which reached a peak of excellence for the Bordeaux vineyard - it is a mere stripling. Instead, head down to Car-

One life gone

DOUBLING UP

By Alex Trelinski

mona in Sevilla province where archaeologists have discovered a vintage that is an incredible 2,000 years old. They found what is thought to

be the oldest wine still in liquid form in a glass urn while investigating a Roman tomb. But anyone tempted to sample the vino to see how it has aged over two millennia should be aware of a grisly secret. Also in the urn are the cre-

A FEMALE kitten used up one of its nine lives after surviving a 200 kilometre journey trapped in a car engine.

The vehicle was travelling southbound from Barcelona on the AP-7 motorway when it stopped at a service area at Benicarlo in Castellon province. After parking up, the passengers were convinced they heard the meows of a cat coming from somewhere in the car.

A Guardia Civil patrol looked around the car before discovering the little kitten caught in the engine area.

mated remains of a person, submerged in the wine.

Carmona town Council and the University of Cordoba say both the wine and remains have been preserved since

the first century AD.

Organic chemists at the University of Cordoba have identified it as the oldest liquid wine discovered to date, thus replacing the Speyer wine bottle, dated to the fourth century AD, found in 1867 and preserved in Pfalz museum in Germany. Despite the 2,000 years, the condition of the tomb was excellent and well-sealed, making it easier for the wine to maintain its natural state.

Chemists studied the pH, the absence of organic matter, mineral salts, and the presence of certain chemical compounds, which were compared to current wines made by Montilla-Moriles, Jerez and Sanlucar.

A MARBELLA clinic has become the first in Spain to offer pet cloning where a genetic copy of a cat or dog can be made for around €55,000.

A breakthrough in animal cloning happened in 1996 with Dolly the sheep being cloned from an adult cell by scientists at the Roslin Institute in Scotland. Since then, animal cloning has become widespread, especially in species of high economic value such as camels and horses, where cloning costs can reach €75,000.

Cloning an animal involves replicating its genetics by extracting a sample of DNA from the animal’s skin tissue.

The extracted cells are cultured and their nucleus is inserted into an egg of the same species, previously enucleated. This embryo, which contains 99.9% of the genetic material of the original animal, is then implanted in a female for gestation.

The Grupo OVO clinic, run by embryologist Enrique Criado, has performed five dog clones for Spanish clients and hopes to expand its market to neighbouring countries such as France and Portugal.

Cloning a dog costs around €55,000, while a cat comes in €5,000 cheaper.